Bustle Mixtape
The Gossip frontwoman has been surrounded by melodies for as long as she can remember.
During lockdown, Beth Ditto wasthisclose to making a complete, 180-degree pivot.
Shed never even held another job, outside from a stint in fast food service hardly a career highlight.
So when live shows went on an indefinite hiatus, she was left scrambling.
I was like really, really on the verge of [starting] a daycare, Ditto tells Bustle.
I was like, okay, I could do child development, I could take those classes online.
I really enjoy children.
I feel like I’m at my best around children.
This is something I could do.
Isn’t it crazy?
Years later, Ditto would bring that same rebellious spirit to her own sound.
We grew up together, she says.
More recently, Ditto has been forging a path as a solo artist.
I need to see if I can do this on my own.
I need to know that I can be independent.
Shed asked him to come help her with another solo record, and that arrangement soon became something more.
I was just like, Should this be a Gossip record?
And he was like, If you want it to be.
And she wanted to get onstage again.
So the cool thing about it was proving to myself that I could do it.
It felt so simple, like, Oh, yes, this is so easy.
So it was really refreshing in a way.
What was going on in your life when you started making this new album?
We wrote the record before Roe was overturned, which is really interesting.
And you’d be like, Yeah, the city is not on fire.
What are you talking about?
There were so many things at risk and Portland just doesn’t take that sh*t lying down.
And I was so proud of that.
So there’s some of that in the record.
Youve made an impressive foray into acting.
How has that experience been for you?
Have you learned to flex new creative muscles?
First and foremost, I do not feel like an actor.
I think that keeps it real.
Let’s keep it real, guys.
Let’s not get too excited.
And that’s something I can definitely be, like, Okay, I know this woman.
I grew up with this woman.
On Loving Crafting & Reba McEntire:
What is your go-to karaoke song?
X Factor by Lauryn Hill is one, I love to sing that.
But Fancy is number one Fancy by Reba McEntire.
Who is your current musical idol?
So I’m going to say The Splits.
Was there ever a moment where you felt like you had made it as a musician?
Being able to quit my job and pay my rent.
So I was able to quit my job and actually pay my rent.
That was like, I made it.
Was there ever a moment when you considered giving up on music?
If so, what got you through it?
Yes, for sure.
And basically, that made me feel like I couldn’t be grounded.
I couldn’t be in touch with the things that I love.
I’m a real homebody and I love being in my house.
I want to be in my house.
Like, I can’t believe it.
Ive seen your craft account,@by__a__thread.
What has crafting taught you?
I loved that stuff as a little girl.
I loved it embroidery, crochet, just learning to knit, punch needle, anything.
I love sewing for my nieces.
Some of my favorite moments with my mom I was really obsessed with the 60s.
And when I was a kid, you couldn’t just go buy pedal pushers.
Like, I wanted to wear a bouffant, a big shirt, and capri pants.
So me and my mom made a pattern and made my own pants.
I love being resourceful and being like, Okay, I can’t find it.
Well then, I’ll make it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
