late 6 - 01
late 10 - 01
late 12 - 01
james stephen on shannon stephens
copyright 2001

1. What projects do you have out?

I have put out two solo CDs (one EP called "How I Got Away" and one
self-titled LP) as well as two with my old band Marzuki (one self-titled and
one called "No One Likes a Nervous Wreck"), and I've been on two
compilations (Paste music sampler #1 and "Seen/Unseen" (Absalom
Recordings)). All except the first Marzuki CD (which is out of print) are
available on
Pastemusic.com.

2. According to UPI, tomato growers in Britain say their plants are growing
better when they're serenaded with rock and roll music. What kind of plants
do you think your music would grow? Why?

Well, certainly not tomatoes. Maybe an oriental poppy. They come up
quickly and unfold these humongous, vibrant flowers. My music isn't
blatantly passionate or in-your-face, but I think it might grow plants that
are.

3. In "Air so Thick" you talk about being run over by a train, held under
the weight of bricks, and being surrounded by a cloud. What kills you,
holds you down, and fogs your life? Is it something
that keeps you writing music? How important is a humorous spin on human
suffering?

Well, that song wasn't really about suffering. It was about the fog of
being attracted to someone who is clearly not "right" or a good choice, and
the struggle for clarity that ensues. Being run over by a train seemed the
equivalent of giving in to my own longings-a self-destructive but
exhilarating prospect. As for what kills me, etc., it would have to be a
lack of trust in God's promises, which are completely independent of
suffering. I've been promised that suffering is for my good-when I believe
this, life and feeling flow through me. When I reject it, everything dries
up. Humor is very important. I tend to take my suffering too seriously-as
if it's all about me and what I am entitled to.

4. In 5 words or less, why do you write?

To vent.

5. Do you consider yourself a romantic person? Do you ever let the romantic
side of you come out in your songs? (Dare I say it...) Sex?

I write a lot of romantic songs, but not in the Celine Dion sense. Now that
I am married, I am writing some songs that deal with the wonder of intimacy
with my husband. But I don't get graphic-I believe in a little privacy.

6. Being a musician in Seattle, did you ever play grunge? Be honest... ;-)

No. I haven't liked grunge since high school.

7. What are you reading/listening too now?

I'm reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy, preparing for the movie this
Christmas. I've been listening to Thievery Corporation, Bjork, Moby and
other electronic stuff that my little brother or husband introduce me to. I
also love the new Sade album, and I'm obsessed with "The Million Dollar
Hotel" soundtrack.

8. Do you express yourself in other artistic ways besides music?

I like to write in my journal, and cook. I like pruning trees too. And
"home-making", as general as it sounds, is also a creative outlet.

9. Are you able to do music full-time? If not, what do you do for your "9
to 5"?

I'm a full-time gardener with very little time or energy to do music. Even
if I could do music full-time, I don't think I would want to. Making phone
calls, booking shows, mailing press kits. It squashes my creativity. I'd
rather take things at my own pace and do things on my own terms, which
inevitably means I will never make a dime-and I am okay with that, at this
point.

10. Heather tells me you used to live in Michigan. What made you move to
Seattle?

A mixture between my itch to get out of Michigan, the prompting of friends,
and the sovereign will of God. Now that I am in the thick of it, bad
traffic, impossible housing costs and all, I'm dreaming of a small town in
the desert. But God brought me here for many reasons, which I can see now
(one being my husband).

11. If you could pick anyone to portray your life story in a film, who would
it be?

Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), except I would alter my life
story to include a lot of fight scenes.

12. Have you ever heard a song and was like, "Wow... what an amazing piece
of music. I wish I would have written that." What song/artist fits that
description?

"Never Let Me Go" by Bono and the MDH band (part of "The Million Dollar
Hotel" soundtrack). The most gorgeous song I've ever heard, possibly, and my
own "heart's cry".
late 10 - 01
• the autumns
• shannon stephens
• the little boy in red
• morella's forest