You have such a rich, haunting vibe to your music, and it really shows in your new single “Morning Sun”!! Can you tell us about the dream which inspired you to write this new single?
Carrellee: Thank you. I don’t remember the visual part of the dream very well, except for the feeling of it being nighttime and running, much like the feel of the music video. But it woke me up at about 5am and I thought I better get it down or else I’ll forget it. The dreams version was ultra slow, like in slow motion, as you can hear on the demo version on Facebook.
Can you take us through what your songwriting process usually looks like?
Carrellee: I usually sit down at a synth or piano and start humming melodies based on how I’m feeling that day. I love to decipher the mumbles I’ve recorded initially into something coherent, but I also sometimes draw inspiration from other people’s poetry, or collaborations. It helps me get out of my head sometimes to try to say something more universal.
If you could have another artist cover “Morning Sun”, who would you pick and why?
Carrellee: Hmmm, what about a MTV unplugged version from Nirvana, or I’d love to hear Portishead do a trippy version…anybody that could do it in a pretty different style than mine.
Can you tell us more about “The Official Unofficial Synth Series” and what inspired it? It’s so cool how the makings of your new album is documented for you to look back on!
Carrellee: Thanks! It started out with that Morning Sun song and a few others when I was in some emotional pain going through a divorce. It was such an outlet and distraction for me personally, to write so many songs at that time, and to connect with people online. So I kept it going for a good 6 months or so, until it became hard to maintain that pace! But the positive comments and friendship I made really helped me through that time, and I hope it helped some people too.
What items are on the top of your bucket list for your music career?
Carrellee: Well one was to release an album I’m really proud of and get it out on vinyl, which I’m so pleased to have Negative Gain, Chicago darkwave, synthpop label on my team. My quest has always been to make records that truly sound like me, whatever that is, and however that evolves over time.
What can we expect from your new album “Scale of Dreams” coming out November 18?! I am so excited to hear this record!
Carrellee: Well If you’ve heard any of the demos, the album is way more organic and lively after getting crushed and processed through tons of analog gear, and often sped up a few clicks. I spent several weeks in Minneapolis co-producing and re-recording, and mixing with Brett Bullion (Bad Bad Hats, Low). and Con Davison of Bad Bad Hats on the p-bass. We distilled the 40 demos down to 10 tracks, based on popular opinion online and from what Brett, Con, and I thought were the best songs.
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
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