What is the hardest part of the writing process for you – the lyrics, the music, the recording process or something else?
The hardest part for me is usually the lyrics. It’s hard for me to write when I’m not feeling inspired. I’m pretty hard on myself, and I’m a perfectionist, and sometimes feel as if my lyrics fall short of what I’d hoped to express. I’m much more confident about my voice and the melodies I write. And I find the recording process to be really enjoyable. I love adding layers of sound to a track, then taking layers away, and listening to how what you have originally created grows and changes through the recording process. I imagine it to be almost like painting.
Your list of influences is long and varied. Do you find yourself influenced creatively by what is currently your favorite artist/CD?
I don’t have a current favorite, but the stuff I listen to definitely effects my work. While recording Siren Songs, I was listening to Zero 7 a lot, and Bebel Gilberto. I love the balance of organic sounds to electric sounds and loops on both of those albums, and tried to emulate that balance on mine.
What is currently your favorite artist/CD?
To be honest, since my daughter was born 5 months ago, I’ve been listening pretty exclusively to old stuff. Every morning I make a cup of tea, hang out with Iris in the living room, and put on either Joni Mitchell’s Blue, Coltrane’s My Favorite Things, Neil Young’s Harvest and/or After the Gold Rush, Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book, Nina Simone at Town Hall…….I call it “Music Appreciation Class”. Sometimes I play along on Iris’ toy xylophone!
I noticed awhile back that you requested fans suggest songs for you to cover on Myspace. Have you had a large response to that?
Yes, I’ve gotten some amazing responses and ideas, songs by everyone from Leonard Cohen to Depeche Mode. Although I love covering jazz songs like "Key Largo" and reworking the style in an unexpected way, I also like the idea of taking a song that is very different from my music and making it my own. When you do a cover, it’s important that you breathe new life into the song, rather than just copy the original and stick your own vocals in there.
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!