As someone who has felt inspired and in awe of Joni Mitchell for the last thirty years, counting Ladies Of The Canyon as one of my most played records, I was extremely excited to see that there is going to be a whole event dedicated to her and her incredible songwriting this April. Featuring wonderful musicians such as Emile Sande, Jesca Hoop, Kate Stables (This Is The Kit), Sam Amidon, Vashti Bunyan and Eska, The Songs Of Joni Mitchell will take place at the Roundhouse in Camden on 18th April, and has all been lovingly curated by musician and songwriter, Lail Arad.
We spoke to Lail about her inspirations for putting on the event, what to expect and how Joni’s legacy continues to live on and inspire musicians today. Have a read, and hopefully we’ll see you at the Roundhouse for what promises to be a magical evening!
For those who don’t know Lail Arad, are you able to tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I guess my official day job is a singer-songwriter. I’ve been writing, recording, releasing and performing music for a many years now, and have a new record coming up soon… Meanwhile the touring hiatus started by the pandemic (and extended by having a baby) has led to some tangential music and writing projects… One of which we’re about to discuss!
You’ve curated a very special event at The Roundhouse dedicated to Joni Mitchell, which is taking place in April. When I saw this was happening, I was incredibly excited as she’s one of my all-time favourites – such a completely inspiring songwriter and vocalist. So, thank you for putting it together! Are you able to tell us a bit about the event and what initially inspired you to do this?
Perhaps unsurprisingly she is one of my all-time favourites too! Last year I was reading about her comeback appearances and noticed she was 79… I looked up when she’s turning 80 and realised it was the same month I was turning 40. So I thought great, I can celebrate her birthday instead of mine! The idea rolled on very organically from there – snowballed I should say – largely because everyone I talked to was so enthusiastic and wanted to be involved. So I approached the Roundhouse, who were equally excited about it, and from there we worked very closely together – are still working very closely together – to produce the show. It’s going to be the opening night of their annual In The Round festival. For me that’s just perfect because we’ll get the magnificence of the Roundhouse building, but with the intimacy and focus of the festival’s seated, in-the-round set-up. I always envisioned a very stripped-back affair, with Joni’s songs right at the centre; no big house band, just each artist sharing their own magical interpretations.
There’ll be a number of great artists performing, including Emile Sande, Kate Stables (This Is The Kit), Eska and of course yourself. How did you go about selecting who was going to perform – did artists reach out to you, or did you select people you thought would be particularly well suited to Joni’s songs?
The main criteria really is to invite artists who are self-professed Joni fans and have been influenced by her work in some way. I hope this has led to a line-up which will reflect the many different worlds of music within her own repertoire, as well as the musical diversity she has gone on to inspire.
And the lovely Cerys Matthews will be hosting the event. How did this come about?
The thinking was very simple: Should we have a host? Yes, but only if it’s Cerys Matthews! Luckily she liked the idea. She’s a real Joni connoisseur, as well as a most excellent presenter.
The Roundhouse is a pretty iconic venue, and I would think the perfect space for the songs of Joni to resonate throughout. As an artist and performer yourself, what has your experience been of different venues and their acoustics? Are there any particular qualities you generally look for when selecting places to play?
There are certainly things I seek out when choosing venues, though I’m not sure I’m enough of an audiophile to consider acoustics first… I enjoy playing alternative spaces – galleries, bookshops, churches. And the Roundhouse is so special because it was originally built as The Great Circular Engine House – to turn around and service steam engines!
Obviously, Joni Mitchell is a huge inspiration to many vocalists and songwriters still today. How would you say she’s influenced the work you do?
Probably so completely that I’m not even aware of it. I was brought up on her music by my hippie parents, so I’ve never not had her songs in my life. Like many songwriters I write very personal, confessional songs, and I take that freedom for granted – but I’m not sure anyone would be doing that now if Joni hadn’t dared to do it first. Also, many people probably think of her lyrics as largely, well, ‘Blue’… But I find so much humour and wit and playfulness in her writing, which I love and strive for in my own lyrics. She’s equally trailblazing in her musicianship of course – melodies, tunings, singing, piano, guitar, dulcimer, performance, production – and just the way she continued to explore and evolve. Having all that as an example, it’s like a horizon you keep walking towards, knowing you’ll never quite reach, but it urges you to keep moving forwards.
And, I have to ask – what is your favourite Joni song (or album) and why? (I think my favourite album would have to be Ladies Of The Canyon…)
I think I’m with you on Ladies Of The Canyon, at least nostalgically. It was the first record I really got to know, for myself. ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ is the first song I ever performed in front of an audience, aged 11! In a little yellow belly top from Gap Kids.
As well as a vast array of her own material, Joni Mitchell is also known for collaborating with a number of other artists, like James Taylor and Charles Mingus. Is there anyone in particular that you’ve always dreamed of collaborating with?
I’d love to work with David Byrne. Or even just be one of the backing singers in Stop Making Sense, that would be enough for me.
What do you think young artists today could learn from Joni Mitchell?
Do whatever the hell you want. And make sure it’s very, very good.
A slightly off-Joni related question – but as we’re an organisation that promotes and supports women and the queer community in music, I just wondered what your thoughts were about the industry today, and how you feel its treatment of women has changed or improved over the time since Joni started out?
Obviously we’ve come a long way since when Joni was basically the only woman in the room. The Grammys proved that recently! And obviously there’s still a way to go, but I do find it very encouraging how many incredible women I’m working with on this show. In the lineup, needless to say, but also: the head of music at the Roundhouse Lucy Wood, the production manager Anya Tavkar, our publicist Jodie from Stay Golden – that’s a lot of women at the helm.
We’re very much looking forward to the event! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Ah yes, I’d like to give a mention to the Roundhouse Vocal Ensemble, made up of young people from the Roundhouse Creative Studios. They’re going to be performing on the night – rehearsals are already underway, and it’s sounding super exciting!
Massive thanks to Lail for speaking to us!
The Songs Of Joni Mitchell will be taking place on 18th April at the Roundhouse, as part of the ‘In The Round‘ festival – it’s currently sold out, but you can join the waiting list for tickets here.
Get In Her Ears 