#MeTime with Melissa Etheridge

Even superstar musicians can benefit from a little #MeTime.

Ahead of Melissa Etheridge’s performance at the Sutter Home Winery for Live in the Vineyard, we checked in with her to see how she makes time for herself. We also asked about Melissa’s latest album, This Is M.E., out now.

We’ve been encouraging the Sutter Home community to carve out more #MeTime this year. Juggling family life and career commitments, including a world tour to support your latest album, must present some unique challenges. How do you make time for yourself?

MELISSA ETHERIDGE: “Time for myself? Well, I am happy to see someone taking up this difficult subject! Time for myself is very important, yet I enjoy my work and my family so much, I find it hard to make myself a priority. I usually take a bit of time every day and do my jigsaw puzzle or read a book.”

What’s your ideal kind of #MeTime?

“I don’t have a ton of it but when I have the time, I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, and fine dining. [My wife] Linda and I love to visit great chefs and taste amazing food. I also enjoy fishing when I can.”

Your new album, This Is M.E., carries a very personal title. What was the inspiration behind your music this time?

“This is M.E. is an affirmation of the influences heard on this album. Each one makes up what my music is. The subjects and stories in the songs come from a personal place.”

We think your music makes for a great #MeTime soundtrack. What’s on your personal playlist?

“Right now I am enjoying Sia’s ‘Chandelier,’ Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney’s ‘FourFiveSeconds,’ Eastmountainsouth’s ‘All The Stars,’ Fatboy Slim and Macy Gray’s ‘Demons,’ and Lucinda Williams’ ‘Essence.’”

#MeTime is made for wine, of course. Do you have a favorite varietal that you like to unwind with?

“I favor a good red wine. A nice Grenache is always delicious.”