Lawrence.com

After releasing dozens of albums and touring virtually non-stop for 20+ years, one could be forgiven for slipping it into cruise control for a while. But that's not what won Ani DiFranco an army of devotees and feminist icon status. The outspoken folk-funk-rock pioneer shows no sign of slowing her crusade to achieve independence both artistically and politically. "Red Letter Year," her 18th studio LP-not counting her numerous live albums-is out via her own label, Righteous Babe Records the day after she plays Lawrence.

Amid the hullabaloo of preparing a new album and tour-never mind being a mom-she's still characteristically plugged into the current electoral climate. DiFranco joined us over the phone to discuss Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, getting out the vote-oh, and her new album.

lawrence.com: You were performing in Denver during the Democratic National Convention. How was it for you as a political-minded artist to be in this milieu of politicians, celebrities, parties, and protesters?

DiFranco: It was great. I showed up with no expectations, but I just got happy being there. There were so many cool people in Denver and everybody was really partying on a hope vibe. Just walking around the convention center and seeing people of all makes and models out on the streets selling their bootleg Obama stuff-it was very, very exciting. I have so much hope for this election-and so much anxiety. I feel like the eyes of the world are upon us and we need to rise to the occasion as voters. Even if we have never voted or participated before, now is the time. I've been stomping around saying, "Everybody registered?" I think it's a very, very important time.

You're an unabashed Dennis Kucinich supporter. Even though he didn't secure the nomination, you still feel engaged in this election?

I think Barack Obama is a really cool guy. I think he would make an awesome president. I am somewhat further left than Barack, but I'm somewhat further left than most. Really, all that I hope for in a president is a thoughtful, engaged person who's got their ear to the ground and a brain in their head. Barack, I feel, is that. Even on the points in which I differ with him or wish that he were more staunch in his progressiveness, I feel like he's a person who will listen and will change and will grow. I believe in him. He seems to me like somebody who could be my friend, you know? Here's a guy who got out of law school and started doing public interest work. When he speaks, I want to listen. That's a palpable difference that distinguishes him from almost any other mainstream politician out there. I would like to have a beer with this guy, and I would like it even more if he were president. A presidential beer, please.

You've earned the mantle of "Feminst Icon." As such, aren't you just thrilled that Sarah Palin might be a 72-year-old heartbeat away from being the first female president?

Yeah, let me think-uh, no.

As a feminist, I am way not into Margaret Thatcher. I'm way, way not into Condoleeza Rice. And I'm not into Sarah Palin. Feminism, progressivism, humanism-whatever-it has nothing to do with what's in your pants.

The fact that Republicans have craftily put a woman on their ticket is not exciting to me at all. I find it very strategic and I really hope that the feminists of America are smart enough to see through that ruse and realize that she is incredibly anti-choice. She is as conservative and blinded and clouded in her thinking as any of the Bush-ites. She and McCain offer more of the same, and that's the last thing we need in this country-or this world.

This might be a cliched and sappy question, but now that you're a mother do you feel an even greater sense of urgency in this election?

Nope. I'm just about as engaged as I could be. In fact, I think as a mom now that I have a foil that I didn't used to have. I have a place to go that is apolitical. To have a baby in the house is a wonderful alternative to the nightly news. It's an opportunity for me to slow down and just appreciate the little things in life. She's kind of my escape from this endless hamster wheel of activism. »