Free Bird
An artist’s artist, musician and comedian, Aimee Mann proves that being independent is worth it
Aimee Mann relies on herself, not the record industry.
A decade ago, the singer-songwriter kicked record execs to the curb and began releasing albums on her own label, SuperEgo Records.
Known best for her work on the Grammy- and Oscar-nominated Magnolia soundtrack, Mann continues to build her substantial fan base with odes to loneliness and the more dour aspects of life. Yet her decision to leave the corporate world of music behind has never has left her singing a sour note.
“Everything [about being independent] is the best part,” she says. “To not have to worry about other people weighing in with their opinions or making announcements about what you should do. To have control of your art and not be told when and how to tour. You can make decisions based on your own person.”
With that kind of freedom, she has produced seven solo records while still finding time to collaborate with other musicians.
Keeping things fresh and unconventional doesn’t only extend to melodies and album distribution. Every year, Mann does stand-up comedy in a particular Christmas variety show that in the past has featured actors John C. Reilly and Michael Cera. In addition to her music and comedy, Mann has also dabbled in acting — most memorably as the German nihilist who had her toe lopped off for the cause in The Big Lebowski.
To Mann, the comedy, the music — it’s all a part of being an artist. “It’s fun. Doing one creative thing helps inspire another,” she says.
Mann is in high spirits for her upcoming tour to support her new album, Smilers.
“I’m having a really good time playing live right now. I’m working with two other musicians and during the show, we’ll just trade off on instruments, taking turns with two other instruments. The dynamics are so different than what I usually do,” she says.
She’s no fan of the beaten path.
*Originally published in the October 8, 2009, issue of The Pacific Northwest Inlander*
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