Interview with Anna Nalick
by Jessica Netishen
Sometimes, I feel hard-pressed to find a good female pop vocalist. If
you’re not into the synthesized whining of Jessica Simpson, and your Sarah
McLaughlin collection ends at Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, I’d venture a
guess to say that you are also feeling a little empty – but fear not,
because on March 8, the very fine singer-songwriter Anna Nalick releases
her debut album, Wreck of the Day. Nalick is a gifted, delicate
songwriter, and the melodies she constructs in her music echo in your head
for days on end.
Ms. Nalick took some time out from her busy touring schedule to answer a
few questions about her debut CD, her picks for the best music of 2004,
and her favorite U2 album.
1. How would you describe the feel of Wreck of the Day?
I used to play the chords of the title track, Wreck of the Day, when my
mind was spinning and I needed to relax. It has a sort of melancholy feel
to it as well as a lyrical theme of "this is where I am and this is where
I'm going." This theme is present throughout the entire record. It is
lyrically introspective and contemplative, and musically it ranges from
dark and powerful arrangements and melody lines to lighter and more
uplifting tunes.
2. Who are some of the artists who have influenced your album the most?
I wrote Wreck of the Day over a period of about 2 years, and in
that time I listened to quite a bit of music. In particular I can remember
that Silverchair's Diorama, Tori Amos' Under the Pink, and U2's All That
You Can't Leave Behind spent a lot of time in my rotation. However, I draw
influence from many places, so it is a very real possibility that at some
point I heard a car alarm go off and I wrote a melody over it...or
something like that.
3. Has your recent bout of traveling inspired you to begin writing new
material?
I never stopped writing new material after the record was finished. In
fact, I had to stop sharing my new songs in studio because we were tempted
to just keep adding one more and one more to the record. I've recently
found inspiration on the road as I meet interesting people and spend every
day in a few different cities and every night in a different hotel in a
different state. It's quite a whirlwind and I spend a lot of time writing
about it.
4. As a self-professed major fan of the band, which U2 album is your
favorite?
My favorite U2 album? Well, All That You Can't Leave Behind came out when
I was a senior in high school, so that one holds a great deal of memories
for me. Of course I love Joshua Tree and I like Pop too. Oh, I don't know!
That question is too hard. Maybe just ask me to take apart an algebra
equation.
5. What were your favorite albums of 2004?
In 2004 my favorite releases were Grace: Legacy Edition, by Jeff Buckley,
Beautiful Letdown, by Switchfoot, and the Garden State soundtrack.
6. When you’re not working on your music, what are some of your
favorite things to do?
When I'm not working on music I like to bake, go to the gym, read, and
play in snow.
7. Which musicians would you most like to collaborate with?
I would most like to collaborate with Jeff Buckley......but since that
will have to wait.....Bono.
8. What band would you most like to tour with?
I would love to tour with Five for Fighting.
Anna Nalick’s debut album “Wreck of the Day” will be released on April
19, 2005, on Columbia Records.
by Jessica Netishen
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