Beth Hart has been through practically it all. From performing sold out shows all over the world to hitting rock bottom from a heavy alcohol and drug addiction. These highpoints and low point are the number one providers of inspiration for Beths music. Rock, blues and gospel; all of these styles are a big influence to her writing real and personal songs. The true persuasion is when Beth is on stage giving a performance. She is famous for her overwhelming and energizing live shows that make the shivers run down your spine.
The main subject of her new record “My California” is her rebellious past. Beth was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder by the age of 27. In other words, she suffers from a manic depression. Twelve years ago she mentally collapsed. “I couldn’t work; I couldn’t stay at home alone. That was too dangerous for me. This time I stayed in the hospital for a month.” She decided to completely surrender to medication. “I had enough, I never felt that sick. It was frightening. Thanks to the medication I directly felt better. I didn’t feel so scared, insecure and paranoid anymore. Someone once told me you would get less creative because of the medicines, but I got even more creative.”
“My California” couldn’t be made if it wasn’t for producer Rune Westberg. He convinced Beth to incorporate her recent events in her music. She is happy with the endresult but she also finds it scary. “I love this record and I believe that there are people that are also going to love it, but on the other side; what if everything that happened, happens again? The thought of it, gives me shivers.” (Source: nu.nl)