For her first two solo albums (“Diary of a Mod Housewife” and “Middlescence”), singer-songwriter Amy Rigby focused on life as an adult in an industry–indeed, in a world–where youth (regardless of actual maturity) is prized above all else. Her third album, “The Sugar Tree,” broadens her focus without compromising the honesty or humor of previous releases. Rigby performs at 11 p.m. Saturday at Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport Ave.; $8. 773-525-2508.
Q: I know you’ve been to Chicago a number of times, as a solo artist and with your previous bands, the Shams and Last Roundup. Have you actually had a chance to spend some time here?
A: Oh, absolutely. . . . I remember a time when the Shams came in ’90. We did a show called “Milly’s Orchid Show.” I went to this Hispanic beauty parlor in Lincoln Park to get a hairdo–and then walking out of there thinking that was the biggest mistake I ever made! (laughs) I had to do a show with this hairdo that I hadn’t actually chosen.
Q: Is it fair to suggest that you write great songs about men and women who actively resist falling in love?
A: “Resist” may not be the right word. Maybe “nervous.” I think the people in my songs are realistic about love.
Q: Your first two albums are obviously very personal examinations of the changes that had taken place in your life: the “mod housewife” trying to figure out what constitutes “adulthood.” For this new album, did you actively say, “All right. I’ve mined that particular vein long enough. Let’s move on”?
A: I think I definitely said that. I didn’t want it to become some sort of schtick, you know? And people do love songs about working and being the oppressed poor slob working for a living. It’s a good hook, but I wouldn’t want to rely on it.
Q: And your 12-year-old daughter appears on the album. That’s pretty cool.
A: She was basically being dragged to the studio some of the time, because I really didn’t really have anyplace else for her to go (laughs), and she would get bored. I had forgotten about the song she played on (“Better Stay Gone”), because I wrote it when I was recording the last album and after the album was done she said, “What happened to that one? Where did it go?” I really liked it but it didn’t fit in with the record.
Q: Is it weird to be away from home with a 12-year-old waiting for you?
A: I love to be away from home, except for (missing) my daughter. I can throw all the towels on the floor, and I don’t have to cook. I love to put out records, but it’s almost like that’s a way to go out and play for people.
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