MC: From a musical standpoint, the sound of Sheezus is celestial and plush––electronically evolved and embellished pop music. Then the lyrics interject these other elements: raw, sexual, edgy or whatever. Does the pop purity of the music allow you to say things that don’t sound so harsh?
Allen: I think that’s the thing––that’s the vision. Ever since my first record, Smile, that was something that defines a lot of my music. Sweet, melodic, angelic sounding––but when you listen closely it’s really quite horrible. That’s the idea. Tell someone to fuck off with a smile on your face and your angel wings flicking behind you. That’s the beauty of it.
MC: “L8Cummer” brings that to mind, a celebration of a man whose orgasm is blessedly delayed.
Allen: I think with that song I achieved what I wanted to achieve.
MC: “As Long as I Got You” has that New Orleans, zydeco vibe. Is that a musical genre you identify with?
Allen: Oh yeah, for sure, that whole Louisiana swamp-pop thing is a big part of my husband’s life. We had the group Lil’ Band o’ Gold come from Louisiana to play our wedding. Where we live in the country we don’t have broadband, so we’re limited to listening to my husband’s vinyl collection and most of that is soul, rock & roll and swamp-pop. I’ve also been watching True Detective (HBO), I’m desperate to go to Louisiana and hang out––but probably not with two kids!
MC: There is a well-circulated quote from you that says that what audiences have been hearing of your music represents ”very much the more beige, saccharine elements to what I have made.” Is this estimation still an accurate one?
Allen: I want to make music that can be played on the radio but at the same time say something. That’s what I’m going for. And I hope that if enough people buy this record that then the record company will give me a chance to do it again. I love my job.
MC: Are you encouraged by the label to be more pop?
Allen: No, not at all. I think my songs have always been pop and played on mainstream radio over here. I want my music to cross over, and for young people to be able to enjoy it. “Take My Place” is the most raw I’ve ever been. I’m always honest, but usually my honesty comes from wry social observations. That song is deeply personal and not something I would originally touch on.
MC: In reading about your exploits online, it would seem that you don’t shy away from confrontation.
Allen: Do you mean my online fights with people?
MC: Yes. It’s entertaining to read about, but is it fun for you to experience?
Allen: It isn’t fun for me. I’m a really reactive person and if someone pisses me off I find it hard to hold back. It’s not my best attribute or something I like about myself, but I understand that other people enjoy it, so that’s good.
MC: The scabrous British press certainly takes the bait.
Allen: Yeah they do. And they are really annoying. What I love about America is the support and goodwill that comes from people. It’s not something that happens in England. People who have succeeded, we like to shoot down. It’s driven by jealousy and hate.
MC: Well, damn, girl. Come back to America Land.
Allen: Yay! I will be there soon.
Contact Luke Burland, Warner Bros., luke.burland@wbr.com, 818-953-3295
