If you've yet to discover the music of Holly Miranda, you're in for a real treat- her new album, Magician's Private Library, has received rave reviews ranging from The New York Times to Vanity Fair, boasting that "Holly Miranda’s falsetto makes the walls collapse" and that she's a "rare talent- one of the stars of 2010". Perhaps that's what landed her the gig of opening for Tegan and Sara on their recent tour, and landing producer Dave Sitek to help create her newest work. Holly was kind enough to share her time and thoughts with me in a sporadic conversation ranging from favorite music to her obsession with horses. However, before you read any further, go here to purchase her magical record.Jason Anders: What do you love most about making music?
Holly Miranda: The journey, the process, and the feeling after a show or after you record a great song.
JA: What are your favorite albums you are currently listening to?HM: The new Sade album, and the first Little Dragon record.
JA: What are three adjectives that best describe your personality?
HM: Real, strange, and fun.
JA: Tell me about your experience so far being on tour with Tegan and Sara, and have you found a favorite city or venue to play in yet?HM: It has been such an amazing tour. We are having a great time- most of the venues have been mind-blowing, gorgeous theaters that sound beautiful. It's a first for me to play such nice places. I think my favorite show was Atlanta- it was the night our album came out, and the crowd was hilarious. Good stuff.
JA: Are there certain artists that have influenced you artistically?
HM: Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Ani DiFranco, and Leonard Cohen.
JA: What was your first real job, and did you ever see yourself headed in a different direction professionally? HM: I worked in the snack shop at the pool at the local country club, it was my summer job. I think I always knew that I was going to be a musician though.
JA: If you could collaborate with any other artist, who would it be and why?
HM: Nina simone, Jeff Buckley, Ani DiFranco, and Leonard Cohen. Why, though? That is a hard question- because they are the best to me.
JA: What is your favorite way to occupy your time when you're not doing anything music-related?HM: I read, draw, paint, and send postcards to my friends.
JA: Do you collect anything?
HM: I am obsessed with horses. I will collect anything horse-related. My grandparents had a horse growing up, Patches, and someday I'll have one again.
JA: Which do you prefer- playing a live show or creating music in the studio, and why?HM: I love both. They are very different.
JA: What is your favorite piece of music you have recorded?
HM: The most recent for right now, which is a cover of David Byrne's Glass, Concrete, & Stone.
JA: If you had to sum up your style with one word, what would it be?HM: Native.