Publication: MuchMusic
Date: June 5, 1997
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Q: In the past year you've faced life changes... has music played a therapeutic role in your life?

A: Music - through all my life has been my best friend, but God has been my psychiatrist.

Q: As a creative artist, why are you reluctant to participate in the creative process of an interview?

A: People 4 the most part have alterior motives and I've been burned in the past I like the cards 2 be shuffled before I'm dealt a hand.

Q: As an innovator in music, where do you perceive your new musical directions will take you and your fans?

A: God willing - supporters of my music (I'm wary of the word fan... it's short 4 fanatic) will see that the new music we enjoy will continue the journey inward. Atone!

Q: Does spirituality play a role in your life and if so, how?

A: My spirit governs everything I do. I enjoy learning about the relationship of all in the universe. I'm very interested in names. The name Washburn is very curious 2 me. Also the name Galloway.

Q: You're always praised for the players you select in your band... what criteria do you use for choosing the members in your group?

A: This year - all the members had 2 be vegetarians or at least on the road 2 veganism. Rhonda Smith helped me write one of our new songs - Animal Kingdom, that speaks about the relationship between animals and man. "I'm gonna eat chicken 2night" is acceptable but "I'm gonna eat a chicken 2night" is not. Let's hope God's not a chicken. On the 5th day - God said, "All meat eaters please, step 2 the right...".

Q: Your live shows are renown for their theatrics... do you consider that to be a function of the show... or is it just about live music?

A: It's about moving the crowd - 1st and 4most. I'm capable of anything onstage!

Q: Are you developing any new artists out of Paisley Park that we can expect to hear from in the future?

A: Yes but if I tell u, I'll have to kill u! It's a secret. 1999.

Q: How has Mayte changed your music?

A: Mayte has given me a deeper understanding of the female sex. So in turn, my songs about women are funneled through that understanding. In all honest - I think my music has gotten sexier. Friend, Lover, Sister, Mother/Wife is very sexy. LoveSexy.

Q: Why is Minneapolis still a base for you?

A: Changing seasons give u much respect 4 the universe and it's power. Minnesota has tornados, blizzards, mosquitos, unique accents and the prettiest autumn anywhere. I love it and it loves me.

Q: What are you digging musically at the moment?

A: God's Property.

Q: Do you feel you are truly free?

A: Not completely. 2 release 1999 in that year I would have to re-record it. 2 me that is criminal. That I don't own the master recording 2 the song Purple Rain shocks many people... what do you think? The floor is open for discussion.

Q: What do you find sexy?

A: Mayte.

Q: How has your perspective on the millenium changed since you wrote 1999?

A: No, it's only intensified. It's time, I believe, 4 all of us 2 evaluate who we are and what we stand 4.

Thank you for taking the time to respond... please say hi to Kat from every one at MuchMusic.

Thank u, MuchMusic - Lenny was funky on your show. Peace and be wild!