Beth Thornley

When Beth Thornley realized that she would not last in the industry on the merits of her voice alone, the Alabama-born musician took to the studio and began writing her own songs. Since then, she has pushed the boundaries of modern pop music, flirting with a variety of genres and establishing her own unique character in the singer/songwriter niche. Her recently released third album, Wash U Clean, is full of “emotional left-turns,” she explains, and is certainly a testament to her growing confidence as a songwriter. American Songwriter had the chance to talk with Thornley, who explained to us why she values her own variety and how her husband gives her that extra boost she needs in the studio.

Before we get to your new album, I want to dig into your past a little bit. I know you’ve released two prior albums and studied music in college, so it’s clear you’ve been at this for awhile. But when did you first discover your passion for songwriting, and likewise, when did you begin writing music?

I had been taking voice lessons with Robert Edwards, here in LA, because I wanted to sing like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Christina Aguilera with a dash of Bonnie Raitt. If you were to hear me sing, you’d know that was going to pretty much be impossible no matter how hard I worked. I was never going to make my mark as a vocalist. We were discussing my options because I wanted to somehow make a living in music and he told me I should try writing. And, I was actually relieved to hear him say that because trying to be someone else was just not working for me. But from that day forward, not only did I start writing songs, I also started embracing my voice – for better or worse – and it has been very freeing and a much more satisfying journey. Songwriting isn’t easy for me and I have to work very hard at it – same with the vocals – but it’s worked out a lot better to make my own way.

Well you’ve come a long way, and your music has drawn some interesting comparisons—everything from Aimee Mann and Beth Orton to Ben Folds and Death Cab for Cutie. In the cosmic landscape of pop music, how would you define your sound?

I would say that it’s mostly piano based singer/songwriter pop that owes a nod to Carole King, The Kinks, The Beatles and David Bowie; but it’s been mixed with modern pop sounds and grooves and influences from other genres.

I know you’ve attributed a wide array of influences to your songwriting. Still, your sound is so unique. How do you retain a personality to your music and avoid falling into any patterns?

I want every song to have its own voice and once it’s written I try to honor what it wants to be during production. Also, if I’ve written a ballad, I make sure the next song I write is uptempo. I think the reason it retains a cohesive personality (at least I hope it does!) is because I root everything I do in melodic, modern pop.

Moving on to your new album, Wash U Clean. Listening to it is sort of like a roller coaster—the kind you really enjoy, though, not one of those nausea-inducing mammoths. From euphoria to despair, you explore a variety of emotions and melodies. Was this your goal?

Thank you for saying that! I knew it was an album full of left hand turns, emotionally, and I was hoping it’d be OK. It wasn’t a goal or concept for the album, but I’m not surprised it happened since my personal goal is to continue to grow as a songwriter. I like to play around (within reason) with other genres such as rock, indie, folk, and hip/hop/rap. I also like to write about life and life is about everything – ups, downs and twists and the ordinary. I also like albums with variety and Beck (early days) was one of the artists I feel like gave us permission to explore. Someday, I might set out to write and album with just one mood; because I like those, too, but that’s not what happened this time around.

On the first song and title track, you open with a catchy, pounding saxophone riff. Is that your way of telling your listeners that this isn’t their everyday pop album?

Yes!

On some of your more melodic tracks, such as “Still Can’t Hide” and “Bones,” you appear more vulnerable and subdued. At times there are some pretty dark undertones, too. Where did this come from?

Some pretty dark undertones in my life. I don’t feel comfortable going further with it; but you’re right in your thinking.

Your husband, Rob Cairns, is your guitarist and also the producer of Wash U Clean. How helpful was it to have him around for the whole process?

He’s not just the guitarist; he’s also the drummer for a lot of the songs, the bass player, bari sax (most woodwinds) player, ukulele player, pretty much everything player and arranger. So, even more than helpful and I can’t imagine doing it without him. His personal bar is very high and his attention to detail and effort to work until the song is all it can be never ceases to amaze me. And, even though I write alone, he’s always encouraging me and on those days when I need a boost, he can usually find the right thing to say. We’ve had to work through our differences in the studio but this is the 3rd album and we’ve pretty much figured out the best way to work together. We have decided who is going to do what and stick to it for the most part.

Now that the album is finally released, what’s in the cards for you next? Any grandiose plans?

I’m just going to write the next song, record it and see what happens. For me, that’s all I really need to feel good when I wake up. But, beyond that, I wouldn’t mind if my songs made it into some films and/or TV shows. Also, it’d be super cool if a superstar wanted to record one of my songs and make it huge. That’d be pretty great.