Interview: Nicole Atkins

We read that you recently suffered a bad sinus infection, how are you feeling now?
Today is actually the first day I’m starting to feel better. I’m on some pretty heavy antibiotics. Pneumonia stuff. Just wanted to knock this shit out of there so I could start enjoying this tour and actually be able to sing. I also found a really amazing steam/salt baths place in Toronto. It worked like magic.

What has been the coolest thing about being on your first major headlining tour?
Getting a soundcheck, playing a full set, and seeing that we really do have fans that don’t just exist on the internet but they are real flesh and blood! Hahaha!

Geography is a dominant theme in your music, how have the different places that you've called home over the years influenced your songwriting?
I’m always able to write about a place I’ve lived or spent time in it when i get some time away from it. I’m one of those people that are constantly stuck in the past. It has its pros and cons.

There is a definite dramatic and nostalgic quality to your music, what did you listen to while growing up?
Everything from Franki Valli, Roy Orbison, Slayer, Butthole Surfers, the Sundays, Pavement, Traffic, Led Zeppelin and the Flying Burrito Brothers. I was all over the place. Unfortunately being from Jersey I also went through a brief Bon Jovi period.

We've read about some of the odd jobs you've had in the past while you pursued your musical aspirations, any choice recollection you can share with us?
In 2000, I worked at a singing telegram place in Charlotte, NC. My friend Jeff worked there as well. We’d go to kids’ birthday parties dressed as Barney and Baby Bop and just dance around. It was ridiculous. We would later go to friends’ parties dressed in full Teletubby gear. My final round with that place was when I was sent on a call to play Barbie at a little girl's birthday party. They gave me a blond wig and a bridesmaid dress. I was like a deer in headlights. And I kind of have a husky smoker’s voice so I think I freaked some of the kids out. The mom cancelled the check.

You seem to have great chemistry with your band, the Sea, how did you link up with the 4 D's?
match.com

Included in your album liner notes is a glowing message written by Seth Avett of the Avett Brothers. How does it feel to have such strong support from your peers?
A little palm greasing goes a long way! j/k, I love my friends. We are one big old pack of greasy southern love, me and those Avetts.

We've heard that you are in an all girl metal group called 'that word that Jane Fonda recently uttered on daytime television.' Can you tell us a little about that and any other musical projects you are involved with?
Now that I don't live in NYC anymore, Cunt (umladts over the U) is now on hiatus, or maybe defunct, who knows. Over the last couple of years I’ve been writing some songs for an EP with my friend Stephen Warwick of Charlotte, NC and I’ve also been singing backup on Scott Liss's record. He’s pretty amazing, You should check him out. I also moonlight as MC Bombpussy in the Asbury park/Brooklyn rap conglomerate, the D** D** stains with members of the Parlor Mob. It’s hilarious.

Neptune City is your major label debut. Do you think that the music industry is shifting gears and looking to cultivate more original voices like your own?
I HOPE SO!

Shortly after you perform in Houston, you are heading out to SXSW. What's your favorite thing about the annual arts fest? Are you excited to see any particular act perform this year?
My favorite thing is going down to our friend Sam's mom in San Marcos and having like 20 of us all crashed out on the floor. Like a giant slumber party but with smelly dudes and alcohol. I’m really looking forward to seeing My Morning Jacket, as always.

Nicole Atkins with Parlor Mob, Astra Heights, and Paper Moons
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mink: 3718 Main Street @ Alabama
Pegstar.net for info