NEW ALBUMS
Q&A
“I don’t have to worry about anything now, except my voice”
Shirley Collins
Now and then: Shirley Collins in 2023
GRANTGEE
Is making a record a pleasurable process?
SHIRLEY: Well, it’s always pleasurable, because of the musicians I’m working with. It’s a bit slower than it used to be, takes a bit of time. But it’s great fun, because the musicians are so wonderful. We’re all good friends and we have a good time together. Ian [Kearey, producer and musical director] is here right now – he comes up to see me every week, and we talk about music all the time. I choose the songs, but it’s very informal. We don’t get together for proper rehearsals. The band know the songs, and it’s not ’til we get in the studio that the songs get played and possibly changed. Ian’s the boss, he steers things in the right direction. Ian, are you the boss?