As a kid in the 1970s, April McLean taught herself to play piano and write songs just like the singer-songwriters of the era who influenced her. McLean found songwriting to be a comforting form of self-expression through her turbulent adolescent years. At 19. she found her audience at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she would win several songwriting competitions.
After graduating, McLean moved to Nashville and wrote songs for Warner Chappell Music. McLean's song "Superhero," from her first independent album Becoming, was featured on the WB show Felicity. With her song "Inside Out," she also joined the likes of Martina McBride, Amy Grant and Donna Summer on The Mercy Project, an album whose sales go to a program to help troubled young women. Here McLean talks about making out with a Beatle, choking on a cornflake, and Richard Marx's new 'do.
Describe your music, please. I would say melody-driven confessional pop. (I'm a bit like Carole King meets Sarah McLachlan.)
What's the first album you ever bought and where is it now? I'm pretty sure it was Andy Gibb. I just loved him. The album is probably back at my mom's house in Virginia.
What song would you never want to hear again, and why? "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)." That song just makes my skin crawl.
What's the cheesiest song that you love? "Top of the World" by the Carpenters.
What's the best gig you ever had? Probably about a month ago at the Basement. Great audience, great venue, great night.
What's the worst gig you ever had? I went to sing in front of about 1,000 people and I had a piece of cornflake stuck in my throat the entire song. It sounded like I was singing in Morse code. (Later someone said how moving it was that I got so choked up.)
What record do you wish you'd made? Anything by the Beatles. Or Joni Mitchell's Blue.
If you could be someone else for 24 hours, who would you be? Julia Roberts. She's rich, beautiful, and down-to-earth.
What's your opinion of the Nashville music scene? To be honest, it's a little too country and Christian for me. I wish there were even more indie-rock and pop artists.
Who are your favorite Nashville musicians/artists? Gillian Welch, Sheryl Crow, Ben Folds.
Who is someone you've worked with that you think is incredibly talented and everyone should know about, producer, musician or otherwise? Richard Marx. He's an amazing arranger, great producer, gifted writer and genuinely good guy. (Not to mention he's got great hair...now.)
What is your proudest moment in music? Having Richard Marx call me on the phone and tell me how much he loves my music and wants to work with me. Also, Ringo Starr kissed me once in an elevator.
When and where will you be seen/heard next? Friday, August 6th, 8 p.m., Murphy Loft Café, 4501 Murphy Road (next to Café Nonna), Thursday, September 2nd, 9 p.m., Radio Café.
—Marie Yarbrough
