It’s been three years since her 2007 debut, “Neptune City,” and Nicole Atkins couldn’t be more excited about her February 8th release of “Mondo Amore.” Atkins and her band, which she refers to as The Black Sea, are currently on the road with Cotton Jones in support of the new disc.
The tour was funded in a far from typical way. After posting a humorous video showing the harsh realities of her label lacking an adequate touring budget, Atkins politely asked fans to chip in what they could in order to get her out on the road. Utilizing the services of Kickstarter.com, people that pledged received anything from ‘good karma’ to a band-initiated ‘séance to contact a deceased loved one, Elvis, or whoever you want.’
Atkins goes into more detail in the following interview with ChinaShop:
You have a very unique vocal style. How would you describe it yourself?
Hmmm. I’d say its somewhere between a croon and a howl.
You are a self-taught guitar player. Did you teach yourself to play piano too?
I had piano lessons when I was 9 from this guy that would wear fancy rings on every finger and gave me a tape of himself playing for Christmas. He quit on me because I insisted on teaching myself Led Zeppelin songs instead of “Hot Cross Buns.” Since then I’ve been a self-taught crappy piano player.
Tell me about your experience doing the voice of the mother in the animated sci-fi comedy film “Mars.” Was that very different from your usual work?
After I finish writing a song, I usually animate a cartoon of myself to go with it and then record the vocal to match up with it. That’s what goes on the record so doing “Mars,” was completely in my comfort zone.
How has your appreciation for David Lynch and kinship with Angelo Badalmenti influenced your career?
I do have a deep love and respect for his [David Lynch’s] movies and art. Angelo’s music for David’s soundtracks has always been a huge influence on my music. I love how he blends the sounds of 50′s girl groups with more noir-ish horn music and his Juno music is so haunting.
Are you excited about your upcoming album release?
Of course I am. I’m bouncing off the walls like a jumping bean.
What can fans expect from this project as compared to releases in the past?
They can expect a bit of a departure from Neptune City. Neptune was a record of place and this is more of a record of emotion. Also, with “Mondo Amore,” there is a lot more space in the songs, and a lot more guitar.
You’ve recently toured with Regina Spektor and The Black Keys…that’s quite the line up. Are you personal fans of those artists?
I admire them so!
What is one thing that nobody knows about you?
That I am a black belt in karate and I eat a hamburger every morning for breakfast.
Where is the strangest place that your music has taken you?
When I was younger, I played shows at Freeman’s Bakery in exchange for $25 worth of bread.
The cover to “Mondo Amore” is very interesting. Can you explain the concept?
The man’s name is Senior and he’s a close friend of mine. Due to the subject matter on the record, I thought it was a good idea to have us together on the cover. Make of that what you will.
I see on your Facebook that you’ve been using Kickstarter to raise funds for the tour. Have people been supportive? That’s such a great idea! Do you see that being a direction a lot of artists will start taking?
People have been so supportive! It’s been really amazing, humbling and inspiring to see how our fans have rallied to help us raise money for tour. We are extremely grateful and yes I do see this as a new direction for bands to raise money to make their records or to tour because labels just don’t have that much money anymore that they are willing to part with. You gotta take matters into your own hands. You gotta hustle.
Did you reach your goal or are you close to it?
We reached our goal within 6 days and still have 20 more to go. yay!!!!
I love the video that you guys made on the Kickstarter page. Is that a realistic portrayal of what touring was like before the financial backers came on board?
Actually it isn’t accurate because it shows that we had way more than we actually do. Even though the car was shitty and the tour manager and roadie were bumbling idiots, the reality is, we had no vehicle or tour manager at all.
The prizes for getting people to donate are great as well. Have you had any takers on the big-ticket prizes? Do you think you guys will be cooking for any fans anytime soon? I love that idea.
Yep we will be cooking and doing a living room show for two generous and awesome donors. Can’t wait. Pasta time!
I saw the Cookin’, Pickin, and a Grinnin’ video on your blog. Tell me a little bit about that event.
It was fun. My sister and I cooked artichoke francaise for a bunch of people on a beautiful summer day and played a little gig in the shade. Although, the host had a kinda dirty kitchen so he got free maid service via the Akins sisters too. What a hose!…or the guy is a genius.
What are you most looking forward to on the upcoming tour with Cotton Jones?
Playing “Mondo Amore” with my band for everyone. halla!
Words by Nicole Pajer
