The album's first single, "Dream," seems quite an existential lyric for anyone to write, let alone someone so young. Was there anything in particular that inspired that song?
I think [that’s] just me recalling childhood memories, thinking of myself back then, and then growing up and how I can look back on my life some time from now, hopefully. I like to daydream about my past and my present and future.
What are a few of your favorite novels and/or books of poetry?
I love e.e. cummings. Jack Kerouac was a huge inspiration; one of my favorites of his is The Town and The City. And I love reading David Sedaris. He always makes me smile, while keeping it real, even touching.
Before you begin recording and mixing, how do you know when a song you're writing is complete? Do you run it by anyone before you consider it fully realized?
I know when a song is complete when I stop adding things to it or feeling the need to change anything in it. I know when I keep singing it the same way over and over again [that] I like it. I’ll usually run it by my boyfriend. He’s a good listener because he gets my writing and offers kind support.
On the album, you cover Willie Nelson's "Opportunity To Cry." Do you play any covers in your live show?
Yes, [I play] that one, and "Masters In China," which is a Benji Hughes song.
A lot of songwriters wish they had written a song that someone else has written. Is there a song that, in a perfect world, you wish you'd written?
Yes, [I wish I’d written] "Sugar Mountain" by Neil Young and "Look At Me" by John Lennon.
You've mentioned in other interviews that Neil Young is one of your favorite musicians. If he could play any five songs for you in a command performance, which ones would you request?
Article comments
1 - Vikki Spagnoli
Priscilla is great - can't wait for that Hotel Cafe Tour!! Meiko is one of my favorite new artists and I try to catch her every time she comes through town -- her album just came out on iTunes - check out her Myspace to hear some of the songs!