Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
November 5, 2020
Known for her distinctive voice as the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, Linda Perry also is an in-demand songwriter and producer, having worked with pop stars such as Adele, Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani. A couple years ago, Perry introduced Willa Amai to Dolly Parton and the two singers dueted on a cover of Parton’s 1977 hit “Here You Come Again.” Perry’s latest project was producing Amai — who is signed to Perry’s label — on her latest single, “Unorganized Crime.” Based out of Los Angeles, Perry stays in touch with her fans on Instagram.
Q: You have worked with Willa since she was 12. How has she developed as an artist in the four years you’ve known her?
A: Willa grew so fast. She is a sponge absorbing all. Her voice has gotten stronger, her songs have more depth and range. She has become very articulate in describing her style and sound. She grew into herself and has become a very prolific songwriter.
Q: Has this pandemic affected how you create music?
A: I have been scoring film and TV, so I get to create a lot by myself. I go to my studio, I come home — not much different since the pandemic. I do occasional Zoom sessions. I have a room at (my) studio where artists have a separate entrance. We are separated by a very thick glass, so we write like that. My art feels focused, but some days it gets muddled by the situation.
Q: You’ve traveled for so much of your career. What are some memories that stand out?
A: Honestly, I have been around the world, yet I didn’t really see much of it (or) experience it like normal. When you tour, you are in and out. As a producer, I don’t travel much ‘cause I have my studio and people come to me. It is pretty amazing being able to say I have been everywhere from South East Asia to Australia, but I wish I had more of a story to go along with that.
Q: What’s on your travel bucket list?
A: I have never been to Jerusalem. That’s somewhere I have always wanted to go — to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: We traveled on a train from Boston to California quite often. The trip was three days. I loved staring out the window, seeing the world flash by, occasionally locking my eyes on barns, mountains, cities, countrysides. … I loved it.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: I find it so rewarding emotionally and spiritually to see and feel the history of someone else’s culture. I love people.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you choose a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A: I’m vegan, so finding a place that glorifies the vegetable is my favorite. There are so many restaurants and food trucks embracing a vegan diet and that is so comforting to me. It is no longer a trend. It is a way of life.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I don’t have getaways, but if I do choose to leave the city, I really enjoy Ojai. It’s peaceful — feels good there. I love to walk, so hikes — trails anywhere, really as long as I can go into a trance putting one foot in front of the other. That’s my happy place.
Q: The holidays are coming up. How will you celebrate it this year?
A: Home, but I do enjoy being in New York for Christmas. The whole vibe feels like home to me.Q: What is your favorite city?
A: Los Angeles.Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: New York.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I can leave with only a toothbrush. I am a light packer. I don’t like to bring a lot and I feel (like) if I need something, I can just buy it. That’s what you end up doing anyways when you go somewhere — we consume.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: I’m a weirdo. I don’t have these fantasies or thoughts. I am very happy being home.
© 2020 JAE-HA KIM
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