John Cameron Mitchell on “Hedwig,” New York City, Death, Love, and “New American Dream”

John Cameron Mitchell is a Renaissance man. The creative individual behind the indelible musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, is also a songwriter, actor, and writer. The prolific artist’s mind is both wildly creative and sharp as a tack, which is no easy balance for any person to strike. Listening to the Hedwig soundtrack beings big powerful rock chords and lyrics about social dignity to the forefront. But these days, Mitchell is working on a new recording project, his New American Dream albums, one of which he released last year and the follow-up he will release in 2021. The songs on the albums pull no punches and touch on many questions Mitchell has with the current state of affairs in his American homeland. We caught up with the talented artist to ask him about the origins of Hedwig, how he first started writing, what he enjoys most about his new compositions, and much more.