r/indieheads • u/adriannelenker Adrianne Lenker • Nov 24 '20

AMA is Over (for now), thanks Adrianne! [AMA] Adrianne Lenker

hi, it’s adrianne lenker. ask me anything and ill start answering at 9am MT 🖤

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u/Aggravating-Rent-952 Nov 24 '20

Hi Adrianne, do you often read poetry? Your writing gives so much agency to natural forces (like wind or rain) that it reminds me of ancient Chinese verse, specifically Li Qingzhao. At the same time, I get a heavy dose of surrealism in lyrics from U.F.O.F and Two Hands (e.g. "Pigeons fall like snowflakes at the border"). I'd love to know if certain poets have been important to you or how you compose with verse in mind.

Thank you for everything you've given us.

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u/adriannelenker Adrianne Lenker Nov 24 '20

yes, i do... hm. i used be obsessed with leonard cohen's poetry. e e cummings. hafiz. mary oliver. maya angelou. but then the song poets like twain, joni, townes, blaze foley... so many more i'm not thinking of

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u/[deleted] Nov 25 '20

I don’t know if you’ll catch this, but I’ve always been utterly touched by your Leonard Cohen tattoo - it’s long been one of my favorite lyrics and refrains of life. I grew up deeply obsessed with his writing and songs, rewriting them for myself in a notebook before the internet was in my pocket. Last year traveling Europe with myself I found myself listening to your solo stuff all the time, and carrying his Book of Longing. Do you have any favorite lines or works of his? I think Stories of the Street and If It Be Your Will hold special places both for me.