SXSW Preview:
Q&A with Dessa

Dessa headlines the indoor stage this Friday at Holy Mountain, and she also returns to the High Noon Saloon in Madison on Saturday, March 23. I recently asked Dessa a few questions about her work in Doomtree versus her solo projects, why there is such great hip-hop in Minneapolis, and what to expect when her five-piece band visits Madison next week. 

You’re a singer, a spoken word artist, an author, a teacher. How do you juggle so many hats so well without getting burned out?
“Well, I do occasionally burn out. Those nights, I usually head to the neighborhood bar to have one too many whiskeys, then sleep hard, then wake up late. Within a day, I’m eager to get back at it. I enjoy what I do — even before I got paid for it, I spent time my writing. Much of my 20s was spent trying to scheme up a plan to make a vocation of out of my fascinations.”

Castor, the Twin mixed several different styles. In which direction is your upcoming next album heading?
“Working with Doomtree, I learned how to write songs with rap production. Working with an ensemble of live instrumentalists, I learned a lot about composition and timbre. My new record, which Doomtree will release this summer, draws from both worlds. Instead of asking, ‘What kind of record should this be?’ I usually asked myself, ‘What can I do to serve this song?’ Maybe programmed snares. Maybe layered cellos. Sometimes both. In general, I don’t pay much attention genre distinctions. They might be helpful when talking about music, but they definitely don’t help me make it.”

You’ve been doing a lot of solo things the last couple of years. How does a solo event feel different for you compared to such a collaborative force as Doomtree?
“We burn a lot of calories at Doomtree shows; we sweat through our shirts, we knot up our mic chords, we kick over each other’s drinks, and crash into one another all the time. My shows tend to be more deliberately planned; with a little more banter, and a lot of close, building harmonies. Both types of shows are important to me as a performer. Some nights you want a dry martini. Some nights you want to shoot whiskey until the cops take you home.” 

Time magazine last summer called Doomtree one of the “11 great bands you don’t know (but should)” and just a few months ago it was officially declared “Doomtree Day” in Minneapolis. How does that acclaim feel, and how does it feel to have had your own day?
“If I were to create an impression of Doomtree based only on our presence in the press, I’d probably think that our crew was on a mad-dash ascent, living in some rap world where it’s always Saturday night. In reality, we’ve earned some accolades that make us proud. But we’ve earned them by sleeping five-to-a-room for ten years. Our growth has been steady and organic; every incremental bit of progress has been gratifying — but hard-earned.”

One of the presenters of our SXSW showcase, the Majestic Theatre here in Madison, last week hosted the Road to Paid Dues Tour, and Prof stole the show. How do you explain why there’s so much exiting hip-hop in Minneapolis?
“I think artists benefit from being around passionate, innovative people. We learn from each other, compete with one another, and share recourses to make more, better stuff.”

Last year you collaborated with The Elixery to create a limited edition lipstick, with your proceeds going to charity. Can you tell us a little bit about CARE, and do you have visions for any other signature items in the future?
“I was initially a little reluctant to get involved in a lipstick line, but talking to Karoline (the chemist who owns and runs The Elixery) answered all of my concerns. She’s a smart, passionate scientist who started her own indie cosmetic house with a legitimate commitment to conscientious business practices. She sources her ingredients meticulously and pours every stick of lipstick by hand. We came up with a pretty killer matte red called Dessa. My proceeds of the project all go to CARE, an organization that fights poverty by educating girls around the world. All said, my collaboration with The Elixery was unusual — it’s not everyday that you find a project that combines your professional life and your moral beliefs. I’ve got a record coming out later this year, so the next project is to design a few new and creative items for the merch table.” 

What’s a favorite hang stop in Austin that you’re looking forward to visiting again next week?
“There is a shiny trailer that weaves its way through Austin, selling cupcakes. I will find this trailer and attempt to break in.”

You’ve been in Madison a few times in recent years. What should folks at the High Noon Saloon expect when they see you March 23?
“We’re traveling as a five-piece on this tour; we’ve got a full stage and a full sound. Quick roll call: Sean McPherson on bass; Joey van Phillips on drums; Dustin Kiel on guitar and keys; Aby Wolf on keyboard and back-up vocals; Dessa on words and whiskey. On this run, the band and I are debuting songs from my new record, due this summer. So far, so good — I’m excited to play the new stuff in front of a full room in Madison. The last night of a tour always has a special feel: the set is tight and the players are loose, happy to be homeward bound, and a little goofy with fatigue. I’m sure we’ll all be hanging out after the set, making stupid tour jokes, and celebrating another good run.”