Music & night life
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
LOCAL RIFFS
'Rootsy' singer loves live vibe
Artist: Tracy Beck
When started: 2001
Web site: None
Most recent album: "Let the Wind Carry Me," a five-song EP available at the Barnes & Noble stores in Mayfair Mall and Brookfield.
She says she sounds like: "Really nobody. Just me. I consider myself more rootsy, more Americana." She cites Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell as influences.
We say she sounds like: The songwriting is reminiscent of "Poems, Prayers and Prom-ises"-era John Denver.
Describe your look: "Laid-back and casual."
Favorite food on the road: "I eat a lot of white cheddar popcorn."
Unofficial band beverage: "I drink a lot of red wine. I have a song called 'Red Wine.' "
What other musician could you take in a fight?: "Britney Spears. I think most women would want to do that."
First gig: A nameless bar in Mukwonago.
Worst gig: "That bar in Mukwonago. I had just put my back out, and I had to sit on a
stool all night in excruciating pain. I had an air conditioner roaring in my left ear, and since it was my first gig, I didn't know how to handle my sound system that well. And so I had all this feedback, and then I had drunks who wanted to sit up real close and watch me play guitar. I went home and cried after that one."
Song you're most proud of: "I would have to say 'Let the Wind Carry Me.' I spent the most time on that one."
Favorite song in the live show: "Beat-up Blue Chevrolet."
Why do you do this? "Because I love it. It's something I've done for a long time. If I weren't doing it live, I'd be in my living room doing it for myself. It puts my soul at ease."
Where do you want to be in five years? "I'd like to have a couple more songs put out of songs I've written, and I'd like to have an established following."
Next gig: 7 p.m. March 8 at the Coffee House, 631 N. 19th St. ($3.50).
— Dave Tianen
"I consider myself more rootsy, more Americana."
Tracy Beck