(Sept 20, 2007) Dan Wilson, former lead singer of the band Semisonic, has experienced plenty of success with the band's hit song, 'Closing Time.' He has worked with artists like Jewel, Rachel Yamagata, and Sheryl Crow. In 2007, Wilson won a Song of the Year Grammy Award with the Dixie Chicks for co-writing the song, 'Not Ready to Make Nice.' In October, Dan Wilson will be releasing his debut solo album, Free Life. PCM's Julieissane got to chat with Dan about touring, recording and his anticipated album release!

J: Hi Dan! Well, let's hop right into the interview; we have plenty of questions for you. How do you feel about the upcoming release of your solo album? Do you feel a certain amount of pressure; are you biting your nails? Or do you feel like this is something that you have been ready for for a long time?

D: Well, that's a good question! I am really excited about it. I realized that I haven't thought too much about what people are going to say or whether they are going to like it. I am so happy with how it turned out that I sort of, deferred that worry. I am so siked about getting it out and having people be able to hear it. It's good to get it out into the world. I love when people make music a part of their life.

J: Yes, I was on your Myspace and I thought to myself, "Where have I heard this voice before?" and then I read your biography and learned about Semisonic and I thought, "Of course!" In addition to being in Semisonic, you have collaborated with many different artists as well. Do you find that working with other musicians enhances the music process for you or did you enjoy working solo?

D: I think if I had to choose, I would make my own record. But that's only if I could do one. I think that I always like having an iron to the fire and having a lot of things going on. I love collaborating with people and knocking around ideas. I used to be a painter in an art gallery actually. One day I had this revelation that it's a lonely, lonely life painting in an art gallery every day. I just decided I wanted to do something more with people. It's good to have the human contact and when I am writing with other people it's good to speak about their issues and concerns. It's good to do that.

J: Right, my next question is a stem from what you just mentioned; do you have a memorable artist that you have worked with?

D: There is a bunch of them! I tend to want to work with people again, but I just don't have the freedom these days to work with everyone that I meet! I have to unfortunately be pickier, but when I do work with people, I think that I always picture when I can work with them again. I had a great time with the Dixie Chicks. None of us knew what to expect from the other. We got together and within 45 minutes it was obvious that we were getting along. We wrote a whole bunch of great songs and had a great time. Actually I remember the next morning, I lost my voice because I laughed so much! They are very witty. I really loved writing with Rachel Yamagata as well. She's such a fantastic singer. I would say an idea and she would sing it back to me and her voice is so smoky and sexy.

J: She does have a distinct voice!

D: Such talent!

J: Back to your album though, why did you title the album, Free Life?

D: Well, it was one of the songs and the title came from me realizing that life was about freedom. I started thinking about "free" in the sense of, it costs you nothing. I got off on the idea of, "what are you going to spend your free life on?" and thought about that as an album title. I realized that I wanted to focus the record on that side of things. What is life all about?

J: I think it says a lot in two little words. People can interpret the meaning in a lot of different ways.

D: I hope that's the case, also. I think it's lighthearted. Like having a backpack and taking trains and buses all over the world but it could always mean something more intense. Like if you have an experience in life when you realize that you aren't going to live forever. Your life becomes more precious and everyday you get to make a decision about what to do with yourself.

J: Well, are you expected to be on the road for awhile after the release of this album in October?

D: Yeah, I'll probably do a lot of shows. I'm hoping I can get everywhere a couple times.

J: Is performing live something you prefer over say, recording in a studio? Or do you think they are two different experiences?

D: They are pretty different. I tried as much as possible on this album to make it like a live experience. A lot of the vocals are live and are as I say them that day with the band. It's something I tried to do, make it about a performance. I guess the difference is, for me, that playing in front of an audience gives me feedback and I get a sense of what is working. What exactly about my art is actually affecting people?

J: I like that approach. Well, my last question is meant to end on a light note. If you could only listen to one album on a deserted island, what album would that be?

D: Tea for the Tillerman, Cat Stevens.

J: Alright! Thank you so much, we appreciate your time!

D: It was really good to talk to you, thanks for all your questions.