A Conversation with Anne McCue (continued)

PM: In several songs, like "Stupid" on Roll, or "Any Minute Now" on this record, you talk about the world coming to an end. What's up with that?

AM: Well, it does seem like that's going to happen soon if everyone doesn't say, "Hey, wait a minute..." Like they did in the '60s--everyone got together and they stopped the war. And I think we're living in a really greedy time at the moment. People are getting really, really rich, and people are getting really, really poor. And people don't really seem to care about the world, or how long it lasts.

PM: Well, that seems certainly to be true, that no one is spending much time on how we make the world last any longer.

AM: Yeah.

PM: "How do I make some more money?" That's more like the agenda.

AM: Yeah, that's what it seems like, people just care about making more and more money, and having bigger and bigger cars--here, anyway. They should be getting smaller cars. I don't know, there just seems to be a general sense of irresponsibility toward the world.

PM: I agree. Last time we talked in this particular way, I was asking you about spirituality. And at that time, although you were not linked to a spiritual practice, per se, you were practicing a vipassana meditation technique. I wonder if you do that anymore.

AM: Not enough. [laughs] I've done it like twice this year.

PM: [laughs] Yeah, right.

AM: But I wish I did it every day, but no, I don't. I might start doing it soon. I don't know. I hope so, because it does help my day.

PM: As those details that we were talking about kind of chisel themselves out, and more of who you are is revealed, would you consider, and do you consider yourself a spiritual person?

AM: Yeah, I do. I think writing songs and all that is a spiritual process.

PM: I don't often hear musicians say that quite that way, but I certainly believe that composing is a spiritual process.

AM: Yeah. For me, it is, because I'm definitely trying to get in touch with something very human and meaningful. And I'm sure there are other songwriters out there--actually, I wouldn't know, but I think any creative process is spiritual, really.

PM: I know a lot of songwriters in Nashville who approach it more like an advertising campaign.

[laughter]

PM: But for those of us that don't, I think it is, kind of inevitably, a spiritual process.

AM: Yeah.

PM: Well, jeez, Anne. It's lovely to talk to you. You're a favorite musician and person of mine.

AM: Thanks, Frank.

PM: And I hope that when you come to town I get to see you.

AM: Yeah.

PM: I'll certainly see you play, but I hope that we'll get a chance to sit down and chat for a minute. I think you could get a whole lot bigger this year.

AM: Yeah. That wouldn't be a bad thing.

PM: I think you're poised to grow that profile of yours this year in a significant way with new management, a good relationship with the label, a new agent. And the record is super. I really, really like it.

AM: Yeah. Okay, well, great talking to you Frank. Thank you for spreading the word.

PM: Yeah, you too, Anne. It's always a pleasure. And I hope to see you next week.

Here are two Video Clips from the Mercy Lounge, Nashville, the Americana Music Conference 2006. Missed, like I said, the very first part of "From Bakersfield To Saigon."     Clip 1    &    Clip 2

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	Photo thanks:
	Johnny Buzzerio
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