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!