Interviews

Interview with CELIA FARRAN

SageKatt October, 2008

interview celia 21.thumbnail Interview with CELIA FARRAN

Interview

Hi Celia, thanks for taking the time to visit with me today.  First let me say that I adore your music and so many of your songs move me in ways that I simple can’t explain and for even more reasons they really touch my soul.  I am thrilled to be introducing you to our readers this month as our featured artist in our Review section making its debut in this Samhain issue.   So if you’re ready lets get started.

PaganPages (PP): I know you just completed a show in Milwaukee, WI, which I understand was fantastic.  Are you from the area as I hear you frequent the city quiet often?

Celia: Yes, I am from the area.  I was born in Hartland, WI and raised in Big Bend, WI which is very close to Milwaukee.  I try to get back as often as I can.

PP: When did you know you wanted to be a singer/songwriter? And then get involved in performance arts as well.  I understand you were in the Off-Broadway premiere of Connor Macpherson’s “Rum and Vodka.”

Celia: Hmmmmm….I knew from an early age that I wanted to be on the stage.  I think I got bit by the performance bug when I “starred” in the Kindergarten Christmas show as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  From then on I was in every show I could find my way into from the Girl Scout Play to The Grade School al to Community Theatre.  I chose a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan and then headed to NYC to try my luck on the BIG stage.  I didn’t truly begin my singer/songwriter career until  after I left New York although I recorded a solo album of 13 original songs when I was 16 years old.  Don’t even try to find it.  I burned all the copies :)

PP: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Celia: Hmmmmm I get my inspiration from any given thing in any given moment.  If I only followed every impulse I would be prolific with a capitol P!  My influences have been Irish Folk , al Theatre, The Muppets, Buggs Bunny, Shakespeare, Gilda Radner, and who hasn’t been influenced by “The Wizard of Oz”!

PP: You have 5 cds on the market and each one making greater headlines than the other.  I felt your Breathe cd was correctly titled as it left me as  the listener with the relaxation and the ability to breathe again after 9/11/01.  Being a survivor of 9/11/01 I suffered from severe panic attacks and each time I listen to that particular cd I find myself in a different world, relaxed, calm and at peace.     Now you have released Alabaster, Red and Blue at a time when the USA is a time of heavy debate over a Presidential election, in disarray against each other regarding their race, religion,  and just plain tolerance for each other.  Your timing seems impeccable with each release.   The 2 songs in this cd Symbol and Alabaster, Red and Blue should make every person stand up and take notice of what is going on today and ask why did that have to happen and what is being done to stop it.   Do you start out planning your cds this way or is this just my way of thinking it”perfect timing”?

Celia: I am so glad to hear that my recordings have found you at the right times.  I have not really planned out many of my recordings so far.  The only one that feels that it was focused in the way of timing is “The Bard of Armagh:  A Tribute to Tommy Makem“.  When I heard that Tommy had passed on I wanted to record this tribute.  I completed it in 10 days.

PP: How was Trestle Foote Fairy born? And does she have any other family members?

Celia: Trestle started out as a disembodied voice.  Her name was inspired by a conversation with my Sister on a car ride.  You can read the story of how it happened on Trestle’s Myspace page: www.myspace.com/thetrestlefootefaerie
I had great fun with Trestle leaving voice mail messages for folks.  She came to life for the
first time in Jan of 2003 when she debuted “How Could I Live Without My Cellphone”.   No other family members for Trestle.  She is one of a kind.

PP: Perhaps soon she will do an interview with me for our PaganPages readers I know she has a lot to say and also has her own cd  as well.

PP: Tell me about your immediately family?  Is there that special someone in your life?  What about furry kids and where you make your home now?

Celia: I am the youngest of 4.  My eldest brother Marty passed over a few years ago.  He was a fantastic banjo player or as he would say it “A Purveyer of Banjosity”.  My Brother Brian lives in Milwaukee and is also a musician with the guitar as his main instrument.  He played all the guitar on “Fire in the Head“.  My Sister Annalise lives in Turkey and is an architect.  Yes, I have a special someone.  His name is Chris and we live together in Santa Fe, NM.  We are currently traveling.  I am responding from China.  No furry friends in my life.  My last pet was an African Spur Thigh Tortoise named Liam.  He now lives in the Phoenix area at an alternative school.

PP: I understand you have just finished touring would you like to tell me about that, I know you visited the Washington State and Wisconsin were there other states on your list as well?

Celia: Yes, on that tour I visited Oregon, Washington and Salt Lake City, UT.   The tour after that was a very quick weekend flight to Milwaukee.  All very fulfilling and enjoyable!

PP: I am sure our readers would like to know how long does it take for you to create your songs?  Are most of your songs your own creations?

Celia: Most of what I perform is original.  It is very rare that I do a “cover tune”.  Each song is different so it is really hard to answer how long it takes to create a song.  Some songs come quickly.  Some I am still working on since High School…or rather they have been shelved until something strikes me to finish them:)

PP: Growing up was there one thing you did that you would not want anyone to know about.  That one funny thing that maybe you tried while playacting?  I only ask because I have seen your act and performances and I can only imagine you as a child and what some of the things you must have pulled while a little girl and your parents still tell that one story that makes you want to crawl under the coffee table?  With your fabulous personality and talents you surely were not the normal every day child to have in the household.   What
would your parents tell us about you if I could ask them what you were like as a young girl?

Celia: Um….okay….After a bath I loved nothing more than dancing naked on the furniture.  I thought nothing of it until for my 5th birthday cake my mother made a little frosting figure that was supposed to be me dancing naked.  Some comments from the adults made me realize that this was taboo…so I never did it again.  Hmmmm me thinks I should make a night of it and heal that old wound.  I feel a bath coming on :)

PP: It is so nice at that age to be so innocent and carefree.  I remember being in Hawaii (Oahu North Shore) where they had the nude beach and being able to swin in the ocean nude when I was 21 and thinking of how free I was.  Maybe I need to find an ocean again LOL

PP: I read an email from one of your fans, Lori, of a show you did in Milwaukee, WI at Linneman’s Bar.  In this email she had to let the rest of us know what we sadly missed out on.  With Lori’s permission I want to share part of the email with our PP readers and would also like to get  your reaction for their love for you:

“In all the years I have known Celia, in all the concerts I have heard her perform, all of which were outstanding, tonight’s concert was THE BEST I have ever attended. The best! It’s 2:00 am, I just got
home. Celia played until midnight. Yup started at 8:00, ended at midnight, 4 Hours!!! 4 Unbelievable Hours of sounds coming from this woman that I would not have thought possible from a human voice. it. I’m speechless!!! Celia literally had people sitting there with their mouths open is disbelief. One of her fellow performers may have said it best when she, while dancing to the music and with a huge smile on her face grabbed my shoulders and shook me while shouting a long excited explitive that could only be interpreted as a show of appreciation for what she was hearing. Everyone was smiling and loving the music, everyone moving to the sounds. The bar owner wasn’t even mad that he wasn’t making any money, he was busy listening to the music.”

[Copies from an email received for Lori from the thecreativesymphonyofcelia yahoo group with permission from the author.]

When you read a statement such as Lori’s what was your reaction?

Celia: I smile.  You know that inside smile when your Dharma is being truly seen by those you share it with.  Very satisfying.

PP: Besides concerts in cafes, festivals, Pagan Pride Days where else do you perform and when is your next performance schedule?

Celia: All over.  Wherever folks gather I have played.  My next engagements are in Arizona in October and November.  I always love my shows there and I am truly looking forward to them.

PP: What are some of your favorite things in life?

Celia: , Sex and Cookies.

interview celia 3.thumbnail Interview with CELIA FARRAN

PP: A women after my own heart  YEA!!!!  If I get a chance to get to AZ in Oct or Nov I will bring the Cookies!!

PP : Do you a list of things you want to accomplish in life and if so what is left on this list to cross off?

Celia: I would like to attain Enlightenment……Dammit!

PP: Is there anything you want to tell our readers about yourself, that I have not touched on?

Celia: I have never smoked a cigarette, shot a gun, or vomited from drinking too much. I HAVE walked on Fire, worked as a Nanny on a Trip Thru Europe, and accidentally opened up for Melanie (folksinger from the 70′s) when she was late getting to the show.  My father (not a Dr.) delivered me and my birth notice said “Spontaneous Birth”.   It’s been like that ever since.

PP: I know your on your way to China can you tell us a little about your trip?  Is this a pleasure trip  or touring opportunity?

Celia: Not performing.  In fact, they made me sign a piece of paper that made me promise that I wouldn’t…talk about getting your wings clipped!  But I hope to bring The Trestle Foote Faerie out a few
times and grab some video:)

PP: Celia, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to talk to me.   You’re a firecracker; and the energy you put into your work is felt the minute your voice is heard in the air.  Thank you for coming into my life and thank you for coming into the lives of our PaganPages Readers.

Celia: Thanks Faith.   Its been a pleasure spending time with you also.

Links:

Celia Cds
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/celiafarran4

MySpace Links
http://www.myspace.com/celiaonline
http://www.myspace.com/thetrestlefootefaerie
http://www.myspace.com/atributetotommymakem

Celia on YouTube
http://uk.youtube.com/profile?user=CeliaOnlinedotcom

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Band: The Pagan States

Administrator June, 2006

8in 1 Band: The Pagan States

While going through Myspace one day, I realized that they host a variety of talented bands. I found pages for the famous bands we all know and love, and for up and coming bands trying to get their music out there to the masses. It is a brilliant way to find talent you may never have come across otherwise. The Pagan States is one of these bands that you can definitely appreciate the first time you give them a listen.

The first song of theirs I listened to on Myspace was the psychedelic sounding “Pipe Dreams” which provides you with a trippy 60′sish listening experience. I found it to be a great song to listen to while just relaxing at home or just getting a little bit loose.

The second song by them “Skeleton” was my favorite of the three offered on the site. It has a very rockin’ beginning and emotional lyrics to go along with it. The melody of the song alone will draw you in.

The third song they put up for listeners is “Harshmellow”. The band puts an old school feel to their music which blends with their serene melodies and soothing vocals.

I had the priveledge of interviewing this very talented band for all of our readers. After reading about them, I urge you all to take a listen to their music. You won’t regret it!

PaganPages: Where are you guys from?

The Pagan States: By birth or by blood, we’re from all over the globe. Ireland, England, America, Germany, and Sweden are all represented in The Pagan States.

PaganPages: How many members are in your band? What are their names and can you tell us a little about each of them?

The Pagan States: We’ve got three levels to the involvement and creative process. We have the States, which are myself (Randal Prater), Gary Hunt (drums), and Peter Sawtell (guitar). Those are what you could call the core members, at least for this album. Then there are the Cities, which are Ben Thompson (cameo vox on two album tracks, plus he sings and plays guitar with us live) and Daniel Keiran (cameo vox on one album track). Finally, we have the Towns, which are Martin Adams (live vox and guitar) and Claudia Groom (live guitar).

To geek up the mix even more, the live set is split into two waves, Old Wave and New Wave. The first half of the set is the Old Wave, which is myself, Gary, Pete, and Ben. The New Wave (myself, Gary, Martin, and Claudia) takes the second half.

PaganPages: What brought you all together?

The Pagan States: I had a band/project called Creeping Myrtle (www.creepingmyrtle.com) that lasted about ten years. Gary and Pete were in the middle era of that band. After they left, I felt like the music was still valid, but the fun completely disappeared. So, I was happy when Myrtle ended for good. Then, after I had a nice diversion touring for a year with Graig Markel (www.graigmarkel.com) and Verses on Venus (www.veiledvision.com/v/) as their bass player, I decided three things: 1) I thought it would be a cool experiment to write a new batch of songs on bass instead of guitar. 2) I needed to sing for my supper again after being silent for a year. 3) I wanted to work with Pete and Gary again, but this time to include them in the writing process. Really, I wanted a second chance to start something new while keeping the creativity and the fun at equal levels.

So, we wrote and recorded a full album that way. Then we got Ben and Dan to come in and help us finish writing the final three songs on the table. They added some lyrics and vocals and gave the crayon box some colors that weren’t there before. Dan lives in Sacramento and has a bit o’ the ol’ stagey frighty. So, his involvement ended there. Ben is still in the live mix as we rehearse for the CD Release Show. We filled in the gaps with Martin and Claudia. Martin used to be in Laudanum, and Claudia was in My Diva and Juned. Gary and I both thought those three bands were the best Seattle had to offer in the 90s. We went to a bunch of their shows. So, to be working with two of our heroes for the live set is quite nice indeed.

PaganPages: How long has your band been around?

The Pagan States: We’re brand new. The debut CD will be coming out soon and the CD Release Show in Seattle will follow soon thereafter.

PaganPages: Are or have any members been in any other bands?

The Pagan States:We covered Creeping Myrtle, Laudanum, My Diva, and Juned. Gary used to be in Sahara. Pete used to be in Powder when he still lived in England. Ben and I used to be in The Weather with Daniel. Plus, we’ve all got current irons in other fires. The Pagan States is far from an exclusive club. There are other bands, projects, and madcap hi-jinks we dabble in. The prayers for teenage stardom ended miles ago. Writing a good song is the real buzz for us. It’s good to spread your wings and work with a variety of artists. It keeps the muse happy and healthy.

PaganPages: Pagan States is an interesting name, who came up with it? What is the concept behind the name?

The Pagan States: Thank you. I have to take credit for that one. After the last presidential election, it occurred to me that the pagan states, or the non-bible-belt states, were the only ones who voted for Kerry. One of those states was Washington State, where we’re based. Upon that realization, it dawned on me that The Pagan States would be a great band name for us. So, I immediately called Gary and Pete separately and asked what they thought of that moniker. Both of them said “Perfect.” So, that’s what we are.

PaganPages: Is there any main influence behind the bands sound? I noticed a Beatlesque quality to the music.

The Pagan States: The Beatles are a huge one for us. John Lennon is my all-time hero. We all have different tastes, so a lot of various things get tossed in the mix. We’ve also heard people say they detected a Pink Floyd and Joy Division influence, both of which would be accurate. I think it’s fair to say we cherry pick from our favorite parts of the 60s to the present day. We like great harmonies and wobbly guitars and stuff that compliments the ol’ silly smoke (wink wink).

PaganPages: Many bands have personal issues with each other due to being in close and constant contract with one another. Do you guys have any of these issues? How do you deal with them?

The Pagan States: Back in the Myrtle days, that answer may have been yes. I probably wasn’t a barrel o’ fun to be around back then. All the songs we were recording and performing were written by me. So, that couldn’t have been very rewarding for the others. But, we’re all older and slower, and I’ve learned to share in the creative process. So, I feel like everything is hunky dory now. We’re thick as thieves, and we can all be creative and have a good laugh at the same time.

PaganPages: What do you think the secret to keeping a good band together is, so that they do not end up like any of the great bands that have broken up? (ex..beatles)

The Pagan States: Well, one of the great bits o’ wisdom that comes with age is that everything has a beginning and an end. A birth, a death, and a natural cycle. The trick is to make it great while it lasts and never take anything for granted. We’re okay with the notion that someday this is going to end. So, with that level of comfort and understanding, maybe we’ll be the dog and pony show that lives forever – ha!

PaganPages: Is there any special “Rituals” the band does before going on stage?

The Pagan States: I’ll let you know after we play the CD Release Show. For me personally, a nice cup of Throat Coat tea so I don’t sing like a frog is a pretty good idea. Not a very “Rock n Roll” answer, I’m afraid.

PaganPages: Is a tour in the works?

The Pagan States: I doubt we’ll play too far out of our comfort zone. There was actually talk about only doing the one show and then calling it a day. But, I hope that we play out a bunch. Like I told the others, I’ll play as many gigs as you want me to in 2006. But, as far as recording goes, I’m pretty eager to start working on my own record. Really, we’re all a bunch of studio rats. I think I might like playing live a bit more than some of the others. I like a nice balance. A year of recording and then a year of playing shows. That’s my idea of a good time. Keeps the proverbial grass green.

PaganPages: Where can we get a CD or tour info?

The Pagan States: The first place to look should always be www.paganstates.com – but, that site is a work in progress. You can also get the CD from our label Doldrum (www.doldrum.com).

PaganPages: Does the band have any contact addresses for fans? or websites?

The Pagan States: Please direct your adoration to love@paganstates.com or check us out at MySpace (www.myspace.com/paganstates). We love praise, especially when it comes from someone other than our mothers. So, bring it on. Mope Rockers like us need all the lurve we can get!

The Pagan States were a pleasure to interview. Laid back and fun to chat with. Randal, you are a barrel o’ fun now and we love tea!! Brew us up a cup! We will be keeping an eye out for your tour in our area. We recommend, readers out there, that you do the same!

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author bio:

Dana Portuguez

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The Talking Stick

Administrator June, 2006

Rhymes with Nice


Jaclyn Boone is a Guild certified Feldenkrais Teacher. I’ve attended her classes, often less frequently than I would have liked, for the past several months. At first the classes seemed like just a series of easy stretches and poses, but I soon learned that wasn’t all. Jaclyn agreed to tell us more.


Weyland: Okay, first things first….how do you pronounce "Feldenkrais"?

Jaclyn: It rhymes with nice.

Weyland: Thanks. How did you originally become interested in the Method?

Jaclyn: I was a guinea pig for a friend of mine. An organic farmer who’d studied the Method under Mark Rees, one of our founder Moshe Feldenkrais’ own students. I’m small and slender, so I was the perfect body type to practice on.

Weyland: But you don’t have to be slim and trim to do this.

Jaclyn: Oh no. You’ve seen that I have all shapes and sizes in my classes.

Weyland (pats his paunch): I’ve noticed. I also understand that the Feldenkrais Method is more than just a system of exercises.

Jaclyn: Yes. It utilizes the fact that your body is your primary vehicle for learning. It improves function itself. Moshe defined function as an interaction between a person and the outside world, the self with the environment.

Weyland: But why and how can adjusting one part of the body help other parts?

Jaclyn: Your whole body cooperates in any given movement. The Method helps people to include moves and parts of their bodies they’ve neglected or forgotten about. This helps people live more comfortably.

Weyland: I understand that sometimes just imagining or visualizing the movements can help. How does that work?

Jaclyn: Our minds and bodies are inseparable. If you can think of it clearly, you can do it.

Weyland: Moshe Feldenkrais told his students he would be their "last teacher". What did he mean by that?

Jacyln: Self reliance was very important to Moshe. He was a physicist, mathematician, engineer, and a judo master and acupuncture student. He would serve to point the way to his students. After all, if you don’t know where you’re going, you don’t get there. He felt that once his students learned how to learn, they would realize that we’re all learning ourselves. And helping others to learn.

Weyland: Cool. So where do you hold your classes?

Jacyln: Hamilton YMCA, the Yoga Center and here at the Princeton Center.

Weyland: Jacyln, thanks for answering my questions.

Jacyln: My pleasure.


This interview was originally posted in the April 2005 Full Moon Edition of Amethyst (then the Crossroads Chronicle).


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author bio:


Weyland Smith lives in Mercer County New Jersey with the bright and beautiful Morgan, her two children, and their cats & familiars Flame and Macavity. They may be reached at weylandsmith@verizon.net Any and all rumors that Weyland and New Jersey governor John Corzine were twins who were separated at birth are completely bogus–Wey’s a Republican. (And a poor Republican, at that! Sheesh…)

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