Alice Peacock: Even her name is unique. But it’s her one-of-a-kind singing and songwriting that are making people take notice of this remarkable performer. She shared her thoughts with us recently about how her odyssey began and where it’s taking her.

Part of the Alice Peacock “legend” is that you released your first album, “Real Day,” on your own. What drove you to attempt—not to mention succeed at—this Do-It-Yourself endeavor? All along it was really important to me that I find my true voice as an artist. Part of the process is not only figuring out what you want to say but then executing it, and I saw going the independent route as the only way to have that kind of control and freedom. It was also important to me to learn all the facets of the music business—from making a record to promoting it. That way, no one can pull the wool over your eyes!

Being afraid of failure keeps many people from pursuing their dreams. You, however, have been quoted as saying you’ve “had to have the courage not to be afraid of being successful.” That’s an extraordinary comment. Tell us what you mean by it. I think being successful can bring up a lot of internal issues, like “Will I still be creative if I’m successful?” or “What if I make more money than other people or my family … Will they still think I’m a good person?” I think a lot of those feelings are tied into what we grew up thinking about successful people: That you can’t have it all, so, if you’re successful, then you must be unhappy or shallow—which is simply not true. It’s also a handy excuse to say that you don’t want to be successful (even if you really do) because, in reality, you’re terrified of failure. I chose to embrace success because I believe that the Universe/God/Life rewards you for being courageous and putting yourself out there. I figure success has “gotta” be more fun than failure! Who are your musical heroes? While I am inspired by many, many artists, my heroes are folks who’ve never been afraid of falling on their faces musically, who continue to grow as artists: Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, and especially Neil Young, who’s not afraid of anything.

What about influences? My musical influences range from Ella Fitzgerald to Neil Young, from Dusty Springfield to Carole King and Carly Simon. I love the great interpreters like Sinatra, Dusty Springfield, Linda Ronstadt, and the soulful George Jones. I’m also especially partial to singer/songwriters in the great songwriting tradition, like Randy Newman. I take inspiration from great music of all eras and genres. You work with Rock for Reading in Chicago. How did you get involved with the organization? I founded Rock For Reading a couple of years ago with my husband, Hugh Haller, and our friend Paul Natkin. We’re all avid readers, and believe that literacy is a basic human right. We were stunned to find out that my neighborhood school (along with many schools and reading programs) didn’t have the necessary books to keep their libraries full and vibrant. Upon further investigation, we discovered all these wonderful literacy and reading programs here in Chicago that desperately needed funding and awareness-building. We also learned that one out of three Chicagoans is considered functionally illiterate (the national figure is one in five), and we felt compelled to spread the word. I spent a lot of time in the library when I was young. I found it so empowering to have a library card with my name on it! I wanted to pass the joy and boundless imagination that reading brings to other children. Rock For Reading’s mission is to raise awareness of the problem of illiteracy, raise funds through a series of high-profile musical concerts, and promote a culture of reading.

You just came out of the studio. What have you been working on? I just finished mastering my new CD, which will be out the early part of next year. I’m extremely proud of this record! We recorded the basic tracks at Sound Factory in Hollywood, and had a 12-piece string-section day at Capitol Studios, which was an amazing experience. Andrew Williams produced it and brought so much vision and passion to the project, as well as assembling the most talented cast of musicians! I mainly played piano, and we recorded all our performances live. There’s a cozy, “lived-in” feeling to the album that makes it easy to connect with right from the first listen. I can’t wait for folks to hear it! We thank Alice Peacock for taking the time to talk with us. If you’d like to find out more about this talented musician—and experience her work—visit her site at www.alicepeacock.com

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