Celebrity Interviews

MusicSpectator.com offers up the following celebrity interviews for your enjoyment.

Second Chances
An interview with Vanessa Carlton
by Craig Marquardo

Her song 'A Thousand Miles' is practically a staple in music culture, and reached number one around the world. Following the success of the song and that album came three Grammy nominations: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist. She was seemingly on pace to conquer the music world in one fail swoop.

But then came her second album, 'Harmonium', which failed to produce a song in the top 100. It eventually led to a split with then label A&M because she felt that they weren't supporting the record as they should. Then came two very public celebrity break-ups, the most recent when she parted ways with Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins. Add to that an admitted partying phase where pot and alcohol were part of her daily regimen, though far from the levels of her better known counterparts, Britney and Lindsey.

She was introduced to Irv Gotti, the head of the recently revised label Murder Inc, which now just goes by The Inc Records. Gotti himself coming off of some very tough times, just being exonerated from a Federal investigation and trial accusing him of laundering money through his label for a Manhattan druglord. But his previous success with artists like Ashanti, Ja Rule, and Bobby Brown, along with his enthusiasm and excitement for her new record made her comfortable to sign on.

Her new record 'Heroes & Thieves' has received high critical praise so far, and she is coming to Portland this month to share it with what is hopefully an existing and growing fan base. We caught her just prior to a rehearsal for her tour, and seemed fairly happy to be doing press. We love her, flaws and all, and can't wait to see her show.

MS - You had a huge hit first record, Grammy nominations, and instant fame. Second record didn't sell at all. What do you take away from both experiences going into your third album?

Vanessa - I am so grateful for how it all went down. 'Heroes and Thieves' is definitely my strongest record, and my first has always been the fan favorite. It was the platform for this record and such a fantastic group of people, both at my label and in the studio. Not all the Grammy's and record sales in the world is going to make you happy. People always think I had it all in the beginning, but I am happier now than before.

MS - Does your outlook have anything to do with the lessons learned from your friendship with Stevie Nicks?

Vanessa - Wow, she is my fairy godmother, for real. By the grace of her presence, support and guidance I came through the last couple of years because of her place in my life.

MS - You just came out of a relationship with a well known rock star, which would be number two for you. You are constantly quoted saying that's not something you want to do again. How do you meet 'ordinary people' within your lifestyle?

Vanessa - My new boyfriend is this album, and have absolutely no time for anything else. I have lots of friends to do things with in my extra time. Sure, I live in a fishbowl, and will for sure try my best to not keep repeating myself. But I am very lucky to have the people I have in my life, and to maintain a balance.

MS - You have a very unique style, and a penchant for older things. Maybe more antique or...

Vanessa - Dead things? Yea.

MS - Has your fame allowed you to be a little more expressive and 'out there' with your style and tastes, as opposed to someone who works a 9 to 5?

Vanessa - Oh absolutely. I now look at it as a discipline to keep an environment around me that is like arts and crafts time all day. How ridiculously lucky am I that my career allows me to live this type of enchanted life? I work hard at maintaining a childlike creativity approach to my day. I think as an artist, it's your job to protect that creative freedom. I used to be a waitress, so I respect what others have to go through. They are able to be creative as well, but only after work and their other responsibilities.

MS - As a songwriter and musician, do you find it hard not to repeat yourself, or imitate other things you have heard?

Vanessa - Well first, I think there are plenty of themes people have yet to write about. I was in a store today and saw these butterflies in glass. And no one has written many songs about taxidermy. There is always something.

MS - Vanessa Carlton, 'The Taxidermy Album'!

Vanessa - Exactly, it's coming, believe me. There are so many colors on a keyboard. I do fall into patterns on my left hand. Most often it's Mozart's sonata pattern (she sings it), and other things I came up with a few years ago. So I try and break out of that as much as I can and find originality where I can in my writing. I think I did that pretty well with 'Heroes and Thieves'.

MS - Since you started so young, you made an intentional effort to play down your sex appeal and looks in general. Now that you are 'fully grown', do you see yourself allowing that to play a bigger role?

Vanessa - Oh I am on the verge of total slutdom.

MS - (stunned silence)

Vanessa - Is that a good quote for you? I am so kidding. You know, as you get older you develop as a woman and find elegant ways to use your 'female powers', our witchy ways, if you will. I do think I have gone through a bit of a metamorphosis in the last year, and my sexuality and how I put myself out there is part of that.