Essential 8: Kerri Powers

Credit: Jean Molodetz

New England singer-songwriter Kerri Powers upcoming album, Starseeds (due May 4th), is a ten-track collection that boasts eight original compositions and two covers - Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and Gene Clark's “Polly" - which demonstrate Powers' ability to authentically express sentiments that resonate with common appeal. In advance of the album's release, Powers took the time to answer her Essential 8 and spoke about the story behind Starseeds, her "must-have" albums for the road, being a mother, and more.
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With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?  Well, I don’t think any song I write will ever be perfect. I think the closest to this feeling I’ve ever come is with two songs; “Mine the River,” and “Old Shirt.” Conceptually, they both came quickly and I didn’t think twice about whether or not they were finished. It just happened, really, an organic process from start to completion.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
​I decided to title the album Starseeds. A starseed is an empath and a healer from another dimension. When songs are written from an honest and vulnerable place, they are vehicles that have the undeniable power to connect and heal us and their origin is often inexplicable, thus making songs starseeds.
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Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
I guess I’ve always written about what I know. The everyday seemingly mundane life stuff. I try not to veer from that path because what is authentic is most inspiring - the good, the bad and the ugly. Truth can be inspiring whether we like it or not.

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When/where do you do your best writing?
I write in my house, up in the loft or anywhere that feels right when inspiration hits. Mornings are the best time. I also write when I’m on the road, usually while sitting on the hotel room bed. Ideas or phrases might also come while I’m driving.

Do you have any touring tips?
Pack light and leave expectation at home. I’ve learned over the years not to over pack and I try not to expect anything while I’m traveling. The changes and events that happen while touring can be pretty wild.  For example; I had to have the engine in my SUV rebuilt years ago because I got caught in a creek during a tornado. I was about to head home via Tennessee. Luckily, I made it to the next show without any issues. The incident taught me to understand that anything at all is possible when you’re on the road and much of it is enigmatic and out of our control.

What are your “must have” albums for the road?
I make playlists of artists/albums. The latest is a collection of Hiss Golden Messenger, Bill Withers, Bettye Lavette, Courtney Marie Andrews, Lizz Wright, Nathaniel Rateliff, Donny Hathaway, Buddy Guy and more. I love Buddy Guy’s Sweet Tea, Gary Clark Jr’s, Bright Lights EP, and any old Delta blues recordings – Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, and Jessie Mae Hemphill to name a few. Blues can prove the best travel companion. And I sometimes delve into Dylan, CSN, and Neil Young as well.

What do you love most about being on the road?
The spontaneity, connecting with people, and the end of day quiet. I love the element of surprise as well as connecting with and meeting new people, and I look forward to heading back to a quiet room after a show – someplace to hang without any distractions. It’s not always easy to find that balance though but I’m grateful regardless.

What has been your biggest success?
Becoming a parent. The day I had my son Nolan was the most mind-blowing and incredible day of my life. It was the biggest success I could ever hope for. He’s older now and continues to inspire me. Once in a while when I get a little stage fright I think of how performing is a piece of cake as compared to giving birth. Having him in my life puts everything in perspective.

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