Artist. Singer. Songwriter. Icon. These are just a few of the words that have described Melissa Etheridge over her career. In advance of her new album This Is M.E. Etheridge returns to Alberta next week with shows in Calgary September 2^nd and Edmonton September 3^rd at each city’s Jubilee Auditorium. Touring before an album comes out is a different model from the usual industry format of release first, then tour to support.

"This is an independent record. This is the first time I have owned my own record I am not on Island Records. This is M.E. records distributed by Caroline. So I am going to get all the money on the back end but there is no upfront money. So where you used to have promotional support, I am combining it and touring so I am making money and doing promotion while I am touring so it is not out of pocket. So this is the business model." Etheridge explained to GayCalgary as we chatted with her on a break between shows. The Alberta shows feature just Etheridge playing in a stripped down solo show. Other shows on the tour have featured a full symphony orchestra. Both, she says, add a new dimension to her familiar music.

"I love how I am either by myself or with 75 people. It is these extremes - yet it has been really strengthening my performance ability and connection to these songs that I have been singing for a long time. They keep growing. When I sing Come To My Window solo it is a great and different experience with the audience. Then when I hear those strings and horns that is thrilling too. It is like these songs exist on their own it isn't just about me and it has to be one way that I sing the song, they take on so much more. It has been such a delight doing my music in these different forms and it keeps it so fresh for me. I just did the orchestra and I can't wait to go back and do the solo thing."

Canada has long been a supporter of Etheridge since her 1998 self-titled album. With 12 studio albums released, where she plays has an influence on what songs will be performed.

"When I come up to Calgary and Edmonton I will take into consideration what were the Canadian hits. Canada really responded to the first three albums more than America did. So when I do a song like No Souvenirs that was a big hit up there. So I will change the set list to the location and also I like to throw in deep album cuts and a couple of new songs. With the solo stuff I can always change my mind in the middle of the set and play something else because it is just me."

This is a rare opportunity to experience Melissa Etheridge in an intimate and unique showcase. Her excitement at performing in this style is evident in her voice.

"This is a special solo tour. I have come so far in my guitar playing that the solo tour is really a showcase for what I can do. I use a little bit of technology, I have a looper and will create loops onstage but everything is original that I am playing. I get to play to myself and create some beats with hand drums and electric guitars. I love how much I stretch myself during the show. The audience has been responding amazingly. It is quite upbeat I am playing hits and deep tracks and a couple of new things. If you are a fan at all, you need to catch this because I don't know when I will be doing this again."