Terry Radigan The Breakdown of a Breakup Interview

Terry Radigan The Breakdown of a Breakup Interview

Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Radigan, finally breaks out with her long-awaited album The Breakdown of a Breakup, which was released on Valentine's Day. The 12 songs pull at the heart-strings of all those who've loved, lost, and developed a sense of humor along the way.

After a lifetime of writing and producing music for incredible artists such as Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, Anuna, Ashley MacIsaac and Faith Hill, Radigan has finally written an album for her own voice. Her combination of words and melodies has garnered notoriety as a genuine and respected songwriter and musician within the industry.

Ironically being released on the most love-centric commercial holiday of the year, The Breakdown of a Breakup is as "Anti-Valentine's Day" as you can get. A collection that Terry says is her most personal, mature and liberating work yet; pouring out her soul after her 20 year marriage came to an abrupt end. To get through the trying and emotional time in her life, Radigan's solace was writing these songs.

The Breakdown of a Breakup is a roller coaster of emotions; "The Truth" depicts all the little lies you tell yourself when the truth at hand is too much to bear, the angry explicit-filled, "Mistake" that was written when the truth surfaced, and "Emily" a song dedicated to the other woman. It's the complete story of a breaking relationship; denial, anger, sadness, and the final phase of empowerment and moving on.

Sonically, the album is a lush and eclectic mix of pop, rock, country, and alternative, propelled by her rich, soothing and sometimes raspy voice, magnetic guitar-driven melodies and on some tracks, blaring horns and swinging strings. The end result is a Shawn Colvin/Aimee Mann/Pink Martini/Carole King-esque mixture of tracks satisfying a wide range of tastes and ears.

Interview with Terry Radigan

Question: What inspired The Breakdown of a Breakup?

Terry Radigan: The end of my 20 year relationship.


Question: How would you describe The Breakdown of a Breakup?

Terry Radigan: It's a diary of the emotions and feelings I felt in the aftermath.


Question: Who would you recommend The Breakdown of a Breakup too?

Terry Radigan: I reckon anyone who was had their heartbroken…. which is just about everyone on the planet!


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Terry Radigan: Yes I do write my own songs though I do love to cover other writers work as well. I approach those songs much differently as a singer. My inspiration is anything that moves me.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Terry Radigan: Ah, currently I'm listening to Nick Lowe's new CD "The Old Magic", The Secret Sisters, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Roger Miller Box set.


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Terry Radigan: Play the music from The Breakdown of a Breakup anywhere they will have me, produce a few new artists and be writing music for a few TV projects.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Terry Radigan: Certainly moments when I was down for the count and left wondering if I should resort to "plan b". Then I realised I neglected to create a "plan b" and carried on with and carry on to this day with "plan a".


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Terry Radigan: I love both but it's much cooler to share a room/space with folks so I'd opt for more live performances.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Terry Radigan: Don't really know. I just knew from age 4 that I was going to write songs and play the guitar.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Terry Radigan: Staying true to my voice. It was tempting to want to cash in quick in Nashville and write mainstream music but the truth was I was really bad at writing songs to order and it really helped me to focus and define my voice.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Terry Radigan: Food, Spotify on and off all day, writing, walking around NYC and more than likely spending the better part of the day in the studio.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Terry Radigan: Everything …


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Terry Radigan: Nick Lowe


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Terry Radigan: www.terryradigan.com


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Terry Radigan: Hmmm... I'd say health, music, new songs, enthusiasm and my peeps.


Question: What message would you like to say to your fans?

Terry Radigan: Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me do what I do!