The ways certain things intertwine—how you’ll have a live piano over electronica flourishes—come off really well.
I’ve never been one to be very genre-specific. And that’s one of the things I like about this record is that it just crosses over genres and it’s being noticed by people from a lot of different genres. That’s always been my approach to music. And my enjoyment of music always crosses genres. That’s part of the character of this record.
As you co-wrote everything on Ten New Songs, why did you choose “Alexandra Leaving,” in particular, over anything else from that album?
I felt that “Alexandra Leaving” fit well with the other songs and that, melodically, it was something I wanted to do in that I could do something different from what’s on Ten New Songs.
Is there a specific or prevailing way that Leonard has inspired you as a songwriter, in the way you approach the craft?
He’s shown me how to write from the point of view of one’s heart and not from the point of view of trying to get a hit record. When I was a staff songwriter in the past, that was more the point of view. Now, it’s changed. As an artist, I’m always reaching for that same kind of integrity.
I imagine that takes a lot of digging.
Yes. And unless you can get yourself into a certain kind of headspace, you can’t even begin to do that kind of digging. It’s so worth it [though], because the deeper you can go, the deeper you go into humanity, the more people you’re reaching. We have so much in common, in terms of being here on this earth.
After this tour with Leonard, are you planning any shows of your own?
I am planning to do some shows when the opportunity presents itself… I’m sure I will be doing that before too long.
Check for further updates at Sharon Robinson's official website.
Article comments
1 - vanagandhi
By and all the interview with Sharon sans emotional contents. A couple of questions could be asked her about her personal bonding with Cohen. How she was reflected in his songs is certainly a great lapse of the interview.