Dawn Kinnard Interview: SXSW 2010

Currently in London working on a new album, Pennsylvania native Dawn Kinnard will make her way back across the pond for SXSW. Kinnard's debut album, 'The Courtesy Fall,' was released by Kensaltown Records, to critical fanfare. Her savory voice and thoughtful lyrics are regularly compared to Cat Power and Billie Holiday. In her brief time in the music arena and in London, she has already managed to perform on 'Later ... With Jools Holland,' a popular music show on BBC2.

Jason Mraz joined her for a duet at the 2008 iTunes festival for a haunting rendition of her song 'Clear the Way.' Spinner recently got the chance to unclothe the mind of this Mistress of Ballads. She reveals her obsession with Elvis, her secret crush and her quirky side.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Too much time inside my head with a guitar. I like jazz -- but I'm a hillbilly.

What are your musical influences?

Horror films through headphones.

You have such a passionate, intense presence onstage. Would there be something silly about you or a hobby you have that people would be surprised to find out?

Hoarding self-help recordings.

I know that Elvis was an absolute muse for you. When deciding you would become a performer, if he were alive and in his prime today, what song would you want to sing with him and why?

I much prefer his love songs. My favorite, which is slightly obscure, is called 'Indescribably Blue.'

Is there one band or artist's music that you secretly enjoy but would be a little hesitant to admit?

I find Marilyn Manson quite sexy -- a bit too much to be considered healthy.

What's the craziest thing you have seen or experienced while on tour?

After a show, my friend was arrested for drawing a picture in Berlin.

What is the one thing you can't live without

Elvis -- he is like a musical sleeping pill.

Who would you rather sing a duet with Justin Timberlake or Lou Reed?

This would be Lou Reed. I don't actually know much about Justin Timberlake. I have slightly cut myself off from popular culture.

Since you are in London recording a new album, is there anything that you miss about the US that you just can't get there?

At times I have believed England is actually possibly in the southern portion of Nevada, only because I have never been there, so the mystery is alive and well. I feel the same everywhere

What's in your festival survival kit ?

My fish Ernest will be along for company.


Maria DiLorenzo is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.