Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Joan as Police Woman plays The National Concert Hall in Dublin on the 18 November. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Over her three-decade career, Joan has performed alongside Lou Reed, Rufus Wainwright, Damon Albarn, John Cale, Laurie Anderson, Sufjan Stevens, Anohni, Beck, Toshi Reagon and the late Jeff Buckley.
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She released her 10th studio album, Lemons, Limes & Orchids, in September 2024.
Her latest albums have featured production and instrumentation from Grammy Award winner Meshell Ndegeocello on bass, Chris Bruce (Seal, Trevor Horn, Alanis Morissette) on guitar, Daniel Mintseris (St. Vincent, David Byrne, Elvis Costello and The Imposters) on keys, and Parker Kindred (Jeff Buckley, Liam Gallagher) and Otto Hauser alternating on drums.
When not touring and recording, Joan also teaches at NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Earlier this year, she joined Iggy Pop’s touring band as a keyboardist and background vocalist.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I live in New York City, where I find the friendliest, kindest, most loving people in the world. I prefer a shoulder pad. I could watch bumble bees harvesting pollen by vibrating all day and all night.
How would you describe your music?
My music is like wrapping love in crimson silk, perfuming it with jasmine flowers and laying it softly around your shoulders.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Brahms, Sly and The Family Stone, Bowie, The Breeders, Nina Simone, Meshell Ndegeocello, Fela, Cass McCombs.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Jean Luc Ponty, 7July 1982 at Toad’s Place in New Haven CT.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Axis Bold As Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
What’s your favourite song right now?
The Age Of Self by Robert Wyatt.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I’m a street walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm" - Search and Destroy by The Stooges.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
How I Got Over by Mahalia Jackson.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website. Dublin gig on the 18 November at The National Concert Hall.
Alan Corr
