the L word Fan Site

K
i
n
n
i
e

Starr

the L-word.com Interview

Six songs.

Six songs.

Kinnie Starr had SIX songs included in the first season of the L word, including one on the L word soundtrack, "Alright." That's flat out huge. What is it about the Canadian singer/songwriter that made her such a favorite of the L word? Billboard magazine described Kinnie as "blend(ing) elements of hip-hop, pop, rock, and electronica into what can be best described as a trip-hop cocktail."

We had an opportunity to talk to Kinnie about Sun Again, the cd which contains all six of those songs. Read on to find out about the music of this L word favorite and how you can get your hands on the cd.

Kinnie, you had six songs air on Season 1 of The L Word. What were those songs? Can you comment upon how/why they were chosen?
Well I was pretty lucky that the woman in charge of music for the L word is from Vancouver, where I am based out of. She knows my work well. As to why she chose my tracks, I am not sure. In the music business, we (artists) just hope people like our tracks and can find use of them. I am really stoked when people use my tracks because it generates income as well as
exposure. Specifically in regards to the L word, I was floored by the quality of the show --- acting, editing, script,etc. That makes it doubly cool for me to see my music underneath great scenes.

Tell us about the CD, Sun Again, the CD from which those songs were taken. It was just released Tuesday, January 18, long after season 1 aired. Did the CD come together as a result of those songs?
Sun Again is actually my third CD and came out in Canada in May 2003. The reason it took so long to get picked up in the States is probably because I was working for Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas at the time of the Canadian release. I was singing on a show called Zumanity. I was bound to my contract at that point and therefore couldn't tour Sun Again as much as I should have. In terms of how Sun Again came about, it is like any CD; a collection of work that is representative of my life at the time of making it. I had no idea at the time that the L word would use any of my tracks. I'm just happy they did

You also have at least one song appearing in the season finale for the second season of the L word. Whatss that song? Do you know in what context it is used?
The song is called "Buttons." It is a spoken word piece that is about walking on Hastings Street in Vancouver's East End. "Buttons" is about my feelings on prostitutiom. I was rasied by a feminist mother and a father who was a criminal defense lawyer in Calgary, Alberta. Most of his clients were Natives, bikers and prostitutes; people who are generally given the short
end of the stick in the judicial system. At a young age my dad exposed me to his friends (who were largely people he was defending in court). I learned early that people who are 'criminals' are often people who are just not given a fair chance in the eyes of society and in the courtroom. It is my opinion that prostutes should have all the benefits that any working professional has: health insurance, a clean warm place to work,etc..... These people were in my home alot and my dad was just like, "Kinnie. She works for a living just like any other mom" when he talked about the prostitues he was working for. I haven't seen the way Ilene and the L word crew will use my poem yet, but I am hoping some or all the words will be audible.

Do you have other songs that will be used in Season 2?
Hope so!!

You were also in the movie Down and Out with the Dolls, a film about an all girl rock band, The Paper Dolls. Tell us about the film and your experience with it. Will you be doing more acting? Any chance you"ll be appearing on the L word?
You know I would love to appear on the show! When I was working for Cirque, the L word actually approached me to audition for a recurring smaller character (a scientist I think it was). I couldn't do it at the time. Hopefully they will write me into the third episode though now that I am freelance again. I like acting. It's totally different than singing beacuse it's more interactive. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!!

You just did a short, one week tour, to kick off the release of the CD. What are your plans for a more extensive tour?
I will be touring as much as possible through the States to support Sun Again. Believe me I am acutely aware of how lucky I am to have record label support in the States.

Any final comments?
Support emerging artists by making mixed CD's featuring us. Send your friends to stores to PURCHASE our albums (that way the clerks know we exist). Bring us fruit and healthy, wholesome things to shows so we don't perish on the road. I always lose weight when I tour. I am not one of those wierdos constantly trying to lose pounds. I think it is terrifying
that almost every woman I know wants to lose "five or ten pounds". What the fuck is that about??? Trying to look like a kid or what??? Skinny is not sexy. Being a person who cares about things other than "losing five or ten pounds" --- ie:vanity --- is SEXY.

Kinnie was kind enough to pass along five copies of Sun Again for us to share with L-word.com fans.

We're going to share these cds with the first five people who can name at least three episodes in which Kinnie Starr music appeared in Season 1. To enter, send your answers to Devo. If you're not one of the lucky five, then pick up your copy at Amazon.com, and help support L-word.com!

KinnieStarr.com