Vocal technique

Hey Carly - I am a 27 year-old voice teacher in Columbus Ohio. Not only am I a long-time fan, but wanted you to know that I use many of your recordings as examples to my students of good and relaxed vocalism. Your voice is so lovely, so unique, and above all sounds so effortless. Above and beyond your incredible songwriting, you should feel quite proud of your wonderful singing voice and interpretive skill.

Was wondering if you have ever studied voice or if you continue to work with a coach of any kind? If so, who is it? Also, what exactly would someone with your experience look for in a teacher or coach? Just curious, Johnny PS - thanks for doing what you do....and I am thrilled about the upcoming holiday album! Johnny Steiner - Columbus, Ohio

Thank you Johnny. I have only studied voice a few times. Most recently with a teacher in N.Y. Only three lessons though. I think having sisters who sang, I did too and by necessity because of my speech impediment. My mother had the taste to hear that I had a unique instrument and encouraged me. I like to think singing is an extension of speaking and that's why it sounds natural. It shouldn't be contrived. I try not to try. Carly Simon - 2/26/02

Born in another time

If you were to be born in any another time than this...what would your dream time (period) be? What would you have wanted to or accomplish at that time? Male or female? Dream.

By the way, my 18 month old shares your fondness for undernuked peas. Sometimes we even bring them to "just over frozen". They throw great too, especially when I have the right attitude! You have been with me my entire road, my greatest respect to you. DeAnna Risinger - Yorba Linda, Ca

Another time? Well, when I watch movies I seem to like the look of the nineteenth century. Europe. Definitely Europe.

If I wasn't a manufacturer of corsets, then I would have been a Courtesan. Not that I think it's that fantastic a position, but I know my nature as a people pleaser and how much I love the opposite sex in all of it's ramifications and turmoil and intrigue. Possibly even France (French Revolution) and I would have brought about a calm and reassuring peace between the aristocrats and all others. I guess that would be at least ONE dream. Love Carly (there are other dreams too. What a wonderful question) Carly Simon - 2/24/02

Christmas Album

I'm so glad to hear that you've just completed a Christmas CD! Love the song list, and I can't wait to hear the original compositions!

As you probably know, many of your fans have been wanting you to do a Christmas album for a long time. What made you finally decide to do it? Pat Beaudoin - Manchester, CT

What finally made me do the Christmas album was that Ben had asked me to accompany him to L.A. to sing back-up at his first concert. I did and it was fantastic. Or he was. So, I was there and scared to fly back alone. So I thought up a reason to stay.

I called Don Was who came to see Ben and at that time asked him if he was free the following week to do a Christmas CD. To my utter astonishment, he was free and more than willing. Even, I dare say, excited. Because we didn't have a deal or anything as reasonable as that, we decided to do it all ourselves. Don brought his pro-tools to the room in the hotel (just a single room, not even a suite) and he lugged it all and we plugged it in and Bob Clearmountain (an extraordinary engineer of sound), came and set up these mikes around the room. If you put the mikes up, they will come. And they did. It was magical.

Now we're trying to put together the right situation to release it. There are many ideas floating about. I can't wait to hear it again. I left it in the happy comfort of my memory. (For now) Love Carly Carly Simon - 2/22/02

Romulus Hunt (meaning of)

Q I'm addicted to your music, but will forego the flattery to get to my question: How did you come up with the name Romulus Hunt? Just curious. Philip Savrin - Atlanta, GA

My son's best friend at the time was Rom (though spelled Ram). I loved the name and I supposse "Hunt" just followed because it was such a perfectly American counterpart to an obviously Roman first handle. It brought about the idea of the games that he would have to be going for the trophy in. I'm glad you asked. Carly Simon - 2/15/02

Romulus Hunt

Love ya since 1965 - dates me. Romulus Hunt is your best endeavor to date - I love opera, but Romulus broke all the trends.Classical yet modern; Remnants of your sister's background but you turned it around.

Do you intend to venture into this venue again? I listen to it constantly and being from Boston, I do long to return to my roots but New England's standard of living is so high compared to NC. Please do another Romulus - it's your style and immortality like Cherubini, Puccinni and Rossini, R Strauss, etc. will be your epitaph rather than "You're so Vain". Love P 'Town and the Vineyard - my home. Jon Williams - Statesville,NC

My Gosh. Where are you? You live on the Vineyard and you love Romulus Hunt? What street do you live on? I may have to come over and genuflect. I naturally thought it was an underachiever at best. It's hard for companies to put on I guess. It was appreciated by a few important critics who said it was the best opera since Porgy and Bess (American, that is). I had big smiles on my face when I saw that. Since faded, those smiles, but not forgotten. And it remains the work I am most proud of. Carly Simon - 2/15/02

Reviews

I find it fascinating to read reviews of your albums, especially where the reviewer/author offers "insights" into your background and/or the thought process or reasoning to particular songs, especially when those background notes seem to differ so much from author to author.

Do you ever feel like responding to the journal/magazine or newspaper to put the story straight, even if only for your fans who crave to know more about the woman behind the beautiful and meaningful words and music? Brian Tuohy - Melbourne, Australia

Mostly I love the fact that listeners perceive so differently. Range is a good thing and I never have the need to set the record straight. I only like to listen to the ideas that songs or poems or novels or anything creative spawn. It's what makes conversations. Have you seen "Lantana"? It's the best movie I've seen this year. It will definitely make you talk. And think. And listen. Thank you for writing. It's so good to hear from everybody. Carly Simon - 2/3/02