We’re big fans of The SunPunchers so, obviously, we were over the moon with excitement to have them take part in our Songs from The Listening Room series with this rendition of “Make Love Stay”.
Check out the video of their live performance from The Listening Room Phoenix and then continue on to our Q&A with songwriter (and SunPuncher) Betsy Ganz.
Also, be sure to check out Toast Tuesdays on June 12 and every second Tuesday of the month at The Lost Leaf, hosted by The SunPunchers!
For a real mind-blow, check out their original version of “Make Love Stay” from their 2017 album, Levity, below:
So, please tell us a little about the song you chose to perform. When did you write it? Anything prompt its creation?
“Make Love Stay” was written 6 years ago at a low point when our 16 year old was pulling away for reasons that didn’t feel normal, but were vitally necessary in the development process. Trust me when I tell you it’s a devastating pull-away that is underappreciated, but essential for everyone and feels maddeningly counterintuitive. Try to tell your heart this is really happening. So I started to explore themes of sustainability in adult relationships…why does someone stick around? Why so fickle? What is the glue? It’s still a preordained mystery in every case.
Do you have a method in your songwriting? If not a formalized process, a habitual approach?
I work a demanding day job so I need to create in spurts. When I have time off, I have a small stuffed green and blue monster that I use as a prompt- he let’s me know it’s ok to let loose and that it’s safe to crack open the vault, no matter how scary… I put him next to me when I write.
Who are some of the songwriters that inspire you &/or your own work?
I’m inspired by lines and phrases from so many writers it’s hard to nail it down. John Prine, Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams are just a few.
Any new projects in the works that we should keep watch for?
Yes! New band songs and solo work coming up this year- we are starting to travel and book nano tours around the state and surrounding areas.
