Alice Merton- Growing up around the world, singer/songwriter Alice Merton was as influenced by other cultures as much as transience itself.
Interview conducted on December 02, 2019
by Dan Locke
Your first single – the only song you’ve ever released – goes to No. 1 and explodes into an international smash; what do you do next? Well for one thing, you release more songs, but for Alice Merton, the breakout success of “No Roots” ignited a madcap run of transcontinental gigs, interviews, and television performances; all the while, she was writing and recording songs towards her debut album whenever she got a sliver of free time. Alas, the payoff is finally here: the debut album MINT is due January 18th via Paper Plane Records International. For Alice Merton, the whirlwind story is in the songs.
Dan Locke: How was Coachella?
Alice Merton: was lots of fun. Such an incredible experience and an honor for us to play there.
How did you become a judge on The Voice of Germany?
They called my management and asked if I’d be interested in doing a season of the Voice
Is there any difference between the one in Germany and the US version?
In the German version, we were able to write songs for our candidates for them to perform in the finals.
Who influenced you while you were growing up?
My parents, musically speaking various artists such as Regina Spektor, The Killers, The Alan Parsons Project.
You picked up a guitar in Germany. What was the first song you wrote? Have you recorded it?
The first song I wrote was a song called Little Lighthouse and it was also the first song I ever recorded.
Speaking of guitar: What type of guitar was it, how did you get it and do you still have it?
I do still have it. It was a simple Yamaha guitar, not exactly sure which model.
Why did you create Paper Plane Records Int.?
Because no other label would accept my music the way I envisioned it.
Billboard magazine called “No Roots” The 81st best song of 2017. Do you remember any of the other songs that were on that list?
No, unfortunately not.
How did you feel the time you were on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and he called “No Roots” the catchy song of the year?
I was personally so nervous on that day. I couldn’t believe we were playing on the Tonight Show. It was one of my personal highlights.
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Please tell me about your latest release.
The latest song is called Easy. It’s part of our MINT + 4 album, and it’s stylistically a little bit different from what you hear on MINT. It’s almost an apologetic reaction to the people who I have left behind whilst touring.
I see you collect snow globes. What is the coolest one you have gotten and from where did it come from?
The coolest snow globe was one I had from when I was a child. It was a Christmas snow globe and played Santa Clause is coming to town. Every time I shake it, it reminds me of home.
You have toured a lot. How do you stay healthy on the road?
I try not to do too much and take it easy on the road because it gets very tiring. Eating healthy and taking Zink and Vitamin C are also good tips.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still making music.
Anything you like to say to your fans in closing?
That I’m very grateful for all of their support and messages. It’s an honor to share my stories with so many people and have them relate to them.
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