[Interview] Beth Hart: Beautifully Rough Edges

There are millions of musicians, globally, who have devoted their entire life’s purpose to creating, performing, and evolving music–but there are only a handful of artists who are empowered enough to change the lives of others.

We are most fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview a recording artist who has done just that. Her name is Beth Hart.

Now, before we move any further, it is important for you to first understand the caliber of musician Beth is. She keeps a kindled flame shining bright on what is left of a puddled candle. The sounds of Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Cyndi Lauper, and Joan Armatrading perpetuate endlessly from her rasped lungs and you can bet your ass that these sounds will not be around forever.

SCMB: What band/musician is your go-to?

BH: Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Sound Garden.

SCMB: What album by this band/musician? Why?

BH: Blues In The Night (the early show) by Etta James, all live, awesome.

This woman is not to be bundled with the women of popular culture in 2011, or this entire decade for that matter.

Beth is real. As real as it gets. She literally gives every ounce of her life experiences to her audience and does so with zero hesitation. If your first reaction to this statement is, “well are you implying that the women of popular music today are fake?”, I would ask that you give me the opportunity to further explain.

Beth grew up in Pasadena, Calif., and learned early on the imperfections of this so called life. When Beth was just a 5-year-old golden poppy her father was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison. Shortly thereafter, her parents divorced and Beth decided it was time to take life into her own hands.

As a result, Beth began using at a very young age and this ignited a lifelong struggle. Fret not. All of Beth’s ugly was eventually transformed into what is now Beth’s true beauty.

SCMB: Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

BH: Life’s ups and downs.

During all of her ups, downs, lefts, and rights, music was always the focal point.

SCMB: At what moment did you fully commit to becoming a full-time musician?

BH: 4-years-old (only music, always).

One of our favorite facts about Beth is that when she was a teenager she performed on Star Search and her talent just about caused Ed McMahon to stroke out. Beth went on to smoke the competition and won the whole thing.

Unlike Star Search, we discovered Beth while in college. In fact, I personally remember coming in from the bar one night (tongue twisted enough to where music was only to be played at plate shattering volumes) and in the midst of channel surfing I was able to catch a glimpse of this tatted-up vixen perfectly pounding the keys of a Yamaha CP33 keyboard.

SCMB: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

BH: A classical composer and conductor.

I was immediately engaged; not to mention her voice instantly chilled my drunken bones. At that moment I knew I was hooked.

What I was watching was her live DVD entitled Live At The Paradiso (2005). Effin unbelievable. I was not sure who or what I was watching at first. I began to ask myself, “Wait who is this? Should I know who this is? Why is she on PBS? Wait, is this PBS?”
Beth Hart-”LA Song”

SCMB: What musician, alive or dead, would you desire to work with? Why?

BH: Buddy Guy. I’d like to be his background singer so I could watch and learn every night.

The following morning–after having three scrambled eggs, bacon, three Advil, and fruit punch Gatorade of course–I hit the web to find out more about her and it was confirmed (not just a drunken stooper), Beth Hart is a true musician and visionary.

We wrapped our interview up by asking Beth a few light-hearted questions hoping to get an idea of who she is today:

SCMB: How do you unwind while on the road? How do you reach clarity?

BH: Meditation, exercise, hot baths, and video games.

SCMB: What is your most recent downloaded album?

BH: Ella Fitzgerald – Lullaby Leaves, brilliant.

SCMB: Rolling Stones or Beatles?

BH: Rolling Stones.

SCMB: Do you have any pre-concert rituals? Superstitions?

BH: Relax, warm up, pray.

Beth Hart: “A Change Is Gonna Come”

We certainly hope that our description of Beth as being a “real” person has proven valid. It is important for people to be informed of musicians such as her because really and truly there just are not that many. When this passion in artists fades away we will be left with only memories and Katy Perrys.

We would like to thank Beth Hart and everyone else who made this possible.

Now, to you Beth. What do we gotta do to get you performing back here in the states?