Bob Dylan is the Original Troll. Carl Anderson | MCP #215

Carl Anderson is a singer-songwriter from Virginia. His song swirls around like that plastic bag in the scene from American Beauty. A surprising unassuming clandestine charm that catches you unawares and then settles at your feet until the wind kicks up again. I have been a fan of his ever since we played a show together at the Bluebird in Nashville maybe like seven years ago. The way he sings is like no one else. You have to hear it for yourself (in this episode, you will).

I’m so excited he’s part of this show we’re doing in a few weeks, at the Five Spot in East Nashville. Saturday February 15th. Carl is sharing some music, as is next week’s guest, Abby Jane. Then I’ll play a set with my new band, and then we’re going to screen a world-premiere of the music video for my new song Meet Me at the End of the World, directed by MCP alum Mila Vilaplana. Throughout, Ryan Rado, who was on the pod a few weeks ago, is doing some live immersive painting. It’s gonna be a great night and I’m very excited. If you live in Nashville here is a link for tickets.

I’ve started making a new effort here on the podcast, which is to insert chapters into the YouTube video. For you it makes it easier to see the contours and compartments of the conversation (see below). For me it requires I listen back through the entire talk, which makes me reflect on what we discussed and whether it was worth it. So I know what I’m saying when I say this was a truly insightful and dare I say FUN conversation with a person for whom art’s calling occupies a central position. Carl is serious about songmaking and unserious about its purpose. That is to say he holds the sacred cows lightly in his hand and only pets them when they ask. I am reminded that so much of the value in any conversation lay in its style, and not just its substance.

We play a song together, his original, Separate Ways. Listen to the way he sings.

Carl talks about what got him started on the creative path, his love for dancing, the pleasure of watching bad acting, Bob Dylan as the original troll, his in-and-out habit of fitness and its relationship to creativity, the strange and healthy beauty of having a job outside the industry.

I share a little as well. What happened when I moved to Nashville twenty years ago. Why I burst into tears last week on my couch watching Fred Again’s Tiny Desk Concert. How being yourself gives everyone else permission to be themselves too.

Carl Anderson is a real one of one. I hope this conversation makes you want to finish the song you’re working on.

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00:00:00 Introduction/ In praise of Rock Club Owners

00:04:27 In praise of Carl

00:06:00 Carl reflects on his approach to songwriting

00:07:27 Korby asks a weird question

00:08:22 A story about roommates and song analysis

00:09:27 How Carl got started songwriting

00:11:19 When you realize that music is something you can do too

00:12:01 Carl likes dancing

00:13:14 Songwriting is a serious pursuit

00:14:37 If you have musical talent you need to explore that

00:16:13 Beethoven can't write a song like John Prine

00:18:10 The new Bob Dylan movie and influence

00:21:27 "Last time I talked to you you were pretty sober"

00:24:21 Carl's take on health, fitness, and creativity

00:29:54 Why did you move to Nashville Carl?

00:35:23 Carl and Korby perform Separate Ways

00:39:32 The stigma of employment when you're young

00:43:02 Korby talks about his wake up call when he moved