Sydney-based singer-songwriter Alanna Cherote has only just released her debut album Paper Flower, but she’s already threatening to take the world by storm. I caught up with her recently to take about the record, her North American touring plans, and what it was like to work with Ron Sexsmith.
You’ve just released your debut album Paper Flower. What can you tell me about it?
I wrote most of the Paper Flower album tracks before even looking to record the album. I always had very strong production ideas and vision about how it would all sound. I did most of the pre-production work on the songs with producer Nick Howard, and then recorded the album with Chris Vallejo at Linear Recording. It was such a wonderful studio to bring my songs to life – so much vintage gear. I was able to put my 60s/70s slant on the sound the way I had imagined.
It had an official launch at The Vanguard in Sydney on August 3, which is one of my favourite venues. What made you choose it for your big night?
The live show is about Intimacy and quirkiness, Rawness, being organic.
What do you love about being up on stage?
Bringing the songs to life, creating magical parts around the tunes, being in the company of such beautiful players in my band, and connecting with not only the audience but getting back in touch with that deep connection within myself. Sometimes it feels like an out of body experience.
When will fans around the rest of the country get a chance to see you live?
I’m touring Canada and the states in October/November and Australia throughout November/December/January.
Do you think we’d ever lose you to one of these international locations?
Distinctly possible! Based on touring and recording opportunities and connections in other countries.
Your current single “(Make Me Do) Anything You Want” is a cover of a song by Canadian band A Foot in Cold Water. What made you want to record it?
Discovering that band through the American producer I was working with in 2007 Lamar Lowder, and finding a connection with the song, I immediately thought I could create something quite special out of that song. I always had a thing for all the golden oldies. Turned out to be quite a good idea!
I heard that you recently had a songwriting session with Ron Sexsmith. What was he like to work with?
Insanely talented, quirky, incredibly deep and also a rather funny chap. He really is one of my all time favorite songwriters, so it was an absolute joy.
You hail from the Southern Highlands. How have you made the adjustment to big city life in Sydney?
I moved to Bondi Beach at around 18 years old, so I’m well and truly citified! I still love visiting the country. My mum still lives there so it’s really nice to visit, breath in the fresh air!
Is there anything else in the pipeline you can tell me about?
Cross country Canada tour in October and November, some exciting co-writing in the wings. A very talented producer is working with me to create a side project remix album of Paper Flower. Sounds quite incredible so far, and I’m also writing and doing pre-prod for a bunch of new songs with a slightly edgier direction in sound. It’s really exciting! This will be released early next year.
Image used with permission from Other Tongues