What a difference several years can make.
When we last heard from Sarah McLachlan, she was known for scouting up-and-coming female artists for her Lilith Fair festival. These days, she’s more interested in scouting new parks for her daughter.
After dissolving Lilith Fair in 1999, McLachlan announced that she planned to have a baby with husband/drummer Ash Sood before making another album. And that’s exactly what she did.
Now touring behind that new album, “Afterglow,” the 36-year-old mom weighs in on the new generation of female pop stars.
What does the founder of Lilith Fair have to say about Britney, Christina and Jessica?
Oh, c’mon! Don’t drag me into this.
Oh, c’mon right back at you.
[Sighs] I’m guess I’m ambivalent for the most part. I don’t think about it very much even though we’re constantly assaulted with images of Britney getting married. It’s all just become tabloid fodder.If you were putting together a Lilith Fair this year, who would you ask to join the tour?
I’ve been living in a bubble for a long time and I haven’t heard any new music, so I’d be hard pressed to put a whole show together. One artist that I would definitely have is Butterfly Boucher, and she’s on my current tour anyway. She’s an incredible talent.
You had a big make-out scene in the video for “Stupid.” Was that hard to do with Ash watching?
The first day of shooting I couldn’t even look the actor in the eye. I’m not an actress, and it was really nerve-wracking. He was really sweet though. I got used to it by the second day–it was bordering on fun. We had this really intense make-out scene and then there’s my husband. The actor was like, “Oh, dear.” I said, “No, it’s OK. Go say hello to him.” So he did, and my husband was like, “She’s a good kisser, eh?”
Ever have to tell Ash that you’re not digging what he’s playing?
With Ash, he’s such a professional. He doesn’t get emotionally overcharged about stuff. He’s really solid and calm. I’m the one who tends to be flaky and emotionally overwrought. I get entrenched in the bad stuff, and he always tries to look on the bright side.
How is it being a mom on the road?
Fantastic. My daughter has just been amazing. I’ve carved out a good chunk of time each day to be with her.
Is she getting spoiled?
Life is a constant luxury for her. She’s surrounded by a bevy of loving and doting aunties and uncles. There are toys are everywhere. Rex, our dog, is with us. We go swimming every day, go to playgrounds, aquariums when we can find them. She’s getting well versed in the playgrounds of North America.
Have any fans recognized you hanging out by the seesaw?
No, but we did get spotted at Whole Foods the other day.
What was in your shopping cart?
Sushi, organic crackers. We were just stocking up for the bus.
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Sarah McLachlan
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: United Center,
1901 W. Madison St.
Tickets: $45-$65;
312-559-1212
