Firehorse is the latest project from singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Leah Siegel.  In Sept 2011 the Brooklyn-based singer released her eclectic debut, And so they ran faster…to critical acclaim.

Produced by Geoff Stanfield (Mark Kozelek, Sun Kil Moon, Moby) and with Steve Elliot on guitar, Tim Luntzel (Rosanne Cash, Loudon Wainwright III) on bass, and Brian Wolfe (Sufjan Stevens, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, My Brightest Diamond, Joan Jett) on drums, And so they ran faster… explores the sonic possibilities and personal expression of an artist reaching for the next horizon.

Recently we caught up with Siegel before she heads down to SXSW to talk about how she came up with the project’s name, the songwriting process and her plans when she’s down in Austin.

DK: The name Firehorse conjures up a very vivid image. What made you decide to choose that name to define the project?

LS: Firehorse reminds me that I’m committed to my own ideas.  You might not think that this is something I’d need to be reminded of, but people are forgetful.  It’s the human condition.

 

DK: What was the songwriting process like? Where did you record the album?

LS: The process was mostly torture followed by a huge sense of accomplishment, followed by a rush of self-love, followed by a rush of self-loathing, then some more torture, same cycle, which was the early process.  Writing the more recent songs on the record was more like…Thelma and Louise…I’m not sure what that means.

 

DK: What are some of the topics you tackled in your songwriting?

LS: I worked obsessively with the themes of denial, secrets and acceptance.  Not all at once, and not in that order.  Is that too vague?

 

DK: People have described the album as sounding like an “indie-pop dance party.” Was that the intention when you wrote and recorded the album?

LS: Actually no, not initially anyway.  My original intention was to do justice to the songs, which I had taken, in some cases, years to craft. I carefully calculated with my producer how to do that.  These were the darker songs on the record, and having to relive those concepts again and again through the recording process made me want to toss myself off a bridge.  So at some point in the studio I said to Geoff, I’m gonna kill myself if we don’t do something completely different right now.  So we did. I wrote “Our Hearts” in about an hour and I felt better.  My intention with creating Firehorse was always to allow myself that “out”…I’m finished with this idea, let’s do something different…

DK: As you are about to hit the road, what city are you excited to play and what’s your favorite thing to do in that city?

LS: I’m one of those New Yorkers who absolutely loves L.A. and isn’t afraid to admit it.  I love driving a car.  I don’t even mind traffic.  KCRW, news radio, bring it.  I also have a ton of great friends there.  Including my best college girl.

 

DK: Are you excited to be playing SXSW? Are there any other artists you’re looking forward to checking out?

LS: I’m excited to play, though I have anxiety about the crowds and the clusters.  The crazy short sets with nearly impossible set up and break down expectations.  Firehorse is pretty technical.

Yes there are but I haven’t looked at the schedule yet.  Last year I killed myself trying to get around and didn’t get to see anyone on my list.  So I just saw what I saw.  I did end up seeing Trampled By Turtles and they blew my mind.  They weren’t on my list.  So I think I’ll keep the expectations low to stave off disappointment and frustration, and leave it mostly up to chance.

 

DK: Once this string of shows is complete, what does the future hold for you?

LS: I’ll probably quit music and go to dental school.

 

You can download Firehorse’s “Our Hearts” here.