When you hear "slowcore", names like Mazzy Star or Red House Painters probably come to mind. As of today, when I think of "slowcore" I think of the one and only Sarah Bethe Nelson. The San Francisco-based singer-songwriter has perfectly mixed together indie and alternative rock in her new LP Fast-Moving Clouds, released on March 10 under Burger Records. She spoke with StageBuddy about love, life and her upcoming tour.
You have a really unique sound on your new album, Fast-Moving Clouds. What were your musical influences growing up?
When I was little there was a lot of folk and bluegrass around. My uncle played in a bluegrass band. My mom liked softer stuff, lots of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, that sort of thing. As an early-adolescent I got more into bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, CCR… The usual steps, I suppose. I still love all those bands. I am a huge Patti Smith fan. I love Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders, Staple Singers, Chuck Berry, Kinks, Jesse Mae Hemphill. It wasn’t until later that I got more into the more poppy, jangly side of things, which I love, too.
Can you talk about your album cover? It's definitely eye-grabbing.
The cover is an image of a painting by the wonderful local artist Deirdre White. Her work is incredible. I love how the colors are bright and cheery but the image is a bit scary and apocalyptic. These songs came out of a time of upheaval and change in my life and I felt like the painting worked well with them. The layout and design was all done by my longtime friend Rich Good. I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Do any of these tracks tell a personal story?
All the songs are my own experiences. It’s a very personal record.
Your track "Impossible Love" contain the lyrics "You come looking when I'm in a trap / Why do you only like me like that?" and "You wouldn't like it if I were free" - why do you think men try to control women's emotions and freedom?
I’m not sure if it’s just men who are controlling. I think it is a common thing, and maybe a laziness when it comes to love that we want people on our terms to the point that we almost prefer them in a trap (energetically) where we can enjoy their company and admiration only when it suits our mood. Those lines relate to a romantic interest only coming to see me when I can’t leave but they can. Namely, when I’m stuck behind the bar at work. They come and get drunk on booze and attention. Later, when they’ve gone off into the night I am left washing the lipstick off the glass that the girl they left with was drinking from.
Out of the tracks on your LP which one would you say is your favorite?
It depends on the day.
Most musicians feel frustrated with how things are going in their career at some point; can you tell me about a moment when you felt like giving up but didn’t?
Everybody feels like giving up for one reason or another sometimes. I don’t think of writing or playing music as something to give up. I’ve never made any money off of it. That would be nice but isn’t why I do it or where it comes from. I don’t force it. I sit down and write and play because I want to. I work hard at it because it feels good. It feels comfortable and it’s what I have to contribute. It isn’t a burden. On the contrary, it’s what lifts the burden of having to do all the other things I do want to give up. Like my job, haha!
Social media has taken over and created another platform for fans to get more access to an artist. How have these platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) become a part of your daily life?
I definitely use social media now more than I ever have. I just got Twitter and it kinda blows my mind how many people out there have responded to my music and written about and shared my songs. It’s great! I’m no computer wizard but I’m doing my best to join the century. It’s heartening to see how many people are so actively seeking out new and unknown music.
Speaking of social media: I saw on your Facebook page that you are about to go on a mini tour. What are you doing to prepare?
Yeah, I’m really looking forward to the shows. I am at my mom’s house right now dropping of my dog to stay with her while I’m gone, I got my shifts covered at the bar, new toothbrush, new strings, band practice… Ready!
If you were able to meet any musician, who would it be?
Patti Smith. She’s my hero.
You can buy Sarah Bethe Nelson's album Fast-Moving Clouds on iTunes here.
