Originally published in Verbicide issue #3

Ever since I first heard the poppy and hypnotic sounds of indie-rockers Helium in 1996, I have been a huge fan. I was, of course, thrilled when I finally got a chance to see Helium frontwoman Mary Timony performing tracks from her solo effort Mountains in January 2001 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Luckily for me, Mary agreed to do an email interview shortly thereafter, and provided an update on the status of Helium, insight on the tour, and other stuff.

Did you play with any other bands throughout the duration of your 2001 tour, or did you have a different opening band in each city?
We just toured with Shannon Wright. It was totally fun, and seeing Shannon play every night was pretty incredible. She is one of the most talented musicians, and her songs are totally beautiful.

Who was your touring bassist?
Jeff from Karate.

I saw your performance in Cambridge and thought it was great. Being from the area, do you particularly enjoy playing to Boston crowds?
I do, I feel like I have a lot of support in Boston, in that there are people who go to the shows I play who seem to appreciate the music.

Are you originally from Boston? How do you like the area?
Nope, I’m from DC. I’ve always been pretty neutral about this area. I’ve been thinking about moving.

How did you like Boston University?
It wasn’t the best place to go to school.

I noticed that on your latest album, Mountains, you and Christina Files play almost all of the instruments. Tell me a bit about her and how she came to collaborate with you. Are you two planning any future projects?
She was in a band from Boston called Victory at Sea, and she was in The Swirlies for a while. I always wanted to play with her, and so I asked her to jam at some point.

What does “Dona nobis dona nobis pachem” mean?
It’s part of the Latin Mass in the Catholic Church. My brother studied composition and wrote a classical mass in college that I thought was really incredible, and since then has lost the only recording of it. I remember being in awe of it, and sticking some of the words into one of my songs…also you just tend to hear those words growing up Catholic…I don’t know — even in Christmas carols, maybe?

Since the end of the tour, what has been keeping you busy? Have you been in the studio at all? Anything on the side outside of music that you’ve been busy with?
Collaborating on scoring a TV show with my friend for cable TV, and just hanging out.

Do you collect anything?
I have a collection of things my friends have given me, like paintings, and other things they’ve made, on shelves in my living room.

Are there any plans for a possible Helium reunion in the near future? A new record, maybe a tour?
Helium didn’t break up. We have a record coming out next year.

Personally, what are your favorite songs that you’ve written?
Probably “Aging Astronauts” and “Tiger Rising.”

What is your biggest motivation as a musician? What do you find most inspiring about your career?
My biggest motivation…knowing I’ll be able to go on the road and have fun with my friends, and meet new people.

What is your favorite cartoon?
I don’t really have one.

Do you have your own website where people can keep up to date on your tour dates and latest projects?
Nope — just the Matador site for now: www.matadorrecords.com/helium.