M AY 2 0 1 8 4 5 Isn’t That… have a female artist.” It got better in the 1990s. That was a glorious time. There were so many great musicians playing and recording very important music. Of course, after that, I experienced the ad- vent of the digital age. I’m not going to say it’s bad–music is still just as impor- tant now. I have four kids, and I see how technology allows them to access dif- ferent artists. It’s helped me, too. It al- lows people to listen to my earlier work, and it’s given me more control and reach with my songs. I can interact with my fans directly. Ifyoucouldgiveanyadvicetoyourselfbackthen,what woulditbe? Just take it one day at a time–you have lots of time and life to live. Try to love yourself as much as looking for someone else to love you. Do more sit-ups. You’vealwaysbeenanoutspokenmusicalfigure.Doyou thinkartistshaveadutytostandupandspeakout? It’s a personal choice. You can’t say do be political with your music; you can’t say don’t. For me when I started out, my work was so incredibly personal I was compelled to be honest. I can’t imagine being any oth- er way. I have no regrets about speaking out on the issues I have. YourfinalshowofthenationaltourisattheCollinsCenter inOronoonSeptember29.Doyouplantotakealittle downtimeinMaine? I love Maine, especially in the summer- time! I usually visit Portland once a year. There’s not much time for relaxing with four kids. I’m usually writing and record- ing and staying busy and creative. Some- times going out and playing a show is the most relaxing thing I can do. n “In the 1980s, we’d call around radio stations to try and convince them to play my songs. They’d respond “Thanks, but we already have a female artist.”