interview: veronica blunt

Unfortunately for both the band and those who could’ve been fans, most Australians’ knowledge of the Cardigans begins and ends with ‘Lovefool’. What they actually sound like is far more sombre. Take that, and turn it even a little darker, and you have Veronica Blunt, an LA-based singer and songwriter in the early and exciting stage of her solo career.

How and when did you start playing music?
At three years old I broke out into “A Whole New World”, the song from The Little Mermaid in a Blockbuster.  People’s enthusiastic faces encouraged me to continue singing.  At twelve years old I began theatre and started doing some school plays.

Who were your early influences and how would you describe your own sound?
Both my parents were an influence, musically for me.  My mother being a jazz singer taught me to sing from my abdomen, not my throat…my father played some guitar and played in a band at a young age. My mother enjoyed blues, jazz, and top 40 hits, my father listens to folk, bluegrass, and all sorts of rock genres….this rubbed off on me.  I would describe my sound as independent experimental, light even in the darkest of times, introspective.

What are your other interests/passions?
I’m into how the world works and how the people think in it…Psychology and Sociology.  I’m passionate about aesthetics, pure emotions and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality.   The way a picture can give you the feeling of another time and place   I’m fascinated with colors, light, cinematography, and enjoy painting as a creative outlet.

Do you find Los Angeles to be a stimulating environment?
Los Angeles is a place where dreams are made and dreams are broken.  There have been just as many successes as downfalls, leaving a trail of spirits…a trail of fog.  It is up to each individual to navigate this trail and it is our destiny that takes us from one place to the next.  I find the enlarged signs and illuminated city rather inspiring, with a certain amount of distance and resolution.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with Jack White.  All of his projects have a distinctive edge that I really appreciate.  It would be a delight to work with Thom Yorke, the master of melodies, as well.  Given I have so many influences, the opportunity to work with any would be astounding; Bat For Lashes, Air, Led Zeppelin, The Cardigans, The Kills, White Stripes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Flaming Lips, Bjork, Pj Harvey, The Raveonettes.

How important do you think it is to use media like Facebook and Twitter as a vehicle through which to promote your music?
Personally, I like to visualize a time when the Internet wasn’t such a prominent part of people’s lives.  If you wanted a CD, you went to the CD store.  Although I am a fan of accessibility, I often find myself trying to catch up with the times. Because I have lived in a few different cities and have had the opportunity to travel, Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with friends, family or past acquaintances.   However, I don’t find that it’s more valuable as a promotional tool for music, than anything else on the web.  I find Twitter to be an entertaining way to see what’s going on with celebrities, but for an upcoming indie artist I simply find it a way to share my thoughts.

What’s next for you? Where would you ideally like your career to take you?
Right now, I am working on a new batch of songs that I’m very excited to start recording.  I’m also in the process of finding an inspiring producer to work with. Ideally, I would love to hear my music in film or other visual media, but ultimately to connect with people and share my experience through music is satisfying enough.

Do you consider yourself a feminist, and if so, in what way?
No, I do not consider myself a feminist.  As a matter of fact I have written a few songs from a “masculine” perspective.  I believe we are all as equal as we make ourselves out to be.

What’s a question you’ve always wanted to be asked but that has never come up? What’s the answer to it?
Have you ever had a lucid dream?  No, but I would like to, I think it would be fascinating to feel the distinction between reality and your dreams, they tend to blend and separate.

You can find more information on Veronica at her website, myspace and twitter.