INTERVIEW: Vanessa Carlton On Her New Album, Moving To Nashville, And What The Future Holds

“This album [“Liberman”] was really about a place like kind of a dreamland that you go when you put your headphones on – that’s what I wanted it to be,” said Vanessa Carlton, who is performing at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC). “Some of those really special records where tonally they just are so rushed and they’re so transcending and they just take you to a different place in your brain, and I really wanted to go down that kind of rabbit hole in sense of the sound.”

Carlton’s hit “A Thousand Miles” catapulted her into the music scene in 2001, and ever since she’s pushed to create a career that’s been on her own terms. “I don’t think it was the right system for me in terms of a sustainable career and it has led me to become really not afraid to explore, and not afraid to take chances,” Carlton said about her decision to leave A&M Records. “You’re fulfilled in your work and you feel most fulfilled when you’re taking chances and you’re curious and satiated.”

Her latest album, “Liberman,” is currently being mastered, and expected to be released next year. “It’s a record meant to just take you to a dreamy place,” noted the singer. “It’s not very personal, it’s more philosophical, it’s calming, and it’s short, and it’s best with headphones.”

2013 was a whirlwind year for the 33-year-old, who along with recording the album, married fellow musician, John McCauley of the band Deer Tick, in a ceremony that was officiated by her good friend Stevie Nicks.

After years of living in the fast-paced New York City, the singer is ready for the stage in her life, which includes a move to the Midwest. The couple recently bought a bungalow in Nashville that they’ve been fixing up and hope to one day fill with a family.

As for what the future holds musically, Carlton would like to try her hand at composing for films. “I just think it’s a totally powerful outlet for music, I think it’s so incredible when a great composition lines up with a great movie, it’s totally magic, and I’d love to learn how to do that.”

She would also love to collaborate more often with her husband. “It would be a pleasure to work more with him and do a duet for his album; I’d like to do more of that. It’s just fun to travel with you family.”

You can see Vanessa Carlton at the WHBPAC on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30, $40, and $50.

WHBPAC is located at 76 Main Street in Westhampton Beach. For tickets call 631-288-1500 or visit www.whbpac.org.