Local Love: Q/A with Frontwoman and Songwriter Linda Quon

Hello Trouble are Arthur Turlak on upright bass, Mark Quon on acoustic guitar, Jenny Harada-Wasson on fiddle, Linda Quon, Sophie Cashman on drums and Jeff Bethke on electric guitar. Credit: Hello Trouble

You might not have heard of Linda Quon & Hello Trouble yet, but if you’re at all familiar with the local music scene, you’ve probably heard the frontwoman’s voice. Linda Quon has been a frequent player since moving to Bend from the San Fernando Valley in 2005, offering vocal harmonies in folk-inspired bands like Parlour, She’s With Me and The Quons (with her husband and frequent collaborator, Mark).

“I’m so grateful for the Central Oregon music scene,” she tells. “The musicians, the venues that support live music and the incredible locals who come out to listen and support — it’s all so great. Between the open mics, food truck lots, wine-tasting venues and larger spots, there are so many options. I honestly feel like there are more opportunities to play and hear live music here than when I lived in L.A.’s suburbs.”

Hello Trouble marks her step into the spotlight as a bandleader, drawing inspiration from the likes of Sierra Ferrell and Eilen Jewell to create country- and swing-tinged roots music with a backing band of guitar (acoustic and electric), fiddle, upright bass and drums.

The Source Weekly caught up with her ahead of Hello Trouble’s upcoming shows (Thursday, Jan. 28 at Sisters’ Ski Inn Taphouse and Wednesday, Feb. 5 at McMenamins Old St. Francis School) to talk about her evolution and inspiration. Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Source Weekly: You’ve been in plenty of local acts over the years, but this is your first time fronting a band. What inspired you to step into a leadership role?

Linda Quon: I’ve always loved singing harmony and blending my voice with others, especially with my husband, Mark, whose songwriting is a huge inspiration to me. Harmony feels second nature to me, so I’ve been content playing a more supportive role in music. But at some level, I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to front my own band and play my own songs.

My biggest inspiration came a few years ago when a friend sent me a link to Eilen Jewell on Spotify with the message, “This made me think of you.” It struck a chord. Eilen’s mix of swingy, old-school country and blues felt so close to what I wanted for my own songs. Then another friend introduced me to Sierra Ferrell, and I was hooked. After seeing Jenny Don’t and the Spurs in Portland last February, I knew it was time to take the leap.

SW: So, this a chance for you to show off your songwriting, too. Have you always been writing songs, or is this a new development?

LQ: I’ve been writing songs for almost 20 years and have played some of them in other projects, but I’ve been slow to put myself out there as a songwriter. Honestly, it’s always felt a bit scary, even though we have such a welcoming and supportive local music community. Adding my voice and harmonies to other people’s songs has always been my sweet spot, my comfort zone and, in some ways, my crutch. While I’ve performed some of my original songs with other projects, I wanted a bigger band to create the sound I imagined for my music.

SW: How did you get into music?

LQ: My mom was a classical pianist, and both of my brothers played guitar. I was in elementary school when my oldest brother taught me my first three chords, so I could play Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue.” Eventually, I joined the high school choir and chamber singers, singing alto and second soprano. That experience gave me an ear for harmony and the incredible feeling of blending my voice with others.

SW: You also have an impressive background in communications [sharing Quon Design & Communication with your husband, having worked in PR for decades]. Do you find any overlap between that world and your musical output?

LQ: That’s an interesting question. I think both music and my work require me to put myself out there. I’m not naturally an extrovert, but my career in public relations and communications — and my love of music — has helped me grow that part of myself.

SW: You say you take inspiration from artists like Sierra Ferrell and Eilen Jewell. Anyone else you think we might hear in Hello Trouble?

LQ: I’ve been inspired by so many artists — Bonnie Raitt, k.d. lang, Brandi Carlile, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Fiona Apple — but I wouldn’t necessarily say you’ll hear them in Hello Trouble (or even Sierra and Eilen). If you do, I’d be incredibly honored!