Joan Wasser: Police Woman By Day, Torch Singer By Night

Photo by Thatcher Keats

You can't read a thing about Joan Wasser, better known as Joan As Police Woman, that doesn't mention her many prestigious musical cohorts. With the release of her latest The Deep Field and US tour, which hits Austin at the Parish on Saturday, she gets closer to becoming a household name herself.

She's worked with Lou Reed, Rufus Wainwright, and was one of Antony's Johnsons. She dated Jeff Buckley right up until his untimely death. Despite all these big names, her appeal remains relatively underground, even in indie circles. I decided that I'd skip all the big name talk and focus on where she is now as an artist.

From a van en route to Kansas City, she spoke of Prince, Uncommon Objects, and sexuality.

Austin Chronicle: You took music lessons from a very young age, yes?

Joan As Police Woman: My public school offered stringed instruments in 3rd grade. You could rent a violin for $10 a year, so I basically started through school.

AC: Did you naturally gravitate towards violin or was it your parents' influence?

Joan: No, no. I wanted to do it. My parents were really not pushy parents, which I'm really glad about. People told me I was good at it, so I just kept studying violin through college.

AC: It was your natural path?

Joan: Yeah. I always loved all kinds of music, and it was what I felt most comfortable doing. It just made sense. It just really made me feel connected to the rest of the universe somehow.

AC: What was the inspiration behind your new record?

Joan: I really wanted to make a record you can get down to. A record you could shake your ass to. I feel I'm in a really good place in my life right now. I'm more comfortable in my skin, the longer I'm alive, so I really wanted that vibe in the record.

AC: What are you listening to at the moment?

Joan: I just bought the new PJ Harvey record which is amazing. I always check out Cass McComb's new records. I really like Mary Timony's new band Wild Flag, as well.

AC: Most of your press makes a big deal of who you have worked with but is there anyone you dream of collaborating with?

Joan: Well… I guess I wouldn't mind working with Al Green or Neil Young. I think they're incredible musicians, and I love their voices.

AC: You have been in this business a long time. Are you still capable of being starstruck?

Joan: Last year I worked with Elvis Costello. Even though I had met him previously, working with him and singing with him was amazing because he's such a powerful performer. I'm sure I would get starstruck. Put me in a room with Prince and tell me not to be starstruck. I haven't met Prince yet so I'll call you back when I do!

AC: You've worked with a lot of gay and queer-friendly artists like Rufus and Antony. What draws you to that kind of thing?

Joan: I love those artists… and I certainly would never call myself straight. I really make no distinction between male and female and anything in between. I've had relationships with every kind of person, so that's where I feel most comfortable. Whatever it is, bring it on! I love diversity.

AC: Do you have any special haunts when you visit Austin?

Joan: I definitely have to watch myself in that place Uncommon Objects. That place is like drugs. I could just find myself lost in there for hours.

AC: What can one expect from a Joan As Police Woman show?

Joan: Total satisfaction (Laughs). We throw it down. I don't think anyone has left unhappy. I aim to please.

AC: Do you still get nervous?

Joan: Um… you know… I don't get nervous. Sometimes when I play really large festivals in Europe with like 30,000 people I get a little bit nervous, I'm not going to lie. But usually I don't get nervous. I've just been on stage so much that it feels like second nature.

AC: That’s amazing.

Joan: Yeah, it’s a great place to be, but I tour all the time, so it just comes from that. I do so much work to relax while I'm on stage. That's all I think about. The music comes out so much better when you’re relaxed.

Joan As Police Woman performs at The Parish Saturday, April 30. Tickets are still available here. If you're a fan of St. Vincent, Feist, and Regina Spektor you will love Joan. Check out the video for "The Magic", the first single off of The Deep Field, out now, below.