RedjackRyan
03-31-2006, 12:44 PM
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:02 AM ]: Ok folks, welcome to the first Live Q& A with Janis Ian. We've set up this chat event so that you all can get to spend some quality time with Janis
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:02 AM ]: Agnes, you're up first.
Agnes[02/25/06 11:03 AM ]: Congratulations on the official release of FINB, Janis, and thank you for taking the time
to chat!
Agnes[02/25/06 11:03 AM ]: Do you have a personal favourite among these 15 songs? (And if so, which one?)
janisian[02/25/06 11:04 AM ]: Agnes, hard to say... my favorite for groove and guitar is Life Is Never Wrong. Fave
for singing is Great Divide. Fave for me as a writer is a tossup between Joy and Last train.
Annette[02/25/06 11:06 AM ]: Congratulations! I love the new album and I do really like the picture on the cd. Are
you able to autograph it after the concert April 27 in A'dam?
janisian[02/25/06 11:06 AM ]: Hi Annette!
janisian[02/25/06 11:06 AM ]: Yes, absolutely. As far as I know, I'll be staying and signing at every show this
year, unless it's a festival.
janisian[02/25/06 11:07 AM ]: Hi Lori.
cardiffgal[02/25/06 11:07 AM ]: Love the new album - Listening now - Janis - how do you deal with all your travel
year after year.
janisian[02/25/06 11:07 AM ]: Lori how do you mean?
cardiffgal[02/25/06 11:08 AM ]: Does it where on you? Do you sometimes just think I can't do one more flight?
janisian[02/25/06 11:09 AM ]: Lori, I hate flying. Absolutely loathe it. The older I get the more I loathe it... but
it's a necessary part of my life. So I just try to be smart about it; eat high protein the day before/day of, carry
no-jet-lag pills, sleep when I can.
janisian[02/25/06 11:09 AM ]: Realistically, the travel wears harder, the older you get. And I feel it in my
shoulders nowadays in ways I never did before.
janisian[02/25/06 11:09 AM ]: But again, a necessary evil.
janisian[02/25/06 11:10 AM ]: Dan, hello, happy birthday - or almost birthday!
Dee[02/25/06 11:12 AM ]: Hi Janis. A trivia question. Could you tell us about the people in the group photo featured
on the new CD?
janisian[02/25/06 11:13 AM ]: Hah! About a year ago I was nosing around Ebay, searching for
"folk+photograph+autoharp+, and found that for sale. Bought it, and it turned out to be an old postcard. No
copyright, so I figured it was okay to use.
Dee[02/25/06 11:13 AM ]: thanks!
mathias76[02/25/06 11:14 AM ]: hi janis, hope you are well, now my question, what three things would you take with
you on a desert island? and thanks for your time
janisian[02/25/06 11:14 AM ]: Three things? not three songs?
mathias76[02/25/06 11:15 AM ]: umm wel three things and three songs then
janisian[02/25/06 11:15 AM ]: A well equipped life boat. An unbreakable, always working solar heating/cooling
system. A working mobile phone that would recharge from sunlight. And probably 3 books rather than three songs.
mathias76[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: thank you
Chet[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: Can you add which three songs?
janisian[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: Probably the longest ones I could find... just to fill the time...
janisian[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: <grin>
Chet[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: Thanks, Janis.
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: Freebird...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: In the Hall fo the Mountain King by Rick Wakeman...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: Afternoon of a Faun by Stravinsky...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: And something live by the Grateful Dead...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: I'm done. Sorry. We got excited...
Chet[02/25/06 11:18 AM ]: mrsrock - your turn
mrsrock82[02/25/06 11:18 AM ]: Sorry about the font color..hope y'all can read it...can't seem to change it. I don't
have a good question at the moment - just in awe I guess - so can I just comment that your new CD is wonderful and
I'm looking forward to seeing you again on the 11th in Massachusetts.
janisian[02/25/06 11:18 AM ]: Mrsrock, thanks a lot! See you in MA...
janisian[02/25/06 11:19 AM ]: Hey, if everyone would type their questions ahead of time, we could fit more in...
janisian[02/25/06 11:20 AM ]: Just don't hit SEND!
saxman[02/25/06 11:20 AM ]: how do i tell people that what i am is what i am? and go for it life is to shortPlay
Dance and give back to the people that help you feel good music heals thats all i got to say feel it and be apart of
it and life goes on even if you have to listen to it instead of playing
saxman[02/25/06 11:20 AM ]: and can i get a hug in Philly
janisian[02/25/06 11:21 AM ]: Mike, I'd say you're doing a very good job of that already. And there's nothing wrong
with listening to life, in my book. And YES, you can get a BIG hug!
Lin[02/25/06 11:22 AM ]: Hi Janis, thank you for spending this time with us. My question - Is is difficult when
deciding what song will be first on an album?
janisian[02/25/06 11:23 AM ]: Sometimes, Lin...
janisian[02/25/06 11:23 AM ]: This album it was relatively simple. A fight had just broken out on the MB over
political correctness. Philip and I decided opening with Danger Danger would scare away anyone so rigid!
Lin[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Thanks Janis, see you on the 11th in Massachusetts!
janisian[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Will do, Lin.
rickster[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Janis, Hello from NY. I was truly inspired by "Shadows on the wind" Was this song
inspired by your Mom and Dad? I love the new cd...It's your best work yet!
janisian[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Rickster, beautiful review... thanks so much.
rickster[02/25/06 11:25 AM ]: Your welcome...You paid your dues
janisian[02/25/06 11:25 AM ]: Yes, that song is definitely about my mom and dad, and how strange it is to suddenly
be orphaned. I'm not sure yet how much I like the song; it's much more a mood piece than the rest of the album. But
it made me feel good to put all that confusion and fear out in the open.
janisian[02/25/06 11:25 AM ]: I especially like the lines "Yesterday's child begins life alone, missing home,
orphaned by time..."
rickster[02/25/06 11:26 AM ]: exquisitly written! (sp)
janisian[02/25/06 11:26 AM ]: Hi Pat. You don't have a voice yet... you'll have to beg Redjack to give you one...
Chet[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Janis, do you have anymore to add to your reply to rickster?
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Greetings Pat
janisian[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Sorry Chet. Done.
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Glad you could make it
princessbride1[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: hi - give that boy his voice back.
princessbride1[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: thank you. i think.
Chet[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: Redjack has a question sent in by moe
janisian[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: OK Chet.
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: Invasion of the voice snatchers
princessbride1[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: thanks ok. i'm just lsitening.
janisian[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: Watch out. I happen to know that Pat's sitting in her home office, surrounded by
things like a collection of Godzillas and one of the original Predator masks...
Chet[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: Redjack - moe's question, please
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: now thats cool. great taste Pat
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: Janis, I note there is a lyrical connection between "Joy" and "Home is the Heart",
with the line "home is just a heart away". Was this a conscious effort on your part to link the two songs, or was
this just happenstance? Is this something you do often when creating and album? i.e. tying songs together lyrically?
Chet[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: Back on track, guys
janisian[02/25/06 11:30 AM ]: Moe, I really don't think about that... linking songs. Sometimes they're linked in my
own head, because one grows out of the other - I see a clear link from Jesse to Stars, for instance, and then to
Some Peoples' Lives. But otherwise, it's coincidence.
janisian[02/25/06 11:30 AM ]: I wrote both songs at home,
janisian[02/25/06 11:31 AM ]: in the summer, and was spending a lot of time sitting outside looking at our house
froma different angle. Also a lot of time thinking about how good it is to have a home you love, and how fortunate I
am.
janisian[02/25/06 11:31 AM ]: Done
Chet[02/25/06 11:32 AM ]: David?
Chet[02/25/06 11:33 AM ]: Your question, please
janisian[02/25/06 11:33 AM ]: Hi David.
janisian[02/25/06 11:33 AM ]: Might have lost his internet connection... seems to be going around...
Aceon6[02/25/06 11:34 AM ]: What's your strategy for keeping your energy up when you have a lot of dates so close
together? (Looking forward to the 11th as well)
janisian[02/25/06 11:35 AM ]: Ace, lots of naps. Lots of rest. Unfortunately, less exercise than I should get. And
I'm also surrounded by people whose job is to take load off me, which helps. On show days, I try not to do anything
but soundcheck and show, maybe a couple of phone interviews. Otherwise, well, it's my job to have energy at
showtime! Done.
Jak[02/25/06 11:35 AM ]: Hi Janis, we are looking forward to seeing you in the uk soon and we are happy that you
continue to travel! sorry it is such a pain for you - perhaps you should consider moving over here? Question for you
- when you read books what is your favourite genre and who is your favourite author? Thanks, see you in Worcester
and Brighton twice in the UK xxxx
janisian[02/25/06 11:36 AM ]: Jak, I've been on a historical fiction kick lately, lots of Colleen McCullough. Also a
huge science fiction buff, and a big fan of Young Adult. I love Mercedes Lackey, Orson Scott Card... wow, too many
to name here!
janisian[02/25/06 11:36 AM ]: Always appreciate it when fans bring me old used books to read on the road. Done.
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:02 AM ]: Agnes, you're up first.
Agnes[02/25/06 11:03 AM ]: Congratulations on the official release of FINB, Janis, and thank you for taking the time
to chat!
Agnes[02/25/06 11:03 AM ]: Do you have a personal favourite among these 15 songs? (And if so, which one?)
janisian[02/25/06 11:04 AM ]: Agnes, hard to say... my favorite for groove and guitar is Life Is Never Wrong. Fave
for singing is Great Divide. Fave for me as a writer is a tossup between Joy and Last train.
Annette[02/25/06 11:06 AM ]: Congratulations! I love the new album and I do really like the picture on the cd. Are
you able to autograph it after the concert April 27 in A'dam?
janisian[02/25/06 11:06 AM ]: Hi Annette!
janisian[02/25/06 11:06 AM ]: Yes, absolutely. As far as I know, I'll be staying and signing at every show this
year, unless it's a festival.
janisian[02/25/06 11:07 AM ]: Hi Lori.
cardiffgal[02/25/06 11:07 AM ]: Love the new album - Listening now - Janis - how do you deal with all your travel
year after year.
janisian[02/25/06 11:07 AM ]: Lori how do you mean?
cardiffgal[02/25/06 11:08 AM ]: Does it where on you? Do you sometimes just think I can't do one more flight?
janisian[02/25/06 11:09 AM ]: Lori, I hate flying. Absolutely loathe it. The older I get the more I loathe it... but
it's a necessary part of my life. So I just try to be smart about it; eat high protein the day before/day of, carry
no-jet-lag pills, sleep when I can.
janisian[02/25/06 11:09 AM ]: Realistically, the travel wears harder, the older you get. And I feel it in my
shoulders nowadays in ways I never did before.
janisian[02/25/06 11:09 AM ]: But again, a necessary evil.
janisian[02/25/06 11:10 AM ]: Dan, hello, happy birthday - or almost birthday!
Dee[02/25/06 11:12 AM ]: Hi Janis. A trivia question. Could you tell us about the people in the group photo featured
on the new CD?
janisian[02/25/06 11:13 AM ]: Hah! About a year ago I was nosing around Ebay, searching for
"folk+photograph+autoharp+, and found that for sale. Bought it, and it turned out to be an old postcard. No
copyright, so I figured it was okay to use.
Dee[02/25/06 11:13 AM ]: thanks!
mathias76[02/25/06 11:14 AM ]: hi janis, hope you are well, now my question, what three things would you take with
you on a desert island? and thanks for your time
janisian[02/25/06 11:14 AM ]: Three things? not three songs?
mathias76[02/25/06 11:15 AM ]: umm wel three things and three songs then
janisian[02/25/06 11:15 AM ]: A well equipped life boat. An unbreakable, always working solar heating/cooling
system. A working mobile phone that would recharge from sunlight. And probably 3 books rather than three songs.
mathias76[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: thank you
Chet[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: Can you add which three songs?
janisian[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: Probably the longest ones I could find... just to fill the time...
janisian[02/25/06 11:16 AM ]: <grin>
Chet[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: Thanks, Janis.
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: Freebird...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: In the Hall fo the Mountain King by Rick Wakeman...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: Afternoon of a Faun by Stravinsky...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: And something live by the Grateful Dead...
janisian[02/25/06 11:17 AM ]: I'm done. Sorry. We got excited...
Chet[02/25/06 11:18 AM ]: mrsrock - your turn
mrsrock82[02/25/06 11:18 AM ]: Sorry about the font color..hope y'all can read it...can't seem to change it. I don't
have a good question at the moment - just in awe I guess - so can I just comment that your new CD is wonderful and
I'm looking forward to seeing you again on the 11th in Massachusetts.
janisian[02/25/06 11:18 AM ]: Mrsrock, thanks a lot! See you in MA...
janisian[02/25/06 11:19 AM ]: Hey, if everyone would type their questions ahead of time, we could fit more in...
janisian[02/25/06 11:20 AM ]: Just don't hit SEND!
saxman[02/25/06 11:20 AM ]: how do i tell people that what i am is what i am? and go for it life is to shortPlay
Dance and give back to the people that help you feel good music heals thats all i got to say feel it and be apart of
it and life goes on even if you have to listen to it instead of playing
saxman[02/25/06 11:20 AM ]: and can i get a hug in Philly
janisian[02/25/06 11:21 AM ]: Mike, I'd say you're doing a very good job of that already. And there's nothing wrong
with listening to life, in my book. And YES, you can get a BIG hug!
Lin[02/25/06 11:22 AM ]: Hi Janis, thank you for spending this time with us. My question - Is is difficult when
deciding what song will be first on an album?
janisian[02/25/06 11:23 AM ]: Sometimes, Lin...
janisian[02/25/06 11:23 AM ]: This album it was relatively simple. A fight had just broken out on the MB over
political correctness. Philip and I decided opening with Danger Danger would scare away anyone so rigid!
Lin[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Thanks Janis, see you on the 11th in Massachusetts!
janisian[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Will do, Lin.
rickster[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Janis, Hello from NY. I was truly inspired by "Shadows on the wind" Was this song
inspired by your Mom and Dad? I love the new cd...It's your best work yet!
janisian[02/25/06 11:24 AM ]: Rickster, beautiful review... thanks so much.
rickster[02/25/06 11:25 AM ]: Your welcome...You paid your dues
janisian[02/25/06 11:25 AM ]: Yes, that song is definitely about my mom and dad, and how strange it is to suddenly
be orphaned. I'm not sure yet how much I like the song; it's much more a mood piece than the rest of the album. But
it made me feel good to put all that confusion and fear out in the open.
janisian[02/25/06 11:25 AM ]: I especially like the lines "Yesterday's child begins life alone, missing home,
orphaned by time..."
rickster[02/25/06 11:26 AM ]: exquisitly written! (sp)
janisian[02/25/06 11:26 AM ]: Hi Pat. You don't have a voice yet... you'll have to beg Redjack to give you one...
Chet[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Janis, do you have anymore to add to your reply to rickster?
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Greetings Pat
janisian[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Sorry Chet. Done.
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: Glad you could make it
princessbride1[02/25/06 11:27 AM ]: hi - give that boy his voice back.
princessbride1[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: thank you. i think.
Chet[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: Redjack has a question sent in by moe
janisian[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: OK Chet.
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: Invasion of the voice snatchers
princessbride1[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: thanks ok. i'm just lsitening.
janisian[02/25/06 11:28 AM ]: Watch out. I happen to know that Pat's sitting in her home office, surrounded by
things like a collection of Godzillas and one of the original Predator masks...
Chet[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: Redjack - moe's question, please
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: now thats cool. great taste Pat
RedjackRyan[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: Janis, I note there is a lyrical connection between "Joy" and "Home is the Heart",
with the line "home is just a heart away". Was this a conscious effort on your part to link the two songs, or was
this just happenstance? Is this something you do often when creating and album? i.e. tying songs together lyrically?
Chet[02/25/06 11:29 AM ]: Back on track, guys
janisian[02/25/06 11:30 AM ]: Moe, I really don't think about that... linking songs. Sometimes they're linked in my
own head, because one grows out of the other - I see a clear link from Jesse to Stars, for instance, and then to
Some Peoples' Lives. But otherwise, it's coincidence.
janisian[02/25/06 11:30 AM ]: I wrote both songs at home,
janisian[02/25/06 11:31 AM ]: in the summer, and was spending a lot of time sitting outside looking at our house
froma different angle. Also a lot of time thinking about how good it is to have a home you love, and how fortunate I
am.
janisian[02/25/06 11:31 AM ]: Done
Chet[02/25/06 11:32 AM ]: David?
Chet[02/25/06 11:33 AM ]: Your question, please
janisian[02/25/06 11:33 AM ]: Hi David.
janisian[02/25/06 11:33 AM ]: Might have lost his internet connection... seems to be going around...
Aceon6[02/25/06 11:34 AM ]: What's your strategy for keeping your energy up when you have a lot of dates so close
together? (Looking forward to the 11th as well)
janisian[02/25/06 11:35 AM ]: Ace, lots of naps. Lots of rest. Unfortunately, less exercise than I should get. And
I'm also surrounded by people whose job is to take load off me, which helps. On show days, I try not to do anything
but soundcheck and show, maybe a couple of phone interviews. Otherwise, well, it's my job to have energy at
showtime! Done.
Jak[02/25/06 11:35 AM ]: Hi Janis, we are looking forward to seeing you in the uk soon and we are happy that you
continue to travel! sorry it is such a pain for you - perhaps you should consider moving over here? Question for you
- when you read books what is your favourite genre and who is your favourite author? Thanks, see you in Worcester
and Brighton twice in the UK xxxx
janisian[02/25/06 11:36 AM ]: Jak, I've been on a historical fiction kick lately, lots of Colleen McCullough. Also a
huge science fiction buff, and a big fan of Young Adult. I love Mercedes Lackey, Orson Scott Card... wow, too many
to name here!
janisian[02/25/06 11:36 AM ]: Always appreciate it when fans bring me old used books to read on the road. Done.