By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo By Willow Belle @willowbelle
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A)I would describe my sound as a combination of my tastes and influences, some songs may be softer or heavier, and I have expanded across a few more genres than people had previously known me for. You should be able to tell it’s a carolesdaughter song by my writing, voice and the way it makes you feel.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Future and Lykke Li are some of my all-time favorite artists – along with Elliott Smith and many, many others. Nina Simone is one of my comfort artists and her life’s work and story mean so much to me; she was just so great.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “The Invisible Man.”
A) I was really into trip hop. I wanted to delve into that sound a little bit and make something very different production-wise than I had done before. My very talented friend and producer Nicolas Gomez played a huge role in achieving that. I was very inspired by Portishead, Massive Attack and Puracane. I wanted to make something like that but with a modern pop feel.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) One fan that I’ve met a few times told me this song resonated with him because, like me, he tends to give and be generous with love, but a lot of people do us really dirty.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I grew up with two goats. One was named Delilah or something like that (I can’t remember) and the little one was named Billy, for sure. Delilah had anger issues and she charged at people. Billy cried all day and my parents said he had depression as kind of as a joke. The video to me is just a surreal version of my childhood in a way. Being painted blue or polka-dot makes me feel more comfortable in front of the camera, but there are other reasons and influences for that. I love being a character and trying new things with my look. The goats and I in the mansion is a picture of my “dream life” alone and bizarre and classy in a mansion.
Q) I love your new album title – You Can’t Spell Sweetheart Without Thea! Where did the idea for the title come from?
A) It just came to me and I didn’t realize how good of a title it was until I posted it as an Instagram caption and my friend and co-president of my label, Clio Massey, said she loved it as an album title. This was long before half of the songs were made, but I just held that in my back pocket and agreed it was a perfect title.
Q) What are some themes you explore on this new album?
A)I think it can mean something different for everyone and I want people to put their own meanings and themes to it. It’s intentionally not super curated and I just picked what I felt were, in my opinion, my best songs that all felt right together and each one explores something different yet all put a picture of who I am as a person and artist. And I hope that people can relate and find comfort in the music I created to cope with my own experiences
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I usually start something just on piano or guitar. I don’t like to go in the studio unless I already have a strong start or clear idea of what I’m trying to make. I sometimes create lyrics just singing aloud and especially when I can’t find the right chords for it, I might do that.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I play guitar and piano and write music as well, so I have a large hand in the production and all of the sound selection on the album, but I would not be able to achieve it without my extremely talented producers on the record who each brought something different and essential in making the album what it is.
Q) My favorite songs on the album are “Baccarat Rouge,” “Lavender” and “King Baby.” Are there specific songs on this album that hold a special place in your heart?
A) Those are great picks! “Lavender “is one of my favorites as well. I like playing that one on guitar, it’s very soothing and comforting to me. My own personal favorite switches, but “Don’t Raise Your Voice At Me” will always hold a special place because of the content and I know how important that song is to have been made and put out.
Q) What songs off You Can’t Spell Sweetheart Without Thea are you looking forward to performing live?
A) I just played Warped Tour in Long Beach and it was amazing to perform “Tears On My Pillow” live and I think my scream sounded even better than the record, honestly.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from exploring this new album as a whole – whether as a message or emotion?
A) I hope they are comforted like my music has comforted me and that it makes them feel confident to take on the world.
Q) You have some tour dates coming up in Europe. What can fans expect from a live carolesdaughter performance?
A) They can always expect to see the real me
Q) Where are some of your favorite pla ces to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) Certain cities I have a special connection with because of amazing fan interactions. Greensboro, NC, I will always remember as being so lit and going so hard for me!
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Oneohtrix Point Never, James Blake, Future, Lykke Li!
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A)I love DeJ Loaf; she’s a huge inspo and I love her singing style and her writing
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you, truly