Kimya Dawson balancing music career, motherhood

From screenwriter Diablo Cody's quirky dialogue, to Ellen Page's critically heralded performance, the Jason Reitman vehicle "Juno" officially entered the mainstream over the winter months.

Just as memorable as the film's writing and performances is the music that defines the movie's vibe. Most of the film's music, including the catchy "Anyone Else But You," came from the whimsical mind of Kimya Dawson.

Once one half of Moldy Peaches, a eccentric anti-folk duo, she helped pen "Anyone Else But You" with Adam Green.

Since then, Kimya has made a name for herself as a solo artist. Writing songs that range from political ("Looselips," "12/26") to personal ("Singing Machine," "It's Been Raining," "Alphabutt"), Dawson has staked out her own territory as a unique voice that has no issue wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Friday night, Dawson will play an early show at the Pour House.

In the midst of balancing her hectic tour schedule that has only intensified thanks to the soundtrack's overwhelming success and recent motherhood, Dawson was able to offer a quick, and I do mean quick, interview.

Preview: First off, how is motherhood treating you?

Dawson: Good. Tiring, but good.

Preview: How do you fit being a mom into your life now that you're currently on the road?

Dawson: Well, we just pack up the minivan and we all go. Make sure the venues are baby-friendly. Right now the main struggle is finding good healthy food for her on the road.

Preview: The first time I heard your solo work, it felt so intimate compared to a lot of music. Where do you find the ability to make music so open and honest?

Dawson: The music makes itself when I need a song to help me deal with something.

Preview: Do you sometimes feel the need to hold back when writing?

Dawson: No.

Preview: Songs like "Tire Swing" and "Singing Machine" seem to be so spontaneous. How much of your writing is spontaneous and how much is mapped out?

Dawson: It's 98 percent not mapped out.

Preview: Aside from size, have you noticed a difference in the audience at your shows?

Dawson: Not really.

Preview: When the lights aren't shining in your eyes, what's it like seeing the audience's reactions to your music?

Dawson: It's really nice.

Preview: Are you more comfortable on stage versus a few years ago?

Dawson: Oh yeah, most of the time.

Preview: Does Jason Bateman know you name-checked him alongside Marla Gibbs in one of your songs?

Dawson: I have no idea. I sure didn't tell him.

Preview: I heard you like soft rock. Care to talk about it.

Dawson: Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, Peter Cetera. Love me some ballads. Any ol' Ronstadt and Neville duet'll do.

Preview: About two years ago, I was reading your blog and saw you were having a problem with a doll screwing with your hair. What's become of him? Is he alive or has he been put in a corner indefinitely?

Dawson: He and (her daughter) Panda are dear friends.