Eleni Mandell Appreciates Inspiration

Eleni Mandell lives somewhere in that world between PJ Harvey and Feist, where she coos and brays away and makes obsessively diehard fans in the process.

CHARTattack talked to Mandell about her most recent album, Artificial Fire.

CHARTattack: Where does the title Artificial Fire come from?
Eleni Mandell: The title Artificial Fire comes from my study of French and finding translations of English into French and then literally back into English so interesting and cool. Of course, there is some mistranslation in there, too, which I also find interesting.

Could you tell me a little bit about the recording process of this record?
We rehearsed a lot, arranging and talking about the songs, and also performed the songs on tour a lot so that we had a real sense of what worked and what we liked. My band is Jeremy Drake on guitar, Ryan Feves on bass and Kevin Fitzgerald on drums.

Then we went into the studio with Dave Trumfio and recorded everything live. Of course we fixed some things and added some things like strings, horns and extra guitar parts afterwards.

Why do you make music?
I guess I make music because I have no choice. I started playing music quite young and always loved singing. I've tried thinking of other things to do and I've toyed with being a painter, novelist, screenwriter and actress. Ultimately, music was my answer. I do have other interests, but, for now, my life is music.

What sort of musical background do you have?
Music has been a huge part of my life since before I can remember. I spent many Sunday mornings staring at record covers and lyric sheets, singing or dancing along.

I started playing violin at age five. I always figured that I'd write songs and play an instrument, but didn't consider it as a career until I was in college. Not the brightest idea, perhaps, but the right path for me.

I always think of what I'll do when my musical life ends, but so far it keeps going. Sometimes I think about law school. I find the law very fascinating, and my great uncle Sidney used to tell me I'd be a good lawyer. He was a lawyer.

What have you been listening to lately?
I haven't been listening to music nearly enough lately. I think because I've been finishing up two other projects, The Living Sisters and The Grabs. Most recently, though, I was listening to a lot of Georges Brassens and mix tapes — well, CDs — that my boyfriend made me.

What are you future aspirations?
My future aspiration is to have a family and continue to be inspired to create. Inspiration is a real gift.

When you aren't touring, what is your ideal way to spend a day?
My ideal way to spend the day while not touring is to get up early, go on a walk, have my soft-boiled egg and tea or coffee, plan lunch with a friend, write a song, read a book, maybe play Scrabble.

What's your drink of choice?
After water, I love a good glass of Scotch. I also love good wine, vodka, coffee and tea.

Anything else you'd like to share with CHARTattack readers?
The only other thing I'd like to add is what an important part of this record my bandmates have been. They're really excellent musicians and made my songs come alive.