A Walk On The Wild Divine side with Alela Diane

When Alela Diane released 2003’s Forest Parade and 2004’s The Pirate’s Gospel herself, few predicted the recognition her work would eventually achieve. Less than three years later The Pirate’s Gospel was re-released as an official debut by Holocene Records and praise for the Nevada City native’s distinct, alternative and beautiful creativity was rife. Fast forward to 2011 and Alela’s on the verge of mainstream approval with her first full band record Alela Diane & Wild Divine.

An album that maximises on the collaborate power of her friends and family, it also marks a notable change in musical direction for the once singer-songwriter. Here Tiffany Daniels talks to the artist about her transition from girl-with-guitar to poignant front woman, and how she expects her new status will affect her career.

Hi Alela. How’s 2011 been treating you so far?

It’s been a lovely year thus far! We’ve been at home quite a bit, enjoying the brief lull before the touring begins, and getting everything ready for the record release on April 4. There’s been a focus on things like eating breakfast out, and doing our best to stay dry in rainy Portland.

On your new album you collaborate with a band called Wild Divine. Do they live up to their name?

I’d say they’re more wild than divine – but yeah, they live up to it.

Both your dad and husband are part of their line up. Is this the first time you’ve performed with family members? Have you found it hard to separate work from your personal life, or do you not attempt to?

Both dad and husband have been by my side for years. At this point, I’d say family and work are pretty deeply intertwined, for better or for worse…

Which came first – your dad and husband’s friendship, or your marriage?

Father Tom and Husband Tom a.k.a. Big T & Little T love each other and were friends well before the wedding! Tom even asked my dad permission to take my hand, which is really quite precious.

Alela Diane and Wild Dive – More Dust than Digital

Ahead of the release of the album, critics have already claimed you’ve (literally) changed your tune. Do you agree and if so, why do you think that is?

This record does indeed have a different feel than my earlier releases – and the change is due to a number of things…

For the first time, I took a year off from touring and really had the opportunity to focus on the craft of song writing. I worked with a proper band, which is something I’d never done, and the songs were written with that in mind. It’s the first time I’ve worked with a producer, which was another element that took things down a different road.

Another key difference is that I’ve come to the realisation that I’m a stronger singer than guitar player – and so, on this album, I play less guitar than before, and husband Tom now fills that role. Lots of changes, yes, but every one of them fell into place gradually and gracefully.

Have you been influenced by any contemporary artists?

I don’t actually listen to a lot of contemporary music, I’m a little in the dark on that front.

Have you noticed a transition from being a ‘solo’ artist to performing in a band?

It’s a welcomed transition. I was sick of being cornered into the singer-songwriter-girl-with-a-guitar category. It’s definitely a different thing to sing with a band. All of a sudden, I have a very sturdy back drop to lean on, and it feels amazing! I really had the opportunity to dig into writing songs for this record, and having the band definitely eased the songs into a new place.

Did you always have Scott Litt in mind to produce the record? What do you think he’s brought to your overall sound?

We were introduced to Scott through Rough Trade and from the get go, I had a great feeling about the partnership. He has a way of getting parts out of musicians that they never would have found on their own. He brought a number of great ideas to the table and was very helpful in developing the songs and the feel of the soundscape that is “Alela Diane & Wild Divine”.

How will Alela Diane & Wild Divine translate on stage? Will you bring Wild Divine with you?

It’s the first time I’ll be touring with the same band I recorded with. We’ll play similar yet more live feeling incarnations of the songs on the album, and will incorporate some older songs and probably a few cover songs. I’ll be on stage with just a microphone, using the guitar on just a handful of songs. That’ll be different than before, without the guitar, I have much more freedom vocally.

Do you have any plans to play the UK soon?

I’ve a few shows coming up in early May… London, Brighton, and Manchester are all on the touring map.

Alela Diane & Wild Divine is due for release via Rough Trade on April 4. To keep up to date with gigs and more information on Alela Diane, visit www.aleladiane.com.