Producing projects with Linda Perry
Knownfor her distinctive voice as the lead singer of 4Non Blondes, Linda Perry also is an in-demand songwriter and producer, having worked with pop stars such as Adele, Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani. Acouple years ago, Perry introduced Willa Amai to Dolly Parton and the two singers dueted on a cover of Parton’s 1977 hit “Here You Come Again.” Perry’s latest project was producing Amai— who is signed to Perry’s label— on her latest single, “Unorganized Crime.”
Q: You have worked with Willa since shewas 12. Howhas she developed as an artist inthe four years you’ve known her?
A: Willa grew so fast. She is a sponge absorbing all. Her voice has gotten stronger, her songs have more depth and range. She has become very articulate in describing her style and sound. She grew into herself and has become a very prolific songwriter.
Q: Has this pandemic affected how you create music?
A: Ihave been scoring film and TV, so I get to create a lot bymyself. I go tomy studio, I come home — not much different since the pandemic. I do occasional Zoom sessions. I have a room at (my) studio where artists have a separate entrance. We are separated by a very thick glass, sowe write like that. My art feels focused, but some days it gets muddled by the situation.
Q: You’ve traveled for
so much of your career. What are some memories that stand out?
A: Honestly, I have been around the world, yet I didn’t really see much of it (or) experience it like normal. When you tour, youare in and out. Asa producer, I don’t travel much‘ cause I have my studio and people come tome. It is pretty amazing being able to say Ihave been everywhere from South East Asia to Australia, but I wish I had more of a story to go along with that.
Q: What’s onyour travel bucket list?
A: I have never been to Jerusalem. That’s somewhere I have always wanted togo— to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Q: Whatwas the first trip you took as a child?
A: We traveled on a train from Boston to California quite often. The trip was three days. I loved staring out the window, seeing the world flash by, occasionally locking my eyes on barns, mountains, cities, countrysides. ... I loved it.
Q: What’s themost important thing you’ve learned from traveling?
A: I find it so rewarding emotionally and spiritually
to see and feel the history of someone else’s culture. I love people.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would youchoose a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A: I’m vegan, so finding a place that glorifies the vegetable ismy favorite. There are somany restaurants and food trucks embracing a vegan diet and that is so comforting tome. It is no longer a trend. It is away of life.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I don’t have getaways, but if I do choose to leave the city, I really enjoy Ojai. It’s peaceful— feels good there. I love to walk, so hikes— trails anywhere, really as long as I can go into a trance putting one foot in front of the other. That’s my happy place.
Q: What would be your dreamtrip?
A: I’m aweirdo. I don’t have these fantasies or thoughts. I am very happy being home.