Inara George: The Little Girl Who Jackson Brown Wrote A Song For

Inara George: Talks about her past and her present

Interview Conducted on March 19, 2018

By Dan Locke

Unratedmag: Lets talk about your up bring.  Your father was Lowell George of Little Feat.  What was that like?

Inara George:He passed away right before my 5th birthday, so I don’t have many memories of him.  But I have a few music related memories. Like traveling by bus with the band or watching the shows from the side of the stage.

Your middle name is Maryland.  How did you get such an interesting middle name?

My father was recording a record in Maryland.  So, the whole family moved there for my birth. My mom drove across the country at 8 months! Once I was born my parents were trying to come up with a middle name and the decided to name me after my birthplace.

Jackson Brown wrote the song “Of Missing person” for you, after your dad pass away.  I know you were 5 at the time, but what feeling does that song bring out every time you hear it?

When I was younger I just loved the idea that someone wrote a song for me.  But when I listen to it now it really conjures up how sad that time must have been for my mother and all our family and friends.

Who influences you and why?

This is always a tricky question for me. I can never think of anything when someone asks.  But I think I am constantly influenced by music I hear or books I’m reading or the people that I encounter.

How was it working on your first solo album back in 2005?

I remember being nervous. Going it alone can be very scary.  But I was also invigorated by all the talented musicians that played on the record. And having Mike Andrews produce it. He has this amazing creative energy. I have great memories of that time.

After you joined the band The Bird and The Bee.  And released the album Interpreting the Master Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates.  Why did you decide to do the songbook of Hall and Oates?

Greg and I wanted to make a cover record and we just decided on Hall and Oates. We had already done a cover of “I can’t go for that” and it seemed like a good choice.

In May of that year you were able to do a show with John Oates at the El Ray Theater.  How did you enjoy your interpreting of their hits?

It was very fun and really difficult at times. It’s not easy music to play or interpret. But we had so much fun. And John Oates is lovely!

What is the Hall and Oates you enjoyed the most performing and why?

I think the one I enjoy playing the most is “I can’t go for that” It’s a very fun song to play.

How was it to do Jam in the Van?  Did you do any recording while the van was moving?

It’s a parked van.

In 2015 you played in Chicago at Lincoln Hall with the Birds and The bee.  How was Chicago to you?

Great!

You have play both the Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Ellen.

What are the biggest differences in the three shows for a singer?

Jimmy Kimmel feels more like a show. The audience is close. On Ellen and Jay Leno, the audience is kind of far away, so it’s a little intimidating.

Back in 2009.  I was at SXSW and saw you at Waterloo Records with The Birds and the Bees.  How was SXSW to you and did you perform any other showcases or parties that year?

I remember that show, but I have no memory of what else we did. I feel like all my SXSW shows all blend in together.

You shared the stage with Katy Perry early in her career.  How was it to perform alongside of her?

We opened for her. So, I can’t say we performed alongside her. I do remember she was very nice.

What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?

I like it all.

 Any plans to tour the United States?

I’m doing some shows here and there.

What music fests have you played in?

I’ve played Fuji Rock festival in Japan. I’d love to do that one again.

How would you explain your live performance?

Intimate.

What year, made and guitars do you have?

I don’t know. I don’t keep track of that stuff. I just know they’re old.

If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?

I’m proud of my most recent videos for “Young Adult”, “Release Me” and “Slow Dance” … so maybe those?

Favorite Reading?

I love so much, so I’ll just tell you my favorite book I read this year. “A Gentleman in Moscow”. Amor Towles is such a great writer.

Any Hobbies?

I’ve got a few

Favorite Drink?

Water and then wine

Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?

I love to cook almost anything. Not into baking though.

Who is your favorite singer and why?

That’s a hard one. I like so many singers for so many different reasons. But if I had to choose one for today I’d say Gal Costa

How is your favorite guitar player?

Again, it’s hard… depends on my mood. So today I’ll choose Prince.

How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Aging gracefully.

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?

I have a real soft spot for Steve Miller Band

What is on your bucket list?

I’d love to spend some time South America

What is on your phone for music now?

I don’t listen to music as much as I listen to podcasts.

Anything in closing you would like to say?

I think I’m good. Thank you!

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