Leave with ... Dar Williams

Exploring the Regional Vibe of Music and Life

Musician Dar Williams has always been fascinated by the unique energy of different audiences. “Every audience has a regional vibe that’s wonderful,” she shared. “I've learned that in the United Kingdom, oftentimes they are laughing and appreciating a concert – on the inside. After the concert is when I find out I haven't bombed.” She noted that Irish audiences are particularly demonstrative and generous. One memorable moment came during a show in Dublin when she told the audience she couldn’t do an encore because she had caught her family's stomach bug and had to throw up. The crowd applauded with enthusiasm. Canadian audiences, she said, appreciate every kind of humor, while New England and the Bay Area have distinct differences she can feel.

Williams’ latest album, Hummingbird Highway, is a cohesive collection of songs that reflect her everyday life at home and the experiences she gathers while touring. This interview was edited for clarity and length.

A Song Inspired by France

When asked about the song “Tu Sais Le Printemps” from her new album, Williams reflected on her time in France. “I'm positive that any time in France will stay with you forever,” she said. Her 2002 honeymoon included morning coffee, museum visits, long dinners, and daily walks across bridges, around cathedrals, and through flower gardens. However, she emphasized that you don’t need to be in Paris to feel the impact of spring on memory and inhibition.

French Phrases in the Song

The inclusion of French phrases in the song, Williams explained, was inspired by a powerful image she saw in 2016: three lacy bras in the colors of the French flag hanging from a wrought iron balcony. “Romance is so important,” she said. Originally, the entire song was written in French, but her high school-level knowledge proved insufficient.

Language Skills and Humor

When asked if she speaks French or other languages besides English, Williams shared that she’s been learning Spanish through an app for three years. She also recalled a time when she used just enough French to tell a drunk teenager on a boat to move to an upper deck due to gas fumes. “Enough French to be helpful. I'll take it,” she said. However, she admitted to making a mistake when she told an audience in Paris that her babysitter had pants with many corridors.

Staying Healthy on Tour

Maintaining health while on tour is crucial for Williams. She has a list of habits that keep her well: sleep, hydration, stretching, and hand-washing. When she’s sick, she relies on lemon water, ibuprofen, apple cider vinegar shots, and lowering the keys of her songs. She credits turmeric supplements for reducing the frequency and duration of her illnesses significantly.

Writing on the Go

Williams often works on songs while traveling. She finds inspiration in walking through museums, thinking deeply, then grabbing a coffee and working on lyrics. At home, she enjoys playing with chords on her guitar to spark creativity. “The best is when songs just come up in daily life,” she said.

Upcoming Tours and Travel Plans

Williams has an upcoming national tour for Hummingbird Highway scheduled from winter through spring of 2026. She also plans to return to the UK and Ireland for the first time since 2018.

Favorite Getaways and Cities

Her favorite weekend getaways involve exploring new trails near her home. While her touring life focuses on discovering the world, her non-touring weekends are about uncovering her own surroundings. When asked about her favorite cities, she listed Montreal, Edinburgh, London, Berkeley, and Pittsburgh.

Memorable Vacations

One of her most memorable trips was a 1999 visit to Montreal to finish writing songs for The Green World. Despite not producing any songs initially, she enjoyed being alone and immersing herself in the city. By the end of the trip, she had completed about half the album. “It was amazing, and that was only the beginning of my love story with Montreal,” she said.