So you're from the Lone Star and friendship state?
You bet.
Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas?
Dallas, Texas.
Are you still living in Texas?
Sometimes. When the train rolls through and the laundry needs doing.
What is the most misunderstood thing about Texas?
Everything you've ever heard about Texas is true. They will put you in the electric chair for a speeding ticket.
If you could recommend, one type of food staple from your home town. What would it be?
My favorite authentic Texas cuisine is Mexican food.
You have performed with The Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens at some rather large venues.
Is it nice to be on the road with a more intimate tour in support with John Vanderslice?
John will sometimes put on the robe and wings just to remind me of home. That's just the kind of guy he is.
How is the tour going?
Going, going, and gone. All fantastically!
What were some of your favorite shows?
There was a magic moment in Boston where a lovely lad asked his girlfriend to marry him during "Marry Me." She even said, "yes!"
What's the funniest thing that has happened on tour?
After a show, JV and I scoured the streets of Baltimore following a hot tip that the HBO hit series "The Wire" was being filmed nearby. I don't know if you've ever scoured the streets of downtown Baltimore at 1 am but come to think of it, this has potential for tragedy....which plus time equals comedy.
When did you first start composing most of the songs on your new album?
In the womb...just kidding.
What were some of your inspirations in going out on your own?
Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Art Garfunkel. The pioneers of the solo careers.
Did you record all of the music on your new album yourself or did you have
friends help out?
It's the musical equivalent of an Arnold Palmer. Half friends. Half me.
Where did you record the album?
Again with the half'n'half! Half in Texas and half in Alabama.
You made a ton of headlines at SXSW this year, is that where the deal came through with
Beggars Banquet to release your new album?
(No) Beggars saw me open for Sufjan Stevens in London and we fell deeply in love. Professionally speaking.
Any marriage proposals thus far from your album title Marry Me
None so far. Here's to fingers crossed.
What is the mystery of the name St.Vincent?
Are you referring to the saint, the artist, an actor, or a mental institution?
All of the historical figures cooexisting within the mental institution.
You have a very unique guitar style; including the touch technique, harmonics and some pretty augmented chords.
Is guitar your instrument of choice?
I actually prefer the wurlitzer, if we're talking sonic pleasure. But my guitar gets jealous if I stray for too long.
How long have you been playing the guitar?
Since I was twelve.
Who are some of your guitar heroes?
Deerhoof, Daniel from Grizzly Bear, George Harrison.
On your tour EP you released a beautiful cover of "These Days."
When did you first hear the song and which version did you hear?
Funnily enough, I was in Chelsea at a party when I heard Nico's version from "Chelsea Girls." I took it as a sign.
Are you pretty excited about your upcoming shows with Arcade Fire?
Yes. The Arcade Fire are a force of nature.
How did you get to know those kids?
They saw my show in Montreal with Midlake and asked me to play with them.
I heard many bird sounds and saw a bird cage on stage, even though I have gone blind with my recent pair of glasses. Are you a professional bird caller?
I prefer to call it a bird "charmer"
I saw your recent live show in Brooklyn. I was so impressed you were a one woman show! Will you continue to play as a solo artist or will you recruit helpers to play as a full band?
Thanks very much! I am trying to grow extraneous limbs to train to play more instruments, but until then, there's a brigade of altar boys waiting in the wings holding strings and horns and mallets.
Any final comments, poems, cooking recipes, jokes, political views, dreams you would like to share with your fans?
Everyone in the world should go watch Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories." Thanks! |