Bloom (Arista) is just the right name for Sarah McLachlan’s second remix disc. Consisting of 10 songs, more than half are derived from 2003’s Afterglow, remixed and replanted, if you will, to allow them to blossom in different and unexpected directions. The best remixes, “World On Fire” (remixed by Junkie XL), “Train Wreck” (remixed by Sly & Robbie) and “Answer” (remixed by Talvin Singh), do what remixes do best, and that is to not only give the listener a reason to dance, but also allow them to hear a song in a new way. Taking time out from entertaining a house full of people at the beach, McLachlan was kind enough to answer a few questions.

Gay & Lesbian Times: One of the most fascinating aspects of Bloom is that the songs are derived from various periods of your career, dating all the way back to “Vox,” from your 1989 album, Touch. How does it feel to hear the Sarah McLachlan of the late ’80s remixed for the 21st century?

Sarah McLachlan: Quite pleasant, actually [laughs]. It’s funny because “Vox” in particular was one of those songs that I was quite hesitant to have redone because it was so old. I don’t feel a whole lot of emotional attachment to it anymore, even though it was one of the first songs from the first record I did. It was interesting for me to let go of that and see what someone was going to do. As it turns out, I quite like it. I still cringe a bit at the vocals, quite frankly. But it’s interesting.

GLT: Did emotional attachment play a part in allowing songs to be remixed?

SM: To a certain degree I had to let go of that [laughs]. We just picked songs that seemed like they’d lend to being remixed [and] also that they would lend to particular producers and remixers. For “Train Wreck,” Sly & Robbie were the perfect choice, I think. Quite honestly, I deferred, for the most part, to [producer] George Maniatis, who spearheaded the entire project. He knows this kind of music inside and out, and I really don’t. He has a relationship with a lot of these remixers and chose the pairings. Like “Answer” with Talvin Singh – I think that’s my favorite one. It’s so trippy and weird.

GLT: I’m glad that you mentioned selecting songs that would lend themselves to being remixed, because a bulk of the songs, six, in fact, are from Afterglow. Why did songs from that album get so much attention?

SM: To a certain degree, it was just picking songs that I felt would not only lend to being remixed, but to also stay current. Every album I make, I always wish that I could write a fast song that people could dance to [laughs]. They can barely sway to most of the songs, in the end. Part of the reason that I enjoy doing these [remix] records [laughs] is that I finally get to be a part of creating something that people can dance to.

GLT: “Just Like Me,” the will.i.am remix of your collaboration with DMC, contains your version of the Harry Chapin song, “Cats In The Cradle.” Now that you are a parent, does the Chapin song take on any special meaning?

SM: Absolutely. There are a lot of songs that hit a lot harder now that I am a parent. Perhaps because my mom is gone – I lost her about four months before the birth of my daughter. There are so many times I wish I could say, “Now I understand” [laughs]. It’s a huge payback thing. And also, why are we like this? Why are we so protective? All that stuff you resented as a teenager or young adult really comes to fruition when you become a parent yourself. You see instantly why your parents did the things they did. All of a sudden you understand the depth of that love.

GLT: You go from resentment to respect.

SM: Yes, absolutely.

GLT: Do you personally have a favorite song of your own or of someone else’s that you might like to try your hand at remixing for dance club use?

SM: [Big laugh] I don’t think anybody would be fool enough to give me a song to try that with. Oh gosh, the reason I defer to the professionals is because I wouldn’t have a clue as to where to begin remixing a song myself. If I did, I’d probably have a better chance of having something danceable on my own records.

GLT: You are no stranger to remixes, but an entire remix album almost guarantees an artist a certain degree of attention from the gay community. Are you prepared to assume your role as a dance diva and be showered with even more affection from adoring gay fans than you already receive?

SM: Hey, that sounds good to me [laughs]. Absolutely, I’m game.

GLT: Recently on “Entertainment Tonight,” I saw an interview with Donna Summer, who is attempting a comeback. How does it feel to potentially be going head to head on the dance charts with the godmother of disco?

SM: Well, it’s a little bit intimidating [laughs]. But I think there’s a place for everybody. I don’t really care if I’m number one on the charts. I just want people to move to the music and have a good time.

GLT: Is there any chance that someone might go out clubbing and run into you dancing, perhaps to one of your own songs, in a club?

SM: You know what? If it was my song, I’d probably go get a drink. It’s one of those embarrassing moments. So often I’ll go into a clothing store and I’ll hear one of my songs and I’ll just leave, because it’s a bit weird [laughs].

GLT: That’s true humility.

SM: Or something [laughs].