A Voice for the People: Folk Songstress Antara

She’s an independent singer-songwriter whose musical work spans a continuum from the serious social issues of classism, sexism, and religious persecution to the lighter and humorous re-stagings of childhood stories and word games. She has performed professionally for a dozen years in more than 500 venues throughout New England, Canada, the Midwest, and the South – sharing her successful fusion of rhythmic folk music and interactive coffee house performance. Here, Cherry Grrl learns more about the unique and talented artist, Antara.

Cherry Grrl (CG): How do you describe your sound and style of music?

Antara: I feel like my sound is energetic and upbeat. I describe my style of music as highly caffeinated folk-rock with a splash of politics and I love stuff that creates a connection you’ll be able to relate to.

CG: What types of topics and themes do you find yourself exploring the most in your songs?

Antara: The ever-popular bitter break up category is a reoccurring theme, along with a few love songs, of course a healthy joust at religion (I’m a recovering catholic from childhood), and mostly life perspectives. Looking at life and noticing it…and writing about it.

CG: When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician?

Antara: When I was 10 I wanted a cello. The large black case under the Xmas tree was a guitar. After taking nine years to adjust to the fact that I was not going to join a symphony with this instrument, I warmed to the idea of slinging a guitar on my back and watching life happen as fodder for song writing.

CG: What is your favorite thing about performing and being up on stage?

Antara: I love connecting with people, getting them to sing along and interact with me, and I love to see people singing my lyrics. I love to play my guitar and do as many shows as I can. Stages are ways into peoples’ hearts and if you can get in there you can celebrate the humanity of life and all of its sweet mistakes, bitterness, and sweetness.

CG: What have been some highlights for you of your career so far?

Antara: I really have enjoyed getting to share stages with amazing artists and getting to know the “music scene” and all of the people doing what I’m trying to do. I enjoy talking with people after shows, I enjoy listening crowds that interact with me. Mostly, I relish in the sounds I can make with other musicians beside me. I love riding the waves of percussion and bass…or better yet, looking into the eyes of somebody harmonizing with my lyrics…there’s nothing like that in the world!

CG: Who are some of your musical influences?

Antara: I grew up listening to glam rock and punk. I took that influence, opened my mouth to sing, and out came folk rock. When I started writing songs I was listening to Phranc and Tracy Chapman. As I evolved as a musician I really loved the aggressive guitar of early Ani DiFranco. Well, and I just wouldn’t be a good lesbian if I didn’t mention the Indigo Girls!

CG: And speaking of being a good lesbian, you were part of the 25th Anniversary Stone Wall Concert in New York City, which was a huge event for the LGBT community. What was it like for you to be a part of that?

Antara: I loved it! I met so many interesting people, given that I was from Cincinnati…living in rural, Keene, NH, and getting to see the big city. It was like…wow! I’m playing New York City…this is sweet! I didn’t fully understand the gravity of the event until after. It was a great celebration.

CG: What are some goals and plans for you looking forward?

Antara: My goals and plans are to continue to play, write, sing, and record and to never stop. I love doing music for me. Not the hype of the music scene…or the hopes of getting signed…just for me and the crowd that comes to see me. I want to continue for community sake…I want to be a voice of the people – for the people.

For more about Antara visit www.littleweirdgirl.com and www.myspace.com/antaralittleweirdgirl.