Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Belinda Carlisle, the frontwoman of The Go-Go’s, chatted about her new solo studio album “Once Upon a Time in California,” which was released on August 29th.
The Go-Go’s made Billboard history becoming the first all-female group to achieve a Number 1 album on the Billboard 200 all-genre charts with their iconic “Beauty and the Beat” album.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” This quote applies to Belinda Carlisle.
Song selection process for ‘Once Upon a Time in California’
“This album has been a long time coming,” she admitted. “It started as an idea back in 2017. I was commuting back and forth from Thailand at the time, and then the pandemic and all the craziness hit. This took a while to get together, but I am very happy that it’s finally coming out after all this time.”
“If you don’t count the Diane Warren-penned ‘Kismet’ EP that I did, it has been 29 years since my last English album,” she observed.
“Even with the Diane Warren project that came out of the blue, I wasn’t expecting to do an English-speaking pop album because most of the good material goes to the younger artists. I’ve always had this idea of doing a cover album,” she explained.
“I wasn’t sure what the concept was going to be… but I grew up and was born and raised in California. I grew up in a time when music was very much a part of the culture,” she acknowledged.
“So, I thought that it would be fun to make an album of all those songs that inspired me to be a singer. Also, these were all songs that I loved,” she added.
Carlisle on whether or not she was going for a certain theme for the record
When asked if she was going for a certain theme for the album, she responded, “No. I think the theme was choosing songs that I love that were melodic.”
“When we went in the studio, I wanted to keep the integrity of each song and make them my own at the same time. So, that was the goal at the studio,” she explained.
Favorite song(s) on the album
Carlisle listed “The Air That I Breathe” as her personal favorite song on the album. “I love that song,” she exclaimed. “I think that one turned great, and I love ‘Everybody’s Talkin’.”
“I do love all of the songs on there,” she underscored. “I also gave the song ‘Never My Love’ a more Beach Boy sound, and I came up with all those crazy backing vocals. It was a lot of fun because I was in my element.”
‘If You Could Read My Mind’
This journalist’s personal favorite song on the collection is her rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind.” “That is such a simple song, but I wanted to keep the integrity of the song yet still have its intimacy,” she said.
“I think it’s a little bit different where the drums come into it about two-thirds of the way in. Lyrically, that song is so incredible,” she added.
Tour dates
On her touring schedule, she revealed, “I will be doing some dates. Actually, I leave next week for London. I have some European dates, and I have some East Coast dates at the end of the year. Hopefully, I will put together a small run of dates for next year.”
Working with Diane Warren
Carlisle had great words about working with Honorary Oscar winner Diane Warren on the “Kismet” EP.
“I love Diane,” Carlisle exclaimed. “Diane is such a character, and she is incredibly talented. That was just such a fun project that literally came out of the blue.”
Future plans
Regarding her future plans, she said, “I just have these dates coming up. As far as another project or another album, I don’t know what that is going to be yet, so no plans for the moment.”
“I will definitely have some show dates for next year,” she added.
Carlisle on Rihanna’s version of ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth’ in ‘Smurfs’
Carlisle opened up about Rihanna’s rendition of her signature classic “Heaven is a Place on Earth,” which she sings as Smurfette in the latest “Smurfs” movie.
“I was shocked and surprised, but I loved it, of course,” Carlisle said. “That was totally unexpected. I’m in a ‘Smurf’ movie. I love it when things happen like that. I think Rihanna is great. I am a fan of hers.”
Carlisle on the EDM remixes of ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth’
“I’ve heard a lot of different mixes of ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth’,” she said. “While EDM is not my forte, because I don’t understand it, but it is flattering whenever they take any of my songs and play around with it like that.”
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, Carlisle revealed, “Summer Rain.”
“I think I would call it ‘Summer Rain’ actually, because it’s raining season here where I am. So, we have storms every day,” she admitted.
‘Summer Rain’
Speaking of “Summer Rain,” she listed it as her “favorite song” that she has in her musical catalog.
Advice for young and emerging artists
For young and aspiring artists, she said, “First of all, don’t do drugs. I think it is really important to believe in yourself; this way, you can manifest anything!”
“So, work hard and believe in yourselves; that will certainly take you places,” she underscored.
Favorite motto to live by
Her favorite motto to live by is “Carpe diem,” which means “seize the day.”
“We don’t know when it’s all over. So, I try to keep that in mind, and I think I’ve done a pretty good job of it. I haven’t slowed down at all,” she noted.
“I’m still, you know, doing crazy things and making albums. So yeah, I would say that I’m still living the dream,” she added.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
In 2021, Drew Barrymore inducted Belinda Carlisle and The Go-Go’s into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
They were recognized for their catchy, well-crafted songs that formed a bridge between the brash urgency of L.A. punk and the dark melodies of new wave pop.
“That was one of the most amazing nights in my life,” she exclaimed. “It was surreal to be honored like that. We all said ‘we don’t care if it ever happens,’ but in actuality when it happened, it was a pretty amazing experience!”
Carlisle shares the key to longevity in the music industry
Regarding the key to longevity in the music business, she said, “For myself, I think it’s partly because I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the world’s most amazing songwriters. I have an incredible back catalog.”
“I may not have the best voice in the world, but it’s unique and people know it. Also, I think there is a little bit of luck involved too,” she added.
Best thing about being her age
On the best thing about being her age, she said, “I can pretty much do what I want and what I love. For years and years, I was on a hamster wheel and I had a record company to answer to for hits.”
“Now, I have more freedom, and I am at an amazing place in my life. I can pretty much do what I want to do now,” she admitted.
“So, ever since my French album, I’ve worked from the heart, and I’ve been doing things that I love, and I think people can hear that on the project,” she added.
Carlisle on visiting Greece
When asked if she ever visited Greece, she responded, “Of course, I’ve been to Greece. I’ve visited three or four times. I’ve been to the island of Mykonos and to Athens, the capital. I just love it there!”
“Right now, I still live in Mexico City; it’s great here,” she noted.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, she said, “I don’t quite understand it, but I am trying. I am still very much old school.”
“There is something to be said about streaming platforms, and making your own playlists instantaneously,” she added.
Resurgence of vinyl
Carlisle noted that she loves the resurgence of vinyl. “I love vinyl. I miss having an album cover in my hands, holding it, and putting it on a turntable,” she said. “It was amazing to be able to live through that time.”
“Also, reading liner notes, looking at photos, songwriting credits, and ‘thank yous.’ I really do miss that, and I am glad that it’s coming back. So, those were the days,” she recalled.
Message for her fans
For her dedicated fans and supporters, Carlisle expressed, “I hope you enjoy the album. It’s an album from my heart. Also, I hope to see the fans when I go on tour next year.”
“Once Upon A Time In California” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Belinda Carlisle, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
