Be A Brazen Girl: Gretchen Lieberum Interview
Published March 06, 2003
Gretchen: I think I'm happiest with how "Brazen Girl" came out. Sometimes, I'll go into the studio liking a certain song, but in the end, it ends up being a completely different song that really blossoms in the recording.
I originally wrote 'Brazen Girl' for a friend who was going through some rough times. But as I continued to write the song, it really became a song about myself as well. It's a song about letting go of anger and regret, being brave and honest. It's a reminder of how I want to live. Also, I think that stylistically, 'Brazen Girl' is a good example of the overall sound that I am striving for, a balanced mixture of acoustic and electronic elements. If someone had to listen to just one of my songs to get a sense of what my style is, I would want them to listen to 'Brazen Girl.'
Do you do any writing or production work for others? Do you plan to?
Gretchen: I've done some vocals and lyrics for a Toronto based electronica band called Somasonic, who just came out with an album called "Modernism". As far as producing goes, I don't really feel confident enough as a producer to take on someone else's project. I'm still learning about the process, about how to create the sound you want in the studio. To be a great producer, you need an uncanny sense of the over-all picture. You have to be able to think of 20 things at once as well as 20 steps ahead. I really admire people who are able to do that!
What materials are you working on right now?
Gretchen: I am really excited about the music I am writing now, and can't wait to record it! I think that as I write and record more, I develop a better understanding of the sound I want to create, of what suits me.
How often do you gig/tour?
Gretchen: I am I haven't played out much in the last couple of years, but I'm starting to now. I'm getting that fire in my belly again! Ideally, I'd like to play a few times a month locally, and am in the process of finding a manager and booker to help me organize a national tour, or possibly a European tour.
- Be A Brazen Girl: Gretchen Lieberum Interview
- Published: March 06, 2003
- Type:
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Rock, Music: Hip-hop, Music: Popular and Standards, Music: Pop, Music: Jazz, Music: Electronica, Music: DJ, Music: Alternative Rock, Interviews
- Writer: Jianda Johnson
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Comments on this articleComments
Hey what's up gretchen
Your music is so universal that inspire people who like good music to create every day and every minute more music like this....
From Colombia,
Jose
Hi,
Thanks so much for your music! I have just recently discovered you and "Brazen Girl" was one of the first songs I got to listen to. That, Bottle Rocket, Rapture of the Blue and Brand New Morning are my fav's so far. I listen to you about every day. Your music is really awesome and I look forward to seeing you in concert sometime soon. Thank you!
Aimee
Setting up my house with Christmas decorations, I turned on my tv (cable) and set it to the light jazz channel. I was very focused on what I was doing, then heard "Rapture of the Blue". Had to stop what I was doing and read the info on the tv. I wrote down Gretchen's name and the song title. I looked it up online and I'm headed out today to buy myself and a couple of friend's the CD! I LOVE IT!
Excellent, thanks Lisa - love to hear about people finiding msuic! Hope you are well Jianda.
Gretchen,
Your song, "Angel on My Shoulder" from the "Mean Creek" soundtrack absolutely gave me chills. I have bought everything you have done and hope to see you live one day. Good luck to you and your career. If you ask me, you already are the next Norah Jones. If you tour, don't forget, you have fans in Boise!
- Andie In Boise, Iaho
Gretchen, have been a fan of yours since the early mp3.com days. I am so glad to hear that the New Album will be released soon. I'm counting the days!
keep doing what you do so well, madam!
Your work is great and I also liked "Angel on My Shoulder" from Mean Creek. I was excited because I thought it might mean a new album, but no.
Good luck with your work and I hope you have something out in the near future.
Everyone! Gretchen has a new record out called SIREN SONGS. You can get it only at cdbaby.com/lieberum (as of today) and you can sign her mailing list at www.gretchenmusic.com
Go!
You can also hear Gretchen's music on Rhapsody! Goosebumps.
I think I'm in love. The music is supreme. The woman is hot. I bought my CD on Amazon and I've played it a million times already. Keeps getting better every time I hit play.
I bought this record on Amazon.com. It was my first introduction to Gretchen Lieberum. Her songs are some of the finest chill out music I've ever listened to, and I've listened to alot. I totally agree with all the comments about this record SIREN SONGS you find on CDbaby or Amazon. It is all at once lush and beautiful, dark and lovely. Music Week put her song PAPER TIGERS on their weekly playlist. They called her music "Pure escapism" which in once sense is true--it is the kind of music that helps you forget yourself for a moment--but that is because it is so transcendant--because it touches so deeply on feelings that are at once completely specific and yet totally universal. One blogger who wrote a review on Amazon called her song "Can You Hear Me" like a prayer. I agree. Off the charts good and unusual in an age of lemmings.
A song has stayed in my mind for the past two weeks and I could not remember from where it originated. Then I went over the movies I had seen on TV recently, got to "mean creek" and there it was!
An really amazing song by Tomandandy and Gretchen Lieberum. This is first-class music!
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Gretchen:
I really love your music, you're so great.
Thanks
Esmeralda
P.S. Kisses from Mexico