Nicki Bluhm

California country-rockers Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers returned last month with their sophomore album Love Wild Lost. We chat with Nicki about how the album came together and what influences her as a songwriter. 

You just released a new album, Love Wild Lost. What can you tell us about it?

We were all very proud to release this album.  It was our first time collaborating with an outside producer (Brian Deck) and we worked very well together. He forced us to make a lean record, trimming all the fat.  There are no extra or unnecessary notes played. We came to the studio very prepared after two weeks of pre-production in Pescadero, California and about two years of constant touring. All that playing together helped the recording process at Panoramic in Stinson Beach go quite smoothly.

How did writing this most recent album differ from past efforts? Did your writing process change at all?

There was a lot more intention throughout the process of making this album than any others. When we all met for pre-production I brought some tunes, so did Tim Bluhm and Deren Ney. We all filtered through our own songs and carefully selected the ones we thought most appropriate for this particular collection of songs. We then worked on the arrangements together which was challenging at times but ultimately very productive and fulfilling.

What does your typical writing process look like, if you have one?

It really depends. I always write on guitar, typically at home but some of the songs on this album were written on the road. I usually like to finish a song the same day or week I start it. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to be more patient. I’m trying to give my songs space to grow instead of forcing closure.

How personal is your writing? Are your songs based on real-life experiences?

Sometimes the writing is very personal. Other times it is more general. For me, if I can write a song that makes people feel like they’re not alone, I’ve done a good job. Life is hard, it is a work in progress and I think it’s important we give each other support. If I can do just a little of that through music, that makes me happy.

How do you and your band divide songwriting duties?

We don’t. We just write songs and show them to each other. Fortunately we usually like what the others have written. The process is very organic.

You’ve described your music as “vintage modern.” What does that mean to you?

I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel when I make music. I find a lot of comfort in the music I love and a lot of that music was made before I was born. I want to make music that makes me feel good, that’s familiar to me. Our music isn’t edgy, it’s not ground breaking, it pulls from the past and it speaks of the present.

How old were you when you started writing songs?

I wrote a song for my summer camp when I was just 6.  It was called “My Day Camp Horse.” It was printed in the camp weekly newsletter and sung at our closing circle. That felt pretty good. The first real song I wrote is called ‘Toby’s Song” and was the title track on my first album back in 2008. I was 26 when I wrote it. I’m a bit of a late bloomer. Always have been.

Who are your favorite biggest influences as a songwriter?

I got into live music by listening to The Mother Hips. They’re such a commanding  band, so undeniable. I listened to them a lot as a teenager and young adult, still do. Tim Bluhm is one of my favorite contemporary songwriters and he has influenced me a lot over the years. His topics are unique and thoughtful. Nature is also a huge influence on me. Sometimes I look around and can’t fathom the thought of not being on this earth. Of watching the waves, smelling the trees or climbing the mountains. Memories also influence me; longing for something in the past.

Have your influences changed as you’ve gotten older?

My influences are always changing as I learn more about music and find new musicians I love. My perspective also changes as I get older and what’s important to me changes. It’s a life-long journey and I hope I’m always discovering new influences and inspiration.

Do you have a favorite song? If so, why do you like it?

It would be impossible for me to choose just one song that is my favorite. It so depends on my mood and how I am feeling at the time. What I need out of the song or the album; do I need comfort, am I struggling (Court and Spark, Joni Mitchell) or do I want to smoke a little and get loose (Naturally, JJ Cale), am I going out (Houses of the Holy, Led Zepplin) or staying in (Black Grass, Little Wings) … all that influences what my favorite song is in that moment. One of my favorite songs is Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.” It’s so innocent and beautiful. It gets me every time.

Do you do any co-writing or do you usually write alone?

I typically write alone although I’d like to explore co-writing more.  The idea of writing with others, even strangers, piques my interest.  It sounds scary but in a good way.

Who would be your dream co-writer?

Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell.