Folk singer Dement does it her way

The artist offers an explanation for why she does what she does.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Artists don't come more fiercely independent than Americana singer Iris Dement.
With only four studio releases to Dement's credit since her critically-acclaimed 1992 debut "Infamous Angel," the notion of the folk singer finally getting around to releasing another batch of original tracks -- her last such effort was the more rock-influenced 1996 disc "The Way I Should" -- makes one question what took so long.
"I guess I'm of the mind that if I don't have something to say, I'm not going to say it," said Dement, calling from Kansas City. "I write songs and I feel like I have something people need to hear. That's pretty much how I always felt about it, which is why I didn't start writing until I was 25."
During her time in the spotlight, Dement has transformed from a singer-songwriter focused on personal introspection to an outspoken folk singer regarding politics, religion and more. A musician's musician, the Arkansas-born, California-raised performer collaborated with John Prine in 1999 for his album "In Spite of Ourselves," which resulted in a Grammy Award nomination.
Gospel standards
Dement didn't return to the new CD bin until 2005's " Lifeline," which featured a collection of gospel standards personally cherished by the singer. However, in examining the album in context to her career, Dement draws a blank.
"I don't think like that," Dement said. "When I make records, I don't think in those terms. I wanted to make a record of those old gospel songs I grew up singing because I love them so much. So for me it was a matter of picking out the ones I felt closest to and felt I could do the most justice. So I just sat down, followed my instincts and sang them and kind of by accident, it wasn't a plan but a lot of them ended up being me at the piano."
She added, "It's just because that's what ended up feeling right for the song. And then the thing just came about the way it did so yeah, I don't go into making my records with a lot of expectation about where I want them to go. That kind of for me just reveals itself as you start working."
Testing new material
Admittedly halfway into her next album, Dement said she'll be road testing new material on her upcoming tour, which includes a Jan. 19 date at the Beachland Ballroom.
This outing marks a departure for Dement, who normally tours as a solo artist. Joining her on stage are members of John Prine's band, including Jason Wilber.
"I've played dates here and there with them, and I've toured with John a lot so I've worked with those guys quite a bit," Dement said. "I've had so much fun when I went out with them I thought it would be good to do this swing."
When asked how her material will change with a backing band, she said, "It's just a whole other thing. I can't say that one is better than the other. It's just a different thing. We get up and play. They're going to play what they feel and I'm going to sing what I feel and you just see where it goes."