Tapestry by Carole King is one of my favourite albums of all time. I wouldn’t say it has been a big direct influence on my own music and I don’t remember when I first heard the record. It was just an album that has consistently been played in my family home from a young age, whether via my mum’s old tattered copy of it, or via the ‘Gilmore Girls’ theme song.
I think Carole King was the first female songwriter I was really aware and in awe of as a young woman. Growing up in the 90s and the early 2000s, it was hard to come by female songwriters who weren’t just beautiful 20-year-olds singing about boyfriends. The songs may seem simple at first but the more you listen to them, the more depth you discover. I really look up to her as a role model and I love the simplicity of the production and instrumentation. The record suits every mood and every situation, I feel. I put it on whenever I’m on tour and homesick. It might be bit risky as it usually makes me more homesick. Still, it really helps ground me and reminds me that I’ll be home soon – particularly the song Home Again!
I don’t think I have a favourite track off Tapestry. I have vivid memories of singing along to It’s Too Late and Will You Love Me Tomorrow with mum and my older sisters as a child. With one of them playing along on the piano I learned the harmonies and the backing vocals. So I guess by default I am fondest of those two tracks.
Hatchie’s debut record Keepsake due on June 21st.
