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A Minute With Brigid Kaelin
By: Holly Freeland
Holly@louisville.com

Hometown- you’re from Louisville, right?
I am indeed, as are both my parents.  I grew up in the Highlands and can’t seem to escape no matter how I try.  I live there now, although I spend about half of my time on the road or in Nashville.  I went to Atherton High School, but moved to NYC for college (NYU).  I was a political science major and jazz piano minor.  I was 20 when i graduated in 3 years and then worked for CBS News.

What are your thoughts about Louisville for the local music scene? 

It’s definitely a great place to start out because it’s not nearly as competitive as places like New York, Atlanta, LA, or Nashville.   The live music audience is really welcoming here, especially to new talent.  I wish more people would understand the amount of talent we’ve got here.  I have seen an increase in music crowds since the Metro Council implemented the smoking ban, but it would be great if there were more people who sought out live, original music.  

Who taught you to play music and sing?
Piano is my first instrument, and I’ve been playing as long as I can remember.  My grandfather was a professional jazz trumpet player, and he taught me a few notes when I was really small.    My dad brought home a guitar for me -- I think he won it in a bet or something -- when I was about 9, and I taught myself a few chords

As far as singing, I was completely obsessed with musicals, so I was constantly singing songs from Annie, The Wizard of Oz, and The Sound of Music.  There’s a really embarrassing tape somewhere from when I’m about 3 years old. I was listening to the soundtrack to Annie through headphones, and I didn’t understand that everyone else could hear me singing along.  My dad recorded it, and I was mortified.  I don’t think I sang for anyone for years after that.  But I remember being 11 or 12 and figuring out Carole King songs on the piano and belting them out when no one was home.

The accordion obsession came after my high school chorus (Atherton Chamber Singers) took a trip to New Orleans.  I had always wondered about the instrument, but had never seen one up close until that trip.  When I came back, I had to have one.

Your performances include many instruments.  What all are they and which do you consider to be your best?
I am by far the best at the piano, but then, I studied the instrument for years and years. I used to play at cabaret clubs in New York City.   The accordion is a close second.  I play other stringed instruments fairly well, but I have more fun playing the musical saw.  Actually, lately, I’ve become completely obsessed with yodeling, and I’m close to considering that my latest instrument.
I can play piano and accordion at the same time, which is fun to throw into the mix.  Maybe I should learn tap-dancing too…

What are your thoughts before you perform?
I absolutely love being on stage.  So far, I’ve not been nervous, only really really excited.  Usually, I’m thinking about logistical stuff like, ‘Where’s my guitar player?’  I also don’t like making set lists, which really annoys Peter Searcy.  Since he’s been playing bass for me, I’ve been making set lists to appease him.  I don’t always stick to them though.  It all depends on the vibe I get from the audience. If they aren't up for a slow song, I'm not going to sing one, even if it's next on the list.

What are you up to right now, music-wise?

I have been so busy during the past year, and I have loved every minute of it.  I just finished recording a new album and I’ve been on the road a lot, traveling the country touring in Peter Searcy’s band.    I also spend a lot of time in Nashville, doing session work (playing piano/accordion on other people’s records) and writing.  I’d love to be able to do it all from Louisville, but the best players in the world live in Nashville.  That’s where the work is. I want to do so many things -- write and sing for myself, write and play for other artists, travel.  That part of the industry is Nashville-based. You make movies in LA, do theatre in New York, make bourbon in Kentucky, and you play music in Nashville.

I’m also thinking about releasing a full-length country Chanukah record this holiday season.  The Mazel Tonk! single I did went over really well, got airplay on tons of stations world-wide.  I had no idea there was such a market for it.

As for travel plans, I’m working on scheduling a tour this summer.  I’ll be playing all over this half of the country - at least as far west as Texas.  I’m working on a European tour for July.

When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?
I’m constantly writing. Writing is a craft, and you have to constantly practice your craft.  Not everything I write is brilliant, but I try to write everyday.  That way, when I’m feeling really inspired, I’m ready to capture it.  
Lately, I’ve been trying to write duets, which I find really challenging.  I’ve also been writing songs for other artists.  It’s really easy to write something for myself, but I like the challenge of capturing someone else’s voice and character

Who is your favorite new artist and why?
My favorite new record of last year was The Avett Brothers’ Emotionalism.  I love their sense of humor and their musicianship.    

What musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?
I am mostly drawn to good lyricists. I love people who have something to say, and have a new or clever way to say it.  I grew up listening to John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Carole King, and Cole Porter.  It’s funny, but as much classical and music theory training as I have, I actually prefer listening to simple music with beautiful melodies and clever lyrics.  

How do you label your music style?
I’m so glad the term ‘Americana’ was invented!  Americana is a nice catch-all genre that really celebrates roots music of all types -- country, jazz, rock, blues, pop.   If I could invent a new genre, it would be ‘country-cabaret.’   

What is your favorite thing about the city of Louisville?

I love how this town gets in your blood and won’t ever leave.  I couldn’t wait to move away when I was 18, but then I started having Derby parties in my New York City dorm room.  Growing up here, it’s hard to understand what a wonderful town this is.   I’ve traveled the country over the past year, and very few big cities have the same small-town welcoming feel.