Part three of our continuing coverage of Gretchen Lieberum, February's featured artist of the month, is an interview. Gretchen gives us a candid look at her personal life as well as her professional one and shares some of her thoughts on the music industry in general.
You recently had a new baby. Are you finding that your daughter is affecting the tone of your songwriting? The time you have for songwriting?
At this point, I am finding it hard to find time to take a shower! As for how my daughter, Iris, will affect the tone of my writing, I honestly don’t know. I imagine that it will to some extent. Having a baby has been such a powerful, amazing experience, and a real lesson on how quickly time passes, and how important it is to live in the moment and appreciate what is in front of you. Those themes will probably worm their way into my next album.
You've worked twice now with your husband. Do you two find it difficult to separate yourselves from the work when you leave the studio?
Because we are both artists without day jobs, our work is constantly a part of the rest of our lives. It is really hard to separate the two. At one point in my life, I was working as a kindergarten teacher, and although I enjoyed my work, when the clock struck three, I was done for the day, physically and emotionally. When I’m working on music, I find it impossible to turn off my brain and focus on something else. I’ll often wake up in the middle of the night still trying to figure something out about a lyric or a melody I’m working on. And Jacob is the same way with his work. So, there are a lot of work discussions going on at our house in the middle of the night.
You credit the success of 3AM on MP3.com as a major factor in getting Lakeshore Records to get behind Brand New Morning. Has the Internet, and sites like MP3.com specifically, continued to be a good source of exposure?
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very nice Connie and Gretchen, thanks!
2 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, Eric, and thanks again Gretchen!
3 - Adebayo Onabule
Awesome Awesome Awesome!!
Thanks to Connie for this indepth look into Gretchen's life, and thanks to Gretchen for sharing with us. I'm over-joyed that the questions I innocently asked were answered. Totally unexpected, but definitely a pleasant and welcomed suprise!
;-) thanks again, Connie!
I've definitely noticed how much work goes into Gretchen's Lyrics, as they are always on point, and rich with imagery. As far as renditions go, I think that Gretchen's rendition of Angel Eyes on the 3AM album totally captures the tragic resolve that the lyrics imply...much better than any other cover I've heard (mark murphy's and Ella's included).
It's a shame though, I'm gonna be outta town on the 23rd, so I'll miss the live set. Hope I can find a rerun somewhere.
Again, awesome interview, looking forward to the last one.
peace
4 - Connie Phillips
Adebayo Onabule,
Thanks for offering up the wonderful question. I too, enjoy finding out the stories behind songs, and Gretchen has been very willing to share those stories this month.
5 - Jacob
Connie -- In case you didn't see it -- for the UK release of Siren Songs there is a music video.
Thanks!