by Lawrence Ferber

Canadian chanteuse k.d. lang muses on presidential politics, her new CD and why Sunday is her favorite day.

k.d. lang is on the phone, and I immediately sense that it’s probably been a long day of press and publicity chores—perhaps fielding the same questions over and over again and suffering ill-prepared journalists. Who knows? She’s short with her answers. Too succinct. She even clams up a couple of times, leaving only dead air on the line.

That’s fine, though; lang’s latest CD, Watershed (Nonesuch), does more than enough speaking for itself: a sumptuous, dreamy, melodic affair bedding introspective lyrics with romantic and melancholy music. Producing, writing, singing and playing multiple instruments, lang proves a true musical auteur.

Watershed represents lang’s first album of all original material since 2000’s Invincible Summer. She’s kept busy since then, however, with the 2002 Tony Bennett collaboration, A Wonderful World, 2004’s Hymns of the 49th Parallel, a cover album of fellow Canadian artists’ songs, and numerous duets and guest appearances.

But back to that phone call, during which we touched on her songs, The L Word, and election predictions.

You produced, wrote, sang and played multiple instruments on Watershed. What was your biggest indulgence in making this album?

Time. Giving myself the time to do it.

On “I Dream Of Spring,” you sing: “She arrives like autumn in a rainstorm/ the threat of thunder above/ I’ll return from the streets of Melbourne/ I’ll return my love.” Who is the “she” in question?

It’s not necessarily about a woman. It’s just about a love. It’s about a pure love that makes you feel new life in you. Not necessarily about one particular person.

There are a few songs about being in love, but also songs about being vulnerable, adversities and possibly breakups.

Well, even though I use “love” as the conduit for expressing and examining oneself, it’s really a record about looking at myself and how I am in relationships. It’s not necessarily about a relationship or even love relationships, because it can be applied to spiritual relationships, to art, to myself, to a lover.

In “Sunday,” you sing, “Six days a week/ I spend waiting to be spending Sunday afternoon/ naked in your room.” I find myself wondering why you have to wait until Sunday to get naked with her. Why not Tuesday?

Good question. I don’t know the answer to that one. [Laughs] I just like Sundays.

What mood were you in when you wrote “Flame of the Uninspired,” and what light can you shed upon its meaning?

It was sort of a self-reflecting, introspective mood. I was looking at, I guess, my relationship towards being an artist or someone who has to look for inspiration. Habitually, I have this tendency to look for chaotic experiences to write about. That is the flame of the uninspired—to be habitual in my seeking out inspiration. It was really a moment where I decided to look past the pattern I was in.

When 2000’s Invincible Summer came out, you were in a relationship with Leisha Hailey, very much in a happy place. Where does today find you?

I’ve been in a relationship for the last six years and I’m happy. Her name is Jamie Price.

There hasn’t been a lot written about you and Jamie so far.

That’s because it doesn’t really have that much to do with my music.

And which song does she like you to sing to her while she eats grapes?

Oh, she’s not thrilled by me singing to her while she’s eating grapes.

What are three things that bring k.d. a smile?

Sundays. My dogs, definitely. And, I guess, the unexpected.

And three things guaranteed to make you unhappy or disgusted?

Hypocrisy. Violence, definitely. And too much work.

Foie gras—yea or nay?

Nay.

You have recorded and performed with many other artists; what is the strangest duet or guest appearance you’ve been approached to do?

[Matt Johnson of] the The contacted me way back in the early days. [It] never happened, but that was pretty out there.

You’re a Canadian, and Canadians are rather secular. But you’re living in the United States, a country that has taken quite a religious turn. How do you feel about that?

That’s a big can of worms to open. I’m all for people having faith and spiritual foundation. I think when it starts creating dualistic thinking, which is, “I’m right and you’re wrong,” then I don’t condone it.

If Hillary Clinton could pick one of your songs as her campaign song, which would you recommend?

Miss Chatelaine.

And Mike Huckabee?

Umm … this is fun … “Jealous Dog” from the new record.

Have you been watching The L-Word?

Never seen it.

Would you appear on the show if asked?

No. I don’t think it’s necessary.

Your election predictions?

I think Al Gore’s going to come back at the last minute.

And who’s going to get the biggest beating?

Probably Giuliani.

Did some songs not make it to the album?

Yeah, a couple.

Will any of those—or B-sides—come out?

Maybe remixes, but no, probably not.

How should first-time k.d. lang listeners approach this album?

Anyway they want. I have no stipulations!