Margo Cilker Interview

Margo Cilker is a woman who drinks deeply of life, and her debut record, Pohoryll, is brimming with it. For the last seven years, the Eastern Oregon songwriter, who NPR calls one of "11 Oregon Artists to Watch in 2021", has split her time between the road and various outposts across the world, from Oregon, USA to the Basque Country of Spain, forging a path that is at once deeply rooted and ever-changing.

The Louisiana-inspired banger, 'Tehachapi' spins a punchy homage to the power that certain places can hold over a person. The song finds her pining and working as she explores her self-worth through labor.

Her attention seems reserved in equal parts for an unnamed romantic interest as it is for the legend of Tehapachi itself, a small town in the Southern California mountains that found its way into Cilker's story by way of Little Feat's 'Willin'.

Pohorylle (released 14 January 2022), which carries gentle nods to Lucinda Williams, Townes Van Zandt, and Gillian Welch, shines under the instincts of producer Sera Cahoone, whom Cilker first came across in 2019 while planning her first full-length.

'I was trying to pin down what kind of sound I wanted and stumbled across a video of Sera and just loved how she performed. I then listened to her last studio record and thought, that's the sound," Cilker says. "I found out Sera had produced that record herself with John Askew. My friend put me in touch with her and she liked my demos enough to produce the album. It felt very auspicious – it was truly just a gut feeling."

Cahoone quickly got to work assembling a first-rate band: Jenny Conlee (The Decemberists) on keys, Jason Kardong (Sera Cahoone, Son Volt) on pedal steel, Rebecca Young (Lindsey Fuller, Jesse Sykes) on bass, Mirabai Peart (Johanna Newsom) on strings, Kelly Pratt (Beirut) on horns, and the album's engineer John Morgan Askew (Neko Case, Laura Gibson) on an array of other instruments.

The record also prominently features effortless harmonies from Sarah Cilker, Margo Cilker's sister and frequent touring partner.

Interview with Margo Cilker

Question: How would you describe your music?

Margo Cilker: It's the sound a songwriter makes after driving around Montana listening to Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams records.


Question: What inspired your debut single Tehachapi?

Margo Cilker: Working outdoors during the springtime in Sonoma County, CA inspired the song.


Question: Can you tell us about your upcoming album Pohorylle?

Margo Cilker: First of all, I'm thrilled Spunk Records is releasing the album in Australia. The response to my record has been incredible and I feel honored that it's resonating with people. Sera Cahoone and I put a lot of care and intention into building the right home for these nine songs.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Margo Cilker: That's a tough question to answer because each song and each listener is so different. I guess something I'd want folks to take away is that their perspective and experience matters in any situation, just like mine does is my songs. In owning my perspective I've also had to learn, sometimes begrudgingly, to legitimize others' perspectives.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Margo Cilker: Oh, they are complementary. For me, it's important not to fight the natural cycle of writing, performing, retreating, creating etc. That variability helps keep me inspired.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Margo Cilker: I'm motivated by the desire to write something I'm proud of; something I won't hate performing later. Also, creating something that feels true to me and that serves my individuality.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Margo Cilker: I've been listening to Dori Freeman's new album "Ten Thousand Roses" more than anything.

Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Margo Cilker: I've always been immersed in the world of music. Going to see shows when I was young gave me the idea that maybe I could be a performer myself.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Margo Cilker: It would probably be Neil Young. He really climbs inside the song, I love that about him.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Margo Cilker: I overestimated the importance of being talented or skillful when I was younger.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Margo Cilker: When I'm not touring a typical day consists of emailing, going on walks, cooking, hopefully picking up my guitar!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Margo Cilker: There's nothing like rolling into a show where I'm playing with a buddy band. The camaraderie is as much an inspiration to me as anything. I feel lucky to have such a rich community. I truly couldn't ask for a better network of friends.


Question: What's next, for you?

Margo Cilker: I'm looking forward to playing more shows in 2022, and I'm also looking forward to spending time slowing down at home. I'm grateful to be in a cozy spot in some beautiful country for the time being.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Margo Cilker: Twitter 
Instagram 
Facebook 
Bandcamp 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort