Vanessa Carlton!
Vanessa Carlton
Vanessa Carlton chatted with TeenPeople.com on April 29, 2002
HostTPZena: Good evening, everyone! I'm Zena from TeenPeople.com, and tonight, we're welcoming Vanessa Carlton to the stage. Vanessa has a huge hit on her hands with her debut single, "A Thousand Miles," and her very first album, Be Not Nobody, is in stores tomorrow. You can read all about Vanessa, and watch her video, at www.teenpeople.com/vanessacarlton. But now, we've got questions to get to - hi Vanessa!
Vanessa Carlton: Hey guys. Thanks for chatting.
HostTPZena: Let's get to that first question. From KLBlondie 2005?br>
Question: When did you first decide to start playing music instead of dancing?
Vanessa Carlton: I first decided when I was 17. Music started to swallow up everything else in my life and I welcomed it, for it brought me peace at a time that was not very peaceful.
HostTPZena: From SunKissed79...
Question: What songs are on your album, other than "A Thousand Miles"?
Vanessa Carlton: The next song from the album that you're going to hear a lot about is a song called "Ordinary Day." It was one of the first songs that I ever wrote. Another song that's unique is "Paint It Black."
HostTPZena: Is that a cover?
Vanessa Carlton: Yeah, it's a Rolling Stones cover.
HostTPZena: That's better than "Satisfaction"!
Vanessa Carlton: Absolutely. And "Prince" is one of my favorites. You should pick your own favorite by listening to all them when you buy it tomorrow!
HostTPZena: From MemorieLives17?br>
Question: I just wanted to say that I really love your song "A Thousand Miles" and I wanted to ask you what advice you would have for anyone who wants a career in performing?
Vanessa Carlton: Take it slow. Although I've always felt comfortable performing, I did find it wasn't until I grew up a bit before I could truly let go in front of other people. I think it's important to know who you are before presenting yourself to people.
HostTPZena: From Taz7777777...
Question: What is one thing you always take on the road with you when you抮e away from home?
Vanessa Carlton: Hmm匨y red hat and a really good book.
HostTPZena: What are you reading now?
Vanessa Carlton: I'm actually reading Dracula, although I've read it before, and at the same time, I'm reading a book called Siddhartha. But mainly, what I like to take on the road with me is my sanity, because let me tell you, it's easy to lose it.
Question: A KidsOnly question from Summer: How did you get the idea for your song "A Thousand Miles"?
Vanessa Carlton: My hands found it. I sit down at the piano and I just let them go. There's nothing calculated about it.
HostTPZena: From Blondi3298...
Question: Vanessa, first let me say you rock and second, is singing your only aspiration in life?
Vanessa Carlton: Absolutely not. Whether it's dancing, singing, playing, drawing or acting, or even just sitting on the couch, it's all part of who I am and it all comforts me. I aspire to do as much as I can with the things that bubble inside me. Eventually, they all simmer to the top.
HostTPZena: From StarEyesEm...
Question: Hey Vanessa! What kind of music do you listen to and what were your influences? Who are your favorite artists?
Vanessa Carlton: I listen to a mixture of classical and classic rock - for example, Pink Floyd and Neil Young and Cat Stevens - to more modern artists such as PJ Harvey and Radiohead. I also love the Grateful Dead and Miles Davis, anything that gives me the chills.
HostTPZena: From Poorbaby218...
Question: When was the first time you heard your song on the radio?
Vanessa Carlton: I was driving in my crappy white Toyota Camry rental car in LA - and the only reason why it was crappy was that there was a hole in the bumper - and it came on, and the first thing I did was start laughing. Then I turned it up, and then I tried to pay as much attention to the road as possible. Of course, I was excited, and it felt good.
HostTPZena: From Angelfaceqt1014...
Question: Vanessa...do other teen pop stars intimidate you, such as Michelle Branch and Britney?
Vanessa Carlton: Intimidate me? Intimidation comes out of fear, and fear comes out of being insecure in what you do. I happen to believe in every note that I sing or play, so the only thing that really threatens me is my own head. I released this album for myself - for no one else - and it's not a competition. I respect anyone that can survive in the music industry, especially being so young. I think they're both talented kids.
HostTPZena: From MusicMel02...
Question: Vanessa, are most of your songs based on things that have actually happened in your life? Where is your source of inspiration?
Vanessa Carlton: Every song is a reflection of a feeling or an emotion, so it all comes from a place that's very real, and each song is basically a broadcast of what is running through my mind.
HostTPZena: From Unagi1...
Question: Did you ever imagine your first single would be such a hit?
Vanessa Carlton: I realize that I have no control over how people will react to my music, and all I can do is present the most honest parts of myself through my art. The fact that people are responding the way they are to my music is certainly icing on the cake because writing and playing the songs fulfill me so deeply that everything that comes along with releasing this stuff into the world is like extra goodies.
HostTPZena: From StFergie...
Question: Are you dating anyone?
Vanessa Carlton: Being that I expose so much of myself in my music, and happily do so, I only hope that there can be parts of my life that I still keep as my own. I am a very happy girl right now.
HostTPZena: From Vince...
Question: Being a music business student, I have learned much about the politics of the business. Have you experienced much of that? Is it difficult?
Vanessa Carlton: I've experienced everything there is to experience, and it is nearly impossible to get through it all. Around every corner, there is a new challenge that doesn't necessarily relate to music, whether it's getting your voice heard as a businesswoman or simply as a human being. It is a struggle every day, and it's well worth the fight. There are always a million opinions that come out to you, and you must remember that in the end, the only one that counts is your own. At the same time, you have to be willing to let others help you through.
HostTPZena: From Usangel5390...
Question: Out of all the stars you have met who were you the most excited to meet?
Vanessa Carlton: Dr. Ruth.
HostTPZena: Wow! Why's that?
Vanessa Carlton: Dr. Ruth and I have become best friends, not because we talk about sex, but because she's the most amazing grandmother. Even though I've only met her once, I feel like she's my second grandma. I met her at a Grammy party a few months ago, and she's my favorite celebrity.
HostTPZena: No sex talk at all? With Dr. Ruth!?
Vanessa Carlton: Maybe we did talk a little about sex...
HostTPZena: Well, especially on that note, I wish we had more time, but we have to wrap up...Vanessa, you've been a great guest tonight!
Vanessa Carlton: Much love to everyone who wanted to chat. I'm buzzing with excitement and hoping that you each find something for yourselves from the songs on Be Not Nobody. I'm just a girl who loves to sing and I appreciate all of the love. Peace, Vanessa.
HostTPZena: Remember, you can read all about Vanessa at www.teenpeople.com/vanessacarlton, and make sure to visit her site at www.vanessacarlton.com. Good night!
