Natalie Merchant interview - Keep Your Courage, love in all its forms, and a lot more (2023)

[@allycoll6852]

Here she is still in 2023. Brilliant lyricist and vocalist and what a sublime journey. She’s been with me since I was young. “Trouble me” Natalie MerCHANT. ❤

[@biancakaye2721]

She is magic. Her writing is unparalleled. This guy is so interested in her process. Tells me he thoroughly enjoyed each song too.

[@ezekiel5687]

Saw her in concert in 1998. I was a kid. Afterwards, she did a meet and greet on the side of the Orpheum, she met me and my mom. And she gave us flowers and thanked us for coming to see her. She was quiet but very kind.

[@biancakaye2721]

@@ezekiel5687 I'm bringing some flowers for her. I purchased tickets right next to stage. Not sure when she will tour again. So many great songs, so little time. Hope you get to see her again. Latest album is great too.

[@ezekiel5687]

@@biancakaye2721 touring soon

[@NeverTakeNoCut-offs]

The definition of beauty

[@danneumann3274]

Ive yet to see any female songwriter who can match her songwriting not Joni Mitchel and not Joan Baez and Nobody Ive ever heard. Songs like Cotten Alley take You to another place and time. Maddox table does the same. Gun shy is the softest and best anti war song Ive ever heard. I could go on and on.

[@a.wilcox5690]

I am 65 now. I have followed her music since I was a young woman. I saw her perform in Santa Rosa, CA. She was such a great performer. I am happy to see her aging and maturing as well. She has such depth and strength and intellect and creativity and beauty….I could go on. Love her so much. Such a great artist.

[@timanderson6111]

I am from Santa Rosa and graduated from Montgomery. People of like minds...

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

I first her in the early 80’s touring with REM and have been a fan ever since. Unlike the collective that was REM, She really was the driving force of 10K Maniacs and just kept going after her departure

[@MilosBrajkovic-rc3ik]

Beautiful, thanks a lot. I am 65 now, from Serbia, I'll newer see her, but she is living in my heart for 25 years. Great artist, one of the kind.

[@dariusmorgan8302]

Natalie Merchant is, hands down, a peerless voice...a fearless seeker & artist...and one of the greatest voices of our generation or any other. Thank God for her

[@rhight]

"Seeker and artist." Nailed it, friend!

[@BeeUndercover]

Natalie's social awareness is always wrapped in her music ❤

[@jasoncinema]

Such a class act and a supremely talented woman! ❤️

[@monte2115]

I met Natalie once. The thing I remember was she was so very short but she also has such a presence. A special woman.

[@colinkulowcreative]

It’s refreshing to hear an interviewer who has a firm understanding of the subject matter rather than just regurgitating the same old questions and talking points. 👏👏👏

[@dona5263]

Yes. Was thinking the same!

[@jessicaowens3458]

By this "artist studio" moment, I'm honestly blown away by the access here. Both the Natalie's respones, to the interviewer's questions, is gold. Such a great connection!

[@johnparr5879]

I came across this artist...... recently........ I am now both fascinated,and enthralled........... *

[@cookingartguy2170]

We saw her in concert two nights ago in Fort Lauderdale and it was absolutely mesmerizing. I don't want to call it a "performance" because it was better than just a performance, it was a real, live experience and a pinnacle of beauty and artistry and a camaraderie within the audience that she provided. She is amazingly and refreshingly humble for someone so talented.

[@janetrago328]

This is the best response I've seen to this video and I think your perceptions are amazing and accurate. I've often felt like a lot of people "don't get her" if you know what I mean, but I feel that you do. I was a bit surprised that you're a man, though, actually. No offense to men, it's just I haven't seen a lot of men who see things the way you do. Maybe I just haven't known a lot of men well enough, though, I don't know. But bravo to your comment here.

[@lorio5003]

i'm looking forward to her concert. it's great to hear how much you enjoyed it. i found her tickets by accident. i was looking for another musician and found out she was coming here. it was like a bucket list thing, i knew i had to go. so happy to have the opportunity

[@cookingartguy2170]

@@lorio5003 she exceeded my expectations and I have no doubt you will greatly enjoy it. She's wonderfully talented.

[@DoDoDuh70]

Saw her in Ann Arbor last week. Second row center. Mesmerizing just begins to explain how good it was. Was blown away.

[@janetrago328]

@@DoDoDuh70 lucky you. I was way up in the balcony in Boston because all the good tickets were gone by the Time I found out about the concert. But it was still awesome. She's kept her voice and it's actually even better. There's nothing like the sound of her voice, her smooth contralto.

[@tonymella100]

She is so smart and measured. I could listen to her all day. A living legend.

[@raspb3rryswirl]

So smart and so beautiful.

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Tower of Babel; so timely and spirit nourishing, Guardian Angel; anguish we can all relate to, Come on Aphrodite; speaking to those of us stranded in our aloneness, beautiful, Hunting the Wren; stark choices we make. Incredibly heart filled, thank you for all your sharing of heart, Natalie. You give strength to us and voice to those of us who can not be heard, many, many blessings.

[@mjparlier3339]

I have listened to album twice so far, and it’s really growing on me. Love it.

[@362chop]

Her music just never tires. So good to see her.

[@catw6274]

Love her. We're from the same small town in Western New York. She went to school with my brother, a few years ahead of me. Kinda cool we share a small bit of history. Hoping to catch her tour this month in San Diego! Same place I saw her about 20 years ago. What a gift!

[@tgradyc]

Since the 1st drumbeats of "What's the Matter Here", I've never stopped loving Natalie.

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

With you 100%!

[@clearfield2009]

When Natalie sang, “See them walking, if you devil, if you call that walking. Stumble, stagger, pull and drag themselves along the streets, of heaven…” I was working in NYC on Park Avenue near 40th Street. Everyday I walked to my job from Grand Central Station where the streets were packed with shiny black limousines dropping off wealthy business people while so many homeless people were dragging themselves along Park Avenue, searching garbage cans or picking up discarded take out food. Her song was being played that year and I almost was sure she was on those blocks. I love the compassion in that song.

[@FirstmaninRome]

I Love poison in the well, haunts me, listen all the time, and lion's share, basically all the 10k maniacs stuff she wrote, and the tigerlillly and Ophelia, yeah, she's one of the greatest song writers ever.

[@petemavus2948]

EXACTLY, Odd thing is even as a guy I could probably have sung in perfect harmony with her the first time I heard each song. I knew where they were going as if they were my own.

[@rossydv]

The Lions Share is one of their best songs, written by Dennis Drew.

[@kevinv6455]

She is very talented and if I could go see her before my cancer gets worse I would love to

[@kevinv6455]

I have new cancer and I don't know if I can do much to see her I'm going to have to get some infusions and treatment but I really wanted to meet her

[@allencollins6031]

​@@kevinv6455How are you doing buddy?

[@willbejamming1532]

This interview has made clear to me, I am not alone on this great and fragile ship called Earth. My passage upon the vast sea of a mysterious universe has been attended by the voice of a muse who has never failed to help in my personal quest, on this voyage through lifeblood fathomless, to sound the infinite heart.

[@lirr408]

It started with " Like the Weather" in 1987 and I have been a fan ever since. Natalie is an excellent singer and song writer. I am so glad she is still active and still releasing new music. I saw her in Boston in 2008 . It was two great nights. Thank you Natalie for all the music you have provided.

[@KerrieFisette]

Just saw her in Providence...amazing experience. In addition to her beautiful voice...it's even mesmerizing to hear her speak....she seems to be a genuinely kind person. As amazing as her voice is...haunting really...her kindness is just as beautiful.

[@allencollins6031]

Yeah she was touched by something ethereal....

[@angiepanjie]

Love her hair! I’ve “embraced the grey” too. So liberating although I miss being a brunette. I’m a new me…getting used to that. Shallow comment but oh well🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jaddison1112]

The album "In My Tribe" just blew my mind about 35 years ago. The song themes and lyrics were so different than the norm. A friend of mine told me about 10,000 Maniacs because she knew them personally in college, and it was "love at first listen". Her songs have been social commentary that have pointed out truths over the years.

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

Beautiful human.❤

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

A down to earth artist that has a wonderful voice and talent. A pleasure to listen to REAL music about life and so honest and authentic. No ego or fake superstar crap. Thank you Natalie

[@ShannonBlack-mt8hj]

I can barely catch my breath after listening to your most recent release. A duet with another beautiful soul, and I must tell you that y'all took my breath, in a good way... Thank You

[@indigentphd]

My artistic struggle is similar. The gaps in creative productivity can be so long and unpredictable. I so admire her honest persistence to achieve greatness in a career she once thought wasn’t her path.

[@jbt6007]

I think Natalie was a brilliant songwriter before In My Tribe. I love the early works of 10,000 Maniacs -- Secrets of the I Ching, The Wishing Chair.

[@petemavus2948]

Oh yeah, the wishing chair something about that I loved. Will have to refind.

[@mjparlier3339]

Agreed! Can’t Ignore The Train, Scorpio Rising and My Mother The War are still some of my favorite songs.

[@jbt6007]

@@mjparlier3339 Great picks! Love them too.I first saw the band in 1986 and they were performing My Mother The War. Incredible.

[@mjparlier3339]

1987 for me. At RIT, opening for REM. That was my favorite 80s concert ever.

[@evanhughes1510]

Funny, you say that, because Natalie has said those particular songs make her cringe, and she would rather forget them.

[@G2mxrZ]

Natalie Merchant, beautiful, brilliant, captivating, thoughtful, and timeless. 💙

[@Lammdawg1]

Saw her last night in Seattle. So goooood

[@dloc8007]

See what you get when you approach Natalie with an honest interview? Gems galore with the unsinkable Natalie Merchant.❤ Welcome back to the Queen of October, that former first-wave princess of indie darkness, our rust belt poetess of all college/alternative hearts 🎉🎉🎉All hail the return of Queen Natalie, & it's about time she come collect her flowers.🌹🌹🌹 We been waiting for you. 👋👋👋👋

[@PhancyPants99]

Natalie Merchant is so amazing. I Love her!!

[@deanflorio939]

Wonderful interview! Natalie's passion for quality music and meaningful lyrics really comes through. So looking forward to hearing the new album.

[@kabernat]

It took him a while to warm up, but he interviewed her very well. Very interesting! She looks great!

[@ReadingsbyDom]

Greatly appreciate the open and vulnerable responses and insight. Love the new album.

[@TacShooter]

If lyric writing seemed challenging for her it must have been because she was challenging herself, because from her earliest work she's always seemed a master lyricist to me. Granted, I am no expert. I just know what I like and what impresses me.

[@la196]

Been a fan of Natalie since 10,000 Maniacs. An incredible songwriter with a voice so distinct with a vocal timbre second to none. Her lyricism is humble and true and in combination with her vocal delivery it's in a class of its own. All of Natalies songs are so well produced. One song on Tigerlily has always stood out to me, (and I'm not certain what I've read is accurate) whether the song inspiration originated from her elderly neighbors losing a lifelong spouse or her grandfather but when an artist can strip it down to write and create a vocal performance of a song like, Beloved Wife, well that speaks for itself:) Hearing that voice crack in the lyrics around 2 min 57 sec into the track gets me every time:) So glad to see Natalie on GMA a couple months ago with work colleague Abena Davis out there creating new stuff:)

[@tonycairns6728]

Great interview, thanks.

[@swooningtree]

Crazy to think that she had only just become passionate about songwriting when she wrote the absolute masterpiece that is "Verdi Cries"

[@petemavus2948]

That's when I knew... Move over everyone, let's make room in the Pantheon of Greats.

[@davidjohnson345]

Right?? That remains and will always be my favorite. Pure genius and beauty.

[@petemavus2948]

@@davidjohnson345 Absolutely, to quote another favorite of mine from that special period of my life Tanita Tikaram ... " the song, the stylist... it all came back today " . Best wishes to you and yours ! ✌️

[@RivkahChaya22]

I was thinking the same thing… What’s the Matter Here is the song that got me. Verdi Cries is so beautiful. I don’t know how she does it. But, she’s brilliant! And I certainly do love her. ❤

[@petemavus2948]

@@RivkahChaya22 If I'm not mistaken the other good song about abuse "Luka" by Suzanne Vega was somewhat near the same time.

[@sbhtennis]

Her new album is great

[@jenniferspencer2942]

So much respect for her. In concert is an amazing experience - saw her at a winery and sat / danced on the lawn.

[@stevendecker8608]

Such an engaging interview. My Celtic heroine effortlessly wordsmithing to the master anonymous purveyor who extracts countless precious gems. Madam Merchant is truly a National Treasure.

[@Lovejazz01]

So beautiful that Natalie explains the concept of Keep Your Courage, I fully understand. Though I know Natalie is a legendary brilliant singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, with a beautiful unique velvet voice, and is still on of the most beautiful women in the world, yet again she had completely blown me away with this album! Wow, so amazing from beginning to end. Words cannot describe the large and immense catalog of music she has amassed from the first 10, 000 Manics album to Keep Your Courage, it is even more mind blowing that almost every song she has sung in her life SHE WROTE!

[@TacShooter]

I would love to see Natalie and Aurora meet and collaborate. I think they would enjoy each other's company.

[@vidarmedl]

She's like Aurora would be as a 60 year old woman.

[@JHillMD]

Wonderful interview. Love you, Natalie.

[@DeborahDynamicBridging]

I appreciate the heart and soul and advocacy in the lyrics.

[@joycemansfield1108]

Im a hairdresser from ct whos always had a love for Natalie and even saw her do a concert in a quaker church in NY. I just want to say Natalie is beautiful! She's let her hair mostly go gray and what great hair she has ,her skin is unlined and lovely .your still a beauty if you see this Natalie.

[@williamdaley4033]

i saw her in concert … mesmerizing… memorable songs. what more can be said

[@2607martina]

I love Natalie Merchant since I saw her sing/tour with Lúnasa in 2018 here in Ireland, and I really hope she will come back to Ireland again . ❤

[@filmstaratease]

She is very intelligent, witty, smart and extremely talented in everything she does: as a (phenomenal) singer, as a lyricist, as a music composer, as a musician, as a writer. I was surprised when she mentioned she got passionate about songwriting only after joining 10.000 Maniacs. Due to her high level of artistry in songwriting, I thought she was writing her own songs since she was a child. Artists like her, Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple - that write alone their own songs in full and are masters in lyrics and music composition, creating their own unique music styles - are really rare nowadays. And it’s very sweet to see her mentioning her happiness when she saw people singing her songs for the first time, and other artists recording her songs.

[@belovedchild9812]

I LOVE her. This album is amazing. I was touched by it.

[@rhight]

We all get older. Some people do it better than others...still a gracious and lovely lady. Great interview!

[@leroyhansen1094]

Such a down to earth, cozy yet powerful singer and musician. Love her work. Motherland and Gulf of araby are my favorite works by Natalie. She is truly great😊

[@speedracer3286]

Just a beautiful human being inside and out.

[@janvanaartrijk9673]

Het voice and musical are magical !! She brings me to strange places and she soothes my soul..... Her version of Crazy Man Michal is hauntingly beautiful and her album ""Leave Your Sleep" is one of the best albums I've ever heard... I first heard her voice on a Cowboy Junkies album....She sang "To Love is Bury" and she completely blew me away !!

[@bravalo7062]

Just an amazing artist. What a career.

[@cchavez248]

She's still beautiful, my crush for a good while! Then you take her writing and performance, just savage! I really miss hearing her with Jennifer but she still shined through, no matter what!!

[@Thorum13]

Thanks for this. Have followed Natalie for decades...excellent!

[@ScottLeapman]

Loved her recent concert in Fort Lauderdale, FL!

[@martinstephenson9496]

Been a fan since their tube performance in the 80s was lucky enough to see them twice in they’ll in the 90s love her solo work too - very special talent

[@leslielearnorth]

Goddess. She had me at “Wonder.” A song that I’ve given to pregnant friends. I cry each time I watch the video . Thank you Natalie

[@randalltaylor1376]

Seems beautiful in more ways than one......FAR more ways thn one. Good interviewee. Explains stuff so humbly and well.

[@njvalueinvestor]

She will never get old ... outstanding writer and singer

[@ayotochtli5785]

Thank You for this! Great interview. 😃😍💚

[@CatSharkie]

Fascinating interview with a remarkably talented person: thanks for sharing because I have really been enjoying this new album.

[@bpalpha]

Thanks for the interview. Saw her tour this summer (2023) in Providence, RI. She put on an excellent show. I've also seen 10,000 Maniacs back in the day. A true artist.

[@mariomohle]

I really love this Woman! The best voice ever ❤️‍🔥

[@gurl_friday1116]

Wonder was my first favorite ❤ her music . Seen her twice in concert , she’s a humanitarian and a treasure

[@robertocarreno]

I loved Natalie.

[@kevinmichaelcallihansr5053]

I agree with Natalie Merchant about "patterns" and I would suggest the movie, Patterns, from Rod Serling just as an aside to my love for Natalie and her music. Thank you kindly for subscribing.

[@emms8]

Natalie❤ Thank you sO much for this beautiful interview. Love the question/ talk about Greek Mythology. It has always always facinated me too😊

[@jojojousa]

Such a raw beautiful interview... hope you get a chance to visit Westfield this summer!!!

[@davidanderson8469]

What a talent and it doesn't hurt to be beautiful!!

[@JuliLa222]

Love this insight into pianos and poetry! & LOVE that you are back vocalizing & wordsmith-ing & expressing who you are nowHERE 🎵 🌳 ✨

[@Mksteele747]

This Lady is akin to a fine wine. I can’t imagine this world without her.

[@comnandmentsdeadlysins]

The universes always provides at the exact right time. I had not listened to Natalie in decades and was cleaning out a house with a friend and there was Ophelia about a year ago. As she speaks of Love in this interview it is one of the most powerful gifts I receive from her music is to sing thru wide array of emotions her music brings to the surface for me. It is said we have to feel to heal and I have taken many tearful drives of gratitude for the greatest power on this planet LOVE. Kind and Generous brings me back 20 years at the start of the most insane spiritual ride that until a few years ago I never even knew I was on. Thank you universe for Natalie and the amazing gift of singing with her to clear the emotions that if not accepted and felt thru lead to dis ease in the human body.

[@frankmazzie4855]

Nice interview,Natalie really gets in depth in her description of her musical,personel experiences.i enjoyed this.

[@silvestrossouthernitaly9795]

just saw the final concert on the tour, in Chiari, Italy. Her voice has never been stronger.

[@doloresvancartier4249]

King of May is my favorite song of all time. Ophelia album is a masterpiece.

[@darknessislight3689]

She’s a treasure ❤❤❤❤ much love and respect 🫶🏾 incredible talent 💐💐💐💐

[@SonyaTiggy]

Thank you. Brilliant.

[@Man_Cave]

I remember when she released the song Wonder and came on the David Letterman Show and he announced her as his new bride. I completely understood why he said that. She was a true gem!

[@Dolores-mu9vo]

I have 11 or 12 recordings of 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant respectively, on Letterman. I am not sure how many appearances she made in total, but she was one of his favorites. She was smart, talented and naturally beautiful. Letterman's type.

[@Man_Cave]

My type too! LOL@@Dolores-mu9vo

[@tomwagner6334]

This planet is lucky to have her.

[@betsyetoddlerteacher]

So fortunate that she is part of my generation

[@RodCornholio]

Genuine artist. A dying breed.

[@salomeelizabeth6026]

Empowering and beautiful music, beautiful voice,,a soul and mindset full of grace an faerie also.

[@oonojoe]

She's Very Gifted! . . . . and staggeringly beautiful.

[@chronicstitcher7933]

Awesome voice. Loving her music since 10,000 Maniacs in the 80's.

[@GCKelloch]

Such a unique style she has. Perhaps in the minimalistic vein of someone like Morrisey, but not at all derivative. I usually prefer more experimental music with an emphasis on harmonic exploration, but there is something very special about her contextual sense of melody.

[@wildlightarts]

I'll never forget the milk and honey of her first independent release and the pleasure, joy and calmness it brought me in high school. Tiger Lily remains close to my heart. Sister Tilly is wonderful, the whole album feels wonderful and positively provocative. My sweet 8lb Maltese is named Tilly Lily. I know that sister Tilly is written with Joan Didion in mind and dedication. I think of Margot Adler and her autobiography Heretic's Heart, as well, when I watch the video.

[@timwall6187]

Love you Natalie. You are a treasure to us all.

[@sch7194]

Natalie is a LEGEND 🔥♥️🔥

[@HitWaveMusic]

What a treat to hear this interview. I made a cover version of Carnival on my channel. I wonder what she would think about it.

[@CBbehereNOW]

SO Beautiful in EVERY way ❤

[@yoohoo909]

I love her music, bought several of 10k Maniacs and her 'albums', but how does she get her silver hair look so good?! (sincerely!) 😍

[@dennisfriscia4067]

I recorded several demos in the SUNY Fredonia recording studio for early Tonemeister student David 'db' Brown (later of NYC Record Plant), a couple years prior to the Maniacs there. I like to say that because it's true. I still have those tapes. This was the first year the program was operational, I believe. The band played out locally. Great place and great time: Southwestern NY State.

[@allergyahead8128]

She has a magical unique sound that can't be duplicated.

[@jockost.maritz1096]

The way she danced, her natural beauty, and mostly her original AMAZING voice - I can never understand why she's not in a top category for female artist. I had a serious crush on her, my then girlfriend now wife was actually jealous.