8. Sufjan StevensCarrie & Lowell

My other big influence on [For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)] was Sufjan Stevens’ Carrie & Lowell. It’s set largely in Eugene, Oregon, which is where I grew up. It’s not a big town. There are specific references. It’s so heartbreakingly beautifully written and arranged. There’s a lot of interlocking finger-picking going on. That was a huge inspiration for me, that you could have memorable music that is quite sparse and intimate. And that’s what I wanted to do on my record.