An interview by Chris Morris that appeared in Billboard in the column Declaration of Independents…

Flag Waving

Singer/songwriter Edith Frost is a giddily disarming new arrival in Chicago whose debut album on Drag City, Calling Over Time, is a notable entry from the city’s fertile musical scene.

Frost arrived in the Windy City in November from New York; she was still living in the Apple when she cut her album, after she secured a deal with Drag City with a homemade demo tape (some of which can be heard on her self-titled 1996 EP). For her full-length bow, she managed to engage some high-profile bandmates: Jim O’Rourke and David Grubbs of Gastr del Sol, Rick Rizzo of Eleventh Dream Day, and Sean O’Hagan of the High Llamas.

"The music scene’s really thriving here," Frost says with enthusiasm. "It’s a lot easier here for a musician than in New York. People go out more, and they’re a lot more supportive." She adds that she was rapidly embraced by her new hometown: "Two weeks after I got here, there was an article [on me] in the [Chicago] Reader. It blew my mind. I made friends really fast."

All the backup musicians on the album are noted for their extroverted performances, but they managed to mesh perfectly with Frost’s muted, introspective style.

Frost says of arch-experimentalists O’Rourke and Grubbs, "They’re just really sensitive, intuitive musicians. They would try something out in the studio, and usually the first thing they’d play would sound amazing."

Frost grew up in Texas; before moving to New York, she performed in country and rockabilly units around Austin. (note from Eda: that’s not true! I didn’t start with that stuff ’til after I moved to New York in ‘90.) While the music on Calling Over Time bears a country tinge (not unlike the equally personalized approach of labelmate Will Oldham of Palace), subdued originals like the title track, "Wash of Water," and "Give Up Your Love" defy generic categorization.

"If I was aiming for one sound, I wouldn’t get it — I don’t have the chops," Frost says in typically self-deprecating fashion. "I don’t want anybody to peg [the music] in one style . . . It just kind of comes out like me."

Calling Over Time is a striking achievement that makes one look forward to Frost’s live performances. She plans to go on the road this summer with a band that will include guitarist Mike Daly, who worked with her in New York; multi-instrumentalist Mike Krassner; and drummer Glenn Kotche of Paul K & the Weathermen.

Touring will be an entirely new experience for Frost. She says, "I’ve never played outside of a town I’ve lived in… I’ve never been on a two-week road trip. I’m really excited."

Look for Frost on the East Coast in June; she hopes to make appearances in the West later in the year.