INTERVIEW + NEW MUSIC: Cross Record

Cross Record’s  Emily Cross decamped from Chicago two years ago to Drippings Springs, TX, where she now lives on an 18 acre ranch with a chicken coop, located next to a bird sanctuary. Interacting and adapting to new environments is a theme that permeates her smoky, atmospheric sophomore album, Wabi-Sabi. It’s a record that can be unsettling and loud with a dark intensity of booming drums, thick guitar and destabilized electronics, but also more contemplative and serene emphasizing Cross’ wispy, silvery singing and minimal presentation.

I had the chance to chat with Emily Cross in advance of her show at the Vera Project this coming Wednesday, May, 11th.

the mixtape: What are you doing right now besides answering this question?

Cross Record: Currently I’m riding in our RV on the way to Lawrence, KS..listening to the radio with 2 dogs at my feet. I just heard that there is a big storm system coming up through where we are traveling, potentially spawning powerful tornadoes. I happen to be borderline phobic when it comes to tornadoes, so…not feeling great right now.

tm: I absolutely love your song “Lemon”.  Tell me about your decision to include that wave of drone (synth?) sound flowing beneath the song.   It helps add a sense of eeriness to the track.  Was it an afterthought or an immediate choice?

CR: If I remember correctly, I started with the keyboard sound. It’s a vocal sample, actually.

tm: Who is the main subject of your video for “Lemon”?  What was the conversation that was taking place between the man on screen and someone who is off camera?

CR: I don’t know who that is. The video was made without my knowledge and later showed to me…so I know just about as much as you do!

tm: What are you most excited about with the release of your new album, Wabi-Sabi?

CR: Pretty typical answer, but..

I’m just enjoying traveling and playing the songs for people…experiencing people’s reactions.

tm: What have you learned to stop doing so as to not hinder your growth or your optimism for the future re: Cross Record?

CR: I haven’t learned to stop doing anything yet.

I keep telling myself I need to be more positive after shows I don’t feel great about (which is almost every show), but that’s a difficult thing to overcome for me, personally.

tm: The album cover for Wabi-Sabi features two scorpions facing each other.  What is the story behind this photo?  Also, are you a fan of the band, Scorpions?

CR: We found those scorpions like that in our bathtub one afternoon.

I snapped a photo and..that’s the story!

I’m sad to say that I’m not too familiar with the band Scorpions..but I like the name.

tm: If Cross Record was an action figure, what accessories would you have?

CR: A flashlight and 2 dogs.

Follow @themixtape_sean