Dreamy folkie or doom-metal goth? Party girl or paralyzed wallflower? Yes, yes, formerly and forever, says Massachusetts singer/songwriter Marissa Nadler. Debuting in 2003 with the self-released Ballads Of Living And Dying (a macabre, wintry decree by a 23-year-old ice queen, rife with literary allusions and unambiguous in title only), Nadler found herself eight years later back on her own, her crystalline hymns slightly thawed on 2011’s Marissa Nadler (the first release on her Box Of Cedar imprint) and her skin greatly thickened from a brief courtship (and briefer contractual release) by Kemado Records and offshoot Mexican Summer. Nadler’s sixth album, The Sister, is due May 29 on Box Of Cedar, and she will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all this week. Read our brand new Q&A with her.
Nadler: I know this book came out last year, but I am right in the middle of reading it right now. Everyone was right about how good it is. If you haven’t read it yet or haven’t read a book in a while, this is a great one to get back into reading with. I love learning about the relationship Keith had with one of my favorite songwriters, Gram Parsons. It’s really interesting to read about Keith’s childhood. It’s also really inspiring to see a lifelong dedication to his instrument. Reading this is making me want to switch to playing in five-string open tunings as opposed to six-string open tunings.
