205. Tasmin Archer Discusses A Cauldron of Random Notes and Answers Your Questions

British singer-songwriter Tasmin Archer returns to YMAAA to discuss her newly-released album, A Cauldron of Random Notes (or ACoRN for short), and to answers questions submitted on Instagram and via the YMAAA newsletter. (Tasmin first appeared here on Ep 161, when she discussed Daniel Lanois’ album Shine.) Tasmin revisits the process she and her partner John Hughes undertook to create ACoRN—her first album in 19 years—as well as the ways in which being an independent artist has changed since releasing On in 2006. She also addresses several other subjects, including her 1994 Shipbuilding EP, her vision for future live shows and her reaction to cover versions of her signature hit “Sleeping Satellite.”

Al mentioned a YouTube video by Struthless in which he talks about overcoming creative blocks by borrowing from someone else's art. Here's the link; the section Al referred to begins at 5:35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n8W6CBxc64&t=335s

You can keep up with Tasmin at https://tasminarcher.com/. Also, you can follow her at @tasmin_archer on Instagram and @tasmin.archer on Facebook. To get notifications of Tasmin’s new videos, like the one for “Free Fall” that she mentions on this episode, subscribe to @tasminarcher on YouTube.

Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. 

The first three episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum, and more monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.

To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.

1:15 Tasmin joins the show

1:45 Al explains the format of this episode

2:27 Tasmin talks about the process of choosing songs for ACoRN

10:35 Will Tasmin’s next record sound very different?

12:02 Tasmin explains the basis on which she and John chose the singles from ACoRN

14:06 Tasmin talks about her and John’s lack of involvement in the Sweet Little Truths compilation

16:34 Tasmin discusses the changes in the independent artist environment since the release of On

27:28 Tasmin talks about the role of influences on her music

35:07 Has songwriting become easier or harder for Tasmin over the years?

39:17 Tasmin explains why she made the Shipbuilding EP after Great Expectations

43:29 Tasmin talks about the sorts of live shows she would want to do in the future

46:36 Tasmin describes her reaction to the “Sleeping Satellite” covers she’s heard

48:48 Does Tasmin have a favorite track from ACoRN?

52:32 Tasmin makes doing inner work a priority

Outro music is from “In the Blood” by Tasmin Archer.