by: Amy Talkington (page 114)

Full Name: Natalie Anne Merchant
Birthday: October 26
Residence: "Planet Earth"
Former band: 10,000 Maniacs
Solo Album: Tigerlily (Elektra)

Exercise:

Swimming. I think it's a really balanced way to exercise because it doesn't put stress on any one part of the body. I just went to the South Pacific and swam in the deep ocean for the first time. I was terrified -- I'm not accustomed to large fish in may swimming environment. I'm definitely more of a pool swimmer!

School Subject:

History. I'm always looking for an explanation of why things are the way they are, and studying history helps me understand that there is a precedent or a pattern.

Historical Time Period:

The turn of the nineteenth century. People thought things were possible that people today don't think are possible anymore. People actually went into the wilderness to build new societies!

Historical Community:

The Shakers. They were founded in New York by a woman known as Mother Ann. They practiced celebacy, all property was collectively owned, and men and women had equal decision-making power, which was unheard of at the time [1776]. They were a Quaker sect, but the queer thing about their worship was that they did a lot of esctatic dancing - that's why they were called "Shakers".

Pet:

My dog, Gracie, who passed away a few months ago. She was a really great dog - a mixture of Border collie, Australian shepherd and Buddhist monk. [laughs]

Up-and-coming Band:

Innocence Mission, who I went on tour with recently. I think that their lyrics are really engaging.

Politician:

Gandhi. A deeply spiritual man as a leader is something we aren't that familiar with in our country. The fact that he achieved independence for India, a nation that had been under British imperial power - and did it without violence - is amazing.

Thing about being solo:

That I can be as uncompromising and unyielding as I want!

Song on her album:

Wonder. I find it to be a hopeful song. It was written about a woman who has a severe physical handicap, and it's about what she's done to overcome it and live her life fully.

Food: