Photo by Megan Holmes
Questions put to Carolyn Berk of Lovers
Hi, it was about a year ago that we last spoke on the U.S. release of the album. So, what has the band been up to since?
Lots of traveling and writing. We've done two tours of the United States supporting this new album, and we're writing the next record.
How is life on Badman Recording Co. and what attracted you to the label?
Life is nice at Badman. The man who owns the label is really quite a sweet man.
How and when did the band form and is this a long term project for you all or is it back to the “more acoustic, sad-pop-folk kind of thing” after the tour?
The band formed in 2001, but this incarnation of the band is about 3 years old. We're toddlers.
Where does the inspiration come from when creating a song? Is there a process or, is every song different and, is there any new music on the horizon?
As a songwriter, most everything I do seems to be some sort of channeling a subconscious. I pick up my guitar and see if there are any friendly ghosts to meet.
How did you all come to choose music as a career and were there other options seriously considered?
It feels like more of a spiritual practice than a career. You can recognize that you're running a business to some degree, but if that in any way affects the work, you've lost the point.
Any funny stories from the road this year, that you would like to share?
Three lesbians walk into a truck stop. One of them buys a nail clipper. End of funny story.
If you were given the choice of one album from your parent's or friend’s record collection, what would it be?
Probably Dylan or Simon and Garfunkel.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming European tour and are there places you just can’t wait to get to?
We're nervous but excited. I'm especially looking forward to Berlin. I've never been there yet and I hear it's really rad.
What was the last movie you saw, last book you read and your favorite album of the moment?
The last movie I saw was A Single Man by Tom Ford which I thought was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. The last book I read was A Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, I just reread that one. My favorite album of the moment is Austra.
Finally what words of wisdom can you offer new bands starting out today from your experiences of another year in the music business?
Lead with your heart.
Photo by Megan Holmes