nine local women talk songs and success Whether they are by Leslie Benson, photos by Julie Curry and Kris Arnold strumming guitar chords, wielding violin strings or exploring the human condition Grunge-era distorted guitars says. “I still have stacks in my closet and Shirley Manson-esque that I will always keep, but I’m not a through oral story- vocals erupt from Indianapolis ‘user’ anymore. I loved Tank Girl, native Jane Jensen — a gritty Death and Delirium — they were my telling, Central Indiana singer-songwriter unlike the favorite characters.” ballad chokers heavy on store A fearless “Tank Girl” in her own shelves these days. She’s vin- right, Jensen has tackled the music nurtures a fertile field tage ’90s, when alt-rock world head-on. She’s played CBGB reigned, and female musi- with Green Day and Red Rocks with cians began breaking molds. Bad Religion. A few more achieve- of women in jazz, Her songs move. They have ments of note: Jensen’s Burner CD pre- attitude. But the lovable Jensen’s viously won the best alternative songs seduce as much as charm. award from Just Plain Folks, a national blues, country, folk and I think Joan Sometimes they stir trouble. organization based in Indianapolis, “My first musical obsession was and she signed for a stint with down and dirty rock. Jett will still be Mick Jagger and Rolling Stones,” Interscope before becoming 100 per- “ Jensen says. “I’m still obsessed.” cent independent. “When I was with kicking ass long After moving to Chicago in the early Interscope, I was signed by a woman, Recently, NUVO spoke 1990s, Jensen attended the Columbia Anna Statman,” Jensen says. “Still, [the College for music and theater, where music scene] is mostly populated by after Britney dark industrial act Ministry had a stu- men, and it can feel like a boys club.” to nine local female dio. Jensen recorded her first CD at But Jensen’s in her own “club” — Spears has a Chicago Trax and ended up babysit- songwriters with stories to tell and ting Al Jourgensen’s daughter. the chops to back them up. “Of the musicians who have lobotomy. From an alt-rock edge, Jensen newer popular female artists, I really began introducing industrial ele- like KT Tunstall and Amy found individual and ments, like programmable instru- Winehouse,” Jensen says. “I don’t ” ments into her music, though the respect label/producer-driven pop songwriter could still hammer out music written by a writing team for a alternative routes to licks on her guitar. “When I moved to female vocalist… I think Joan Jett will New York and started recording still be kicking ass long after Britney Comic Book Whore, all of the Chicago Spears has a lobotomy.” success about what influences really came out in my The straightforward Jensen recent- music,” she says. “The music I am ly returned to live in Indianapolis. doing today is all acoustic based … She just finished recording her third matters to them most it’s pretty organic.” solo CD, Rockabye, at Pop Machine A self-proclaimed comic book Recording Studios with Eric Klee and and how they’ve man- “nerd,” Jensen’s Chicago days also Marc Johnson. Look for a CD release found her reading graphic classics. party at the Melody Inn in early “Pretty soon I was a total fanboy for September. aged to make music a Neil Gaiman and Jamie Hewlett,” she full-time profession.

14 cover story // 07.18.07-07.25.07 // NUVO For Indianapolis singer- list, the guitarist has allowed her But that was after overcoming about nurturing other indepen- songwriter Ann McWilliams, a Midwest upbringing to seep into bouts of stage fright. dent artists. Her nationally syndi- beat-up cowboy hat and a 14- her music, playing originals like “The first thing that happens cated radio program, City of Music year-old Santa Fe guitar are “Love X 7,” about her old guitar, when you get nervous on stage is (www.cityofmusic.com), aired for the most comfortable things to covers of Neil Young, Lucinda that everything goes south,” nearly six years until 2006 on sta- to put on at the end of the Williams and the Pretenders. McWilliams says. “So what I do is I tions like WKLU-FM 101.9, where day. On the long journey from “You have to adapt to your envi- never think about a show before- it began, and WTTS-FM 92.3. For a past full of bar gigs with for- ronment,” McWilliams says, “and I hand … I become sort of my alter- the independent, world-wise mer band Miles to Go to the do a combination of both [covers ego, and it’s just as comfortable show, she paid $200 per hour with all-ages festival shows now, and originals]. It’s a good thing.” now as [the real me].” the help of outside donors and McWilliams finally knows The former French horn play- McWilliams performs regional- funds from the live shows she put what works for her. er and pianist found music as ly for audiences large and small, on to help with programming. “I’ve brought a bluegrass her means of self-expression while promoting the arts as the “Independent musicians, if essence into my music over throughout school. It triggered marketing director for the they’re good enough, should the past year and a half. It’s her decision to join the DePauw Indianapolis City Market, sup- have a platform on radio,” fitting,” she says. “I real- University orchestra in porting locally-grown goods. “My McWilliams says. ized, I can get really old Greencastle, Ind., and to sing in goal down the road would be to “The fans want it. That’s the and still do country!” the band Plaid Descent during have a musician here every day,” bottom line. The gatekeepers say Switching from the origi- the mid ’90s. Eventually, she says. “It would be good for the they want to support it, but they nal music purveyor school McWilliams would even perform market and the community.” have no idea what it takes.” of thought to a more open set at President Bush’s inauguration. McWilliams is most passionate Independent musicians,if “ When I get to sing, they’re good enough, “I like to do hard- should have a plat- grinding blues. form on radio. She peppers 150 left,” she says, “and I’ve” only jazz on top of been selling them out of the trunk ” everything, of my car.” Next, her mission is to whether she’s record a gospel album. playing in a fine- “I did a play called Crowns about tailored Motown women wearing hats and going to revue or a gospel church, and it was all gospel SEE THEM LIVE: show with one music,” Williams says. “I did most of her six bands. of the songs in the show [of which, Ann McWilliams Indianapolis Art Center “When you hear a few will be re-released, with a www.annmcwilliams.com Wednesday, July 25, 7 p.m., free, all-ages Ella Fitzgerald twist, on her upcoming album, “Groovin’ in the Garden” • Conrad Hotel or Billie including ‘On the Battlefield for Easley Winery Friday, July 27, 9 p.m., free Holliday … you My Lord’]. It’s gonna have a mod- Tuesday, Sept. 18, 5-7 p.m., free, all-ages • Jazz Kitchen hear a human ern back-up band with saxophone Saturday, July 28, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., $10, 21+ instrument,” says singer Brenda and trumpet. It’ll be exciting • Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Sunday, July 29, 7 p.m., free Williams, “[and] you try to mimic praise music.” Carrie Newcomer the styling.” The music Williams records and www.carrienewcomer.com For Williams, singing for her performs full-time — joyful, easy- Concerts on the Canal, with Krista Detor father in church at age 6 was just the listening jazz and standards — is Presented by the Indiana Historical Society Jane Jensen beginning. She won Mrs. Montana not the same music she listens to Thursday, Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m., reserved table seat- www.janejensen.net ing: $25 for tables of four people; $35 for www.myspace.com/janejensen and became second runner-up for in her car. “I have some really old- tables of eight people, all-ages • Rockabye CD release party, sponsored by Mrs. America in 1984 — and that school rap [in there now],” she NUVO was before her career really began. says, adding that she’s thinking Late August or early September, date and loca- “Everything kind of happened about covering some of the tracks Cathy Morris tion yet TBD shortly thereafter,” she says. That with her band, the Soul Providers. www.cathymorris.com • Acoustic set included opening for Ray Charles. “When I get to sing, I like to do • Canal Lunch Concerts Spin Nightclub “I was well received,” she remem- hard-grinding blues, and I love Wednesday, July 18, 11 a.m., free, all-ages Friday, Sept. 7, 10 p.m., 21+ bers. songs like ‘The Thrill is Gone’ by • Greensburg Concert Series with the Lake Now a grandmother, Williams B.B. King,” she continues. “He Sanatee Trio says her “children have taught [me] makes the guitar talk! I also love Saturday, July 21, 7:30, free, all-ages Jennie DeVoe so much about life.” She’s watching Otis Redding’s ‘Sittin’ on the Dock • Conrad Hotel www.jdevoe.com her grandchildren grow up, realiz- of the Bay.’ At the end, I whistle. I Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free, all-ages • The Rathskeller • Cathy Morris quartet ing the importance of teaching call it my talent. (laughs) And Friday, July 20, 7-11 p.m., free, 21+ youngsters musical performance. sometimes, I’ll scat.” Chatterbox • Wilson Winery, Modoc, Ind. Sundays, 8 p.m., free, 21+ Saturday, July 21, 8:30 p.m., $10-$15, all-ages Williams’ time spent performing in Williams hopes her next year kicks • Indianapolis Artsgarden with the Chanticleer the American Cabaret Theatre for off well. “When I’m not performing, String Quartet 10 years inspired her to instruct I’m gathering material for different Tuesday, July 31, 12:15 p.m., free, all-ages. young people about good stage shows,” she says. Mandy Marie presence. “That, to me, is the way Williams will return this and the Cool Hand Lukes my music has affected people — November to the American Cynthia Layne www.myspace.com/mandy- through performance,” she says. Cabaret Theatre for a two-week www.cynthialayne.com marieandthecoolhandlukes The grass-roots musical equiva- reunion tour. Otherwise, fans can • With the Twistin’ Tarantulas • Morty’s Comedy Club Radio Radio lent to a professional athlete, find her at the Jazz Kitchen, which, Thursday, July 19, 6 p.m., $5 Friday, Aug. 24, 9 p.m., 21+ Williams released her most recent she says, is one of her favorite inti- • Conrad Hotel • Hillbilly Happy Hour with Danny Thompson CD, Brenda Williams … Live Again, mate jazz venues in Indiana. Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, 9 p.m., Melody Inn last year. “Out of 1,000 CDs, I have free Friday, Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m., 21+ • Riverfront Concert Series

NUVO // 07.18.07-07.25.07 // cover story 15 I don’t have a real thick shell, and I don’t want to get one.

Carrie Newcomer is a singer- at the elusive restaurant. Regulars and Refugees is music and writing,” Newcomer says. “We’re under- songwriter with pop sensibility further spreading the word that it’s OK to be your- represented. There’s an abundance” of us, but we’re and Hoosier folk roots, who self and accept others as they are. For Newcomer, it not always recognized. sneaks playful rock elements and has to do with accepting that she is “an introvert in “Sometimes it takes quite a bit of tenacity to just country twang into her songs and an extrovert’s job.” put forth your ideas as you have been,” Newcomer speech. A storyteller by nature, “I recharge in solitude,” she says. “I live way out in says. “You have to step forth with a certain kind of she bases the characters in her the middle of the woods. After tours, it’s important strength with what you want to do artistically … It’s songs on composites of the peo- to recharge and take long walks with my dog. If I about courage. It doesn’t have anything to do with ple she meets on her journeys. don’t, it affects my art. Part of it is processing, too. If being fearless, just loving art and people passion- “I’ve always been amazed at I’m not writing, the world gets confusing very fast.” ately, even when my knees are shaking … I don’t how generous people are with Referring to herself as a silent Quaker, have a real thick shell, and I don’t want to get one.” their stories,” Newcomer says. Newcomer values spirituality as well as social jus- Most recently, Newcomer contributed to “We’ve all laughed and cried … tice and has raised funds through her musical Wilderness Plots (2007), a collaboration of music been bewildered and angry. I’ve endeavors for charitable organizations, including and literature — songs based off the historical tales never met a person yet who Planned Parenthood, Habitat for Humanity and of the rural Midwest by Bloomington author Scott doesn’t have a story to tell.” with the Regulars and Refugees album, Second Russell Sanders. Along with singer-songwriters Tim Her tenth record, Regulars Harvest, a national food bank. Grimm, Krista Detor, Tom Roznowski and Michael and Refugees, now a brimming Newcomer’s passion reaches farther than sup- White, Newcomer shapes the landscape of “ 2-year-old, takes the stories porting charities. She also acknowledges the impor- American settlers in the wilderness between the she began telling on Betty’s tance of education and creative expression, thereby time of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Diner: The Best of Carrie teaching writing workshops at colleges, universities “I want to write about ‘us,’” she says. “I want to put Newcomer even further. It and retreat houses across the country, including the into language something I haven’t been able to artic- holds 14 more tracks — spiritual tales of the human Bloomington Women’s Writing Center. ulate. There is something powerful in an authentic condition — all about the personalities you’d find “It’s a very different experience for women in true voice that comes out of this part of the country.”

music,” Germano says. But since 2003’s matter where your politics are; the music Lullaby for Liquid Pig, which Young God will be a catalyst for broadening your per- Records will reissue this year as a double CD spective,” Morris says. “It’s about using digi-pack, she swears she is a more positive music for the chance to enhance the person. “I’m looking outside instead of in,” world.” she says. “I’m writing more about nature.” And enhance the world, she has. Morris Her new interests have been peaked by has begun transcribing her music for a self- the music her peers are producing. “I real- formed publishing company of books for ly like Joanna Newsom,” Germano says. violinists and viola players — budding “It’s beautiful music with a strange twist, musicians like she once was. and I like Laura Veirs. I like what she writes She and her keyboardist brother have about — the galaxy and the universe.” also launched a series of meditative CDs, The violinist, fiddler and vocalist, who Music for Wellness, which began with their debuted on ’s 1987 2006 project, Sacred Romance. They per- album and worked formed music over spoken-word Sufi poet- with him for seven years, began at age 7, ry and interpretive dance. Their next collec- writing a 15-minute opera on the piano. tion, Music for Wellness: Divine She’s been able to make a living from her Connections, will be released this art, throwing out her time waitressing at September. the Runcible Spoon in Bloomington for “I think music is a direct connection to performing as a guest on ’s Hanging around sculptors, dancers the ‘other side,’” Morris says. “That’s why Similar to how Jacob and Wilhelm (1998) and David and musicians as a kid pushed people react to it. Music is like magic … Grimm cultivated Germanic folklore in the Bowie’s Heathen (2002), among other Columbus, Ind., native Cathy Morris It’s transcending.” 1800s — fairy tales tinged with seedy truths musicians’ . “He [Bowie] was toward a career in the performing arts. “I Teaching trust and self-esteem through — singer-songwriter and multi-instrumen- excited about music, like a little boy,” was gigging with my [bassist] dad at age Young Audiences and other workshops talist bleeds lyrical shadows Germano recalls. 14,” she says. “I saw what it took to be a and residencies, Morris understands it’s behind the veil of dreamy songs. Before rubbing shoulders with stars, producer and a presenter.” OK to “allow yourself to be imperfect.” “I want my own music to be in a fairy Germano wasn’t fully embraced by the Earning a violin performance and arts Through her shared wisdom, she tale, a mythical place,” she says. “Some of public as a solo artist until her album management degree from Indiana empowers young string musicians, while the messages might be kind of sad, but Geek, The Girl (1994), which Spin praised University in Bloomington may have finding time to frequent the Conrad Hotel they’re easier to take [in such a context].” as one of the top alternative albums of been following in her parents’ footsteps, and the Chatterbox jazz club for weekly Singing like a wispy, cracked ballet the decade. Germano has gained a cult but it was really Morris’ father (who Sunday performances. Currently, the dancer in a child’s musical jewelry box, following here in the U.S., but it’s her passed away in 2005) who introduced her Latin jazz interpreter also performs regu- Germano brings darkness on fluttering European fans that really grasp her to a “full buffet” of music appreciation, larly with the Chanticleer String Quartet. wings over piano melodies. Incessant music. “I really wish my mom and dad including supporting arts education. The Libra constantly reinvents herself, guitar and splattered flute pieces could hear me play in Rome, where “When I go out into the schools [to per- studying music and philosophy to grow resound beneath intimate vocals, yet, her everybody’s seated, listening, and you form], it’s as important as when I’m per- creatively. “I’m an audio person, but I’m violin is the instrument most closely can hear a pin drop,” she says. forming for Hillary [Clinton]. It doesn’t also a strong visual learner,” Morris says. relating to the raw underbelly of her Whether she makes people laugh or The Yamaha electric violinist finds songs. It aches and creaks on “A Seed” (In cry, Germano ultimately just wants lis- her peers, Fiona Apple and Ani the Maybe World, 2006), urging her sub- teners to respond. “I want people to be If you put your- DiFranco, inspiring. They are, like ject to just “let the love go.” And the most moved,” she says. “I’ve gotten letters Morris, “outside the box.” polite “f*** you” insult you could ever from people who’ve said, ‘Your music self inside a box, then “If you put yourself inside a box, then imagine is repeated on “Red Thread” saved my life.’ I know I didn’t actually “ you’ll be treated like you’re in a box,” from that same album. save their lives, but it’s wonderful when you’ll be treated Morris says. “I’m not [just] a ‘woman,’ “[My family] wishes I wrote happier you can connect like that.” I’m an individual.” like you’re in a box. I’ve gotten letters from people who’ve said, ” “‘Your music saved my life.’ 16 cover story // 07.18.07-07.25.07 // NUVO ” “Everyone’s been through trials and tribulations,” she says. “I like to listen artist’s music per state, per month into to music with substance.” regional Meijer stores. Similarly, Layne’s new album “touch- “They bought 1,000 CDs from me, and es upon the state of the world today, they’ll put them in stores for the month of heartbreak and love.” It’s a risk for her, August, no strings attached,” DeVoe says. whose previous albums have been It will expand her reach to other more jazz-influenced, but Beautiful Midwest audiences — perhaps another Soul will explore more R&B and soul one of her so-called “big explosions.” than ever before. With that comes a Some others include licensing “Don’t new live show, new lighting, stage Forget to Breathe” to an independent backdrops and songs. film, Mango Tango, about a Brazilian Known to regulars at the Jazz dancer, which will be shown at the Kitchen, Chatterbox and St. Elmo Cannes Film Festival and the Oldenburg Steakhouse, Layne has kept a fresh International Film Festival, the German approach and a positive attitude to her equivalent to Sundance, later this year. In music for more than 10 years, drawing addition, she had her music aired on in young adults and mature jazz enthu- Dawson’s Creek and Joan of Arcadia and siasts. continues to make a living from her craft. “Supporting myself with my music is “I just put blinders over my eyes … and a blessing,” she adds. followed my own path,” says DeVoe, who Having worked in the finance indus- Despite interest from grew up playing piano and only taught In a swank, compact recording stu- try until five years ago, when she major record labels, Muncie, Ind.-raised herself the guitar five years ago. “I feel dio — Static Shack — off Binford became self-employed as a musician, singer-songwriter Jennie DeVoe has like I’m so happy and lucky right now.” Boulevard and 71st Street in Layne has had to struggle with many opted to stay independent. Feeling “the heavens open up” when Indianapolis, producer Rob Dixon and different playing hands in her life. “I “Small explosions happen, and ultimate- she first heard Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Owl Studios director of operations still do a lot of wedding receptions and ly, they lead to big explosions,” she says. Crow sing “without masked emotions,” Matthew Altizer direct co-workers to do songs like ‘Brick House’ and ‘Brown These big bangs include things like DeVoe embraced folk, blues, soul and mix a song, tentatively called “Testify,” Eyed Girl,’ but we’re paid well. And performing with her band all over the rock. “But it’s my band that really helps from Cynthia Layne’s upcoming CD when I’m at the Jazz Kitchen or anoth- U.S. and in Europe, though she pays for me move people … and deliver my release, Beautiful Soul. Layne steps er club, I can play my own songs,” she everything out-of-pocket. “We’re return- songs,” she adds. into the studio with her mother, visit- says. ing to Europe this October to record a DeVoe’s lighthearted attitude has sus- ing from their Dayton, Ohio, home- For the singer who steeped her musi- new album with my old producer, John tained her cult following. “The fans seem town, where Layne attended Wright cal tea in flute training as a young per- Parish [P.J. Harvey],” she says. “He’s a pretty savvy [in Indianapolis],” she says. State University for a few years. son, performing in marching and jazz musician who understands textures and “They’ve figured out that [just because] Layne makes her mom comfortable, bands, Layne still values music educa- moods. I think [the new album’s] gonna it’s not on the radio, it doesn’t mean it’s introduces everyone and gives this tion. “I used to do vocal lessons for lit- have a real raw, dry sound. I’m using ‘discount’ music. NUVO reporter a tour of the studio tle girls,” she says. “I’m thinking about timeless instruments and will rock out a “[I want to] put a positive spin on where she is recording Beautiful Soul, taking that up again. [Music education] little more.” something that’s bleak,” DeVoe says. formerly titled Seize the Day, slated for makes kids well-rounded individuals The elusive, thus unnamed collection “That’s why I like ‘Redeeming’ [off a local release in late July/August and a and helps with self-esteem. So I urge will be DeVoe’s first album since 1994’s Fireworks & Karate Supplies]. It’s my national release in September. parents to expose [their] kids to rag- Fireworks & Karate Supplies, produced by favorite song, lyrically. It’s the ‘We both Layne found her footing by network- time and jazz. Let them know music Parish and Indiana’s own Paul Mahern of scooped each other off the pavement’ ing in clubs, sitting in for jazz musi- has a history.” the Zero Boys (Over the Rhine, Mudkids). kind of thing. We all need some forgive- cians and performing in cover bands DeVoe’s also savoring news that she ness … My favorite line in that song is, ‘I like Nü Cliché in the late ’80s. She was recently chosen as the Indiana artist just want someone to wag their tail when Supporting moved to Indianapolis earlier, in 1984, representing Meijer’s Outside the I walk through the door.’” after meeting her husband, an Indy Mainstream, a program that brings one myself with native. Playing with the house band at “ Faces, a nightclub that would later my music is a If it’s not on the radio, it doesn’t become Talbott Street, Layne met fel- low musician Gregg Bacon. From a mean it’s ‘discount’ music. Motown and pop background, she blessing. “ ” soon found herself embracing jazz. ” It was trial by fire that A guitarist foremost, Marie never sang until she ever. But he was Johnny Cash’s favorite songwriter brought Mandy Marie close to joined her current band, the Cool Hand Lukes. “It too, so I’m in good company!” her guitar. At age 13, she takes a lot of confidence to stand behind a micro- For the woman who grew up on a 400-acre cattle watched her father play home- phone,” she says. “That took me a while to ease into. farm in the Ozarks, Marie has embraced this inde- town Missouri honky tonk The transition from just being a lead guitar player to pendent spirit since youth. “I worked on the farm for gigs, and he’d challenge her on being a lead guitar player and a singer damn near my folks doing everything from bottle feeding calves the spot to play along with the killed me!” to bailin’ hay and, let me tell you, playin’ guitar is a band. She did, and it worked. As far as being a female lead guitarist, Marie says hell of a lot easier,” she says. Now she’s the one call- Listening to her grandpar- she’s encountered many gender stereotypes. “People ing PRN graphics to order more T-shirts. “You don’t ents’ record collection always think that I’m just a strummer who plays a really need a label,” she adds. “DIY, baby, DIY!” taught her chords, and she’s few chords, and when they see me taking solos and But meeting and marrying another Indianapolis gui- held onto her original amp really playing, it takes them by surprise,” she says. tarist, Danny Thompson (Bigger Than Elvis, The Mess since. “People like Don Rich “When a man does a pedal steel lick on a Telecaster, Arounds), is what brought Marie to the Circle City and with Buck Owens, Luther it isn’t that big of a deal, but when I do that same helped her find the real love of her life: a 1951 Telecaster. Perkins with Johnny Cash, exact lick, all of a sudden, it’s amazing! And that’s “Danny and I were shopping for my engagement Roy Nichols with Merle just it, bottom line — because I’m a girl.” ring in Louisville, and we stopped in a Guitar Haggard ... those guys were But Marie surpasses expectations with compli- Emporium,” Marie says. “I played one chord on it literally my heroes,” Marie cated guitar solos, performing facets of rockabilly and turned to him and said, ‘I could take a lot says. “I’d come home from and country. cheaper ring.’ Ha! So I had a Telecaster as a wedding school at 3:30 and not stop “I grew up playing hillbilly bop,” Marie says. “I’m a ring for almost two years.” playing my guitar until my folks screamed at me huge Billy Joe Shaver fan … He totally changed my Marie didn’t mind the wait. “I love that guitar like to go to bed.” life, and he’s still to this day my favorite songwriter I love breathin’ air.” I love that guitar like I love breathin’ air. “ ” NUVO // 07.18.07-07.25.07 // cover story 17