Standard Sounds

Annie O Presents: Caroline Vreeland

Very few artists are associated with an adjective like ubiquitous, but that’s perhaps one of the best-suited descriptors for Caroline Vreeland. Vreeland, the fashion muse coveted for campaigns and magazine covers alike; Vreeland, the heir to a famous family name who made it on her own; or Vreeland, the musician... She is everywhere. Her debut album, Notes on Sex and Wine will be out in early 2020. Annie O caught up with her before her show at Top of The Standard on November 14, where she will play her new songs
Tell us about the title of your album and why you chose it?

While writing the album, I was tentatively calling it Please Feel(which has become a sort of mantra for my life in that I encourage people to feel their feelings—the good, the bad, the ugly—and know that it’s ok to be not ok sometimes). Once I finished the album and took a step back, I realized the whole thing was me grappling with a failing relationship and staying drunk on wine to cope. I have to admit that I’m also a big fan of Baudelaire’s essays “On Wine and Hashish” where he goes on to describe how the artist can be positively affected by drugs and alcohol. Thus, Notes on Sex and Wine was born. 

"I was searching for someone to fill the dad-shaped void in my heart for so long. But love is here, inside me." - Caroline Vreeland

What would you say is the overall tone of the album and more specifically; the song Love Is Here?

There is a lot of sexual urgency in this body of work. I was feeling very neglected intimately. The old me would have written a very somber album based on these emotions but this time I learned that just because the subject matter is dark, the song can still have movement. Love is here is my favorite song on the album. It’s the only one with a more jovial outlook. I was searching for someone to fill the dad-shaped void in my heart for so long. But love is here, inside me. This was a big epiphany for me which is why I think the song resonates with so many. 

How did the video for Stay Drunk With Me come about and where was it shot?

I wanted a Bacchanal ritual where I was reveling in my sin. My vices. My wine. We shot it in this sick mansion in Beverly Hills where Marilyn Monroe and Cher lived.  

You have been called Femme Fatale, Fashion Icon, Chanteuse, etc. How do you feel about it and where does music fit into your life now?

Music has always been at the forefront for me. I’ve been singing since i was 8. I’ve been writing music my whole life (with 4 albums I’ve never published). Fashion is a wonderful part of my story but I only got involved with it a few years ago. Now I see how beautifully these two worlds can coexist within me. 

Do you enjoy performing live?

I live for it.

Where did you grow up and where are you based now?

I grew up in Northern California in a town called Belvedere. Then I lived in LA for ten years. I then moved to Miami for love, but after the aforementioned breakup, I left Miami and have been homeless ever since. Now I’m looking at apartments here in NYC. Get ready; SHE’S NEW IN TOWN 
😈 


"You can expect wine, sex, and honesty." - Caroline Vreeland

What are you listening to these days?

I listen to Maria Callas every day without fail. I love Buena Vista Social Club and Nina Simone. But my newest obsession is the Israeli jazz trio Avishai Cohen—I’m addicted to their album Gently Disturbed

Is a tour in the works with this album, when it comes out next year?

Yes!! I’m touring the East Coast at the end of February. It will be my first tour and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ll be announcing the dates and venues very soon. 

What can we expect from your performance on Nov. 14, at Top of The Standard?

You can expect wine, sex, and honesty.

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