As we expand our community of women in music, moments of camaraderie should be championed. American singer-songwriters Pi Jacobs and Kyra Gordon are a prime example of this innate artistic bond. High off of the release of their latest projects (the album Soldier On and single “Traveler,” respectively), the duo hosted a concert together at the Lost Church in San Francisco last month for loyal listeners. They share a passion for words, a knack for melody, and the guts to weave the two together.
The songstresses were gracious enough to share their thoughts as women in music who blend country and folk, and discuss how their friendship has helped them both succeed individually.
Who are your respective musical influences?
KYRA GORDON: My first big love was Otis Redding. I fell in love with ‘These Arms of Mine’ off the radio as a kid. I listened to KFRC (a Bay Area oldies station) before school in my room growing up and was very into lots of it! My parents played a lot of David Bowie and the Beatles. I was surrounded by early 90’s hip-hop growing up in Oakland that I loved and was obsessed with all the girl groups of the day – TLC, SWV, En Vogue, Salt n Pepa. I don’t know how that music has shaped me as a singer-songwriter, but I still love it! Later on, I became deeply into Janis Ian, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, and Richie Havens.
PI JACOBS: For me, my mother’s extensive, eclectic album collection, which included: the Laurel Canyon sound, i.e. Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, etc. Also, a lot of classic soul and blues – Aretha, Stevie Wonder, BB King, Etta James – and folks I consider great songwriters – Fink, Elvis Costello, Jason Isbell, Patty Griffin.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating live? How did that come about?
KYRA GORDON: I love singing with Pi! She has mentored me over the years about navigating this whole thing called music. After we connected, we did some shows together. I always think it’s fun for the audience when artists collaborate on their songs live, so we tried it out. We are a great combo of complimentary flavors together, and I love singing her songs.
PI JACOBS: Kyra had asked for some business advice, and we ended up doing a few shows together. This led to “what can we sing together?” and working up some covers and backing vocals with each other. I love her writing, and our styles are complimentary but different enough to keep it interesting.
How have your paths differed (or been similar) in terms of career journey?
KYRA GORDON: I think Pi and I have both always been on the artistic path, and never considered straying. I think my road has been more winding, and hers has been a little more focused in some ways. We connect on our passion for music and songwriting. We are both always pushing to the next place with what we are reaching for creatively.
PI JACOBS: Kyra’s story is big and complex, as is mine. I don’t know how to surmise 30 years into a comparison – but similarities would be that we both have music degrees. We both have played as side-musicians in a wide variety of groups… I used to back up an Iranian pop singer, play bass in a James Brown cover band, was in a hip hop band that opened for Digital Underground and Common. I’ve opened for Ray Wylie Hubbard and Lizzo (yep, before she blew up). Lots of stuff. Kyra has her Loving Janis show, which is a one-woman theater piece, and has played with the improv hip hop group, “The Freeze.” So, she’s had a lot of cool diverse experiences too.
What advice would you give a woman entering the industry as a singer / songwriter?
KYRA GORDON: Find people you love playing with, recording with, writing with. And just get out there and do it and expect that things will be messy at first! If you keep with it because you love it, you will find what works for you and what really excites you.
PI JACOBS: Learn how the business side works, as far as publishing vs. writer’s royalties, master ownership, etc. And aside from that, make sure you love it, and continue to love it. Otherwise, it’s not worth it.
How do your new releases complement each other?
KYRA GORDON: We both write from the heart, coupled with many years of work on the craft side of things. I think there is a through line of authenticity of these recordings.
PI JACOBS: I think we both write very candidly about topics that are important to us. Neither one of us is into the whole “fixation on my love life” type of writing, although there is plenty of talk about love in our songs. And also, both records are really, really, really good (if I may toot our horns here :)).