Carl Anderson is a singer-songwriter from Virginia. His song swirls around like that plastic bag in the scene from American Beauty. A surprising unassuming clandestine charm that catches you unawares and then settles at your feet until the wind kicks up again. I have been a fan of his ever since we played a show together at the Bluebird in Nashville maybe like seven years ago. The way he sings is like no one else. You have to hear it for yourself (in this episode, you will).I’m so excited he’s part of this show we’re doing in a few weeks, at the Five Spot in East Nashville. Saturday February 15th. Carl is sharing some music, as is next week’s guest, Abby Jane. Then I’ll play a set with my new band, and then we’re going to screen a world-premiere of the music video for my new song Meet Me at the End of the World, directed by MCP alum Mila Vilaplana. Throughout, Ryan Rado, who was on the pod a few weeks ago, is doing some live immersive painting. It’s gonna be a great night and I’m very excited. If you live in Nashville here is a link for tickets.I’ve started making a new effort here on the podcast, which is to insert chapters into the YouTube video. For you it makes it easier to see the contours and compartments of the conversation (see below). For me it requires I listen back through the entire talk, which makes me reflect on what we discussed and whether it was worth it. So I know what I’m saying when I say this was a truly insightful and dare I say FUN conversation with a person for whom art’s calling occupies a central position. Carl is serious about songmaking and unserious about its purpose. That is to say he holds the sacred cows lightly in his hand and only pets them when they ask. I am reminded that so much of the value in any conversation lay in its style, and not just its substance.We play a song together, his original, Separate Ways. Listen to the way he sings.Carl talks about what got him started on the creative path, his love for dancing, the pleasure of watching bad acting, Bob Dylan as the original troll, his in-and-out habit of fitness and its relationship to creativity, the strange and healthy beauty of having a job outside the industry.I share a little as well. What happened when I moved to Nashville twenty years ago. Why I burst into tears last week on my couch watching Fred Again’s Tiny Desk Concert. How being yourself gives everyone else permission to be themselves too.Carl Anderson is a real one of one. I hope this conversation makes you want to finish the song you’re working on. The Morse Code with Korby Lenker is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my music, writing and the Morse Code Podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.00:00:00 Introduction/ In praise of Rock Club Owners00:04:27 In praise of Carl00:06:00 Carl reflects on his approach to songwriting00:07:27 Korby asks a weird question00:08:22 A story about roommates and song analysis00:09:27 How Carl got started songwriting00:11:19 When you realize that music is something you can do too00:12:01 Carl likes dancing00:13:14 Songwriting is a serious pursuit00:14:37 If you have musical talent you need to explore that00:16:13 Beethoven can't write a song like John Prine00:18:10 The new Bob Dylan movie and influence00:21:27 "Last time I talked to you you were pretty sober"00:24:21 Carl's take on health, fitness, and creativity00:29:54 Why did you move to Nashville Carl?00:35:23 Carl and Korby perform Separate Ways00:39:32 The stigma of employment when you're young00:43:02 Korby talks about his wake up call when he moved to Nashville 20 years ago00:46:04 Korby describes why he's doing this podcast00:46:36 Trying to not look too closely at what motivates you00:49:05 Do you want your kids to be artists?00:51:32 Fallow periods in the Life of an Artist00:52:40 The wonderful Dick Cavett show00:55:06 Watching cringe acting fascinates Carl00:55:46 Bob Dylan was the original troll00:58:10 "I'm not learning anything valuable here"00:58:40 Korby talks about the collaborative nature of film01:00:38 How Fred Again has inspired Korby in his novel01:04:52 "I used to want to be famous, I still do" but connection now too01:06:54 Korby and Carl reflect on meeting at the Bluebird01:07:50 A new season of collaboration starting with Feb 15 show!01:09:32 I am a very earnest person01:11:33 We had to stop because Carl must drive to Virginia Get full access to The Morse Code with Korby Lenker at korby.substack.com/subscribe
