Selfie
Some folks may know singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox as an American Idol contender from the show's 9th season, and others might know her as a performer who tours constantly, writes songs, like, all the time and has collaborated with hometown hero Jono Manson. However you know her, you might want to know she's recording a live album at Jono's Kitchen Sink Studio over a series of performances this week (Wed. Dec. 7 at 6 pm and 8:30 pm and Thurs. Dec. 8 at 8 pm, $40, 528 Jose St., 699-4323) and that she sure would like you to come because she's into the live show energy. Us too.
How did you get connected with Jono?
I met him through John Popper of Blues Traveler. ... It was a few years back and I did some recording at his studio when it was at a different location. He's just a such a nice, good-hearted guy; good-hearted to the core. When I thought of doing a live album, he was the very first person to pop into my mind.
How do you stand out in a sea of similar singer-songwriters?
Y'know, I don't really think of it that way. I'm not comparing myself to anyone or competing against anyone, I just write my own songs that come from my heart. I'm trying to create good songs, just doing my thing. I'm still touring seven years after being on a show like American Idol, so ... some folks come because they saw me on the show, others didn't know I was on the show and discovered me through a friend, and that's pretty validating.
I'm glad you brought up American Idol. Do you think a show like that was a good thing or a harmful thing?
It's different. I would never say harmful. It wasn't the route I dreamed I would take, I kind of did it out of desperation and necessity and wanting to give my son a better, more stable life. No harm in that.
