Interview: Snail Mail

Ever since her 2018 debut LP, Lush, Lindsey Jordan aka Snail Mail has been firmly in the good graces of the indie rock world. Her evolution as an artist in just a few short years has generated a considerable amount of buzz that continues to grow in the wake of her November 2021 release, Valentine, which received widespread acclaim for its hefty and mature insight into love lost. 

Ahead of her Friday, May 6 appearance at The Orange Peel, the New York-based artist spoke with Asheville Stages about recording in North Carolina, how she goes about the recording process, and taking emotionally raw material out on the road.

Niko Gonzalez: So, you're no stranger to the area, seeing as how Valentine was recorded in Durham. Is there something about North Carolina that you particularly enjoy or inspires you and your work?

Lindsey Jordan: I love Durham! I mainly recorded there because [producer/engineer] Brad Cook’s studio is there and I wanted to get out of the city and tune out the chaos. I also love Durham for the nature, the peace, the food, etc.

NG: Had you ever been to Asheville before? If so, what are your impressions of its arts scene?

LJ: I've been to Asheville twice and have loved it from my experience, but would love to learn and see more. I know so little about the arts scene.

NG: The record is fantastic and so emotionally rich. Have you found the touring cycle for it has brought out new meanings for its core emotions?

LJ: Not really, as of yet. The processing that went into making those songs and spending so much time with them after finishing the record was a lot already. I feel like I have inundated myself with the meanings.

NG: The album draws on some varied sounds and textures, from synth and arena rock to country and folk. How did this sonic array come about for you?

LJ: I just go with my gut in the studio and the rest follows suit. Thinking about genre in the moment can slow me down, so I try to just make it all part of the same universe without comparing too much to other music.

NG: Did you have any artists or pieces that served as key influences for Valentine?

LJ: Not exactly, but I was listening to a lot of music at the time. The song we sampled for “Forever (Sailing)” is incredibly inspiring to me and that was on a lot at the time. It's called “You and I” by [Swedish singer and model] Madleen Kane.

NG: Do you have a particular song that's your favorite to perform?

LJ: Maybe “Automate” or “Headlock.”

NG: From what I've read, it seems that Valentine has been a form of catharsis after a long period of hardship. Do you see yourself drawing from the same well for your next project, or have you said all there is to say?

LJ: I can’t imagine rehashing old experiences to put on a record in a few years’ time.

IF YOU GO

Who: Snail Mail with The Goon Sax
When: Friday, May 6, 8 p.m.
Where: The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., theorangepeel.net
Tickets: $25 advance/$28 day of show

(Photo by Tina Tyrell)