American singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton has released her new single, Shit List, ahead of her forthcoming album Love & Rage on April 30th. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Based in New Orleans and Louisiana, Blanton has released six studio albums and three EPs, and toured America and Europe, where she's shared stages with Madeleine Peyroux, The Weepies, and others.
Love & Rage - the follow-up to 2019's critically acclaimed Buck Up - features 11 original songs concerned, she says, "with the stark realities of the past year: the consequences of our politics; the precariousness of our economics; and our total reliance on each other."
Tell us three things about yourself?
I am a "Scotch-Irish" Jew from the American south.
I moved away from home at age 16 and have been touring since then - more or less - until Covid hit!
I’ve visited fifty US states and sixteen countries, and my favourite places so far are New Orleans and Ireland.
How would you describe your music?
Pop anthems for playful revolutionaries.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I love all kinds of music! This week I’ve been listening to Oscar Peterson, the Beatles, Judee Sill and D’Angelo. I’d say my biggest inspirations come from two camps: singer-songwriters who merge humor, heart, and politics (John Prine, Randy Newman), and jazz and soul music from around the middle of the last century (Billie Holiday, Ray Charles).
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If I had to pick an all-time favourite artist, it would be Nina Simone, as she did it all!
I am also hugely inspired by non-musical artists such as the playwright/actor Mae West and the author Ursula K. Le Guin, and by revolutionary activists such as Che Guevara and Fred Hampton.
How are you occupying yourself during the coronavirus lockdown?
Other than making an album (Love & Rage, out April 30!), I baked a lot of bread and played a lot of video games. I’ve also been holding a monthly online "Rent Party" to help my bandmates pay their rent, and I did a bit of political lobbying on the side (asking Congress to help others pay their rent)!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Born a Worm by Dan Reeder.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Father forgive us for what we must do/You forgive us, we’ll forgive you." (John Prine)
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
I’m gonna go with Lean on Me by Bill Withers - an absolutely perfect song that always lifts my spirits.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website and Facebook.
