Iris DeMent

Heather Dunbar, my collaborator on this interview and a long-time fan described Ms. DeMent's music thusly: "Country music could be more like this if it wanted to be.... What I like best is its true. pure emotion. She is best enjoyed live, but her albums are dynamite!" Although her 2012 album, Sing The Delta is the first album of original music she's released in 16 years, that doesn't mean this sweet-voiced alt-country icon hasn't been busy. In this interview, we discuss her gospel-influenced musical background, her creative process, and side projects like her duet with John Prine. She's currently touring the United States.