Beast of Seasons opens with a hum and drone, a veil of fog conjuring a sense of atmosphere not unlike the Pacific Northwest coastal timber town where Laura Gibson was raised. A plaintive strum emerges with a voice in tow; a candle, a tender and flickering wisp of a voice suffusing the space with a warm glow. This voice, registering as little more than a whisper, rises above the subtle and evocative instrumentation with uncommon intimacy. Coos and cracks, chirps and slurs, clucks and purrs all come into focus with perceptive musicality.

Perhaps, more than anything, Gibson’s songs might be quiet reflections of the human body, reflections both of strength, and of frailty.” With Beasts of Seasons, Gibson offers up an intimate affirmation of mortality, both vulnerable and courageous, dark and illuminating, ordinary and extraordinary.

What are you up to at the moment?
I am on an airplane heading to London.

What are your main musical influences?
Old Disney Movies, Portland music makers, Appalachian folk and delta blues music, the Carter Family, jazz singers, Leonard Cohen, the poetry of Dylan Thomas.

Do you think your music should ‘belong’ or ‘fit in’ to a particular musical family or genre?
I suppose genres can be a helpful reference point, and I don’t mind being called “folk”. I have a hard time categorizing myself when people ask, and would hope I’m not defined simply by words like “folky” or “singer-songwriter”. I suppose no one likes being pigeonholed.

You are releasing records in a difficult time for the music industry: how do you see the future for it?
I believe that there will always be some sort of support for good music, or good art on general. Music is so important to life and culture and people will always be hungry for it. The way people make money playing music will continue to shift. There may be jobs cut at big record companies, and it’s a hard time because it’s a transition, but I think in many ways it’s an exciting time.

Could you you tell us what is the most important source of income today ? Records, syncs, tours, merch…?
It ends up being a little of everything. If I didn’t tour, I would need to find a day job. I am slowly staring to do more synchs, but am trying to be pretty selective.

As an artist, how do you use & see the web today? How important is it for you and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?
I’m probably not the best person to talk to about technology, as I have a bit of an aversion to it. It’s definitely helpful and I appreciate saving money on postage. I do most of my communication through email. It seems, as an “indie band’ I should be using facebook and twitter, but I have a hard time getting into social networking sites. I still feel that my email list is my most genuine web interaction I have with fans, other than meeting them at shows.

You have some buzz in an emerging country but no way to monetize it, would you give away your music for free to keep growing it ?
I would consider it, especially if it meant traveling to an exotic locale, and sharing songs with non-traditional audiences.

How do you deal with / prevent / use an (un)official leak?
In truth, I haven’t done much to deal with or prevent leaks. I’ve just chosen not to spend my time worrying or strategizing.

What would be your dream online music service?
I’m afraid I have a hard time keeping up with the online music services that already exist.

Is there any feature / service we could build for you ?
I’m sure I could think of something…

What do you expect from a label in 2009?
I suppose, more than anything, I would expect a label to be genuinely enthusiastic about the music they are releasing, and creative in their methods of releasing it.

What’s your favourite: digital and physical format and why?
I like the sound quality of vinyl. It’s also a tangible package and represents an album as a whole.

Recommended music sites?
Daytrotter and Largehearted Boy. Both are inspiring and very positive.

How’s the scene in Oregon? Any good bands around?
There are so many good bands in Portland, I can barely keep up. For every and who is out touring and garnering attention, there are probably 50 amazing bands forming in basements. It can be a bit overwhelming. Overall, people are friendly, supportive and inspiring. I recommend you check out my friends Loch Lomond and Musee Mecanique.

Places of interest in your neighbourhood?
I live in a neighborhood called Sellwood. There is a wildlife refuge called Oaks Bottom walking distance from my house, where you can spot herons and bald eagles. The trail through the nature reserve leads to Oaks Park, one of the oldest functional amusement parks in the United States. It’s a magical neighborhood.

Best thing that happened to you recently?
2 things: I witnessed my little niece Rosie being born, and I was invited to play at a prison. Two very different experiences, both were very impacting and inspiring.

Number one junk food?
Pizza

Best venue?
The Pabst Theater in Milwaukee is a work of art. There is an amazing venue in Birmingham, Alabama called the Bottletree that uses old airstream trailers as dressing rooms. The backstage feels like an old antique store, and the people who run the venue are really sweet and hospitable.

A movie you would like to watch now, right now?
The first thing that comes to mind is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, I have not yet seen it, and would like very much to see it.

Best place to live?
There are times I think I’d like to live on a farm out in the country somewhere, and there are times I think I’d like to live in Brooklyn, New York and sometimes I think I’d like to live in Europe. Portland is a good balance, and a wonderful place to live.

Last album you enjoyed listening?
“Disney’s Merriest Songs” on vinyl. I was hanging out with my friends’ 7-year old daughter the other day. Her name is Tuesday and she’s really creative and cool, and happens to have her own vinyl collection. She put this vintage Disney record on, and the arrangements blew my mind, and gave me so much inspiration. We listened to both sides three times, before Tuesday asked to change it.

Best TV shows (current and ever)?
The only TV show I’ve watched recently was 30 Rock, just a couple of episodes, which I really enjoyed. I recently tried to watch Twin Peaks on DVD, but was too freightened of the character Bob to keep watching. I watched that series with my family when I was a kid. I don’t think my parents realized how inappropriate it is for children. It was a bit traumatizing, actually, but I’m trying to get up the nerve to watch it as an adult.

Last book you enjoyed reading?
The letters of Vincent Van Gogh to his brother Theo. I was obsessed with it in college, and since I’m heading to Amsterdam, dug it out of a box the other day. I brought it with me on this trip. I also just read a book of short stories by Karen Russell called “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves”.

Fave night drink and morning beverage?
Red wine at night, French pressed coffee in the morning (do you guys call it French Press?…maybe you just say “pressed coffee” over here).

On tour

15.09. B-Brussels, AB Club
16.09. UK-Birmingham, Townhall *
17.09. UK-London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire *
22.09. Duisburg, Steinbruch *
23.09. NL-Amsterdam, Paradiso
25.09. G-Hamburg, Reeperbahnfestival
26.09. S-Stockholm, Kagel *
27.09. S-Göteborg, Pusterviksbaren *
30.09. G-Berlin, Passionskirche *

* with Alela Diane

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