Sterling Witt’s latest recording, “Shadows & Secrets,” is his sixth full-length recording since his inaugural self-titled EP in 2000. Like its predecessors, “Secrets” reveals the works of a songwriter who ignores boundaries without straying into chaos or abstractions. It also illustrates Witt’s ability (with the help of producer Steve Phillips of the Elders) to create some outside-the-box arrangements of folk and rock songs. Saturday night, Witt will perform a variety of songs from his hefty repertoire at the Westport Coffee House Theatre. He recently answered a few questions about his music and his influences.

Give us an idea of how you started in music and writing songs.

I was born and raised in the rural countryside of Cass County. I went to school in Harrisonville. I grew up on a farm and spent much of my youth playing by the edge of the Grand River. When I was 15 I picked up the bass guitar and taught myself how to play a right-handed instrument upside-down, left handed. The crafting of lyrics, singing and playing a six-string guitar soon followed. Right from the start I was obsessed with songwriting. I have this overwhelming urge to explore my abilities and push myself to the edge. I’m always looking for my breaking point to see just how far I can go.

Who has had a profound influence on your music?

Nirvana. As a teenager that band had a huge impact on me. Although I don’t listen to them much anymore, I believe they are responsible for many of my moralistic views about what music should and should not be.

Whose songwriting do you admire?

Tom Waits. Often I feel he explores the land of the unknown. I admire that in any artist. For me that is what being an artist is about: pushing yourself to the next level.

What will Saturday’s show be like?

It will be a solo show, with the exception of a duet with Nicolette Paige. Imagine being invited into my living room. It will be a very intimate performance showcasing songs from all of my albums. I have a live performance art/music video planned that will require volunteers from the audience. It’s going to be an experimental blast.

Timothy Finn The Star

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