Born in France, a coal miner's daughter, Pauline Andres made a name for herself with a sweet and smoky voice that “perfectly conveys the thoughts and observations of an old soul walking home at closing time.” A true citizen of the world, she’s lived in Paris, London, Berlin and now Nashville. She traveled the world, survived life-threatening diseases, late night fights and all kinds of heartbreaks. Her nonchalant style tastefully serves an inclination for ordinary suffering and everyday disappointments combined with subtle literary references. In February, the songstress will be releasing her next full-length album, Fearless Heart and just released her new single from the project, "Loneliest Girl in Nashville." In advance of the album's release, Andres talks writing, meeting her heroes, and more in the Essential 8.
What’s the story behind your album’s title? This record was going to be called “Loneliest Girl in Nashville”. And it was going to be an EP. The whole project started with that song title the day I decided to leave Berlin to move to Music City. But then I added more songs, made it an LP. And it became a very eclectic mix of tracks including some bigger, rock moments (Fearless Heart, Good Grace). And I felt like Loneliest Girl in Nashville was not necessarily the best reflection of the record’s soul and vibe. It’s a collection of moments of hope, it’s about trying to be brave. And being brave is not being fearless. It’s working to get there, by denying fear the privilege of putting you down. So, after a detour where the record was gonna be called Can’t Keep a Town (my favorite song on the record, and probably the most personal), I went for Fearless Heart. It sums up my state of mind while making the record. I’m not fearless. I wish I were, that’s the actual lyrics too, and I’m working for it. I guess that’s already something. When/where do you do your best writing? When I’m not trying to write. The best songs I’ve ever written were spontaneous and usually written within a few minutes. I may correct a line or a rhyme afterwards as I polish the melody and the arrangements. But the songs that naturally come to me - because they’ve been brewing inside somehow - are the ones that feel right and honest. They just flow. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? It’s a combination. And it seems to be a source of confusion for many, even for journalists sometimes who literally apply my lyrics into a short bio. I guess that’s a compliment to the songs, they must feel real. And most of what I sing is real or inspired by reality. Yet it is not always directly about myself. And some of it is pure storytelling but the story is gonna be inspired by a moment in my life. Even if it’s just a landscape on a highway. But it’s great that songs get a life of their own and that different people can perceive them in a different way. I think that’s a very good sign.
What has been your biggest struggle so far?
When you’re independent, it’s always the logistics and the money that will be the biggest challenges. Organising gigs, promo campaigns when you’re on your own or with a small team is a huge amount of work. If you haven’t done it, it’s hard to imagine what goes into it because it doesn’t look like half the work it is. Touring for instance is a blackhole for money: gas, rentals (sometimes), motels (if you can), paying the musicians, daily expenses while not working a regular day job…it’s tough. That’s why it’s so important to be supportive when you’re at a live show. When I’m at a bar or some place and someone’s playing, I may or may not like what they do but I’m gonna applaud and respect them for being brave enough for doing it, for standing there. It’s a hard job and one of the few where you often lose more money that you’ll make. Which song of yours gets the best crowd response? Lately it’s been No Tienes Corazon and Country on my Mind. It’s funny how people respond differently to live and recorded versions. No Tienes Corazon is not exactly a hit on Spotify but live, people just get into it. Country on my Mind is really easy to get into I think, and if you like Country music, you’ll probably relate to the story and melody instantly. I guess the good old formula “3 chords and the truth” will always work. Favorite thing to do on a day off? Just be with my dog, spend time outside if possible or just binge watch something addictive. The simplest things are always my favorite things. Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? I met Robert Love from Alabama 3, one of my favorite bands. It was after one of their Outlaw Shows in Brixton, London. We talked a minute and shook hands. I was pretty drunk. But still, I will always remember that short moment. I’m not trying to meet people I admire, I know the famous warning and I’m pretty sure it’s true. But that was a totally natural “hey how are you” kinda chat. So it worked. Current recent release you cannot stop listening to? I’m still pretty much stuck on The Weight of These Wings (is it still considered recent?) but it’s an amazing record. The quality of songwriting, Miranda’s impeccable vocals and the fantastic production are mind blowing. This is probably one of the most important releases of the decade. But driving around town these days I was mostly listening to older stuff. I have to renew my playlists! For more information: Website Purchase
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