Dishing Secrets: A Q&A with Mary Lambert

Are they equally difficult – writing a poem and writing a song?

They’re equally easy. [Laughs]

Is it easy? Can you always connect when it’s time to write?

I’m not worried. As soon as I allow myself to sit down, something comes through.

Seems your attitude is right, that you connect with the joy.

Yeah. I love writing. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the world.

Now that you’re part of a big record label, is life still good for you – or does it get problematic? Did they try to shape who you are, or change you?

No. Actually, it’s been awesome. It would be different if I was maybe more of an underdeveloped artist, or someone who is not as psychotically controlling as I am, but I came in saying this is what I want to achieve, are you with me? And it was instantly a partnership, and I was running the show, and got to do what I wanted to do, and be the artist that I am.

I never once had a meeting about my appearance or a certain way to be, or how to interact with my fans. It’s what I want to do, and I have an amazing team to help me do it. Coming from the Macklemore camp, which put the hex on all major labels, I was terrified when we started shopping around for labels. But I instantly felt at home at Capitol.

Before we did the album, [Capitol]  sat me down and said, “You think we can get more poems?” And I said, “Yeah, major label, you can get more poems from a chubby lesbian.” [Laughs] I was just so excited that they saw me, and saw me for what I do, and are here to help.

And it seems the time is right – that people are yearning for artists who are real, and true to themselves.

Absolutely. I agree with that completely.