rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
I start with a phrase or just a few words and then go to the music. / Once I have some form verse or a rough sketch I go back and finish the words.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Being fully honest and making beautiful sense.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
Not anymore! On my first album “Music for Tourists” I just wrote the most real and true things and I let go of that a bit on my second album. Since Winter Games and the new, I’ve tried to return to that initial integrity that I had since the beginning. I regret that I gave that up while making El Radio, I got insecure and scared to emote after my first album came out.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
(from Relief)—
I didn’t go to see the city I went to see it around you
(from Raw & Awake, because it’s still so fucking true)—
I know you love me but be smart
Offer solutions instead of your heart.
What inspired “Torpedo”, part of your latest album “Yours”?
My father abandoning his family for darkness, choosing the demons
And “Choices”?
Shedding of old skin, friends’ strength in self-liberation, my own strength in the process of becoming who I truly am, self respect and love, and the power in that, knowing that you have options in this world, as long as you are free.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Tower”?
Yes I was in my studio in upstate NY in late summer 2016, it was a few months after my aunt died, she died while holding my hands — well she took her last conscious breath while looking into my eyes…. she was suffocating to death. the moment haunts me to this day.
What are your plans for the upcoming months?
More touring ! I am also writing the music for a feature film by Jean Gabriel Perriot. And working on a new album, and releasing a new single I am very proud of this winter called Little While.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your album “Yours”: MINE.
- The best show you ever played: Weirdly in Fribourg Switzerland, solo, probably in 2014. And Lille, France, this past September 2018, while playing the new album for the first time and our first show in France in four years.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Water is incredible.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: Dirty Dancing / also Sister Act lol.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: ‘Off You’ from the breeders one of my faves OR AT LEAST this line / lyric: “but i’ve never seen a scarlet or a riot or the violence of you”. Ughhhhhh so beautiful. This is such a great question and i wish i had six months to answer it.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Honestly don’t move in together for at least five years. The pressure for couples to live together is immense. Live alone for as long as you possibly can. Even if you get married you don’t have to live together!! CODE RED ALERT!
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