Musicians dislike being pigeonholed, even when they’re seen as the ambassadors for a particular genre. In 1985, Gary Louris and Mark Olson formed the Jayhawks, one of the most representative bands of the alternative-country movement. The band (now on hiatus) soldiered on for almost two decades, even after Olson’s departure in ’95, and Louris has also collaborated with members of Wilco and Big Star in Golden Smog as well as produced albums by a wide range of artists including The Sadies. A native Ohioan, Louris has just released his first solo album, Vagabonds. He spoke with EYE WEEKLY by phone before the start of his tour.

Back in ’92 The Jayhawks recorded Hollywood Town Hall in Los Angeles. How did it feel to go record there again?
This record was more of a live situation. Hollywood Town Hall and [1995’s]  Tomorrow the Green Grass were pretty much “assembled” like many records. This one was 95 per cent live: lead vocals, guitar, steel-guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, they were all recorded live in the studio.

Would you agree that there’s a Los Angeles vibe on this record?
Yeah, I see that. Certainly a lot of music that fits that mould has been an influence on me. I hear a lot of different things on there, all my influences since I was four.

How did you assemble the backing singers? That’s an impressive list: Susanna Hoffs, Jenny Lewis...
A lot of it had to do with [Vagabonds producer and Black Crowes singer] Chris Robinson and his connections in LA — he is a very well-connected lad. He suggested a number of people. I suggested Susanna Hoffs because she was a fan and a friend.

How did you connect with Chris Robinson in the first place?
Chris and I have been friends since 1991 or so. He and I have stayed in contact. Chris is a musicologist, knows all kinds of music, and I needed somebody that I could trust, who would handle this record with the utmost respect and care and know how to make a record. Chris was there to help me find my way through the forest, so to speak.

Do you stay current by listening to music that’s similar to yours?
I stay somewhat current. Frankly, I often find myself disappointed. Every time I buy new records they rarely seem to have any staying power like I would like.

Both you and Mark Olson have recently released solo albums. I heard there is a collaboration between you two coming up?
We have a record coming out, the two of us together. We were just trying to let each other have their day in the sun and then make way for the Louris-Olson record.

You recorded The Sadies’ latest album in Spain, and from what I gather, being out of your usual environment played an important role. Was recording Vagabonds in Los Angeles like that?
I love The Sadies and I am very proud to have been a part of that record. I’ve made a lot of records in California, so it didn’t really feel very alien to me. I am at home in LA.