091: Kathryn Legendre
On Episode 091, I'm joined by country songwriter Kathryn Legendre. Last year, Kathryn released the excellent EP, Making It Up. It was a blend of old-school honky-tonk ethos and the modern neo-traditional songs of the '90s. Throughout the five songs, she blended a familiar warmth found on old country albums that embraced pedal steel and smokey dive bar banter with clever storytelling and memorable choruses. Now, she's following up Making It Up with a two-song single, "One Long Sad Song" and "Waiting in Line." Again, Kathryn's natural country roots fill out the two-song punch and capture a restlessness and down and out sadness.
This episode's presenting partner is The Blue Light Live and Wicker's Mesquite Smoked Jalapeno Jelly.
Interview Transcript
Note: Transcripts aren’t always accurate since they are computer automated and haven’t been edited for spelling, grammar, etc.
Thomas Mooney 0:00
everyone welcome to another installment of Newsline, I'm your host music journalist Thomas Mooney. And this is Episode 91. We're closing out the month of May with country singer songwriter Kathryn Legendre. As it happens, Kathryn is releasing a new two songs single this Friday, May 29. They're really what we'd consider the harbinger of what her next full length record will be. She sent them over a couple of weeks ago, and it's strange how things kind of work their way out. I say this because she wrote and recorded them some time back, but they really do capture that restlessness that's kind of creeped into all of our lives this spring, the two songs one long, sad song and waiting in line, they're written about, just kind of like that general restlessness and that kneading of a sad song to just kind of capture what you're feeling when you're really just down and out. And of course, like right now, in this quarantine, I felt like that's just something that really just applies to our daily lives. So there's definitely some projection on my part. But Kathryn agrees. She says so, in the interview, it's always just one of those things where you always apply the present situation, to whatever song you're listening to, to make sense of that song and to make sense of your current state. For those unfamiliar with Kathryn, she's one of these songwriters who's really been informed by the Neo traditional Country radio of her youth and really those old school hockey talk ethos, I highly encourage you to go check out her excellent 2019 Ep making it up. And then of course, tomorrow, go listen to the two song punch of one long, sad song and waiting in line. As I mentioned just a second ago, this is the last episode of may and it's really been a productive 30 ish days. During this time, there's been eight episodes of new slang songwriters rod Milan song Jaron Morris, Charlie Murray, Willie Braun of reckless Kelly, Gabe Lee journalists, Christian Wallace. And then of course, this episode you're listening to now with Kathryn. As always, subscribe to new slang if you haven't done so just yet. It's literally going to be on every platform you can think of for podcasts, please leave a five star review. Go follow me on Twitter and on Instagram at underscore new slang. Go give new slang like on Facebook. And of course please suggest new slang to anyone you can think of who just really enjoys Americana country folk rock and just conversations about music in general. Okay, that about wraps it up. Here is the interview with Katherine Legendre.
Kathryn Legendre 2:34
Like, I don't know if old habits dive in or whatever, but I want to like be like test. Check it like one two. Gosh, that feels nostalgic. Yeah.
Thomas Mooney 2:45
Okay, so continue to the story. You're saying like What was that?
Kathryn Legendre 2:50
So I I remember the last show I played, which and it was March 6. But luckily, it was an acoustic show. It was just me and Brian Broussard on guitar. And we played out at this. Is it called a cidery. I don't really drink ciders. Well, no. It's like a, you know, a place where they serve cider. And not wine I learned. But, uh, it was pretty chill, considering but I remember. I think that was maybe on a Friday night or something. And coming up after the weekend on Monday was my residency at the white horse. And the, you know, Austin was still it was not under any kind of quarantine. I mean, I think it was recommended that people like stay at home, but nothing had been set in place yet. And it was such a strange just decision to have to make, you know, or even debate, you know, in my head, like, do I play this? You know, do I need the money? Do I you know, I obviously don't want to inconvenience this venue who also means a lot to me, you know, like personally, um, you know, not only that, like, it's not just risking like my health, but like the health of like, the people who play with me and things like that. And, you know, I talked it over with my bandmates first and foremost, but, but ultimately we decided not to play that gig. And it was kind of interesting because usually they have like three bands on three to four bands on in any given night. And the other two bands that were scheduled to play that night we all just kind of talked and just kind of came to this agreement like I just you know, we just didn't think it was the safe thing to do and luckily, everyone that I talked to you know, whether with the venue booking other artists, bandmates whatnot was so incredibly understanding and you know, made that even though it was a weird decision made it you know, a little easier in the in the end Yeah, it's just strange to think to that, like that was I guess it's like, there's not that I feel like I went out. I don't know, I feel like there's some other shows I would have liked to have gone out. But, um, yeah, it's just, it was a weird thing just to have to make that decision. And now it's almost the pendulums kind of starting to swing the other way. I actually just had a conversation with a club, or I guess, a bar on the coast that I really been wanting to play. But even operating under, you know, 25 or 50% capacity, just like, it doesn't make it it just doesn't seem worth it. You know, not only for for me, but if for a fan, you know, or someone who wants to hear live music. It's just, I hate to. Yeah, just give like the short end of the stick. And I feel like until things just feel more safe. And you know, at least there's some kind of like vaccine, maybe I just don't know, you know, when that will be. But yeah, I've kind of been having these these different conversations with the news. Like, they quickly reschedule this for a later date, because I'm still not comfortable coming back. Yeah, but so far, everyone's been pretty understanding about it. I'm so thankful.
Thomas Mooney 6:22
Yeah, it's, again, like the, the 25 to 50%. Thing is, I don't know, if that's if that's doable for these venues, I don't know if that's keeps the lights on. I don't know if like that makes it worth it to artists to go and play that. I don't know, it just is such a weird time. And it also just this whole time is felt like there's never I don't know, like it always feels like with anything. I've never been in charge of, you know what I mean? This is such a, you always just kind of go like, oh, someone else is going to ultimately make this decision for me. And then now like, obviously there for like a long time the decision was made for is there. But it there's now this this wiggle room of people being asked that, like you said, like being asked the play, if you're obviously those venues haven't been pressuring you, but like, you know, that like there's, it's not necessarily even the venue, it's the, if you're like on an on a booking agency, or like your management or like, you know what I mean? Like, I don't know, how you are just like the pressures of watching that bank account. Yeah,
Kathryn Legendre 7:41
right. Yeah. And I, I realize at the end of the day, like a lot of people are just doing their jobs or trying to make money. And I get that, you know, and again, luckily, my experience has been, like, very understanding on like, both sides, but I've definitely heard stories of just, you know, I don't know if it's like desperate times, but just, you know, different friends and artists have definitely had more pressure in getting back to it. And, you know, I hate to say it, but it's almost like the politics seep into it. And that's what I want to avoid at all costs, just like hey, let's just talk to this or talk about this, you know, let's just be honest with each other. Like, that's all I asked, you know, and luckily that's worked out for me like I said, but it's gonna I mean, I think that snowball effect is going to continue to happen though.
Thomas Mooney 8:36
Yeah, one of my friends was saying how he kind of thinks that bars and venues that have outdoor space if they transition to that being the the place that where they're open that's obviously a lot more safe and maybe a lot more doable for people. Yes, because of open air you're like we just had talked before we started recording you know, these bars are not the the safe, they don't have like great ventilation systems and great air conditioning and the the classic dive bar and Honky Tonk tropes are there for a reason.
Kathryn Legendre 9:16
Yeah, it's gonna be so strange like not I love a dive bar. I don't know what I might be able to go on again.
Thomas Mooney 9:26
Yeah, or like if you go with you know, a mask on. Yeah, like just have you? Have you felt like the pressure of not wearing a mask out in public? Like from just like the the looks from other people.
Kathryn Legendre 9:42
Oh, maybe here and there. But most the time I have. And I anytime I've gone places which is mostly the grocery store. I'll walk down. I think it's like a mile and a half roundtrip. I'll walk down at To our little corner coffee store and they for a while before they opened up, they had just like this tent outside that we could just get like some basics, you know, I could get eggs in a margarita and it was great. But, um, you know, anytime I would go places like that I would always have a mask. Um, if I was outside, I wouldn't really wear a mask that much. Just because I felt like, yeah, I didn't have to maybe worry about ventilation as much. But there's people giving glances here and there all the time. At the same time, I feel like, I can't say that I'm fully innocent of not doing that either. Because I've seen so many people with other masks on to and I'm just like, why? So at least when, when it comes to me and my personal what I'm gonna my personal choice about it. I'll definitely be wearing a mask for the next while.
Thomas Mooney 11:02
Yeah, I. So I was I've been out twice now, like out in public. And that first time going out I I swear, like, I probably had like a little bit of a little panic attack. Because I was just like, I've not been in yet. And I don't know, like the new rules. And like, because I'd seen about, you have to enter certain places this way. And you have to go down the aisles this way. And then of course, like going in and it's just like a madhouse anyways. So you're just kind of like, Okay, and then of course, my glasses are like fogging up because the mask, you're just kind of like, Oh, God. That's, that's horrible. But also at the same time. I think it's people who wear glasses have been like, overblowing that because within like a minute you figure out how to do it. Right. Yeah.
Kathryn Legendre 11:53
Kind of, I mean, at least for me, like, I feel like there's a little bit of a learning curve. I guess I didn't realize like, when I'm doing things, how I guess maybe active I am what I'm doing it and heavy breathing and whatnot. And it took me a minute to just like, figure out how to breathe properly in that and not feel like I was suffocating myself, you know, half the time. But it's it's been an adjustment, but one that I'm again like, willing to make.
Thomas Mooney 12:22
Yeah, that first time I went out I had like just a look kind of like wrap around your ears. And then the second time around, I had like a, a cloth one. And the cloth one just felt so much more breathable, and doable. And it was just like I don't know, it just felt like a better experience. But it was also just, it's so weird. Wearing that mask around. And I've kind of done the I've got 10 minutes to do what I need to do. Right? Yeah, it was like, it's always longer than that. But then it's still like, you know, get it out of here as quickly as possible. And then like, right as I exited the building. Yeah, I took my mask off just to get that fresh air because obviously you're but it's also like one of those things where up here. I think people are a little bit more. This is you know, hashtag fake news kind of thing. Yeah. So they look at you like, You're fucking crazy. And I'm like, this is to help protect you to you moron. like
Kathryn Legendre 13:30
yeah, that's what I don't understand. It's just yeah, if there's no compassion there for like, your neighbor. It's same sometimes. And yeah, it is. I do feel like I have a different experience than a lot of other parts of Texas because I do live in Austin. And there I feel like maybe there's just more people who are like minded in the way that I am thinking and approaching this so I'm glad for that. But, I mean, I can't really I can't really talk to my parents about that, you know. Kind of like, It's weird. It's so strange. Like balancing fighting. I mean, I don't think there is a balance really with that. I just try to live my life.
Thomas Mooney 14:21
Yeah, like the one thing I've always kind of had criticism for when it comes to Lubbock has been how despite being just a like a mid sized population wise city or town, whatever you want to call it. It's always been just so spread out. And it's like every place has had has just a giant parking lot and you know, it's just concrete and does ask asphalt and shit like that right? parking lots have been are just like, they're just massive. And everything just feels so spread out. That has, like, in my opinion helped keep your distance from people just because of that aspect of just being where everything is so big out here. Yeah, very true. Obviously, down there, everything just so much more compact. And I think like just having this space, even just like what I'm talking like, like neighborhood space. I feel like that's probably helped people's sense of mental health and just being able to, I don't know, get out. And even if they're not able to go to parks or anything like that, or the swimming pool, or go get coffee, and hang out with their friends like having that outdoor space. And just to get out a little bit into your own little space, you know what I mean? Right? Yeah, probably done wonders for people. You mentioned, you know, you were you're going to be you're doing some gardening and stuff like that. Is that also just to is that more do you think to fill time? Or to? What are you wanting to grow? Like, what is like your in your in game on?
Kathryn Legendre 16:20
Well, honestly, it kind of started as, as, I guess, a way to fill time. It's interesting, because, one, my experience through a lot of this, and especially through quarantine has been mostly positive, which I feel like I have not shared that with at least a lot of people around me. I'm thankful because, you know, I live with Brian Broussard, who's my husband, and he has also been just like, had incredibly high spirits. But I feel like that's kind of hard to say to some of my friends and peers, because obviously, there's a lot of struggle happening right now. But I think honestly, it was just like, my life prior to being quarantined, was non stop. And that's even saying, putting it gently, you know what I mean? Like, it's, it's hard to describe just like how constant everything was felt and overwhelming. And I've always had things I've wanted to try or experiment with, or just hobbies or things to learn. I really enjoy doing things with my hands. And so I just feel like given this opportunity to slow down, I have had no shortage of hobbies that I've either picked up or dried and whatnot, gardening, just became one of those that I literally had, like some old seed packets lying around. figured why not. Let's try it. And I never ever thought I mean, I still don't know if I do but I never thought that I was one to like, have a green thumb. I just like I could barely keep like succulents alive that I would get gifts and whatnot. But um, it has just become one of my favorite outlets now and I don't even know if it's an outlet. It's just something I look forward to now. It's become a brand new part of my daily routine. And it's been one of those hobbies that has kind of like stuck. Like, I picked up crocheting again, I was like, I'm just gonna see how big I can crochet blanket and I'm already just kind of like, I'm like, kind of over it. But um, yeah, I don't know, I just gardening has been just such a newfound joy in my life. And I feel like it's kind of like, things like that, that are helping me stay positive. And I definitely think the way my brain works, I like to see my effort, or you know, work like go towards something. And so the fact that I can see, oh, I planted it and I watered it every day and I gave it fertilizer and it's actually growing and I can see that like that's great for my brain.
Thomas Mooney 19:18
Yeah, yeah. Like the for starters like having what let's help people mostly during all this has been that routine. And if you find something that you can do daily, you know, that's done so much for people because like and the thing where like you have where you see progress that does so much because like somebody I was talking to earlier had said that the reason I think that they thought people were having major problems with this is that they felt worthless because they were Doing nothing, they're just idle. And that so much of your self worth comes from being able to do something, even have results and add some time. Yeah, if you're just idle for so long, it feels like you're not you've not done anything, and you've not made anything and you're not provided any worth to the world. And so like, even the smallest of bits help make you feel like you're doing something. It's but uh, you know what this feels like, to me this entire time is felt like, when you first go to school, and back home from summer, and like, it's just been like this last summer of nothing, even though it's not been summer. You know what I mean? Right? Where you just kind of like, you really don't have a job, and you're just kind of hanging out.
Kathryn Legendre 20:52
And, and honestly, like, coming, I came to that realization pretty quick, early on, I feel like and, you know, I just, I have been wanting to embrace that as much as possible, because like I said, like, my lifestyle before this, and it was totally something that I closed and put on myself a lot. But um, you know, I can't remember the last time I had, you know, the time to read and talk about progress. Like, that's another way I can like, I'm doing something for myself. And I can actually see that, like, I'm making my way through this, like, book and whatnot. But um, I kind of lost my point. I derailed. I kind of went down a different tangent. Yeah. Are you talking about again,
Thomas Mooney 21:39
like that last summer of like, yeah, freshmen, back home and stuff.
Kathryn Legendre 21:45
But yeah, totally change embrace this time, because I just, this just won't likely won't happen again, you know, and I've just having this time to slow down has just given me the opportunity to, I guess, learn even more about myself that just really, I think that's kind of funny. I've mentioned this a few times. And I feel like you'll appreciate this, being on Twitter and whatnot. But one of the last things that I posted before going into quarantine, not knowing that quarantine was ahead, was most days, I'd rather just be holed up somewhere writing the song. And it is weird mccobb way the world kind of like dropped that in my lap, you know, and so it's just kind of like, I just don't want to take that for granted, either. You know, I feel like I kind of, in a weird way got what I was wishing for, you know. So I'm really just trying to, you know, thankfully, I've been able to see a lot of this as an opportunity and really just have been trying to like, Hone that productivity, like you said, but just in ways that now I can dictate, you know, it's great. You know, I guess the con of like, some of this is that, like I got furloughed, but the Pro is that like, now, no one's assigning me things, I literally wake up and I'm just like, this is what I'm doing today. And it's just it. This time has been really fulfilling for me. And I'm so thankful that I haven't, like hit a wall of either. You know, just succumbing to like negative feelings, which knows definitely easy for me to do, and has been easy for me to fall into, like negative thought patterns in the past, but so much of this Yeah, it just feels like an opportunity. And I'm really just trying to ride that wave, as long and as much as possible.
Thomas Mooney 23:44
Yeah, it definitely gives you so much perspective on on what's going on, like, outside of quarantine, like what your life was before and what it can be after. And, you know, there's, I guess, like one of the I don't know if this is right or wrong or anything like that. But one of the things I was thinking about was, you know, is this is this going to be? Are we should we be going back to the way it was? After this ends? Like that? I Yeah, exactly. Is it? Are we going back to to be go back to what it was like last year? Or should this be able to give some people perspective and go oh, yeah, you know, we do probably need to change our ways about things or you know what I mean? Do we need to have more time off and, you know, like, I'm not saying like 70 days every year, just like in a row, but like is there like do people need to just have more rest, like a just time to just decompress, I guess Cuz I felt like yeah, help decompress. Especially those first few weeks it was it helped people who like, I don't know, go back to their like, go back to zero or whatever. And so I don't know, maybe like every two years, we maybe not all at once, because yeah, really fucked everything up. But maybe like every two years, people just like take a month off
Kathryn Legendre 25:26
straight I mean, I know it's it's funny because I before this I might ever get to the point, you know where I can like take a sabbatical like what exists for me. And this is kind of what I'm doing right now I guess. But yeah, it's interesting, like you say that to like, similarly, one of the things that has crossed my mind a lot, is wondering if this is also a bit of a wake up call for people in terms of like, taking care of the earth, like conservation and preservation are two things I'm very passionate about and interested in. And maybe this is like the Edward Abbey coming out. But I'm just like, hopefully, this makes people appreciate, you know, what we have, and, you know, in a very small way, you know, like, people won't be littering, you know, nearly as much and think about things like that, you know, and I, you know, for me, personally, I've even been able to have the opportunity to learn how to compost more, which, you know, it's not a lot, but I feel like, these are things that I'm learning and getting back in touch with that, at least for this generation seemed a little bit lost, and especially getting to see so many people my age and even, especially younger, you know, learning how to grow their own food, you know, like, those are like lasting lessons, you know, and I really hope that those are positive ways that people continue to. I mean, I don't know, I don't know if this sounds like hippie or whatever. But it's like, I saw this stat the other day that like, you know, the emissions, like, went down, like 17% of our during, like quarantine and whatnot. And I'm just like, hell yeah, that's great. I love this, you know, hopefully, people are just thinking about low Earth.
Thomas Mooney 27:25
Yeah, that's, I guess, like, one of the things we've always been told by the people who don't believe in climate change has been, well, even if we even if it's real, we're too far down that road, and humans aren't making that big of a impact on it. And if anything has been, has shown in this 70 days is that you know, what, like, yeah, we are making a massive impact. And if we stopped doing, like, over half of what we've done for just 70 days, like, there's been so much where the earth has, quote, unquote, healed itself, you know, what I mean? Yeah, just Smaug has dissipated. And, and like these, obviously, in these Chinese cities, and like, in, you know, in India, and obviously, like, in the US and stuff, too, but places that it's strange to think that, like, we probably have really bad loose regulations here in the US. So like, you know, our regulations are like so much stronger than they are in China, or in like, India, or a lot of other Russia, you know, what I mean? Like, our relations are so much better than a lot of theirs and just having them stop for this moment. has like, just cleared the air and like, you know, there was this, these people talking about what how they could in India could like see the Himalayas for like, the first time, wow, from their, like, village or their city, whatever. 60 years, or something, or from like, I guess, maybe 60, or something like that, like, from wherever, and this is like, 100 miles away, you know what I mean? And oh my gosh, wow. So there's been like, things like that have that have it to me that just shows like, hey, like we can, where we are having an impact and we don't have to go to you know, all of us doing. We don't have to like cut out all everything. But we can scale back and like just be more thoughtful about all this stuff. And absolutely, yeah, you mentioned like growing your own food. That doesn't mean like we're all going to like move to you know, to a commune. Like,
Kathryn Legendre 29:48
right Yeah,
Thomas Mooney 29:49
but you know what, you growing something. Like, even just, if you're not, you're still gonna go the grocery store, you're still gonna like buy stuff. If you but if you just cut out a little bit of something, you're a like you're gonna like save money on whatever, right? Or if you're doing something, at least right, even if you like plant stuff and you're not even like growing anything that you're really going to eat. You're adding more plant life into the into wherever you're living and it's giving off oxygen and
Kathryn Legendre 30:24
yeah. And I don't know those are the things I've luckily focusing on. I feel like you know some of those, how do we spend this into a positive
Thomas Mooney 30:36
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Kathryn Legendre 32:44
Um, I guess I haven't necessarily had writer's block, necessarily, but I didn't, I haven't created like, as much of a routine with writing as I, I guess, initially hoped or thought I would. But the good thing about it is that it's given me time each day. So it's like, maybe I'm not writing a consistent 30 minutes to an hour a day. Like, maybe I just wrote down two lines that day, but I did ask more than I did in the past. And I, for me, especially like, my, my approach to songwriting is, I've kind of gone back and forth in my brain with it, you know, if I'm going to call myself a songwriter, you know, I have to, like, there's this quota, at least right now or something. And I've just kind of, especially use this time to level with myself and just kind of accept my process, or maybe lack thereof sometimes. And it's funny, because I was thinking about it the other day, I was like, Ah, you know what, songwriting is like, fishing, you know, like, I will show up, and I'll go out there, but like, I'm probably not catching fish, you know, very often, or at least not like one that I can like, keep, you know what I mean, like, and so I'm glad that I've given myself that space. And like that understanding. And I have been, like, pretty creative. I've written two, or have at least finished two songs that I feel good about. And I have, oh my gosh, this is the most frustrating part is having like, a handful of like 90 to 95% finish songs. But it's nice kind of like knowing that when either if inspiration hits or if I have like a lull in my day where I want to go, sit down and try and work that out that I can. And it's been really nice, but I also feel like I've been super creative in a lot of other ways as well. And I kind of think that's what's helped me not either Get writer's block or even hit a wall in terms of like, I'm bored, you know, it's, I've been able to be in a weird way, like creative in my garden in my backyard and whatnot. I've dove back into designing a lot more. You know, when I was working full time, I definitely come from a background of marketing. So I'm always trying to find out, you know, how to market myself next, or this way, or what would be best, you know, creating things for like, my website, and even being able to extend some of those skills and help friends, which has been great, you know. But yeah, I just, the creativity has been rolling. It hasn't been crazy, you know, but I'm, again, I think just having this time and like, the space for it, I'm just, I'm so thankful.
Thomas Mooney 35:57
Yeah, it's, it's so it's interesting, because I think for so long. That I guess like when, when you read about songwriters writing songs, they always talk about, you know, I guess like, it's the romanticism of art, right? It's the romanticism of being a songwriter. And like, this is what I do. And I write songs, and, you know, for me, like, I don't know, I guess, like, a lot of times you talk with people, and they play that up, where it's like, for me, this is like, the hardest thing in the world to do. But also, for me, it's so easy, you know, and I feel like, it's, it's interesting to hearing you say, like, just being like, a lot more practical and real about it. And just being like, you know, like this is writing is, it's not what, like my songwriting process is, is this and it's not what I was told to believe. Yeah, it's gonna be that,
Kathryn Legendre 36:58
sir. What Yeah, like what you said, what I romanticize. Now, I imagine some of the things you hear about all these great songwriters, they wrote it every day. That's just, I don't know if that's in the cards for me. I hope we'll see. But yeah,
Thomas Mooney 37:13
yeah, it's, it's just, it's so weird, like hearing. It's one of those things where, I guess like, over time, you just realize, when you scrape all the, all of that away, you realize that Yeah, there's a million ways to write a song, and there's a million different processes. And they're just as varied as, as there are songs out there. And totally not. Like, again, like we just kind of romanticize. Like the Way certain people write. And I guess, like, over the years, I've kind of done the thing where I guess like the the classic songwriters, that we all think of the guys in the towns, you know, like those people were, were flawed in their ways. And they maybe like that state that maybe that's not the standard of like, how you write a song or like how you live your life as a quote unquote, artist, and just like pulling back that curtain and realizing like, you know, they had, there's days that they weren't able to write songs, too, so I don't know. It's,
Kathryn Legendre 38:24
yeah. And it's, it is kind of strange being able to put yourself in that perspective, because, you know, like, you know, I think it comes not only with romanticizing, but respecting I'm like, two people that I think of, you know, like Brandon Lee and Norma Kay. And like, in my mind, Brendan's never written a bad song. Now, like, I don't, I can't, my brain cannot picture her. Just being like, this isn't, you know, but I yeah, I know that at the end of the day, like, and that's, that's, I guess, at the end of the day, too. One of the reasons why I respect them so much is because they are real in that sense. They do have days or, actually, I think it was Norma Kay, I was watching one of his live streams the other day. And he mentioned something and he was playing songs off of sketches of South Central Texas, which I fucking love that album so much. But he mentioned that one of the songs on there, I think he hadn't written us, I can't remember the exact story and I'm gonna butcher it probably regardless. But basically, he had writer's block for like, five years. And it was like, during this time when he was like doing construction and working on houses and stuff. But I was just like, when I heard that I was like, he's human. And that is someone that I you know, like, look up to you and admire and so hearing that was not only like slightly encouraging, but like, that's just another one of those things that attract me to like, their kind of songwriting. It's like, it's real.
Thomas Mooney 40:05
Yeah. Like if we if we just look at the notebooks and see the scratched outlines and go, Yeah, man, I can't believe they thought that was gonna work, you know?
Kathryn Legendre 40:14
Yeah. Or just either that or I, it's sometimes it's hard to imagine like, oh, like, the scratched out lie. Like I like the best lines and stuff like that. But again, like I don't know, maybe this is like, my brain trying to be like competitive with myself but no weird, not weird way but to me that is how I taught myself. This is the kind of song that I want to write one day, you know, that I want to be able to craft it. I feel like, in especially, you know, taking my personal favorite songwriter guy Clark, you know, just put on one of those records. And, you know, I don't I don't know how you I don't think you can teach songwriting, but just listening to that. And having experiencing that connection has always just been like, this is what I'm aiming for. So even if, you know, my best lines are their worst lines that it gives me something to strive for, you know, so, yeah,
Thomas Mooney 41:22
yeah, it's, I don't know, like I say, as a journalist, what I've kind of come around to what my job is, is like, to give context for a songwriter. But at the same time, like what I what I guess what I told other journalists who have like, emailed me or direct messaged me on Twitter, like, hey, how do you do this? You know, I've kind of always said, not always, but like, in the last couple of years, I've said that, like, what I want to do when, when talking about an artist or talking with an artist is simultaneously make them human. Make them just like, you know, Joe sixpack on the, on the street, or Joe sixpack, I don't know if it's Joe or not. But Jane, I guess, maybe. But do that. And then also, like, make them as mythical as possible. So like, yeah, like the, the writing of Pancho and lefty is both like mythical, but also at the same time. Townes Van Zandt was just another guy, you know, and like that as it's, it's, because those are on opposite ends of the spectrum. But I think that's important to put it in context for your favorite artists is that like, because that's the thing too, is like, when you meet famous people, or your favorite artist, that also helps you not just go like fanboy fan girl, like, be super nervous, you know? Because if you do meet these people, you you don't want them to turn around and be like, that person was, you know,
Kathryn Legendre 43:12
right. Yeah. I'm actually glad he said that, because again, like, you know, I'm also a consumer of music at the end of the day. And I always just feel like it and I, I especially think it's interesting, considering, you know, being a journalist and whatnot. And you probably encounter like a lot of these situations. One thing that's always been, like, confusing for myself was feeling like when I wrote it, okay, let me set it up a little bit. So, if you're coming out with like, a new album or something, I you're going to you have the opportunity to have some press and work with a journalist or any kind of like media representative and, and they're willing to, like, talk about and share your music. I feel like the main question is, is alright, so why do people want to listen? And that is something that I feel like I have just struggled with mine only on my end, but in trying to relate to other artists, especially, I guess, current artists. I was always concerned I don't have an interesting backstory. So I don't have anything. Why would you listen to me that you know, I don't know. Um, nothing was super like controversial has really happened in my past, or nothing super sad. Nothing super, like out of the ordinary, you know, like, good bad in between and, and that was something I was always really worried about, like, oh, no one's really ever gonna want to listen to this because it's just normal shit. And I finally again, I feel like these are Like, some of the epiphany that I've been able to have, during this time of slowing down is that like, I never want to just, I'm, I made me glad that I had the realization of like, Oh, I'm just writing normal shit, you know, like, cuz that's what I want to do at the end of the day. I first and foremost, I write music for myself. And I think it's funny, knowing the backstories and the history and what led me to writing this song. And that if it's an autobiographical one, obviously, not all of them are. But I always end up like connecting to real stuff. And the stuff that may seem mundane, but that you experience as you know, the average Joe or Jane. And I'm thankful that I was able to have that realization, because now moving forward, I know that that's, that's what I want to invoke, I just want to be real, like, for lack of a better word. And because when I write a song that gets me through emotion, or a feeling, and I feel better about it. I mean, that's all I need to be honest, like that adrenaline rush that I get a finishing a song that I'm proud of. Oh, you know, there's not a lot that compares to that feeling in my personal opinion, especially when it comes to music. And so I really hope that if my music is able to be heard by other people, then my desire and my goal is connecting with that real chip to I hope it's okay to cast. Yeah. Okay.
Thomas Mooney 46:39
Yeah, it is. It's, I think, if you, maybe this is this goes into other other fields as well. But if it if it does, like, I feel that the what this is, I guess, if we're gonna call it a industry, the entertainment industry, it's so easy to fall into the man, I hope they think I'm cool enough.
Kathryn Legendre 47:02
Yes, totally. Yes.
Thomas Mooney 47:05
I guess like, this is just like, classic imposter syndrome. You know, like, yes, the, oh, they're gonna like out me for not being cool. Or like being a fraud or a fake. And I don't know, I always like it. So I guess what I've learned over the years has been that just being normal or not normal, but just being yourself is what makes these makes you like, accepted by other fans or by other artists and journalists. And you know, like not trying to overly impress your peers, you know, what I mean? impress them with the songs and not impress them by the, the the rock and roll persona that you've created in your mind. You know what I mean?
Kathryn Legendre 47:57
Right? Yeah, I don't know if it was, it's funny, because I think about this a lot. Now, if it's a naive way of thinking or not, but I still believe that, you know, the song is there, the songs gonna speak for itself? I mean, I really hope that's still the case.
Thomas Mooney 48:14
Yeah, I think like, at the end of the day, that's the that's, you know, the buck stops at that point, like, I can get this person write a great song, because there's obviously a lot of people you meet here you go, well, that person was really cool, or this band's really fun, and cool. I don't know if they're writing the best to their ability. But yeah, and that's what I don't want to say like, because not every song. It's hard to make it where we're not talking in absolutes, because it's, it's, it's very impractical to think that like every song you write is going to be Pancho and lefty and that's like my go to answer is, you know what I mean? So, but not everyone needs to write that and not everyone needs to play that because there's plenty of like, space in between that and Honky Tonk badonkadonk or, you know what I mean? Like there's a lot of like, goodness between those two spaces and so yeah, I don't know, like, where I was gonna go with that either. But like, I guess like to, in all this is what I would say is that Yeah, like the biggest worry is like the, the imposter syndrome or the, at the at the very least, like, thinking like, Oh, I don't want to be an inconvenience. Yeah. So I don't know. It's just it's so you can just like get lost in your own mind on that stuff.
Kathryn Legendre 49:49
Oh, gosh, tell me about it. I mean, so long and still like not that I've been playing, you know, live shows for a while, but up until the moment I stopped I I still had this have just like, one of my biggest fears is like, yeah, I feel good about this, but I especially feel good about this. I'm like, in this room like writing this and like, I'm having this feeling with myself, but my, one of my biggest fears is like getting up on a stage. And just, I mean, to be frank, you know, I have been to a show or two in my lifetime, or I'm just like, I'm good for you. Maybe this is not the, you know, like, I just never wanted to, like, be blind to something that I should not be doing, or acting or some, you know, what I mean? When I, my biggest fear was just always like, I don't want to be that person on the stage, and people are watching, like, good for you, or good, not bad, but maybe this is not your calling, you know, that was just always that there's always going to be that I think maybe in the back of my mind, which speaks you know, to that kind of, like, you can get left in your head about all that. And, and again, like, you know, bringing things full circle, I have done so much less of that during this time. And I just another way that it's like really brought on, you know, some, you know, just more positivity into my life.
Thomas Mooney 51:21
Yeah, it's weird to balance that self awareness. And, and, and I guess, like the being your worst enemy, you're the worst. Because, yeah, the I think like, the worst thing in life would be like the lack of self awareness. And
Kathryn Legendre 51:39
yeah, exactly. That's what I do, like not.
Thomas Mooney 51:43
And that's the thing, though, is like, I think about that. I'm like, hopefully, I'm self aware on this. But like, I don't know, maybe I'm not being self aware. Maybe like, but of course, I think like you you come across people who just lack that. And you go, okay, yes. I have at least
Kathryn Legendre 52:03
you know, yeah.
Thomas Mooney 52:05
Yeah, I don't know. It's just so again, like, you can just get lost in your mind. But like, at the same time, like, I don't think Yeah, you can't go so far that you just don't do it. Because then you write your entire life with what ifs and like, you know, just, you know, just never doing anything. So
Kathryn Legendre 52:26
yeah, and especially at this point in time, what it's just don't seem worth it.
Thomas Mooney 52:31
Right. You mentioned, you know, you're being creative in other outlets. I've, I guess I've talked with a few people during this time that they have you gone off and done other things, other creative things like painting and writing in other capacities and stuff like that. Does that do you feel like that a makes your songwriting better? Or do you feel like it's just all do you consider, like, what you do is art is just one thing, and it doesn't necessarily mean? Like you splitting it up into songs or not, and novels. And you know what I mean? Like, do you even like, split up? what art is for you?
Kathryn Legendre 53:17
No, I don't think so. I think maybe if I split anything up, it's more like I can do this. And I know I can do this. Or at least I have an interest in this or not. And so, for example, you know, I, I think people who have the ability to show their creativity in ways that it's like, I can sound right, I can paint, I can draw, you know, this stuff that doesn't necessarily exist. For me, I feel like mine's a little bit more sporadic, for lack of a better word. I mean, I feel like the one thing that kind of goes hand in hand a little bit with the music is design and picking up that skill. But a lot of the ways that I feel like I've sought out creativity during this time has as well has been more it's been like more from a therapeutic stance. So for example, crochet, you know, there's definitely still a part of my brain that wants to see progress. But another reason why I'm doing that is because I don't really have to think you know, and use a lot of brain power to do that. It's something I can do on autopilot and it lets my brain rest and I think that is a way that helps my songwriting you know, giving my, I guess, my brain space to like, let the wheels turn. I have found, you know, that works for me. Reading too. Not that that's really a creative expression on my part, but I feel like that definitely. That definitely like helps spur creativity, you know, within mean? Oh, no, that seemed kind of like a really roundabout answer.
Thomas Mooney 55:06
Yeah, like, crocheting thing interests me because the it that's just like shower thoughts basically. Like I don't know how to crochet crochet or like sew or anything like that. So I don't I never I don't want to like, make it seem simpler than it is, but like it does seem like very repetitive and very, like you said, autopilot. So like that seems very conducive for a space where you're able to just do that and just think things through because like I've always thought for me, I posted it on Twitter The other day I asked other journalists like when when do you think of like your best questions for for people are like your best time about an artist. And of course, like the number one is is like 15 minutes after the phone call, or you know, like,
Kathryn Legendre 56:05
yeah,
Thomas Mooney 56:07
yeah, like, that's definitely a thing. But like, my space is always like, you know, when I'm like washing dishes, or I'm outside feeding the dogs and like watering, or like vacuuming or like doing stuff that like you don't really have to think about, you've done it a million times. So it's, that's when I think and it's just like when that person if I had to like just like, sit down and listen to your record and think about 20 questions off that record. I guess it's doable, but it's so much harder that way. I've realized, like, when I'm just put that music on and have it in the background. That's sometimes where I'll go. Oh, I don't remember. Like, maybe that's what they mean by that line. And yes, the space like I don't know, that's been so maybe, maybe I needed, like certain crocheting before.
Kathryn Legendre 57:02
In general, you know, I just feel like it, you know, I'm speaking personally. But, um, I just can't force that, you know, and it's interesting to hear you say, because, um, you know, when do you write your best questions, and if you just listened to your record, and whatnot. That's something I feel like I started to pick up on when I was in college, I worked at a radio station. And the first job that I had was a music reviewer. And I remember thinking, Oh, this is great. It's like the perfect job for me, like I, I'll talk to you all day about what I think about this. And I remember like getting my first stack of CDs. And of course, these are like, college radios. I'm getting lots of indie stuff that I've never heard is very different from stuff I'm used to listening to personally. And I would listen. And I would just be like, I don't, what, I don't know what to say, I don't have any, like discipline, how to code. That's about it. And yeah, I just kind of have to I feel like I say this word a lot. And I don't even know if it's used in the right context. But I gotta let it marinate got it. You know, in like you said showers totally showers in long drives are just, that's the best way to just kind of like, clear my head.
Thomas Mooney 58:22
Yeah, that's a great space to like, the long drive, putting that record on because I feel like that still the records are like mixed still, like for the standard being a car stereo, and so listening, putting that putting whatever record on in a car and like just driving just does wonders. That is such a great just space to just think about that. And you notice like a lot of songwriters will come up with some of their best stuff. Like the seeds or the the origins of songs come from while I was driving, and I thought of this and it was just like I you know, hummed it into my memos on my phone are
Kathryn Legendre 59:15
right now that's the dangerous part of writing songs in your car.
Thomas Mooney 59:21
Just trying to type out whatever Yeah, or hum or what you know what I mean? It's
Kathryn Legendre 59:29
it's always so interesting to go back. Like when you do that to go back and listen to that you're like, I know it's very interesting.
Thomas Mooney 59:38
Yeah, like there's a there's an episode of Seinfeld where he Jerry wakes up in the middle of the night from a dream and he's laughing and he's like, haha, this is great. And he would like write it down on a piece of paper next to his bed, wakes up the morning because he's like this, this I like this great dream, or this great joke last night in a dream. You know? For a bit yada yada yada, but then he can't read it after. So like he's trying to get other people to read and see what it says. And so like, that's the entire bit is like,
Kathryn Legendre 1:00:11
I need to see that episode.
Thomas Mooney 1:00:13
I can't think of what the name is but like that's that's very much like a trying to like who was I when I was doing this?
Yeah he's like you always like you're gonna remember this and you're gonna remember like this little bits about this Evan you're like, What was this?
Kathryn Legendre 1:00:31
Yeah and rarely do I'm like I thought I was like for sure.
But yeah, I don't know gotta keep interesting.
Thomas Mooney 1:00:41
Yeah This episode is brought to you by the blue light live here in Lubbock, Texas, obviously the coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on the music industry and on our daily lives at large. The blue light has been closed for nearly two months now. And if you're like me, you're probably jonesing for some live music, perhaps a lone star beer or around a burn shots from your favorite bartender. If you're truly missing the place, there are two things you can do. For starters, lovely songwriter Charlie stout and 49 other songwriters have come together for a 50 song compilation called Monday night lights. It's 50 demo style recordings for $50 where all the proceeds will be going to furloughed bar staff at blue light live, all you have to do is head over to Monday night lights.com you'll be getting songs from the likes of Josh Abbott and Wade Bowen and William Clark green to up and comers like Slade Coulter and Morgan Rutherford, to blue light singer songwriter competition winners like Juliet McConkey, Isaac Hoskins and Kenneth O'Meara. You'll recognize a whole lot of people on this list, just to name right here. Trust me when I say you will want to get money that lights it's just a incredible collection of incredible songwriters. There's also some pretty cool limited edition poster prints that Charlie has for sale on the site, where those proceeds will obviously be going to barsaat as well. And we will probably end up having some other cool items listed on Monday night lights.com as well, pretty soon. Again, Monday night lights calm, we've already raised a good chunk of money. So far, we're super proud of how this all came together and proud of how many people have shared the compilation and everything. But as you know, more can always help. And of course, head over to blue light lubbock.com click on the merge tab, they have koozies and T shirts and caps. I swear if you put on a blue light cap and a T shirt, it almost feels like you're there if you close your eyes, especially if you've already thrown on the money that lights compilation. Okay, back to the episode. transition here, you have these two singles coming out. May 29 are they are they like gonna be standalone singles, are they a precursor for something larger in the works?
Kathryn Legendre 1:03:07
For now they're standalone I, they are a precursor. I'm not necessarily making that totally public, just because, I mean, I don't really care if it's out there, but I just don't, it's very much in its beginning stages. So I don't have any kind of like timeline for when that will all come together. But they will definitely be part of an eventual full length. But luckily, I was able to go in and record these songs before things went into quarantine. And with all of the time and you know, as I work, you know, got their progression, going during this quarantine from getting the mixed, mastered and the artwork done. It just seemed why not release us. You know, I mean, I'll revisit this point, but I'm not a very patient person. And so it just I kind of just kept asking myself the question, why would I sit on this right now and people probably weren't, you know, something new, especially when people are listening to music a lot. You know, let's give let's just do it. Put it out. Why not?
Thomas Mooney 1:04:17
Yeah,
Kathryn Legendre 1:04:18
it's definitely not your traditional marketing tactic. But I'm, I'm going with it.
Thomas Mooney 1:04:23
Yeah, I too. There's this weird balance between being patient and like being overly holding on to something because I always think that you don't want to sit on something so long that then you lose all interest in it. And then it becomes like old for you. And in the music business you often so so often find where you know you have especially like these major labels of you know, you've made this record and it's like a year and a half old and it's Just this like collection of songs that you've been recording over this time, and they've all kind of lost interest for what you're doing now. And then you put this record out, and then you have to like tour those songs, you know, and I always think that putting them out in a, like a more reasonable time makes you like way more interested in what you're doing. And that people can can see that too. You know what I mean? It's it, but I don't know, it's just, it's good to, like, always just not sit on something so long that UBS interested in it.
Kathryn Legendre 1:05:40
I didn't want it. Yeah. And that was, you know, kind of the questions like, Am I being overzealous, but to be quite honest, the more I listened to the songs as they neared completion, I just felt like, at least one of them just felt like if it were me, I would want to hear this song right now.
Thomas Mooney 1:06:01
Yeah, you know, it's strange, though, to I was listening to them. And they, they do very much like tie into like, the times right now.
Kathryn Legendre 1:06:09
You know, yeah, did not see that comment.
Thomas Mooney 1:06:13
It's so like, that's, it's such a like, both of them have these like really kind of like a nostalgic, kind of longing for? For like, a little bit of normalcy and a little bit of like, let's get out of what we're doing. And I don't know, like, there's it, they both feel like very much like songs about longing for at least a space out of this space.
Kathryn Legendre 1:06:41
Yeah, that's me.
Thomas Mooney 1:06:44
Yeah, well, what I guess like, what was it about these two songs that you felt like, these are the two of the songs that I have not recorded that I want to put pair these two together specifically and go that route?
Kathryn Legendre 1:06:58
Um, well, as far as pairing them goes, I think that just kind of happened serendipitously. Um, you know, I had these two songs that were, I felt like they were pretty solid. One of them I had been playing live to try and get that really finessed with the band and lyrics and everything. And so they were something that I'd had at least under my belt for a while, and I was comfortable enough with the songs. I'm saying, hey, let's just go in, and like, let's just cut these. And the only reason why I like them was because I was kind of trying, at the time, it was, um, I'm trying to think early, maybe it was early February, I was kind of trying to break this cycle within myself of, you know, I knew I wanted to work toward a full bank record, but um, I was putting this pressure on myself that like, Okay, well, you're not going to, you know, even contact a recording studio until you've got that finished. You've got those, at least 10 songs locked in, you know, what you're going to do what you're going to call it, whatever, whatever. And so I have these two sides that I felt good about. And I just decided, you know what, let me just go ahead. And I'll never find the perfect time to record. Because this is also a time when I'm working a full time job. also trying to play music full time feeling like I'm living two lives. Um, and I just kind of knew, like, I'm never, there's never going to be a perfect time or perfect space carved out to do this. So why don't you just even the studio, see what their timeline is, and then go from there. So we jumped into the studio pretty quick recorded these two songs, or at least got them finished. To the point where we didn't necessarily have to go back to the studio once everything was quarantined. But once I heard them together, I was just, you know, I literally listened to them one after the other. And the more that I did that, even just listening for edits and whatnot, it just seemed to work sonically. Um, so yeah, the pairing of the of them really just kind of came on accident. And, but, uh, specifically, one long, sad song came first. And that one came, maybe a little, that came together a little faster than other songs I've written. But I just, I had a very clear direction of what I wanted to say. And I feel like this is a song that hopefully, people will appreciate who are still going through any kind of like isolation, whether it be state or self imposed. But one of my favorite things about music, especially about country music, are sad songs. I've I've said it so many times. And that's usually because when I'm going through Moments of stress, anxiety, just depression, you name it. Um, sometimes the only thing I can find comfort in and understanding in is a song. And it's just like, I don't know why you wrote those words, but that's exactly how I feel. And it's like that can understand me better than my best friend, my partner, my therapist, my mom, you name it. And so I was really honing in on that. And, you know, listening to these sad songs, I'll just put it on repeat, and I just, it'll just make me feel better, if anything, just solidarity in some form. But I found myself, even as much as I enjoy sad songs, listening to a lot of these over and over. Even if I wasn't, you know, in any kind of duress, you know, just be like, Oh, I'm on my way to work, but I'm gonna play this sad song because it's good. I almost felt like I was manifesting a mood at certain points, or did kind of become to feel like that. And I didn't necessarily want to get stuck there. But it just kind of it was an interesting, I felt like for the song. And it just one long, sad song came to be, and it's something that I personally, if I was gonna try to market this to someone, I would just say, like, this is a song, you need to pour something strong, maybe draw a bath, that helps, you know, let yourself cry if you want to, but definitely put this on repeat. Because this is just an opportunity. Not only was it for me, but hopefully whoever listens to it, to really lean into that emotion. And sometimes it doesn't always feel good. But at least in writing it, this was getting it out in one long, sad song way. What it felt it felt great. If that makes any sense. Yeah, and then waiting in line, it's interesting, a lot of my most personal songs, I feel like, after some time has passed, I can see, oh, this situation in my life led to that song, you know, or whatnot. And I think, in general, you know, I said this earlier, I am impatient. Patience has never been my virtue. And it's definitely a bit of a struggle. But I find myself through different points in life. young, old, you know, just whether it has to do with work or school or parents or whatnot. There, I found myself in so many situations where I just had to like, wait, you know, and there's especially this. I don't know why. But if you ask me to just like, wait in line, especially if it's, like, the logical side of my brain just wants to start asking questions, you know, what not, I just, I don't jive with it. And I just think that finally, you know, enough frustrating situations, where I felt like I was being herded, or having to like, wait on something, or feel like I wasn't seeing, you know, my effort or time or progress pay off, in, in a way or in a timeline that I thought was acceptable, then I think that just happened to me enough that I was inspired to write waiting in line. And this is super nerdy. But, um, one of my personal goals with that song was I wanted each line to end with the same like, near rhyme. So every I don't know if anyone would even notice that by listening. But each line rhymes with line, basically. And I don't know why I wanted to do that was just kind of like a personal challenge. And, but I also realized that when I write songs, I tend to approach them maybe from like, a poetry standpoint. And, and or maybe it's just OCD, I don't know. But, um, a lot of times when I'm writing songs, I want them to almost, if the goal is to get them to sound as good as they can, then I want it almost to look like that on paper two, even though like not many people are probably reading lyrics principally, except that, um, but that was that was just to kind of please myself, so that's a little easter egg for anyone I guess you might notice. Yeah, and then I don't believe it or not. Actually, it's probably very believable. But the songs were sonically inspired By Martina McBride think I was just listening to a lot of her music during that time and it found its way into those songs. But um, they're definitely two songs that I have been more excited about, you know, than I have in a really long time and as someone who calls themself a songwriter, I think that's not always the easiest thing to say about your work. So that that was kind of another driving force behind wanting to release them now just excited about them. I want to I want to follow that at least. So.
Thomas Mooney 1:15:36
Yeah, that's okay. The Martina McBride thing. I definitely noticed that.
Kathryn Legendre 1:15:42
Yes. Okay. Cool.
Thomas Mooney 1:15:44
Sounds like I can't think of what what's the first one another long or I'm missing it now. I one long, sad song. There was definitely a marching McBride. I never looked it up. So I was like, this sounds like and I don't even know what song it is, necessarily, but
Kathryn Legendre 1:16:03
I can give you a hint.
Thomas Mooney 1:16:07
Like, I definitely was like, Oh, this definitely is a this definitely feels like that. I don't it's interesting. You. There's a lot of stuff to break down, I guess. Yeah,
Kathryn Legendre 1:16:18
I know. I was very long winded. Like,
Thomas Mooney 1:16:21
it's interesting, because the the let's talk about the easter egg aspect first. I feel like a lot of songwriters do that kind of thing where, you know, like, 90% of the song is for public consumption. And like 5% of its for me, like as far as like the the technical. I did this because I thought this was funny. You know, hold on. And I think a lot there's a lot of songwriters who do that where, you know, like that is this little bit? I did because I thought it it's an inside joke with myself. So it is interesting. You talk about the waiting in line thing because like you did mention in there earlier on was you know you you didn't want to you'd originally wanted to do I'm booking the time when I got the 10 songs and going that entire route and then you didn't go that route. You didn't wait in line. You know, you didn't wait for that specific time to cut a record all the way through and do it the the normal way. Waiting for that time. I feel like what that reminded me of is are you a fan of the wire?
Kathryn Legendre 1:17:39
I have never watched it. I'm very familiar. I've heard it's a great series. I've never watched it.
Thomas Mooney 1:17:44
Well this is over right now. I'm sorry. Oh, no, but like there's this what it did, it reminded me of this line in there. And that is so like to give a little context it's a conversation between these two detectives and one of them is just like really always just ease a lot more laid back and he's a lot more thoughtful he's like the the Morgan Freeman of the show. And then Jimmy is like the the asshole of the show and he's kind of like just always like, wants results now and he's a bleeding heart as far as like what police work should be and like he lives in a world of absolutes right and so like Lester says to Jimmy a life Jimmy you know what that is? It's the shit that happens when you've when you're waiting for the things that never come
Kathryn Legendre 1:18:39
Oh
Thomas Mooney 1:18:40
wow that's like the whole thing about like cuz I Jimmy's like questioning like why like what what have we been doing with this wire that the wiretap and all that stuff what like what this is what we get out of this you know, I thought this was going to be so much better and yada yada all that kind of stuff. And I think that ties into like if you wait for these moments to happen without like pushing for them. Like they're they're just never gonna come You know, if you're waiting for the the quote unquote perfect time in the future. That's just not it's not going to most of the time is not going to work out you're going to realize Fuck, I got to do it right now. Right now is the perfect time for
Kathryn Legendre 1:19:23
that. I mean, that was kind of like a, you know, again, like the beginning of my kind of like personal epiphanies. I was just like, I have stood in my way. So long, I mean, so long and I probably do a little bit but you know, I think probably my biggest conflict came from you know, I, up until very recently have been working a full time job and also lose like in the second I get when I you know, change clothes, pick up my gear and I'm out that night, you know, like, fully burning my candle at both ends. I'm not that I'm unique. In that sense, a lot of musicians do that. But, um, I think I found I latched on to a little bit of security there, and especially like, the full time job thing. And I spent so many time or so much time, really just frustrated with myself. Because I knew I had this good thing going, and it was a sure thing, you know, like I'm making money, or I was making money that I could rely on. And then Luckily, that helped me go into the studio and pay my band and things like that. But it was such a catch 22 because I was limiting myself so much. I mean, I, my tours were non existent. And if they were very short, you know, because I just couldn't, there's just no way I could take off that much time, you know, from a full time job to be able to pursue something that ultimately has been more fulfilling to me, you know, in the long run. And so I, that was just kind of like the first step for me to just be like, Alright, get out of your way, then, you know, like, I knew, and I know that in my future, like, if this is something that I really want to see succeed in whatever way, you know, that looks like I'm gonna have to take a leap of faith, or two. And so I feel like this was like, step one, and like showing myself that like, Alright, like, maybe you don't have to take that leap of faith right now. But you at least got to take a baby step, you know, and, like, start the progress. And again, like, this weird time followed that and open the door, not only for just like new ways of thinking, you know, and approaching my music and my craft, but um, you know, especially with the release of these songs, you know, I, the, the reception of them will be subjective, you know, and something that I can't control no matter what, no matter how good I think the sounds are, or otherwise. But the possibility of knowing what's on the other side of that excites me more these days, these days than ever before. So, again, just trying to like, follow that, that gut feeling. I don't know if it's an instinct, but at least follow that gut feeling for now, because for the first time, and probably a long time, if not, you know, the only time of my life time is on my side, you know? Yeah.
In a good way.
Thomas Mooney 1:22:46
Yeah. But it's, it's the, again, it goes to the whole, you know, being excited, but also like, you know, not like scared, you know, yeah,
Kathryn Legendre 1:23:01
well, yeah, I'm all scared.
Thomas Mooney 1:23:03
Like you. I feel like, it can't be like the same scared as before.
Kathryn Legendre 1:23:09
And I think you're right, yeah, that is not like before.
Thomas Mooney 1:23:12
Yeah. So it's, uh, I don't know, it's, I guess, it's always has to be like, a constant reminder to yourself. Because, like, that's, I feel the same way in a lot of ways of, like, getting in my own way. As you kind of put it like, yeah, you gotta have to, yeah, take that leap of faith, you gotta just do it. And not nitpick over the the small things because I will, like, nitpick over everything that I do. But, yeah, give so much leeway to other people. Because, like, you go, well, like you have to think about, like, the way they were they you know what I mean? Like, it's, yeah.
Kathryn Legendre 1:23:55
I'm so thankful that I have, you know, someone like Brian, in my, in my life and is like, I mean, he is my family, that I get to bounce a lot of these ideas off of to because, you know, like, I would wonder, who do you get the opportunity to talk to us about, like, many other people, you know, or what they understand like, like, what is like normal to you and like, especially in that in your process and whatnot. So yeah, it has been nice, like, bounce some of these feelings and all that off of Brian and he's pretty much we're pretty much on the same wavelength.
Thomas Mooney 1:24:33
Yeah, because like so many. So many other people just don't understand the exact thing because it's like, it's, it's bad, but like a lot of people we're just gonna always just think of music. Unless you're Alan Jackson or George Strait or Reba McIntyre, as this is just a hobby, you know. And you Obviously, it's not like there's so much in between just doing it as a hobby and being a mega superstar, you know. So once you when you find your tribe, if you will, like those people understand the what all goes into it and not being, you know, like, I felt like there's just there's just so many people in especially like in your family and stuff who are always just kind of like Oh, so that's what you're this is this is just the phase, you know what I mean? Like? You know, I guess yeah, so
Kathryn Legendre 1:25:38
well, and almost oppositely to I would find with my family. It's like they way glamorize things. I'm like, no, no. No. You know, like,
Thomas Mooney 1:25:54
I just like thinking about different things like that. That is interesting, too, I guess. Yeah. The, I've had, now that you mentioned that part of also had to, like, temper down. I guess expectations, because it's like, then you get that I, at least in my experience, it's like, what do you think you could get as tickets for a concert band name? And then it's like, well, No, probably not. Right? Also, like, if it's people that I do know it, then it's like, well, yes. But I can't get 10 tickets, or you know what I mean? Like, what do you you're asking for, like, wait, like, maybe if it was just like one of you? Yeah, we could I could get a plus one. Or you know what I mean by this, like, you're
Kathryn Legendre 1:26:49
like, suddenly they're your perceived level of access. And they're like, Oh, you can go anywhere, right?
Thomas Mooney 1:26:57
Yeah, yeah. Or, like, you're, that's, that goes into the whole thing about meeting people and being like, you know, I always try and like not be an inconvenience. And you're definitely going to be wanting like 100 photos. Like,
Kathryn Legendre 1:27:14
yeah,
Thomas Mooney 1:27:14
I can take you anywhere, you know, but it's, it's, it's so it's just strange. What have you had, I guess? Have you had experiences like that? of the not necessarily asking for tickets? But like, asking for access to for stuff that you really don't have?
Kathryn Legendre 1:27:36
Yeah, well, most of it, it hasn't really happened in my musical life. I mean, like the most it's really been like, Can you get me on the list in my musical life? Which, in most cases, I'm like, Yes. Thank you for showing up. Yes, I will put you in 10 people on what. But in my, my full time job previously, I worked in marketing, but it was for music festivals. And it's, it's funny, because it's like, yeah, I'm working. And a lot of times, that would mean I would have to physically work them during the weekends that they would happen. And oh, my gosh, you find so many new friends during festival season. And like people would just come out of the woodwork and like, Can you get me into this, this show this and like, what was really confusing is in Austin, Austin City Limits is like a brand that is bought, and like five different. They're like five different major things. in Austin with Austin City Limits. There's a festival, there's a venue, there's a radio station, like there's a TV show. And what's kind of funny about that is that no one knows the difference. And so, I mean, the people who work for each of those respective venues and whatnot, know the difference, but like, the average person coming to Austin doesn't know, like, Oh, we bought that those name rights. And like, ACL festival isn't the same thing as ACL live, and you know, what not? And so half the time I would be getting questions for like, things that I'm like, that's not we don't do that, like, that's not our venue or whatever, you know, and, yeah, there was a lot of like that, you know, and I, and I'm not good at that either. Because I am especially someone who's like, I don't want to inconvenience and I certainly don't want to, you know, like overstep my boundaries in you know, ask or go too far. If something I shouldn't, you know, but yeah, I don't miss that.
Thomas Mooney 1:29:45
The, I guess, like the the, the difference between all those, and like the public not really knowing is on purpose, though. You know what I mean? So yeah, for people to just think of it as just one one giant entity, but yeah, I don't know like I, I guess every once a while I've been asked about tickets and stuff like that for artists and shows that I'm like, my name is on on the bill so I even anyways, so um I'm sorry I don't know what to tell you. Why don't you think I was going high school? Yeah.
Alright, thanks for listening and be sure to check out Kathryn's two songs single coming out tomorrow please check out episode sponsors wickers jalapeno jelly and the blue light live. I will see you all next Monday.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai