Natalie Merchant has worn many hats in her career: leader of the beloved, folk-influenced college rock band 10,000 Maniacs; solo artist creating ornate, meditative music; director of "Shelter," a documentary on domestic violence; and artist-in-residence working with students at a nonprofit pre-school.
"There's no limit to the things I could do, except time and the fact that my clone hasn't arrived yet," she says lightly in a phone call with Salon. "I've got enough projects lined up to keep me busy until 2027."
