LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #40 from bebelizzz:
was Ann influenced by Grace Slick vocally?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: No, I like Grace Slick, and still do. But I can't
say she's a vocal influence. Elton John was a big vocal influence of mine and
Aretha Franklin. And Robert Plant in the early days."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #36 from Fah_Q:
What current artists do either of you like right now?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Right now I'm listening to a lot of Radiohead.
And Lucinda Williams. Ann: I like Lucinda Williams a lot too."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #21 from bebelizzz:
how's Ann's solo project coming on? (if there is one still)
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Right now I'm concentrating on this project with
Nancy. As soon as we're done, I'm embarking on a solo project. It's in the
wings but hasn't started yet. My tour with Nancy starts today and goes all
summer long. Starting on the East Coast and ending up in Seattle at the end
of August."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #39 from Fah_Q:
What can fans expect from this tour--old songs? New songs? Electric?
Acoustic?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: All of the above! We're doing a lot of original
Heart songs that people know. And a bunch of new songs, a few covers as
well. Ann is playing bass, guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, and flute. And I'm
playing electric and acoustic guitar, blues harp, dulcimer and mandolin. And
also singing more songs -- lead singing."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #68 from Jes50:
What Heart songs/albums are still special to you...what Heart songs are you
so sick of
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: We're going to keep the songs we're sick of to
ourselves. There's a lot that we still do and love. "Baracuda," "Dog & Butterfly,"
"Crazy On You.""
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #29 from IntersolE:
Your music has had the power to stay around for gererations, did you think
that you would still be playing these songs 20 years later?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: No, I don't think we looked that far into the
future. When we first started as young people in this field, we were just into the
here and now. It's wonderful that we've had a career like this. It's amazing@"
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #52 from sndove48:
what is your favorite song to play live?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: That's a really tough question because our
new live show is so diverse. We're doing "Baracuda" acoustic -- that's fun. For
the slow songs, we're covering a version of Elton John's "Mona Lisa And
MadHatter" and that's really fun to do. Too!"
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #53 from JohnnyBravo:
What song are you performing on Leno tonight, and why did you choose that
song?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: We're gonna do "Baracuda" tonight because I
think we feel it stands for US, you know. It's a song that still contains all the
angst we felt when we wrote it, and it sounds great with just one guitar."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #89 from LLL693:
Where do you get the inspiration for the songs you write, especially "Dog and
Butterfly"?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Well, that song, the inspiration came from
looking out of the window. I had an old English sheepdog at the time. She was
chasing a butterfly, and of course she couldn't catch it. It became an analogy
for me of an artist always trying to grab that elusive dream..."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #72 from Jes50:
Hey Ann and Nancy...what comments do you have about your Behind the
Music- i thought it was great!
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I thought it was pretty cool because we've
always been very close to the vest before with any information about ourselves
and so it was cool to kind of come out with it a little bit finally. I think a lot of
people know us better know."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #35 from bebelizzz:
do they feel they've made a difference in the rockscen - how important is/was
that for them
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I think we have made a difference in the rock
scene. I think that every band that gets to the top makes a difference in the
rock scene. And if we've helped other women get into it, inspired them to try it,
then I think it's all been worthwhile."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #103 from Buzz_Hype:
Do you feel a connection to the current Seattle scene?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: The current Seattle scene is in disarray right
now. We feel a big connection to it because we're part of it, but it's not the
so-called grunge scene it once was. Seattle is a music city that has evey kind
of music: Jazz, blues..."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #101 from LaZTiGGeR:
Will there ever be another Lovemongers record?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Probably, yes. The Lovemongers had so
much fun together and also there's no limit to the type of stuff we can do.
We're thinking about comedy...seriously!"
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #95 from Buzz_Hype:
Nancy, do you enjoy contributing music to your husband Cameron Crowe's
films?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Yes, it's really fun and very different from
doing other kinds of music, because usually you have lyrics. Now I've learned
how to lay music onto pictures and stay out of the way of dialogue."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #108 from Buzz_Hype:
Do you still own Bad Animals studios? Who are some of the acts that have
recorded there recently?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: No, we don't have any ownership in Bad
Animals anymore. And the following people, among others have recorded
there: Heart, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Neil Young, the Neville
Bros., REM, and the Seattle Symphony. Just about everybody has been
through there. It worked out real well."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #105 from Kerri96693:
Do you ever have contact with earlier Heart members? Mark, Denny, Steve...?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Yeah. Of all the original line-up I've stayed in
touch with Denny the most. I see Steve at the co-op once in a while. But
Denny and I have a Christmas card relationship now."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #110 from LaZTiGGeR:
What do you think of this whole Lilith Fair/"women in rock" hype? A lot of
these "women in rock" don't really ROCK at all, at least not like Heart did.
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I think that rock is a pretty all-inclusive word
now. It's an umbrella term now, which means anything that's not symphonic or
jazz or new age. And, I think that Lilith Fair is a great thing. This is their last
year. I think they're smart to stop before it gets less cool. It was too bad that
we never got to do it, but it never worked out for us."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #109 from MyCrazyHead:
Do you enjoy meeting your fans? Do they ever surprise you?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Our fans surprise us all the times in all kinds of
different ways. We enjoy meeting them especially the ones that are respectful
-- and they mostly are. People that like Heart are really on the whole a great
bunch of folks and we do love to meet them."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #102 from
Sherry_Monger:
Who have you not yet written with or played with that you would like to most in
the future?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: But yeah, if they got together, they wouldn't
need us!!!"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I think probably somebody like Bernie Taupin
and/or Elton John or the both of them. They're big influences since the
beginning."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #123 from Buzz_Hype:
Do you think it's easier for women musicians to be taken seriously in the '90s?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Yeah."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Definitely, yeah. It's easier to be taken
seriously, but it's also just as easy to fall into the pitfalls: to play a subtle
game of cheesecake with your image... I think in that regard, some of the rules
have not changed at all. But because there are so many women doing it now,
it's just easier to get in than it used to be."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #93 from Wenderer:
A & N, awesome show Sat! I've noticed throughout the years that Nance is
adept at blowing apart her instruments with her powerful playing. Ann...have
you ever blown out a mic. with your powerful voice?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Jay: Oh this is online. Comedy is a lot of fun."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Yeah, I think I've melted down... Oh wait, Jay is
here."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Jay: My favorite Heart song ... "These Dreams." Now,
"Baracuda " is good, but I like "These Dreams.""
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Jay: I gotta go. Keep onlining..."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #118 from JeffLagasse:
Could you tell us about the Burt Bacharach song?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Yes, it's "Nothing But Love." It's very retro and
has a lot of "Walk On By" in it. You hear it and you know that nobody but
Bacharach could have written the music. We wrote the lyrics."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #137 from sndove48:
Are their going to be any former Heart members touring w/you for your summer
tour?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: There's no band members other than the two
of us. Just the two of us."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #135 from rose1112:
How is touring as Ann and Nancy different than Heart?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: We have yet to play our first REAL gig. We are
doing the Tonight Show tonight and then we start on our tour. So I can't really
answer that other than to say it will be an awful lot simpler and there won't be
any band politics. And the music will be just as good if not better."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #138 from EUPHORICVG:
HEY ANN AND NANCY,WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING
FEMALE ARTIST?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I think right now, for any new artist, it's a
really hard time to break in because of all the conglomeration that's going on
with the major labels. But I think the Internet is a good way to go for any man
or woman trying to start out. Like selling your records online. Creating a
fanbase for yourself."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #83 from Joey3340:
Will there ever be another Heart album?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Right now, I kind of think of Heart as being up
on blocks in the back yard. It's not in the junk yard, just waiting. And it's
becoming a planter... ha ha. We don't know. There may be another Heart
record, but if you think about it, what you see this summer is just as much
Heart as anything we've done. Nancy and I are the HEART of Heart, basically.
So we are doing Heart, we're just not calling it that."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #86 from MartiK:
I read recently that you are planning to release a CD this coming December.
Will it be all new songs or a mixture, like the tour.
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: The new CD will be all new songs."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #58 from Kerri96693:
Ann or Nancy...any live video releases from earlier years going to be released?
I know the Brigade tour was well documented...
Ann_and_Nancy says, "We're trying to get a video crew out on this tour. We
will be recording the show live and trying to get some visuals as well so there
could be a nice memoir of the tour. Because it's kind of an event."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #141 from Buzz_Hype:
Did Pearl Jam's manager Kelly Curtis once work with Heart?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: We both met Kelly when he was about 12
years old. We gave him guitar lessons. He didn't learn much, but he became
our publicist and then he went on to become the manager of Pearl Jam, as you
know, as well as my solo manager. He still remembers everything we taught
him on guitar, but that was only about three things. He can play "Rocky
Racoon," the intro to "Roundabout," and another song we made up."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #158 from Jes50:
Nancy- What did you think about your Howard Stern experience?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: It was so early -- I'd had three hours of sleep.
The experience was trippy, surreal. I didn't really feel like I was there, but I
think I held my own okay. I was glad when it was over. Howard's not my cup of
tea, but I suppose some people would think he was cute."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I think he's a babe. He rocks my world. He's
good lookin!!!"
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #140 from Linder516:
This is Great!! Ann or Nancy who are some of your current favorite female
artists?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: We both have been listening a lot to Lucinda
Williams and I really like Abra Moore, as well, and we wore out Shawn Colvin's
last CD. Jane Siberry of course. Joni Mitchell's last album was great. We like
Ani DiFranco. I know there's some we're forgetting..."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #155 from Monsenor_M:
Do you think your music has had an impact on current female groups(like Hole
or No Doubt), and do you think they are accomplishing what you wanted to
see in female rock groups?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I guess when we run into those people like
Courtney Love, she always sends a hail our way. I think she's a great writer, I
forgot to mention her earlier. She's a natural. I think we had a lot to do with
influencing women in bands especially in the area of confidence so that they
felt -- most often we would get letters from women who said, I saw you guys
play and now I'm gonna go ahead and be in a band. So I think we gave
confidence."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #142 from Kerri96693:
Do you envision ourselves getting back to rock and roll...although the acoustic
stuff is great too!
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: The acoustic stuff tends to get pretty
aggressive the way we do it."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: The acoustic stuff IS rock and roll."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Rock and roll doesn't have to be big and loud.
It's the passion, the dynamics that make it rock and roll. The original rock and
roll artists were acoustic artists like Bill Hailey and the Comets. He just had an
acoustic bass."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #162 from Buzz_Hype:
What's your favorite decade for music, the '70s, '80s, or '90s?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: The 60s!!!"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I would chose the 70s over the 80s definitely.
The 90s are so diverse that it's hard to make any generalization... But I liked
the 70s because anything went: Zeppelin, the Beatles..."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #154 from MsTralwind:
How do you feel you have influenced each other musically?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Well, I think the way we've influenced each
other the most is in songwriting. I influence Ann probably more musically and
Ann influences me more lyrically, conceptually, although it's a two-way street
definitely for all things musical."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: And you're a great lyricist."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy:"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Thanks."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #10 from bebelizzz:
the euromongers would like to know whether Ann & Nancy plan on doing some
live touring in Europe - PLEASE
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: It would not make sense for us to tour in
Europe without an album. We're sort of road-testing some of the new songs
first and after we get more new songs and an album finished, then hopefully
we'll be back in Europe."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #26 from bebelizzz:
How would A&N feel about someone making a movie of their carreer? (just an
idea - say Cameron Crowe)
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Who would play Nancy and who would play
Ann?"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Ann would be played by Demi Moore and
Nancy would be played by Gwyneth Paltrow."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Mike Myers would play Cameron."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #170 from Surfette:
Will you both ever get into acting?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: We've done a little bit of acting. I've done
some in Cameron's movies. The problem with that is you have to get up way
too early."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: And where are the roles for the middle-aged
women. Even the Oscar winners are complaining about the lack of roles. It
would be unlikely that someone who's not a trained actress would succeed."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: But we're open for cameos."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Definitely."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #172 from
aliciamonger6693:
Ann and Nance if you could have a different professional career, what would it
have been?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Flight attendant, definitely! When I was a little
girl that was what I wanted to be. But now, it would have to be something
about music. I think I would be a DJ."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I probably would be a dog breeder. I have
three English springer spaniels. After having many breeds of dogs, you find a
synchronicity with a certain breed and that's definitely my breed."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #175 from sndove48:
Is it true that These Dreams was originally written for Stevie Nicks, but she
passed up on it.
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: That's right. She wasn't accepting outside
material widely at the time and it sort of came our way by default almost. We
were just lucky enough to hear it. It was never offered to us per se but I got a
chance to hear it and when I heard it I knew I had to sing it. We were lucky."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #180 from BrigadeFan:
will there be a box set in the near future with never released material?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: We would love to do a boxed set. When we
are positioned with a record company for the next album, we need to plan out
a rarities type boxed set. I've collected a lot of great rarities that would be
really special. They're mostly in the vein of what Pete Townshend did when he
released this album of songwriting demos. There's something about that and it
just creates a lot of energy."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #184 from JeffLagasse:
Ann and Nancy, I'm 19 years old and I'll be at the concert with some friends
that also enjoy Heart, do you like to see young fans?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Yeah! Most certainly, it's the coolest thing
ever when new people discover us."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #177 from Buzz_Hype:
How do you feel about the digital distribution of music on the Internet?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: The jury's really out about how it's going to
affect the industry and record companies as far as control over the sales of
music. I think it's a good thing inherently because it allows new artists to reach
fans directly and to develop a fan base and to not have to depend on the big
machine for support -- who will often stand between them and fans."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #186 from Kerri96693:
Will you two be chatting with Jay or just playing tonight?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I believe we'll be chatting somewhat, but of
course, you never know how long the guests before you talk. We'll at least say
"Hey!" to him."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: He's got Dan Rather on tonight and there will
surely be some conversation there."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #113 from Jes50:
What is the story behind the song "Devil Delight"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I was at a club in Seattle and they had this light
show going on and all of a sudden the whole stage was this really bright,
electric green color. It was evil and delightful at the same time. From there, I
thought of Devil Delight."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I never knew that story!"
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #167 from lizard6693:
Will there be any more 8 or 9 minute songs like Mistral Wind in the future?
Songs that encompass so many different styles?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Definitely not on the Jay Leno Show."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Those songs are hard to come by these
days. Although it would be fun to do, especially when you think in broader
strokes musically, but nowadays the attention span might not be as capable
as it once was."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #188 from bebelizzz:
what musical instrument would you have wanted to play, or would you like to
learn to play
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I think I'd like to learn to play one of those
East Indian instruments -- it sounds like a metal violin and you can do these
sliding notes on it. I can't remember the name of it. Not the sitar...it's more like
a violin sound. It's a bowed instrument but I can't remember the name of it."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: It might be called the Metallaphone."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I'd like to be able to play the piano a little better
and I think I will by the time the tour is over. The tuba? You know what, I'd
actually just like to get better on the instruments I already play. I'm okay on
guitar but I want to be great."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Jonny Lang is a good guitar player. Great."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: And Brian Setzer. And Jimmy Page"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Ooooooh."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: And like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #148 from lizard6693:
You guys play a lot more blues now. Is that because the record labels didn't
go for that a few years ago?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: We're playing a couple of "slompy" songs in
our set, but they're not really blues."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #191 from Potatsy:
How do describe your sister relationship?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: It's pretty darn good. We certainly are an
exception to the rule because we really enjoy each other's company and love
playing music together and when we're not working, we still hang out, you
know? It's a close family we come from. We all try to get together as much as
possible."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #196 from Joey3340:
How are your children,Ann? Will they be touring w/ you guys?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: My children are great. They're both in fine,
wonderful health and they will both be out with us all summer long."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #125 from StaciD:
Are there any plans to do a VH1 Storytellers show? That would be awesome!
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: In many ways, our live show this summer is
much like that! We tend to go on about the songs we're playing. I think Ann & I
would be perfect for that show."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #82 from Heartmonger:
Nancy, will there be a #2 Live at McCabes? I hope so!!
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I think more likely, I'll come out with a studio
record next since I already did the live record. But we'll see which way the wind
blows."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #200 from Kerri96693:
Do you think there will ever be an autobiography? Ann, Nancy or heart in
general?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Yeah, I think as a matter of fact there's a
woman I spoke with who writes for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, who we're
talking to about writing a biography of us. So we're talking about that right
now."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #80 from
aliciamonger6693:
Ann, How was your birthday on June 19th?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: It was great. We played a warmup show in
Seattle at a club called Aerospace. All kinds of technical things went wrong,
but we still had fun and I had a great birthday. The best thing I could possibly
get for my birthday is a gig."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #206 from StaciD:
Do you guys have any favorite poets or authors that are inspirations?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: I just read two books by Rebecca Wells, The
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. I think she's a real developing writer.
Poets? Dylan Thomas. I still like him."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: Yeah, he's a favorite in our family. And Joni
Mitchell just released a book of her lyrics, which is just some amazing poetry
too."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #192 from
aliciamonger6693:
What is the neatest thing a fan ever gave to you?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Wow... Well, a few years back, I had a fan give
me a full-length velvet purple cape which was completely covered with filigreed
embroidery and beaded. It's something you imagine a witch would wear! Or like
Liberace!!! I never really have worn it, but it's beautiful to look at. That was a
good gift. But I have to say, the best thing fans give us is their belief and their
devotion."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #116 from Monsenor_M:
How do you balance between maintaining your individual artistic integrity and
catering to current "in-style" demands?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Well, we've never catered to any in-style
demands before. The times we've tried we've never succeeded and it's not
satisfying so we don't even try."
LAUNCH_Host presents the speaker with question #214 from bebelizzz:
if you had the choice of being known for your lyrics OR you rmusic, what would
you choose, Ann?
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: It would be lyrics. I think the lyrics in "Mistral
Wind" are pretty good. Lyrics can be thought of as poetry, written down. Put
into a book and enjoyed on a desert island even if there's no electricity. After
the nukes come!!!"
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Nancy: I'd probably choose music, just hoping the
power doesn't go out though..."
Ann_and_Nancy says, "Ann: Well, we've gotta go. My last words for you
folks: RAWK on!!!"
LAUNCH_Host says, "Ann and Nancy have left now, they need to rehearse for
Jay's show tonight. Look for a transcript of this chat on LAUNCH.com."