Interview with Singer-Songwriter Beth Arentsen

Singer-songwriter Beth Arentsen explored the universal themes of love, loss, and hope on her solo debut, Sap. The former front-woman of P-1 chats with Gay Life guest writer Christian John Wikane about her relationship to the LGBT community, the artists that inspire her, and a certain celebrity blogger.

Christian: You've had a long history with the LGBT community. When did you sense that you were a "straight ally"?

BA: I’ve always been attracted to people who are true to themselves. In my personal and professional life I’ve chosen to surround myself with creative and feeling individuals, both gay and straight.

Christian: You self-released your solo album, Sap. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a self-contained artist?

BA: The most rewarding aspect of being a “self-contained” artist is the freedom that I have to record the material that I want to record, play the venues where I feel most comfortable playing, and find my own audience without having to chase trends. It's really satisfying when you're not compromising your artistic vision or ideals.

Christian: If you could select three artists and/or producers to collaborate with, who would you choose and why?

BA: Three Brits come to mind:
Mark Ronson: I'd love to hear what he could do with my piano songs!
PJ Harvey: I think that she can hear parts and arrangements that no one can.
Kate Bush: I'd love to record anything with her and play it over and over at full volume on my iPod until I go deaf!

Christian: Your song "Gossip Queen" is about a notorious columnist who shall remain nameless. How did trashing celebrities become such a popular sport?

BA: I must confess, it is a guilty little pleasure that I too enjoyed when I took my turn to trash a certain “celebrity” trasher.

Christian: You're currently planning a follow-up album to Sap. How will your next album be different from your first?

Beth: I'm working on songs for my new album that will incorporate my life experiences since Sap, songs with a more mature point of view. I'm experimenting with different instrumentation like Wurlitzer and bass, mandolin and a capella singing.

Christian: What advice would you give to aspiring singers and songwriters?

BA: Make the music you hear and never sacrifice your ideas! And when it comes time to collaborate, only work with people whom you love and trust.

Christian: Like Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush, and Joni Mitchell, you seem to embody the tradition of female singers and songwriters who strike a chord with gay men, in particular. How would you explain that particular connection between gay men and female singers?

BA: I think these female artists sing about certain themes like longing for love or acceptance or understanding. They create music which evokes an individual spirit.

Christian: I understand you're doing a show at the LGBT Community Center in New York on October 2. What can listeners expect to hear?

BA: They can expect to hear an hour of honest and personal music spanning my entire ten year career of songwriting. I'll be playing music that I wrote during my solo piano days at the Fez, P-1 songs that I've arranged for my trio, songs from my album, "Sap," and new material that I'm excited to debut.

Beth Arentsen will appear at the LGBT Community Center on October 2. For more information, please visit: betharentsen.com