Fortunately though, I made it through, and even had the guts to try a pickup line, or two on the up-and-coming star.Nalick’s song, “Breathe (2 a.m.)” has torn up the radio in the last few months, quickly climbing to the top as one of the most played songs. And now, she is touring with Rob Thomas, trying to take her career to the next level.
If you haven’t checked out Nalick’s debut album, “Wreck of Day,” it is definitely something to put on your holiday wish list as I expect Anna to do similar things to what John Mayer has done – further exploding the music scene. Rock on!
Anna?
Hi.
How are you?
I’m good, how are you?
I’m good. Sorry I missed our call earlier. I was sleepy.
(Laughs) Oh, that’s OK.
So, where are you right now?
I have no idea.
(Laughs)
Broadway and South Second.
In what state?
In Louisville, Kentucky.
Oh, look at that. Bet you will see some interesting things happen in Kentucky (laughs).
(Laughs)
How’s the tour going so far?
It’s really nice. It’s been a lot of fun. Rob Thomas is so nice and his crew is a lot of fun, so, it’s nice to go on the road with people you really like.
Has this whole experience been sort of surreal to you? I mean a year ago you definitely weren’t on this level. You have taken the last year to explode onto the music scene.
Actually, I have been on the road for a long time doing radio promotion and shows. But, as it gets bigger it is definitely pretty surreal.
Now, flashback a couple of years ago – were you confident you could be on this level?
Two years ago I was in college and I just wanted to write music. I wanted to make an album of my songs mainly just for myself and to write songs for the people. I was hoping I would go somewhere with it. I’m still not sure how far I will go. I am still in the process of figuring it all out.
How big is your backlog of songs for your next album?
I have enough songs to make another two albums. By the time we get into the studio I will have a lot more, but I will probably only allow people to hear about nine of them.
Did you get to go home for Thanksgiving?
What’s that?
Did you get to spend Thanksgiving with your family?
Um, sort of. I got to go home for a little bit. I actually flew out on Thanksgiving night. I did get a day off before Thanksgiving though.
Is that one of the downfalls in touring? You know, missing some of the major holidays and not getting to spend as much time as you would like with friends and family?
Um, yeah, it’s the hard part of the job in that you don’t get to spend a lot of time with your family and friends, but they are very understanding. And I know that the harder I work, the more time I will get to spend with my family eventually.
So, you will be in the Windy City. You got to love it here, huh?
I like Chicago. It’s a beautiful city, I like the music scene, and, um, I like the food (laughs).
Food is good.
Should be a lot of fun. I have played a few shows here, so, I’m excited to play here again.
Will you go out and party when you are in town.
Um, no. Actually, um, I don’t party. I don’t really have time.
No drinking on the road.
Um, nope. I don’t drink or smoke. I’m working. When I’m on the road I’m working.
That is impressive.
And actually, a lot of musicians are that way, too. A lot of professional people are the ones who don’t go out, and the ones who do are they ones who don’t put on great shows later.
What about after a show, what do you do?
After my set I go and do a meet and greet for about 15 people and I talk with them and maybe play a few acoustic songs and sign some autographs and take pictures. And, um, sometimes I sing a song with Rob Thomas. And after I am done with that I go back out into the lobby and sign some more autographs for a couple of hours and then I check out.
So, it’s kind of mellow, huh?
Uh, no, it’s not mellow at all. It’s a total cluster (bleep). We have to then go back to the bus at a 1 or 2 o’clock call. And then, I’m really not up for going and partying then. Then I get some sleep. And then I have to do promotions or interviews, like this. Yeah, it’s a lot of work, but it’s fun.
At this point of your career do you feel like you are being overworked?
Um, do I feel like I am being overworked? Hmm. No, I am actually having a lot of fun. I know that someday it won’t be quite as hard and I may miss this busy schedule.
So, how are the guys on the road? Do a lot of men come up to you and put on the moves.
Um, yes. But my band is always around me, so when the crazies show up there is always someone around me (laughs). Yesterday someone actually handed me his business card and asked me to write my cell phone number on it (laughs). I just said no.
Have you found any good guys on the road?
Well, being that the road is my workplace, I’m not looking for guys on the road.
Wow, you are all business.
Um, well, you know, you kind of have to be. There’s a cute one here and there, but they all look at me as someone who just performed a show for them. That’s not the kind of guy I want to date. I’m going to marry prince charming and have a thousand kids someday.
Well, Prince Charming is waiting for you in Chicago, you just have to give me a call when you come.
(Laughs)
Hey that worked.
Right. Well, anytime you need me, you have my tour manager's phone number.
That is going in the article.
That’s to say you don’t have my phone number.
OK, thanks, now you just ruined it for me. You broke my heart.
(Laughs)
Oh, no, no, no, it’s OK (laughs).
• Nick Powills can be reached at SayWhatPOWILLS@aol.com
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