Suite: The title concept of “Gravity Love” is gripping. Can I ask how that thought came to you?
Sandra: I wanted to use something artful and evocative for the title, and something that represented the overall theme of the record. The song “Gravity” seems to me to be the centerpiece of this record, and of this life season for me. But just using the word "gravity" by itself does not quite communicate the whole idea of the album. It does not provoke enough interest on its own. So, by joining the words together, and putting two distinct ideas side by side, it makes you step back and think about what the words mean, and why or how they fit together. Gravity Love with the image of the heart joined with an apple represents the soul's becoming. It represents life forces having their way with me as the artist, while the falling apple contains the seed of possibility of what comes next.
Suite: I also enjoyed the numerous Dylan/Beatles references sprinkled throughout the project. Are those conscious tips of your musical hat or are they more innate?
Sandra: Thanks! I'm not sure if the references were intentional, or if they are just the out workings of my influences and interests. “Goodbye George” is certainly framed as a tribute song, full of references. That famous phrase "you are what you eat" rings true for work as a musician. I suppose the trick is to borrow and nod to the great ones whose shoulders you stand upon, while still finding your own voice and presenting what you see in its own unique way. This is an ongoing effort to sort this out.
Suite: You seem to be especially strong in setting a mood with your songwriting. Is that an important component to you when you’re writing, or does that come pretty naturally?
Sandra: I'm not sure if I've thought about it that way. I think there are certain chord structures and instruments that appeal to me, as they reflect whatever mood that I feel belongs to each song. I have to give credit to my producer, Peter Collins, who is a master of arranging and who has so much experience bringing out the best performance from each of the musicians. So, much of what you hear on the album is due to that particular set of people, in a particular room, on a particular afternoon. That to me is recording at its best, capturing a musical moment that happens and freezing the sound of it on to a roll of tape.
Suite: Is there a particular order that your songwriting seems to follow? You know, first the idea, then the music, followed by the lyrics (for example)?
Sandra: I have tried a lot of new things in the last couple years as a songwriter. Most importantly there has to be a strong emotion or story undergirding the music, it can be complex or simple, happy or sad, but the more specific you can be, the more likely it will connect with the listener. Music listeners, even the ones who know nothing about music, know everything they need to know about soul. People can hear your soul in the music, they know when your honest, and when you really mean what you say.
Several of these songs came to me music first, like “Head Over Heel” for example which was a strong emotion and melody that came to me while I was driving down the road. “Traincar” was finished and put aside for awhile but needed a new chorus, so I took it to my co-writing friend Chris Pelcer and he helped rework the melody on the chorus and added the music for the bridge. “All the Miles” came together in one sitting at the piano, when my husband (Derek Webb) was out on the road and I was home for a stretch. “Portadown Station” was written first in poem form with a loose meter, while I was on the train between Dublin and Belfast in Ireland. The melody came a few days later.So, as you can see, each one is so different. But they all have a strong personal connection.
Suite: What one song do you wish you had written?
Sandra: ”O Darlin'” by the Beatles. It's one of my favorite songs to sing. I love how it is both earnest and pleading and at the same time it has such a lift.
For more on the exceptional talents of Sandra McCracken, visit her website, and read Suite's review of "Gravity Love."
