Q&A with Singer-Songwriter + Record Producer – LINDA PERRY: Talks New Album, Deer Sounds With Wife, Sara Gilbert and More!

Photo By: Kristin Burns

LINDA PERRY  is an American rock singer-songwriter, and record producer. She first became known as the lead singer and primary songwriter of 4 Non Blondes and their infamous hit song “What’s Up?”  Linda Perry has since founded two record labels, composed and produced hit songs for several other artists. They include Christina Aguilera (who had a worldwide hit with Perry’s “Beautiful”), Gwen Stefani (“What You Waiting For?” from her album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.),  Adam Lambert’s “A Loaded Smile” and Grace Slick (“Knock Me Out”). Perry has also contributed heavily to albums by Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne  as well as signing and distributing singer-songwriter, James Blunt in the United States.  The 4 Non Blondes veteran also helped singer-songwriter, P!nk reinvent herself with a smash success of their collaborative efforts on “Missundaztood,” Pink’s second album.

In 2014, Perry appeared in the VH1 reality television show Make or Break: The Linda Perry Project, in which she worked with up-and-coming musicians, including winner Hemming. In 2015, Perry wrote the theme song for the film Freeheld titled “Hands of Love”, performed by Miley Cyrus.

Linda Perry and wife Sara Gilbert celebrated the birth of their first child by making Deer Sounds, (via Custard Records) a record from their family to yours. It’s a suitably ragged, big-hearted affair, one that happily careens from singalongs with children’s choirs to delicate lullabies, finding space for all kinds of surprises in between.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa had a chance to catch up with Ms. Perry during the release of Deer Sounds. Enjoy their interview below!

Hi Linda! How are you today? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

Taking care of our son finding new inventive ways to keep him entertained.

For those not as familiar with you and your career , what are some things you could share, like who or what inspired you to choose music over, let’s say being an accountant?

Music chose me I didn’t have to be inspired by any one thing or one person. I saw the world through the eyes of a rockstar with my band 4 non Blondes back in the 90’s . And now I write songs for amazing talented artist  of all walks, like Pink, cheap trick, Alicia keys , Gwen stefani, Christina Aguilera to name a few. My life is filled with music and family and that’s the only way I want it.

Can you tell our readers more about yours and wife, Sara Gibert’s latest musical endeavor with the Deer Sounds project? How did that all come about?

Deer Sounds was the brain child of our 7 month old son Rhodes. He planted the songs in me before birth and after birth:) there is nothing sweeter than a new born energy in your life. He wanted to win a Grammy so his genius used Sara and I as his vessel:)

You also just collaborated with Miley Cyrus for the song, “Hands Of Love” for the movie, Freeheld. What made you want to be involved in that project and collaborate with Miley?

The movie is beyond beautiful. Julianne Moore and Ellen page are amazing in it. Michael Shannon so incredible. It just touched me. After I saw the movie ,The song just showed up in the car on my way to meet the producers. Ellen page suggested Miley and she came in with great energy and a beautiful generous heart.

Who have been your inspirations growing up that also inspire you today?

My best friend Aubin Crowell inspires me all the time. He is such a brilliant survivor. So thoughtful the way he approaches life, extremely inspiring.

You first hit the music scene with 4 Non Blondes but as we know you today, you are a total Renaissance woman wearing many hats as musician, producer, and your greatest joy as a parent with Sara. You have also founded two record labels, composed and produced hit songs for several other artists which include: Christina Aguilera (who had a worldwide hit with Perry’s “Beautiful”), Gwen Stefani (“What You Waiting For?” from her album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.), P!nk (on her album Missundaztood) Adam Lambert’s “A Loaded Smile” and Grace Slick (“Knock Me Out”). You have also contributed heavily to albums by Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne as well as signing and distributing James Blunt in the United States. How have you enjoyed those collaborations and who would you love to collaborate with next? (I’m talking wish/bucket list)

I have done so much haven’t I ? 🙂 Right now,  I aspire to be the best,wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, songwriter, producer, business person, mentor, teacher, human, I can be.

My bucket list? To meet the Wonderful  Wizard and talk about my journey to Oz.

Nowadays, everything is so instant…you press a button and it’s yours ala Spotify, Soundcloud, iTunes etc. What was the first album you saved up your hard earned money for as a kid and bought for yourself? (That you can remember of course  )

My first album I bought was the Jungle Book. My mother bought it for one of my brothers and she got me Cinderella. I was so upset cause I LOVE the Jungle Book so I begged my brother for it and then offered him the dollar the tooth fairy gave me. I got it and listened over and over.

What was the first song you remember falling in love with and why?

Seasons in the sun by terry Jacks . I mean come on such a tear jerker  “We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun, the stars that we reached were just starfish on the beach” say no more.

Who is in your current playlist? What artists or bands are in current rotation for you?

Let’s see…Bat For Lashes,  Beach Boys, ELO, Hemming, A Dream A Coast, Neil Young’s Harvest, Band Of Horses and AC/DC – Back In Black to name a few 😉

Describe your perfect day.

I don’t live with such grand illusions. There is no such thing as a perfect day.

What’s on tap next for you, Linda? What are you most excited about for this year?

I’m excited to hear my sons own playlist. What will be the soundtrack to his life. I love everything I’ve been working on so I’m excited to see all the seeds I have planted rise like a beanstalk.

To keep up with LINDA PERRY , visit her HERE .

To purchase Deer Sounds , head over to their website HERE and enjoy!