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The distinctive sound of kd lang’s rich voice transcends every divide she has crossed, while she draws no distinction between genres. And, as her 50th birthday nears, she is looking forward to hearing her ageing voice, writes TONY CLAYTON-LEA

BY HER OWN admission, farmer’s daughter kd lang isn’t a prolific songwriter. She says she finds it an arduous experience, and prefers to live a quiet and private lifestyle: “I like to paint, cook, hang out with my dogs and swim. It’s normal. Once I get into the momentum of going on the road again, though, I love it. It’s always difficult to shift into the road frame of mind, but once I get going it’s amazing; I feel better physically and it’s actually quite rejuvenating. When I’m in the middle of on-the-road stuff I can’t even fathom why I live a quiet life. When I’m at home and have been reclusive for a time, however, I can’t imagine going back on the road. Once I make the transition, I’m fine wherever I am.”