Popyoularity.com

Vanessa Carlton

By: Debbie and Diana

popYOUlarity.com: How do you take and listen to music today and kind of define your own style?
Vanessa: I think the music scene right now is kind of formulating itself, kind of morphing into something. I don't think at the moment it is really defined by one sound, which is good and bad. It can be confusing. I think that I define my own style, I don't know. I like what I like. I like the melodies that I like. I write them down and I play them for people and I think that there is definitely a classical feeling to what I do. I think that it is my own special breed of music.

popYOUlarity.com: Are there any moments on your record that you are especially proud of?
Vanessa: - There are a lot of moments. I'm proud of the whole record but, I think that the bridge of Prince is pretty unique. Just makes me want to dance. There's definitely moments in A Thousand Miles, and the end of a song called Rinse. Depends on my mood though.

popYOUlarity.com: With all the different styles that are on your album, how do you think it compares to other artists, and do you look at another singer and think, "Oh, I'd like a career like that," or "look at the crowd they are able to reach, I wish I could be able to do that?"
Vanessa: No, I feel that the people who are attracted to the music, I think that they are attracted to what I do because of the music as opposed to the way I dress, or the way I look, or anything like that. It's definitely a combination of a few things. What keeps your fans is creating, writing and performing good music. I admire any artist is really sticking with it and doing what reflects themselves. I especially respect artists who write their own music.

popYOUlarity.com: How much have you been hardened since the beginning?
Vanessa: It has been interesting; I have definitely become weary about meeting new people. There is more of a process, there's a longer get to know you period with a lot of people before I figure out whether they are genuine or not. With my family and my friends, we've become closer than before. I'm just more careful with my heart.

popYOUlarity.com: What is a rumour that you've heard about yourself, which you hate?
Vanessa: I don't know… should I know any bad rumour about myself? Ha-ha! Rumours suck! I hate them. I'm sure there are many dating rumours.

popYOUlarity.com: The music industry right now is so driven by image. As a singer and a song writer how do you feel about that?
Vanessa: It's frustrating because, I think there has even become this singer/songwriter image. It's become the 'new' thing to be. I think that the purest thing you can do is write your own music and come out and play it for people. Music will always be image driven because of videos. Fans want to connect with an artist on more than just a listening level.

popYOUlarity.com: When you write, do you draw from your own personal experiences?
Vanessa: Yeah, whether I like to or not.

popYOUlarity.com: Which track do you feel reveals the most about you?
Vanessa: It depends on which day you catch me. I think that there is obviously a bit of me on each song. Depending on my mood, whether I'm playful, or serious, or sad. There is a song for each feeling.

popYOUlarity.com: What drives you? And what do you wish to accomplish musically?
Vanessa: I have a desire to always share what's on my mind with my piano. Then from there people like to hear what's going on and it's become a duty and my desire to constantly share what I'm writing while I'm creating a piece. So it will always continue. I like to kind of over ride, survive through many trends. I'm looking forward to hearing my 4th record, my 5th record.

popYOUlarity.com: Why the cover for "Paint it black" and are you going to remake another track on your next album?
Vanessa: I just liked the melody of it. It was kind of a last minute thing. We recorded that late one night and I just really liked the way it came out. It was a nice colour to add to the record. I'm looking forward to getting back into the studio and recording my new songs. Some of the best songs I have written.

popYOUlarity.com: Do you know when you plan to do that?
Vanessa: The minute I get a break. A little bit in January. Then I go to Europe, and come back, probably the spring.

popYOUlarity.com: Is there a song out there that has gotten you through a tough time?
Vanessa: Well there are many songs; Neil Young songs, Pink Floyd songs. I always go back to those artists that I love. When ever you hear an artists sharing their inner most feelings with you, it's comforting.

popYOUlarity.com: How does it feel to be on the other end of that with having fans who find your songs helping them through a tough time?
Vanessa: I feel like I better do a damn good job. It's kind of you have no choice and I feel like because it has been put on me, I have chosen to pursue this and go public, quote, unquote, with my heart. I have an obligation to be very true to who I am and never stray from that and hopefully I can continue on my path.

popYOUlarity.com: Do you have anything you would like to say to the readers of popYOUlarity.com?
Vanessa: Peace to my Homies….just kidding. I would like to give them all big kisses, on the cheeks of course.