Singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton premiered a new song, called “Nothing Where Something Used To Be,” on Paste Magazine. “Nothing Where Something Used To Be” is the first taste of the material that will be on Carlton’s upcoming EP Blue Pool, which is out on July 24th, 2015.
In addition to appearing on Blue Pool, “Nothing Where Something Used To Be,” which is a live living room recorded session, will be available in the fall on the deluxe edition of her album Liberman.
So, what is the inspiration, and overarching theme, found in “Nothing Where Something Used To Be”?
“I like to call this song my teen break up anthem. It’s not just for teenagers. Nothing is just for teenagers,” Carlton said in a press release. “The whole ‘do it’ section in the song is about wishing someone was more courageous and open with you. I think nothing is more attractive than someone who is able to show you all their cards. So if you are on a love cliff, that super high and terrifying cliff…..jump, just jump.”
Listen to “Nothing Where Something Used To Be,” below.
“Nothing Where Something Used To Be” and the other new tracks on Blue Pool are reflective of Carlton’s current state of mind. In the last several years, she has grown and evolved in her life, as she relocated from New York City to Nashville; got married to John McCauley of Deer Tick in a ceremony officiated by a longtime friend of Carlton’s – rock legend Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac; and Carlton welcomed a baby girl with her husband.
This personal growth has brought out a new side in her professional career, too. On Blue Pool, Carlton utilizes simple instrumentation combined with poignant lyrical lines, and a local style that carries with it a sense of nostalgia. These three devices capture listeners’ ears and bring them into the world that Carlton is seeking to create within her songwriting.
Additionally, continuing in the theme of growth, Carlton recently signed a contract with independent label Dine Alone. Dine Alone is known for their work with groups like Twin Forks, City and Colour, and BRONCHO. And, lastly, Carlton shared her evolved sound by releasing a song, “Young Heart,” which showcased her sound and marked the first release on Carlton’s new musical home.
Check out the video for “Young Heart,” below. And, take a look at the tracklisting and cover art for Blue Pool, which comes out on July 24th!
Blue Pool (2015) Tracklisting:
01. Take It Easy
02. Blue Pool
03. Operator (Live Living Room Session)
04. Nothing Where Something Used To Be (Live Living Room Session)