Hi All,
Thank you to everyone who has commented and connected with me already. I hope to answer all of your questions tonight.
To ask a question all you need to do is type your question in the comment box below (if you're not already a member you will need to join in order to post a question). To see my responses in real time simply hit the refresh button on your browser. You will need to refresh your page continuously to see each new comment.
If we end up running out of time tonight and your question does not get answered I will try my best to go back later on and answer them all.
Thanks Everyone!
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Comments: 117
Amy McCoy
I am first? That's surprising. Thanks for the enjoyment your music has given me over the years. Do you feel that being labeled "country" affected your fan base to any degree?
Namaste, Wayne
im gonna ask the questions that i have been asked most often about you? which is your favorite Beatle
xxxooo
Please join me in welcoming Mary Chapin Carpenter to Gather for her first live chat! There has been a lot of talk about Mary Chapin and her new album "The Calling" lately on Gather and tonight she is joining us to answer the many questions our members have.
To keep up with the chat and view recent comments you will need to continuously refresh your browser and scroll down to see each new comment.
I feel that each one of us deserves to feel safe, nurtured, loved and inspired. Hopefully the song conveys that message. There was not one particular moment of inspiration for the song but rather it is an attempt to capture the search we must all be on from time to time in our lives.
I'm a mom to two young children, so I'd love to have a fabulous, thought-provoking question for you, but my brain melted a while ago. :) I'll just ask: Of all of the songs you've recorded over the years, which is your favorite, and why?
Thanks for chatting with us!
I cannot chat long at all, but I wanted to let you know that I was at your recent concert at The Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA and I had a really great time. I went with a friend of mine that wasn't very familiar with your music other than what she had heard on the radio, but she and I were blown away by your voice, your band, and your new music. Thank you so much for coming and I hope to see you in this area again very soon. I hope you have a wonderful evening.
Sincerely,
Julie
Hope you are recuperating well. Now that your plans have been altered, how will you spend the summer?
What has been the most frustrating or irritating part of being "sick"? Have you written a song about it yet?
Best
Rebecca
I have been spending my unexpected vacation seeing alot of doctors! But I hope that will taper off after awhile. I am enjoying being with my friends and family and all the animals at home..I adopted another cat last week. I think that makes it 7 kitties in and around the house and barn. the hardest part about being unwell is feeling vulnerable...as if I don't trust my body...this blood clot just stunned me, and to feel so vulnerable is the hardest part.
I had read about your health woes, and glad you're ok...being a nurse, I know a P.E. is nothing to sneeze at, so to speak. So glad you have a new CD coming out. I've been a fan for eons, and am looking forward to it..sad to say, I haven't heard it yet...I'm a bit behind on the whole Ipod thing..ha ha..I wanted to ask, which do you prefer playing live, the ballads, or the rockers?
I would like to wish you health and happiness! We are so happy to have you here on Gather!
How do you reconcile The Calling and those of your fans who are denigrated by your messages in it? How do you respond to your fans who support the president, who feel like Iraq is not a lost cause or an immoral action, who don't agree with the Dixie Chicks when they insist they have a right to say whatever they want but no one else does, and who hear On With The Song and hear you calling them blind followers who don't think for themselves?
To be honest, I'm sorely disappointed in your effort here. I came to love your music dearly because you have a wonderful ability to look deep into the human heart and to observe the human condition and to portray this beautifully in music. But when it comes to politics you apparently only see things in black and white, and if someone doesn't agree with you then there is no humanity in us, only blindness and hollowness.
Isn't my opinion deeper than that, even if you don't agree with it?
I was surprised to see a thank-you to Anne Lamott and Billy Collins "for magic evenings of words and music" in the liner notes to "The Calling." Can you tell us how you came to know Anne Lamott, one of our generation's most beloved writers?
I love your music and always went to see you when I lived in Boston and you were playing. Now I live in WNY and am sorry to here we won't see you at Chautauqua this summer. Hope you are feeling much better soon!
I love Annie Lamott- she is a real treasure. If I recall correctly, we met by exchanging emails...and then her agent put us together for readings and music. I did the same thing with Billy Collins who I adore as well. It is very refreshing to change things up in that way. It wasn't a concert exactly, and it didn't seem quite like a formal reading either. I like to think it captured the best of both.
Wishing you health and happiness.
I would have loved to have heard that!...Kind of a MCP..Unplugged... it sounds like sitting around jamming with pals in someone's backyard, like we do...'cept you're getting paid...
I've enjoyed your work for over ten years...this weekend I was lucky enough to hear (and meet) Tish Hinojosa....have you ever worked with her? And, what is your favorite music these days. Thanks!
what songs either your own or someone else's are your favorites?
whats it like for you, when you are infront of audiences on stage?
____
chapin, dont tell me how many shows i was at!!! ill get booted
I must admittedly tell you that nearly every one of your albums are on my ipod!
Your music is inspirational, and true two things that are not easily noticed in a lot of music today.
Nearly ten years ago, I saw you and the Rankin Family in concert in Ottawa Canada. To hear He thinks he'll keep her" in the live version was incredible!
Where do you find your inspiration to write? Do you ever produce songs that were written word for word first hand? I appreciate this opportunity to write to you, thanks!
What is your process for developing these stories? Music first, or lyrics, or do they both come together at the same time?
first of all, I won't be able to address all of the topics that you raise in your note, but that isn't because I wouldn't want to. This format does not lend itself to that. I guess all I can say to you is that my responsibility is to be honest in my feelings. There are many people who feel as I do, and many people who feel as you do- I cannot write for you alone though, and while I am sorry that you iare disappointed in this new music, I can also say that I have never felt more authentic.
Do you have a favorite concert you attended as an audience member?
Any songs you've written that you'd like to hear others cover?
The first vynyl album you replaced with a cd was...
Any recent books you'd recommend?
Wishing you all the best during your recovery.
Nancy
Do you travel down under .... Brisbane Australia?
The other question is why don't you make more DVD's ... love your music
You music has been such an inspiration to all and your music has been such a sustaining influence through the years.
What are your feelings toward the music of today? Do you see any of it holding up through the test of time has yours has.
And also, do you feel American Idol is truly a singing competition or a popularity contest?
Can someone with talent like yourself make it today without being an "entertainer". It is sad to me that so few people today want to just sit and let someone sing without having to have bells and wistles. Music comes from the soul not from a sound studio where all things can be tweaked.
I hope you truly know the effect you and your music have had on people's lives.
I hope you feeling better soon. We miss you and we love you.
Martha J.
Being on the road is a special experience, although not always an easy one. After a certain amount of time, you get used to sleeping on a moving rig, and you learn how to balance a bowl of cereal in your lap.. I basically lived on a bus for the first 15 years. Now that I am an old married lady, I prefer to stay home more than tour...but in a way, that is what has made it even more fun,because I don't do it relentlessly anymore. We have made many friends over the years who bring us treats (yes sharong that means you) and books and things...it's very humbling to be thought of that way. I am really keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to tour in 2008 because, well, I miss it. Especially since it has been eliminated from my life for the time being.
Love,
Phill
I am just trying to keep up with the questions that are here for now- thanks for reposting yours. As for my fav concert, it has to be in 1981 at Wolf Trap outside of DC, where I lay on the lawn and listened to Aaron Copland conduct the National Symphony, and their performance of Appalachian Spring had me weeping. Under the stars, hearing that soaring piece of music was one of the highlights of my life.
as for books, I have a stack on my bedside table- the most recent read was Jim Crace's The Pesthouse. A brilliant novel, and quite moving.
I have never thought of myself as a poet...but I appreciate that one could read lyrics in that way. Sometimes when I buy a new cd, I will read the booklet first, and absorb the lyrics long before I hear them put to music. It's a different way of approaching someone's work, and I don't ever feel as though adding the music is jarring. I love to write, and there have been a few songs over the years that did not have music for quite a while, an example would be I Am A Town. Once I found the tuning and the melody I was quite happy, but if it had remained just lyrics I would have been satisfied as well.
I used to live in Virginia and really miss it a lot! Now I'm in Utah and loved seeing you perform at Red Butte Gardens (in the rain!) and Deer Valley a couple years ago. I can listen to your songs all day, every day and never get tired of them!
"Luna's Gone" used to be our family's favorite song, but our cat "Zorro" has been missing since April 13th and we miss him SO much. It's hard to listen to that song now. My kids are devestated!
Anyway, thanks for the music and hope to see you on the road soon!
Not really a question, but more of Thank You for your music over the last 15 years. I never liked country music in my late teens and I was all about Pop music, but I went to work at a music store one summer long ago and the manager there loved your music and she played State of the Heart constantly. When I finally took the time to listen to it, well that was it for me, really. Not only that but there are a lot of artist out there that can thank you for me being a fan of theirs, you introduced me to a whole new genre of music. I can also thank you for getting me really interested in music, I took up guitar. You were such an inspiration to me as a young woman and now that I am older I find I even appreciate your music more. I don't mean to gush or go on and I am sure you have heard things like this over and over, but not from me and I just wanted to let you know. I have met you a couple of times and never managed to get a coherent word out so I am glad maybe you will read this. I have seen you in concert, so many times I have lost count. You have brought people together, I know I have met many lifetime friends through you rmusic. So just THANK YOU.
Just thank you so much for your music, I love The Calling, such an inspiration. When I heard about your PE, my heart just sank, I am Glad to hear you are doing better. My prayers are with you.
Jen
I cannot for the life of me think of a favorite pie, but I love making a good apple pie when the spirit moves me. As for gardening, I like to have an herb garden, but with my bad back, I don't do much...my husband is in charge of the digging part. We have lilacs, boxwoods, peonies, and herbs growing right now.
have you been able to write while recooperating?
are there people who you would like to record with?
what are the greatest changes for you in the 20 some odd years since you started recording..
I am not one for dispensing advice, except to repeat the wise old adage that it is important to do what you love. Never before has there been an environment like there is now where you can be the master of your own universe...you don't need to be signed to a major label in order to find an audience...you don't need someone else to sell you cds...you can do it all yourself and feel empowered doing it. I would say that if there is a desire to express yourself musically, the world is your oyster nowadays.
I Love Your Music!!
Thanks for coming to Gather and speaking to all of us. Best of luck in all you do.
Peace -
many years ago there were some feelers that came my way about writing the music to a then unwritten book - like many things, it never came to fruition. perhaps someday there may be another opportunity.
you have done so much good for the world, been to so many places... is there anything you havent done that you would like to do?
besides stay home, will you be able to do so?
a few notes earlier, someone asked what was the hardest part of staying home this summer, and one of them would certainly be missing the chance to play a summer night at Chastain Park in Atlanta. I have a great fondness for that place that has evolved steadily over the years...flamingos, neon lights, candalabra etc...hopefully next summer.
If you could be a character in any novel or on any television series for one day, who would you like to be?
I have never been asked a question like yours, so I thought I would give it a try...I don't regret where my life has taken me, because I believe things happen for a reason. I am so blessed with the family that I do have. there might have been a time in my life when it would have been amazing to be a new mother, but since it didn't happen, I don't look at it from a sorrowful standpoint. there are so many things that have given me a remarkably full life, and I can only marvel at my blessings.
yes, you know me too well...it does drive me insane when I am called "mary"...but that's the way things go sometimes...
This is Holland speaking.
I have two urgent(haha) questions for you:
1.When will you give a concert in Zoetermeer (or The Hague, Amsterdam, etc.)
2. How about a concert with Venice?
Cheryl Merrill
glad to hear you sounding in good spirits.
There were a lot of good questions posted before the chat started.
Will you be able to answer them or do we need to do a bit of quick re-posting?
Do you remember what the song was, where you were, etc?
Thanks for providing the soundtrack to my life for 20 years - it's hard to put into words what it's meant to me. Is there anyone whose music has served that role in your life?
Thank you so much for touching me deeply. I ran home from my job at the hospital to get here! Is there any chance you'll be coming anywhere around houston?soon?
on a recent trip to the ER (last week) there was a nurse who told me he had just returned from a year long tour of Iraq. I mentioned that I had been fortunate enough to travel to Kuwait, Bosnia, Italy, the Persian Gulf, and a few other places with the USO. He told me that the troops are so glad when folks make the trip. Now, I went before we were in a war, and the folks who choose to go now have my great admiration. I was happy to go simply because it was a chance to meet some amazing men and women who have sacrificed so much - it was a privilege to be able to play for them.
if you werent a singer songwriter, did you ever think about what occupation you would have chose?
will you write a book?
what will you bribe me to shut me up?
I first heard my music on the local NPR station in Washington DC. It was thrilling! I don't remember the song though...sorry-
at this moment there are no plans to tour in Europe, although some day that would be wonderful.
Jeanie
R-a-c-h-e-l
If I hadn't found my way to the concert stage,
I would have loved to have gone back and made an effort at all the science courses that I did so poorly in. because I would have loved to be a vet...Lord knows it would have allowed me to save some money, with five dogs, 7 cats, horses and god knows what else. But seriously, I love all animals and I would have loved to have been able to do that.
I fell in love with the song, would love to have you release it on a CD.
PS I emailed Laurie DeYoung at WPOC in Baltimore MD to ask her if you had released this song, Laurie said no, but my autistic son said it can be seen on the 40 greatest moments on CMT.
MJ scenic Maryland
my first name is Mary Chapin, like Mary Ann- a double first name.
Thank you to everybody for participating and a very special thanks to Mary Chapin Carpenter for taking the time to chat with everyone here on Gather. Good night!
what would you like???
im seeing the hippie chick, any messages....
as far as I know there are no legal copies of Opening Act, except for the CMT blip. It wasn't something that I wanted to be released at that time, although Sony would have liked it...I think of it quite happily as a fun little ditty that I had to clean up a bit for television. Good memories and quite a short haircut if I remember...
Over and out...
I don't think there's any legal copies of you singing Four Seasons with Shawn either but i've got it on my iPod.
The internet's a wonderful thing!
What the current book you're reading? Do you recommend it?
and enjoy the outer banks...of nc...
Ann
Atlanta, GA
I might be confused here (being in England) but does ER mean Emergency Room? And does that that mean you only get taken there in an emergency?
Cause if it does i'm worried now about what Chapin said earlier.
Can someone clear this up for me please.
I am so glad to hear you are on the mend. Take good care of yourself--you are truly a cherished voice in this world and your beautiful heart and deep capacity for expressing the human condition with such compassion help to give me hope for the human race when things start looking kinda bleak out there. Thanks for sharing yourself and your talent with us. I will always look forward to hearing anything you do. I'll miss you at Wolf Trap this year, but I'll catch you next year!
By the way, I've always wondered--I saw you perform at the Rocky Gap Music Festival some years back (with the Mavericks and a bunch of other great acts). The friends who were there with me placed a little art project that you had inspired up on the stage for you. I had done a sketch of the kids from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and inscribed some lyrics from "Only a Dream" on it (both the film and the song evoke a similar feeling for me). Well, my question is did you ever get the picture? Cause if you didn't, I have to make you something else!!:)
Best to you and your family always and much gratitude.
Well gather, the best internet magazine in town...probably laying off for a while... to continue on my works...
Best of wishes Mary and stay healthy...
Do you ever feel the burden of responsibility on your singer/songwriter shoulders, to consistently shill out fabulous, meaningful and poetic songs to your ever adoring fans? Speaking strictly for me, I thought you had peaked at "Stones in The Road" and after hearing SITR for the first time, I believed you could never top it - glad to admit I was wrong. Hope you are getting better.
Breege.
Same problem with the diffferent time zone but I'll give it a go anyway, seeing that my fellow Glasgow Flocker Breege has done so too. I know you said over and out but who knows you might still be there....
My question: do you ever play together with friends, just for the fun of it, to enjoy making music together without having to please a crowd?
All the best from sunny Holland (it's 3.30 PM right now and we're having a break from painting our new garden house), hope your recovery will be swift.
Mo.
kathy m
Love you Sistar!! Sorry, I missed Chapin...love her music. Saw her once at Chastian.
Hope, you have a speedy recovering. I am sure, you are in many of Gather communities thoughts and prayers. Thank you & Thank you Miz M. You are the best!
Madame Mozzzzeee P.S. Chapin , welcome to Gather.
I wasn't home for live chatting, but wondering if you ever revisit the site. How can I connect with you to ask questions about being ever true to our alma mater, music writing, and how to do something constructive with recent lyrics I've written?
Thanks.
1. Where is it coming the plays of enthusiams?... Is it from being girlish or boyish artistic appreciation or outook...
2. My second question is... hope it's not too much.
When you composed your composition.... How do you do you found your musical works from your perspective... would you consider it SPIRITUAL, a devotional-artistry sort of a responsibilty--or just playing around and silly?... You know your lyrics well, that's what I supposed and them are great...
Another One
3. How well do you remember your childhood, do you made intimate reflections of it in these times to find somehow the answers... for the coming future...
I find my question quite personal...
And I like your new release... ''THE CALLING''
nice songs...
And you have quite an intriguing name beautiful name MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER..
(no string attached)
Sorry I was late for the LIVE CHAT...