Music Blog

Singer-songwriter, and recent Portland transplant, Langhorne Slim headlines this Saturday’s show at the Doug Fir Lounge. En route to a gig in Seattle, he took a few minutes to talk with us about his ongoing tour, move to the city, favorite local musicians, and what’s next on his recording agenda-- including a new album. Karyn-Lynn Fisette caught up with Slim.

KF: Since the last time I saw you perform, you’ve gone vegan, quit smoking, survived the mustache craze and moved to Portland. What was the impetus for so many life changes?

LS: I think it was living on the road, the drinking, eating sh**** food. It wasn’t turning 30, or anything like that. I didn’t go out a buy a sports car, and haven’t had a mid-life crisis… yet. My girlfriend recommended—no, I think she just told me —I’d be doing a cleanse, eating a raw vegan diet. I was a vegetarian for 20 years, so it wasn’t too difficult. Sometimes I miss cheese, but the vegan thing stuck.

KF: There are lots of people in Portland who will be happy to hear that. I love cheese, so I’m not one of them. Since you’ve been here, have you had much time to explore the city?

LS: In the year that I’ve lived here, I’ve probably spent only about three, three and a half months in town, so not too much time. I do love just driving around and seeing different places, trying out different places in Portland.

KF: Does the city live up to your expectations?

LS: Well, whatever those expectations were, or are, Portland is the probably the greatest city in the world for a traveling musician. There are so many warm, creative, friendly people here, and space and privacy. I’m still on the road a lot, but it’s a great city to come back to. When I moved from California, I was looking for a home; I’ve never paid rent in my adult life. I’ve just been going from city to city, crashing with people. I used to think I wanted to live in a city, but then I lived in New York. New York is terrific, but I missed the country. After New York, my girlfriend and I lived north of San Francisco, way out there for a while, and I missed the city. Portland is best of both worlds. You can be close to the country, and take a two-minute drive down the hill and you’re downtown. It’s my first home since I started playing music. Plus, if I normally get sick of a place in two years, it will take me four or five to get sick of this one.

KF: Who are some of your favorite musicians in town? Are you collaborating with local artists?

LS: I’m not collaborating right now, but I’d like to. When I’m here, I’m sticking around my place, really concentrating on writing my own songs. If I could work with some local musicians, I’d like to do a split 7” with Sallie Ford, and I’m a big fan of Y La Bamba. God, there are so many talented musicians in Portland. I’ve also worked with Chris Funk. He’s a good friend—and he produced my last record. I’d like to work with him again.

KF: Is Sallie Ford down with a split 7”?

LS: The last time I saw her, I brought it up, and she politely said she thought she might like to do that.

KF: Local, or non-local, who are you listening to right now?

LS: I’ve got an Elizabeth Cotten record I like a lot, and I’ve also been listening to some Bill Withers around the house.

KF: And what projects are you working on? Do you have a new album in the works?

LS: I’m working on a whole bunch of new songs. We’re recording a new album in November.

KF: Do you have a studio in mind?

LS: No. I have non-studios in mind. A studio is an option; it can be a great option, but nowadays, it’s wonderful to be able to record anywhere, in a barn, or a house. We’re looking for something more like that this time.

Langhorne Slim plays Saturday, July 16 at the Doug Fir Lounge. Weinland opens. Doors at 8:00, show at 9:00. Tickets are $12 (advance) and $14 (day of show).