“Sister Tilly”
Natalie Merchant is an award-winning singer and songwriter from upstate New York. She was the lead singer of the band 10,000 Maniacs till she left in 1993. And then, as a solo artist, she’s put out 9 albums during the last 30 years. Between 10,000 Maniacs and her solo work, she’s had a number of multi-platinum data.
In April 2023, Natalie put out her first album of recent songs in 9 years. It’s known as Keep Your Courage. And for this episode, she talked to me in regards to the track “Sister Tilly.” It’s a eulogy for a fictional character – a lady who represents the technology of ladies who influenced her. Women who had been activists within the Sixties and 70s, when she was rising up.
You can purchase or stream “Sister Tilly” right here.
Illustration by Carlos Lerma.
For a transcript of this episode, click on right here.
“Waterloo Sunset” – The Kinks track
Sally Grossman
Bob Dylan
Gabriel Kahane – arranger
Led Zeppelin
Jimmy Page
Joan Didion
Alex Sopp – flute
Eleanor Norton – cello
Ravi Shankar
Sitar
Ashram
Tanpura