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Vanessa Carlton continues to enlighten with pure sonic goodness, her fifth studio album Liberman just dropped and she is currently on the road for her North American fall tour. Liberman features ten songs that as a whole reflect on her current state of mind since moving from NYC to Nashville, marrying husband John McCauley (Deer Tick) and having a baby girl.
GroundSounds recently caught up with Vanessa to talk about her new LP, musical inspirations and more, check out the exclusive interview below.
Can you tell us about working on and bringing your latest album Liberman to fruition?
It was an incredible experience bringing the concept to reality. I worked with great artists and I came away learning so much about how to protect and nurture creative impulses.
What made you decide on the album name Liberman?
I found out that my grandfather’s real name was Liberman about 10 years ago. I always thought his last name was Lee. I wanted to honor our families real name and more directly I was inspired to write a lot of these songs because of a painting he made in 1963.
You have moved from NYC to Nashville, you’re married and now have a little one, how has these awesome life experiences affected your music and songwriting?
I’m not sure yet. I do know that having a baby has affected my life performance. I’m in the moment these days. No energy to dwell on the past or the future that much. It’s a form of enlightenment brought on my exhaustion and bliss.
Can you tell us about the creative and writing process for your latest track “Operator?”
Operator was a demo from Rabbits on the Run sessions. But we had run out of time and energy. We couldn’t crack the song at that time anyway. When I was pregnant and I found the demo on my laptop and sent it to my manager and he thought I must definitely finish it for Liberman. I did it with Adam Landry in Nashville. John played on it too. I think it came out well.
Can you tell us a little bit about the concept and filming the music video for “Operator?”
I found Daniel because of Kurt Vile’s video for Pretty Pimpin. I was like “who is this director”. Coincidentally he lives in Nashville. It all came together organically.
What was it like working with director Daniel Henry?
He is my favorite discovery in the past two years. That guy is going to blow up. He has a really unique eye and he’s unusual and everything he does is compelling. I look forward to seeing where he goes. True artist.
You are currently on a fall tour, what do you enjoy most about being on the road?
The show. Everything beforehand is a lot of work. I have a great crew and team with me helping to make this happen.
What was the inspiration for “Blue Pool?”
I love a waltz. That’s my waltz of the album but I wanted it to sound like it was from another dimension. Nothing traditional.
What bands/musicians are you currently listening to?
Hardy Morris, Neil Young, Jamie xx, PJ Harvey. The new Florence album is good. The new Kurt Vile record is really interesting. And the Alabama Shakes album sounds beautiful.
After the tour, what’s next for Vanessa Carlton, what can fans look forward to?
I have no idea as usual. But I want to score a film really bad.
Photo credit: Eddie Chacon
