Lydia Loveless
“Sounds Like: Loretta Lynn and Patti Smith slamming shots at a Midwestern dive bar while cowboys and punks brawl out back……her breakout album ‘Somewhere Else’ is an aching, lusty set of twang and sneer wrapped in electric guitar swagger.” Rolling Stone
1. What’s new in the life of Lydia Loveless 2012 was our last interview?
Quite a bit and nothing at all. Haha. I’m just waiting for all the craziness to start once the album drops. So I’m just relaxing, writing, and practicing my piano skills.
2. How was it recording the new Somewhere Else album?
It was a blast. It was the first time I’d recorded with my new drummer, so it was a good bonding experience for everyone, and bringing in Jay Gasper on steel was really great, he is just amazing and there were new personalities and vibes in the studio. Everyone was really inspired and pumped up to try new things.
3. How did the song writing process work for the album?
It was a bit scary at first, I rented a studio to myself and would sit in there alone with my guitar and recorder and some days just end up curled in a ball crying, hahaha. I was way too in my own head. Once I relaxed and let go and let the songs come, they wouldn’t stop. I scrapped all the crap I’d written. I think I just had to clear my head.
4. Where did the concept and idea come from for the artwork of the album?
I worked with a design company here in Columbus called Blackletter. I said that I wanted to look pretty, hahaha. But we wanted to retain some of the mystery of the previous albums where I only used drawings. I guess you could say I was finally ready to allow people to see that I am a pretty girl, but I never want that to be the main attraction. I also wanted to match the moody sort of vibe of the album, and I think we definitely accomplished that with the dark, smoky front cover.
5. What would be some of the craziest stuff you’ve seen on the road?
Well, everyone in my band is insane… ha. I guess the one thing I can think of off the top of my head is when we were in Thunder Bay, in Canada, some guy got really mad at the Supersuckers (who we were on tour with) guitarist, Marty, who has long hair like my husband. And the guy came up to Ben, thinking he was Marty, and told him he was going to kill him if he ever saw him in Afghanistan, which is pretty much never going to happen… Everyone in the bar was coming in already wasted and being served to the point that I was amazed anyone was alive. I suppose that’s not a very exciting story, but, I try to avoid any more insanity than I already endure. Uh…one time we saw a guy fall off his bicycle very slowly, like it was literally in slow motion, and we still laugh about that three years later, I guess that’s mean. These are terrible stories, I’ve been home too long.
6. Without Social Media could bands today manage to survive?
Well, yeah, everyone did before. I mean if it all disappeared tomorrow we’d notice it, but before you just had to make do. Actually the thought of social media disappearing is pretty appealing sometimes, hahaha!
7. Someday do you see a biography being written about the experiences you acquired or will acquire in your life?
Hahaha, I hope not! There’s a lot I’d have to edit out. Maybe I’ll write one, who knows.
8. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Lately I’ve really been enjoying this new LP by a Columbus band called Red Feathers, but my most prized possession is my Ethel Merman disco album. It’s just…amazing.
9. When writing a song is there such a thing as investing too much time?
Oh yes, definitely. If you’re forcing something or trying to be weird or interesting, yeah. I often put things away and come back to them.
10. Where do you see music going in 100 years from now?
That just sent a chill up my spine. Hopefully it’s all just fart sounds.
Extra Questions with Lydia Loveless
Life without music would be: Boring and horrible
Favorite movie: The Royal Tenenbaums
Favorite sport: Baseball
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite drink: Simply Lemonade with mango
Favorite saying: Lots of vulgar ones come to mind…I’ll go with “Youth is wasted on the young”
Favorite car: 72 ish Chevelle
Favorite book: Jane Eyre
Favorite band: The Replacements, if I must choose
CD or Vinyl: Both have their place
Star Wars or Star Trek: STAR WARS
PC or Mac: Mac
Check out Lydia Loveless on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lydia-Loveless/141806382514011
Lydia Loveless, Singer discusses upcoming album | 2012 Interview