Jun 1, 2007

Just what the doctor ordered

Linda Draper talks healing power of music

By Paul Freeman / Daily News Entertainment Writer

Linda Draper has always found music to be a healing balm.

"Music has tremendous power," says the New York singer-songwriter, currently on her first tour, which makes a stop at the Make-Out Room in San Francisco this Tuesday. "Since there was communication, there was music of some sort. With it, there is strength to be found."

The gentle power of Draper's music can be heard on "Keepsake" (Planting Seeds Records), one of my favorite releases so far this year. With a disarmingly sweet and expressive voice, inspired wordplay and engaging melodies, Draper consistently captivates. "Shine," "Traces Of" and the title track prove to be exceptionally memorable tracks, but all 10 songs are individual gems.

The undeniably genuine Draper has been described as a folk, antifolk or indie-pop artist. Her charming songs transcend categorization. She has found a home in the New York music community.

"It can be competitive - and I'm sure that's also the case in California - but I've found a very high level of camaraderie. There's so many different small scenes. I fell into one and it was very nurturing, where you can go and be yourself, do your thing."

She began writing and strumming when, at 14, she picked up her mother's guitar. Her parents had met at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

She asked her father, a guitar teacher, for instruction. "At the time, I was listening to the Indigo Girls and they had a song, 'Closer To Fine,' that I loved. I asked my dad, 'How long will it take me to be able to play this?' He said, 'Probably about a month.' I thought, 'Oh, my gosh! A whole month?'"

The outlet for self-expression was vital during the two years Draper spent in boarding school. "It was definitely a coping mechanism in many ways. I guess it still is. As a teenager, I was kind of a sad, insecure little girl.

"Music was something that helped me at least walk through the halls with my head up high, instead of crying in a corner," she laughs softly. "It was a great escape for me. Very therapeutic. I knew even at that time that this was something that I not only wanted to do, but needed to do, just to have peace of mind."

She recorded her first four albums with Kramer (who also produced Galaxie 500, Urge Overkill and Low). Draper has adeptly taken the reins, co-producing "Keepsake" with Major Matt Mason.

"My confidence going into the studio was stronger than in the past," she says. "I had a clearer idea of where I wanted to go with the music, how I wanted it to sound.

"With every recording, there is a level of spontaneity that I consider to be important. Ideas occur in the moment. I try to keep my mind open to that."
Draper welcomed the added responsibilities of producing. "It was liberating. Since I'm on an indie label, there's not that fear of having to sell a certain number of units. It's fulfilling being able to take on new challenges in my music. It's important to do so, to keep it fresh."

Draper explains that the "you" in her songs represents a composite of many different people. "I play with metaphors sometimes, to make it less obvious. I don't want to write a song and make it exactly like I'm reading out of my diary."
Draper deals philosophically with the challenges of carving out a music career. "I've learned to roll with the punches. Every gig is different. I never expect the crowd to be one way or another. If they're receptive, it's a plus. If they're not, I just chalk that up as character-building moment.

"I would like to just keep on doing what I've been doing and maybe someday make money at it," she chuckles. "I feel every year, I'm progressing a little bit more in terms of getting myself out there and having fun with it. I just want to see how far I can take it."

Last Christmas, while visiting her mother, who now resides in Oakland, Draper sat in the garden, reflecting. She decided to return to college to study music therapy.

This might make juggling her budding career more difficult, but Draper will continue to record and perform. "If you really love doing something, you always find time. Who needs sleep?"

At a glance: Linda Draper, The Orange Peels and That Man Fantastic; June 5; The Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St., San Francisco; $6