Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

5. Leonard CohenSongs From A Room

As much as I love the next artist, nobody can put words together like Leonard Cohen. When you hear or read his lyrics and poems, it’s as if you’ve entered a mythological world of imagery and complex emotion.

The obvious question: having dealt in music that didn’t require words, what made you want to sing in your M guise? Lyrically, I find some of your words a little unsettling…

I just always wanted to sing but never liked my voice. Still don’t. Will Oldham was really supportive and helped me find the courage to start singing. Not sure if he knows that or not. I guess I wanted the lyrics to be unsettling, to justify my shitty voice!

Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Marissa Nadler
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