Written by:
Jocelyn Voo
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this Issue of Curve:
Vol. 15#1
More than just an incredibly talented musician, Pamela means is an incredibly dedicated woman, not just to her fans or her craft, but also to her convictions. She’s political, philosophical and, as fellow artist Ani DiFranco declares, “You’ve got such a deep, deep groove, I can’t get out, and I wouldn’t want to.” Neither do we. Come lie here beside us as we ponder the top 10 reasons we’ve fallen for this Boston-based, biracial, indie artist and can’t get up.
1. She’s a perpetual DIY student. Whether it’s her musical career or personal life, Means is all about learning from the past and using those lessons to propel her into the future: “As the adoptive daughter of a white mother and black father, I learned about dismantling systems of oppression from the inside out.”
2. She’s a fighter. After her mother’s untimely death from cancer, Means, then 14 years old, picked up her guitar and hasn’t looked back since. Guitar became her release from an early life riddled with poverty, foster homes and racially segregated inner-city life.
3. She loves her fans. At least, that’s what her touring schedule strongly indicates, charting an impressive 150 shows a year, nationally and internationally. Her appearances run the gamut from the massive festivals and college campuses to esoteric corner clubs and coffeehouses.
4. She’s not without cause. In addition to playing regular venues, Means is also a fixture at numerous regional Pride events, Take Back the Night rallies and Black History Month celebrations.
5. She’s informed. Her official Web site (http://www.pamelameans.com) features a “political musings” section, where Means occasionally jots down just what’s on her mind. As she says, “Truth is ammunition.”
6. She’s only human. A self-proclaimed connoisseur, Means has a side project while she’s touring: to find the perfect up of joe. Using a half-cup to five-cup rating system, Means judges java huts while on the road.
7. You can get this close to her without getting slapped with a restraining order. Means began offering private guitar lessons in the Northampton, Mass., community in February, in both one-on-one and small group settings. One wonders if the group setup would be more conducive to learning music rather than just ogling her.
8. Her mantel is crammed with awards. Means has a laundry list of honors to her name, winning Outmusic’s 2004 Outstanding New Recording award for a female for her self-produced album Single Bullet Theory; being named Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s No. 1 Most Wanted New Artist; and claiming titles as Wisconsin’s Folk Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.”
9. She’s shared the stage with a bevy of babes. Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, Melissa Ferrick, Violent Femmes and the list goes on ...
10. She is woman, hear her roar. Means quotes warrior poet Audre Lorde: “I am myself — a Black woman warrior poet doing my work — come to ask you, are you doing yours?” You come for the music, and you leave with something else.
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