Kasey Lansdale is best known for her work as an editor, author, actress, and musician, proving she is a woman of many talents. She is also the founder and host of the East Texas Songwriter’s Workshop. Her much anticipated album Restless from Blue Siren Records was produced by Kasey herself and Mike Clute with John Carter Cash executive producing.
What have you been up to since we spoke to you last?
So much. I just got back from the first portion of my Restless Roadtrip promoting my new album, Restless. The horror anthology, Impossible Monsters, also came out this summer, as well as a few other projects I have going on the side.
Did Joe have a major influence on your musical tastes? Was country music a mainstay in the Lansdale household?
Both my parents made sure that music and art were readily available to me. They each have different tastes, so I was exposed to the whole gamut.
What would you say if the most important thing you have learned from your parents? Do you consider yourself blessed to have come from a household that is so filled with love, respect, and creativity?
I can’t choose one thing only, but I will say the positive outlook on life, the go getter attitudes, and the strength to persevere, rather it be in life or work.
What do you love most about the whole country music genre?
I love the stories. Country music is the music of the people.
Have you been surprised at how well received Restless has been so far?
In fact I have. Not because I don’t think it is a great project, and one I worked very hard on for years, but because I wasn’t sure if people were going to “get me.”
What was it like to work with Mike Clute and John Carter Cash? What are they like as people?
Each of them are quiet, gentle, men, and actually approach production in a similar fashion. I was lucky that in studio, I felt very comfortable. I spent a little more time with John and can’t brag enough about what a kind, intelligent person he is.
You are an avid supporter of PROTECT: The National Association to Protect Children. Can you tell our readers a little more about that organization and what they do? How can others support their work should they wish to do so?
Rather than giving you the pitch that can be googled, I would say the best way is to get involved. You can start by simply joining their mailing list or facebook and following posts. Trust me, they let you know what’s happening, and sometimes, something as simple as making a call or writing a letter can go a long way in advocating for changes in law. They are for the children. Period.
As someone that works as an author as well as a musician do you prefer one over the other, or do you love them both equally?
I have to say I love them differently. I always say I was born into the world of writing, but I was born to be a musician.
Do you have a dream project you’d most like to bring to the world?
I would love to do a sixties’ soul and Motown record. Pay homage to some of my absolute favorite singers of all time. Nobody does it like Otis, or Jackie, Aretha, etc. but I would love to try my hand at it.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
Right now I am still on the Restless Roadtrip tour to promote the new album. I just got back from Europe, and will be hitting about 30 US stops in the spring. I’m also doing some writing projects, but the album is the priority at the moment.
Anything you’d like to say before you go?
As always, thank you.
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