10 Questions with Nedelle

Nedelle Torrisi (but know simply as Nedelle) is an incredibly talented and beautiful singer/songwriter that first charmed my wife and I back in 2004 when we saw her on stage. Her lyrics are witty and her voice is unmistakable. She recently released a wonderful new album called The Locksmith Cometh, which flows great with the rest of her body of work. If you haven’t seen her live then make the effort next time she’s in your city, you won’t be disappointed. For more information on Nedelle visit www.nedelle.com

10 Questions for Nedelle

1. I love the 7” version of Good Grief, why did you record a different version for your 2005 record From the Lion’s Mouth?

I had recorded the 7" version on my 8-track, but "From the Lion's Mouth" was recorded in a fancy studio, so I re-recorded the song for continuity's sake. I definitely think the 7" version is better - spontaneity and/or character can be lost in recording studios for sure... That is the main reason I decided to record my newest cd at home.


2. If you could own any painting in the world what would it be?

How about a Maurizio Cattelan installation? I love his sense of humor. I wouldn't mind a horse hanging from my ceiling or a life-sized Pope John Paul II lying on my floor shortly after being struck by a meteorite..


3. Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny?

I'm going with Bugs, just because I've watched more of him. Honestly I don't have a strong opinion either way.


4. Who is your favorite classical musician?

Well this question is slightly confusing, do you mean performer or composer? My favorite composer, cliché as it may be, is Ravel. But Debussy rules too.. He's considered more of a genius, but there's something about Ravel that gets to me. And I also love Robert and Clara Schumann, Bartok, Henry Cowell, Harry Partch.. We are too lucky, really.


5. Okay I need your expert advice, I own two autographed privately recorded 78s by Jazz legend Jess Stacy, should I sell them, keep them or donate them to a Jazz museum?

Digitize and then SELL!


6. Would you agree with me that music theory should be considered a foreign language?

Theory and foreign languages are similar in that they're easier to learn at a young age, but the analogy stops there for me.. Music as a "spoken language" is "understood" by everyone and foreign languages are not! Also, from my limited attempts at learning Italian, I think music theory is even easier to learn than a foreign language. It's too bad more people aren't interested in trying- it isn't necessary in order to write or appreciate music, but it sure is interesting!


7. I first met you in 2004 when we played a show together in Missoula, MT. You were on stage with Thom and I was an instant fan. How do you feel about those random small shows?

Well thank you! I tend to enjoy small shows better than large ones.. That said, I've never actually headlined a large show, so I don't know what that feels like. Probably I'd prefer that over anything! Ha! And I like "alternative venues" better than clubs FOR SURE. My favorite recent shows have been with my new band Cryptacize in a park and at an elementary school. And one time in Modena, Italy my friend Le Ton Mite and I played a show next to a corn field, and he performed his set in a tree! That was fun. Wow, I'm such an Italophile in this interview!


8. The sun or the moon?

Waxing gibbous moons.


9. What do you think you’ve finally accomplished on your new album The Locksmith Cometh that you hadn’t done on previous records?

Having complete artistic control and lots of time! I had no deadlines, recording engineer, or other musicians to guide, influence, and interpret my songs. I collaborated a bit with Chris Cohen, however, but that doesn't count because it's easy to work with your best friend.


10. What’s your favorite movie?

I'm sorry, this question is simply TOO difficult to answer!