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Takes Flight
Regina Spektor is an uncaged, delicate and meditative songbird. And like anything with wings, she flies. Her melodies circle your brain like anti-vultures. Their prey is your heart just the same, but their intent is not to devour. On the contrary, they want to be your kite.
And like peace doves, Spektor’s voice brings light wherever it goes. Even in the depth of dark winters, her seasonal introspection gives way to phoenix-like creative rebirth. I asked the splendorous Spektor, whose voice rivals the loveliness of her adorable Russian features, whether or not she believed the four seasons affect music and if there was a soundtrack for autumn — then she broke my heart with her half-hum laugh.
“Well, I think that there has to be, right? There’s food for seasons — I’m just worried that with all this environmental craziness and horror that’s going on that we might not even have seasons anymore,” said Spektor in the most sweet and fragile voice these ears have ever heard. “It’s really eerie, like it’s not very pleasant to be going through Massachusetts at the end of September and not see any of the leaves on the trees changing color.”
I die inside. I try to be smart: “Maybe that’s one of the aspects of the climate change that the experts overlooked. If the climate can affect music and the climate isn’t changing, then perhaps it’s stunting musical inspiration,” I said. “Yeah, I think it would. It’s like when I’m in L.A., where the weather doesn’t change, there’s only one type of a feeling that might inspire music, for the most part,” she replied.
Spektor, in person, is so much like how she portrays herself musically that its shocking: thoughtful, passive, intellectual, beautiful and considerate. She is grounded, but this New Yorker's floor is not laid in concrete.
And what of fall? How does this, my favorite season, factor into her inspiration? “Mmmm, well, fall isn’t as isolated or introspective as winter, right? I think winter is the most introspective. So what is fall? Harvest time and colors and sort of, like, well it’s gotta be something … luxurious!” she gently exclaimed.
Like the geese of Canada, Spektor also migrates. She migrated to New York from Russia and she migrates with her piano across the globe, and when in need of inspiration, she migrates to Israel.
“I started singing when I was [in Israel]. I didn’t sing for people before. I went there for five weeks and it affected me for my whole life and definitely got me into writing songs for the first time,” Spektor admitted with soft pride. “The people there are so warm and are really alive,” she said, hinting at a sense of excitement. "[Israelis] are so strong and loving and cool, it’s a whole different place,” Spektor said. “I love the feeling of being there — there’s just a natural way about it.”
Natural. Strong. Cool. Reminds me of a certain songstress — no fly by night talent, but one that will continue to soar through the ears, eyes and hearts of those who seek soulfully ascending music. | RDW
Regina Spektor • October 10 • The Fillmore Detroit
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