Ahead of his November 16 show at Neptune Theatre, we caught up with Portland-based artist John Craigie. (Turns out, the last time we spoke with him was 6 years ago!) While he’s continued to grow and evolve as a musician, we’re happy to report that Craigie maintains the same warm spirit and witty, endearing onstage presence as he always has — as evidenced by a sold-out show we attended at Pittsburgh’s Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall this fall. Here’s what the lovable talent said about his current tour.

Seattleite: How is your 2023 going so far? How could you sum it up in a few words?
John Craigie: It’s been a great journey from familiar places to new territories.

S: You have a busy fall ahead. How do you attempt to stay grounded while on the road?
JC: I get most of my inspiration from the road and from movement. I think I do my best writing backstage or while the van is cruising down the highway. It’s when I’m off the road that I feel I get unmotivated or sluggish.

S: What can audience members expect from your Keep it Warm Tour 2023?
JC: I’ll be touring with some backup musicians this time around so they can expect a fuller sound and some more sonic explorations as we showcase older songs and some new ones as well. I have a new record coming out in January so there will be some teasers from that.

S: Where are you seeking the most inspiration these days?
JC: As usual, I seek it from interactions and from stories I hear either directly or from the media. Also from live music that I get to catch, when I’m not playing my own shows.

S: What’s in your personal music rotation these days?
JC: New records from Dean Johnson, Hiss Golden Messenger, Gregory Alan Isakov, Tre Burt, Erin Rae, Rainbow Girls, Credit Electric and Anna Moss.

S: Do you currently have new music in the works?
JC: Yeah I have a record coming out in January and will start dropping singles in late October.

S: What do you like to do when in Seattle, if you have spare time?
JC: I love walking down by the water and hanging in the cool neighborhoods. But I would like more time to explore. I always feel like Seattle is Portland’s older brother, so we can kind of learn from it.

*Photos by Benji Wilson