Hilary York Interview: SXSW 2010

Texas-born singer and songwriter Hilary York combines a bit of blues, jazz, folk, country and alternative in her thought provoking music. She released "The Moon" in 2006 and In The Dark in 2009, both on the Hey Miau label. Spinner had a chat with Hilary York before her SXSW appearance.

Describe your sound in your own words.

I would say it's like very American, like blues and jazz and folk. I feel like a take a lot from all genres.

How did you get into professional music?

I always thought I wanted to be a song writer. I wrote poetry pretty much my whole life, since I was real young. I would sing with my family, just like cover songs, Beatles songs, "Moon River" with my stepmother. I just entertained the family. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that I started getting out there and performing, doing open mikes. I learned guitar.

What are your musical influences?

Early on the Beatles, but my parents were really into music, and they owned a record store before I was born in Pasadena, Texas, so they played a lot of music around the house. I saw David Bowie perform on some old video of his, and at the time I was living in Australia, and I thought he was amazing. Kate Bush. Randy Newman and Nina Simone. Tom Waits. I'm really into lyrics. The first time I heard Nina Simone I didn't know if she was a man or a woman. I was fascinated. I really like when you don't know what someone looks like by their voice.

What is your biggest vice?

People. I'm super fascinated by people and their interactions and relationships. I've been a bartender for a long time, and I just get a lot of influences and creativity from watching and interacting with people, and my friendships and my family.

Do you consider it difficult being a female musician in a world that is dominated by male musicians?

I do sometimes. I don't always think about it, but sometimes their reactions, not all of them are like this, but sometimes they put us all in the same category -- singer/songwriters that are women -- when maybe their music and voices are completely different. Sometimes you think people are talking down to you, but I just think it's the way people are raised or some sort of cultural thing, and they're just not used to it.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles

What's in your festival survival kit?

Green tea, Emergen-C, ibuprofen, breakfast tacos, sun glasses

How do you feel about "In The Dark"?

It's my second record. I self produced with a friend of mine Kullen Fuchs. He collaborated. It's just very personal. It's pretty dark, kind of a break up album. It's pretty heavy. At the same time, I'm one of those people who listens to heavy music even if I'm in a really good mood and in a good place. Its honest song writing and I'm really proud of it.

Colleen Larson is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.