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Talk City presents

Mary Chapin Carpenter
Sessions at West 54th

May 03, 2000

Singer/songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter chats about her music, songwriting, and her performance on "Sessions at West 54th."

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Sessions54: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us. We are very pleased and fortunate to be joined by Mary Chapin Carpenter for the next hour. After the chat, be sure to check out www.Sessions54.com to find out about Mary Chapin's upcoming appearance on Sessions at West 54th. Mary Chapin is now available to take your questions and comments. Welcome, Mary Chapin!

Mary Chapin Carpenter: Hi, how's everybody doing?

Rlipsky: When are you going to sing again in public? Any tours planned?

Mary Chapin Carpenter: I'm taking most of the year off to write and record a new album, but at the moment I have some weekends and some festival dates planned for the year.

Andy In DC: You are the coolest. I've been hearing a lot of great songs that you have co-written recently. Are you in a particularly collaborative place these days?

Mary Chapin Carpenter: Well, I've done a certain amount of co-writing for the first time this year, because I finally had the time to do it, and I think it's a very interesting process, it's very different than writing by myself.

SpitfireDJM: if you had a chance, would you change your life in anyway?

Mary Chapin Carpenter: No, I wouldn't. I think it's a blessing just to be alive, so I can't imagine changing what it has been. There are ups and there are downs, it sounds like a cliche, but that's what life is.

Cam: Hi Mary Chapin. Last weekend I saw Elton John's solo concert and was blown away. Did you get to spend much time with Elton at the Joni Mitchell tribute? I can see you and Sir Elton doing a Disney soundtrack together! (smile)

Mary Chapin Carpenter: I got to meet Elton John for the first time at the Joni Mitchell tribute, and it was absolutely fantastic to meet him. We were backstage, and he was pacing because he was nervous before he went on, and I was telling him "You'll be great, you'll be fantastic, no reason to be nervous" as if I spend every day telling Elton John to be, it was hilarious!

Raymond Voss: Hello Ms Carpenter. I'm a big fan of yours. What does it take for a little guy like me to get started in the country music scene, and how to find people to start a band with?

Mary Chapin Carpenter: Well this is the kind of question I don't have an answer for. I say that with respect, and say you should play as much music as possible, and hang out at your local clubs and bars. I don't think there is any formula for getting started, whether you play so-called country music, or rock or pop, you just have to play the kind of music you love.

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