The B-52s singer and keyboardist Kate Pierson, who lives part-time in Truro, will premiere music from her upcoming solo album, “Radios & Rainbows” Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Harwich.
The 8:30 p.m. concert is free and open to the public, and part of the Cape Cod Jazz Festival.
“I’m in Truro now doing some rehearsing before the show," Pierson wrote as part of an interview conducted by email with the Cape Cod Times.
She will be playing at Wequassett with Tracy Wormworth and Ken Maiuri ― who also plays with The B-52s.
"Radios & Rainbows" is Pierson's second solo album and features several collaborations including "Every Day is Halloween" with Australian singer and songwriter Sia. The album comes out Sept. 20.
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Pierson is founder of theindie rock band, The B-52's (the band dropped the apostrophe in 2008) who have released more than a dozen albums since their first, “Live Studio Jam: An FM Radio Broadcast” in 1978. Widely known for “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster” and other iconic hits, The B-52s had six studio albums from 1979 to 2008.
The original group featured Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Ricky Wilson. Ricky Wilson died in 1985 and Strickland has stopped touring but the other three original members still record together.
7 questions The B-52s Kate Pierson answered from the Cape Cod Times:
- When did you move to Cape Cod and why? Had you spent much time on Cape Cod before that? Do you have favorite spots – beaches, clubs, restaurants – on Cape?
(Pierson and her wife bought a house in Truro in 2021)
Having a second home on the Cape has changed my life. My wife, Monica, used to come here when she was younger and always told me how much she loved it. Our other home (is) in the Catskill mountains in New York, so having the ocean (and) the mountains is fabulous. I love Truro for its quiet, beautiful stretches of beach. I love swimming in the ocean with the sharks (Pierson bolded that last in her response). I love the seafood restaurants, markets, and farmers markets. We also have a garden here so the eating is good! And it’s always fun to go into Provincetown for a great drag show or music. And my favorite radio station is the amazing WOMR.
- I’ve noticed you have been doing a few YouTube videos this year. Can you talk about your current touring and latest music?
In conjunction with my record label, we’ve released two singles so far ― “Every Day is Halloween” and “Evil Love” along with two videos. The Cape Cod Jazz and Arts Festival (at Wequassett) will be the premiere of my new songs, and I hope to do a lot more live shows!
- What music can we expect to hear at Wequassett?
I’ll be playing some of my new songs along with some favorites and hits. And a few from my previous solo record, “Guitars and Microphones.”
- Is your wife also a musician? I noticed you wrote “Radio in Bed” together. Do you have pets? Hobbies? What is a perfect day for you?
My wife, Monica, and I have a German shepherd named Loki. We both love (to) garden and we play music together. She plays guitar. She’s also a potter and also a silver artisan. A perfect day is walking Loki, playing music, and taking a dive in the ocean.
- With your first album being 45 years ago, are there things you have learned along the way that you could share?
Sure, practice writing and stick to it. And write songs that come from your heart. Try to be creative in everything you do, and try to bring joy to people with your music.
- Is there an adventure on the horizon after this new album?
I’m already thinking about the next album. I think it will be a country record.
- How would you describe your genre of music and do you have any observations on the music business today?
I would say my music is Indie Pop. The music business is very different from when we started. I feel fortunate to have the mothership, The B-52s, still together, still playing and being able to put out solo records.
One good thing is streaming allows everyone to listen to every genre of music and I still love independent radio - it turns me on to new music all the time!
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