Darien, directly

An interview with Ms. Brahms

By Sherie Dyer

Next week The Darien Brahms Band will be playing at The Skinny, March 2nd. Munjoy Hill Society returns there as well, March 23rd.

DARIEN BRAHMS: “I still feel like throwing up before every gig.”

When it comes to Darien Brahms, many things have already been written. She has an extensive history with Portland’s music scene, spanning over ten years. With regard to her recent solo release, inclusion in a new CD compilation, and current position in Munjoy Hill Society, her statements are much better than my own.

Q: You seem to have an on/off relationship with your music. Although you’ve mentioned getting sick if you don’t play it for a while, why do you think you’ve been so inconsistent?

A: I have been inconsistent, haven’t I? I wasn’t planning to stop when I have. I think I’m just changing. I’m listening to a lot of different music, and I have a steady partner to co-write with. I’m trying to learn how to play different styles now. But the question was about the past, wasn’t it?

Q: Yes, it is — sorry.

A: Playing has just been painful at times. I want to play for fun, not pain. Before there was so much tied up in it, I put a lot of pressure on myself — there was no fun. I’m more relaxed now.

Q: How do you feel about being included in this recent compilation [Calling all Kings and Queens, Mr. Lady Records]? Does it raise any pressure to keep a regular commitment to your stuff as well as M.H.S?

A: I’m resigned to the fact that it’s separate. I don’t know if regular describes my commitment to it. It’s an honor you know. I was shocked to be on a disc with Sleater-Kinney, Amy Ray, and The Butchies. I mean, they’re well known in the rebellious music scenes. It’s weird. I’m getting out there. But I don’t have a master plan or anything. I was calling in contacts I knew before any of these songs were started. People, friends from the past. It’s pretty cool.

Q: Is any of this attention reminiscent at all of “the almost signing” in New York years ago? If any offers were to come from this, would you pursue them?

A: Oh sure, but I’d have a different attitude about it. Before I looked at getting signed as a problem solver, emotional and financial. A life change. When I was dealing with those kind of people I was basically putting my psyche in their hands, and that’s dangerous. Now it would be like a business deal because I have other things to fall back on.

Q: The contrast in your behavior is huge when you perform with M.H.S and then in your own band. It almost seems like there are two of you, or some sort of alter ego. Would you agree?

A: I don’t know. They’re all kind of integrated, and I know what you mean. I’m not bi-polar or anything. I just think everyone has a lot of sides to them. Instead of showing just one, I show many sides. It’s probably because I get bored easily.

Q: When you’re playing your own stuff is it hard to not fall into your M.H.S character? When you fuck up, do you use that side of yourself to cope with it?

A: If the goof pops up, I’m going to ride the goof train. But overall it’s different. Maybe because of the way we dress, and how we’re conducive and silly in M.H.S. It’s a more theatrical production than my band, but you always use humor to cover your mistakes.

Q: So how is the solo album doing? Have you broken even yet? Can you still stand the sound of it?

A: I’m not too sure. It’s far from even, but it’s doing all right. I find for me, as a creative person, it’s the process. I know that sounds hokey but it’s apparent now having dabbled in other things outside of music. There’s always a flash of pride or self doubt, and I let go when it’s over.

Q: It sounds like you had to push yourself to finish it.

A: I almost didn’t finish it. That self doubt thing kept popping up. But Paul [Chamberlain] and Matt [Staples] helped me along. Leylie and Delilah encouraged me too. I kept going off and on, and it took over a year to do it.

Q: I’ve been floored in the past to hear you mention how nervous you still get every time before a solo performance. How can you? You’ve been a staple in the local music scene for over a decade.

A: It’s hard to play my own stuff. In a way I don’t care, and it’s just abstract nervousness, but I always care. Some of my material identifies with hard times. I’m not as confident. I don’t know if that’s common or not. I still feel like throwing up before every gig.

Q: Well, I still don’t get it. Anyhoo, Munjoy Hill Society will recover from the hiatus this month, is there any specific direction M.H.S is planning on going? Talking to labels, or distribution?

A: We love the cottage industry we are. I think we’ll circle out a little larger — just throughout New England. But we’re practical, the music is very much a priority. I’m sure eventually there’ll be another album, right now we’re focusing on different styles of music. We’re branching out. Last year we did so many things. This year we are going to be more careful about budgeting our time.

Q: Lastly, how do you feel about the comment, “Darien Brahms? Oh, she’s still around?”

A: If I were a businessperson I’d be retired by now. But I don’t have a 401k plan; I’m a musician. I’m learning new styles of playing so I don’t become that “aged rocker.” This may sound like self-help or something, but I take it one week at a time.

Sherie Dyer can be reached at sheriedyer@netscape.net.