ALICE MERTON: A BAKING INTERVIEW

11/29/18

We recently got to sit down with the German-Canadian singer Alice Merton to discuss music, her love for baking, the similarities between music and baking, and actually now that I think about it... mostly just baking.

Excuse us for the possible over-focus, but Merton’s passion for baking seems, as far as we’re concerned, to have a significant internal parallel to her debut song “No Roots.” It’s like, spending time in the kitchen with family is where many of our natural roots come from. So how does that translate to a life on the road? Making tunes and playing concerts? Let’s find out!

If you like Merton’s intense bluesy-pop stylings , then hopefully you’ll like hearing her talk about her process (in the studio and the kitchen). We got into it, and we hope you do too. 

 

ALICE MERTON - NO ROOTS

WATG: How has your life changed after your breakthrough hit "No Roots"? Have you found “home"?

AM: My life hasn’t really changed that much except that now I’m always travelling…and even that isn’t that unusual for me, having moved 13 times in 25 years.

WATG: We heard you have a passion for baking. Where does that "root" from?

AM: My Mom used to bake so much when I was a child, and I have a big sweet tooth. Plus it calms me down.

WATG: Does baking make you feel more rooted to something?

AM: Not really. But I like eating yummy things.

WATG: Your new song "Why So Serious" comes off as liberating and carefree. If correct, when did that turning point occur?

AM: It’s never been something I’ve just realised. It’s like a daily reminder.

 

ALICE MERTON - WHY SO SERIOUS

WATG: As a nomad, did you pick up any special recipes, if so which ones?

AM: Canadian pancakes and pumpkin soup.

WATG: What is your favorite thing to bake?

AM: Brownies.

Image via Wikimedia

WATG: Baking is something rather intimate and personal, do you ever feel vulnerable when having others try your creations?

AM: Not really. If other people don’t like it there’s more for me.

WATG: Songwriting and baking are both a process, how would you compare the two?

AM: Baking is more like chemistry, following certain instructions and knowing what comes out in the end. It’s almost reassuring! Songwriting is a creative process where you go into a session with nothing and can come out of it with something incredible in the end. I never feel like I’m taking a risk with baking, but always with songwriting.

WATG: Similar to music, does your baking style change according to your mood?

AM: No not really.

WATG: If you could bake for anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

AM: I would bake for my grandma because she has never had anything I’ve baked.

WATG: When can we expect your recipe book to be out?

AM: In 10 years when I’ve opened up my own cafe.

Much love to Merton for spending time with us to answer these questions. Let’s hope you use her wise words as food fodder in the kitchen this holiday season. Making brownies? Why not put on a couple of Alice Merton tunes to set the mood right in the kitchen. We know we will.

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From deep within the murky depths of the Los Angeles River emerged a creature: 50% raver, 50% comedian, 10% Robotcop. Kurt Kroeber doesn’t own a dog, operates Soundbleed (the world’s only dance party comedy talk show rave), and is down to party with you. Come up some time and say “Hey dude!” But definitely make sure to casually drop the secret Illuminati password.