You know her from Belly. You know her from Throwing Muses. You also know her as a talented solo artist. She’s Tanya Donelly, and right now she’s seeing a convergence of past and present. Shortly after the release of her second solo album, Beautysleep, Rhino is releasing Sweet Ride: The Best Of Belly. She took time out from music and motherhood to talk with us about her records, other people’s records, and... um, sippy cups.
Rhino’s Question: How'd you decide upon the best for The Best Of Belly?
Tanya Donelly’s Answer: Rhino’s Leigh Hall and Robin Hurley had an initial list, and I made a few suggestions and we went from there. We wanted a cohesive combination of singles, rarities, and alternate versions.
Q: What's the biggest difference between your new record, Beautysleep, and The Best Of Belly?
A: The new record is present tense, so I’m closer to it and at the same time, still figuring it out. This new Belly record is like an echo -- familiar and past.
Q: How'd you come up with the name Belly?
A: It was, at one time, my favorite word. It sounds like a cute, soft word at first, but it houses the strongest muscle in the human body (the uterus), and the guts.
Q: What's your husband's favorite Tanya Donelly song?
A: "Influenza," a B-side for "Pretty Deep" from Lovesongs For Underdogs.
Q: If you could change the record business, what would you do?
A: End it immediately... just kidding. It’s an important business; it helps to shape a culture. I wish more of those involved in it felt this. And maybe I would recommend mandatory schooling in music history. I’m just saying.
Q:What's your greatest achievement?
A: Of course I’m going to say Beautysleep. Although, taken all together, I’d say that my timing has been pretty good. Is that an achievement? I’ve met the right people at the right time and as a result, I’ve been in some great bands.
Q:What's your greatest disappointment?
A: In my musical life, it would be Belly’s breakup -- a disappointment, but not necessarily a regret.
Q: What's your greatest fear?
A: It’s too horrible to name.
Q: What's a guilty pleasure?
A: It’s too horrible to name.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.
Q:What CD is in your CD player?
A: The new Wilco.
Q: What junk is in your junk drawer?
A: Tangled necklaces, mashed mash notes, sand dollars, seed packets, buttons, candles, matches and stray sippy-cup valves.
Q:Joni Mitchell or Joan Jett?
A: Can I have both?
Q:Wilco or Weezer?
A:See above. If not, see above above above.
Q: If you're not recording or on tour, what are you doing on a Saturday night?
A: Movies, popcorn, and wine with [husband] Dean.
Q: What records from your collection do you hope your daughter discovers as a teenager?
A: She’s already started the discovery process. She pretty much provides the soundtrack around here, our household DJ. I hope she continues to like Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, The Clash, Lucinda Williams, Leonard Cohen, Mozart, Cole Porter, Etta James, The Beatles, Irma Thomas, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Gram Parsons, Cocteau Twins, Puccini, Ennio Morricone, her mom and her aunt. The list goes on.
Q: If you weren't a musician, what would you do for a living?
A: Teach small kids.
Q: What does Riot Grrl mean to you?
A: What does it mean to them?
Q: What's the best recipe for happiness?
A: Learn something.
Q: What's the best medication for sadness?
A: Loud, ugly crying.
Q: What do you most hate being asked about?
A: The United States’ geopolitical culpability and the breakup of Belly.
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