Mariah Carey is (almost) ready to bring Christmas to you
I’ve had the privilege to create some albums that truly resonate with me and my audience, and “Butterfly” and “The Emancipation of Mimi” are among them. They reflect where I was in my life at the time, filled with joy yet tinged with sorrow. As for “Honey,” well, let’s just say it was a whole lotta me!
In August of 1994, Mariah Carey created a Christmas music classic on her very first try.
The renowned singer-songwriter, whose voice rivals that of an Olympic athlete, was already a multiple Grammy winner when her record label proposed the idea of creating a holiday album. Initially hesitant, she had never penned a Christmas song until one sunny afternoon, collaborating with Walter Afanasieff, they produced one: a joyful, upbeat tune characterized by ringing sleigh bells, rich female vocal harmonies reminiscent of girl groups, and an astonishingly quick keyboard melody.
30 Christmases have passed since its debut, and it’s hard to envision the holiday season without the tune “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing somewhere. With over 1.8 billion streams on Spotify, this song has not only become a classic but also kick-started a new phase in Mariah Carey’s career as the self-proclaimed Monarch of Christmas. She has published a children’s book and an animated movie inspired by the track; she sells Christmas tree ornaments, hats, and pajama sets. For the last decade, she has been putting on an annual live holiday show, be it on tour or in her hometown, New York City.
2021 brings us a tour starting November 6 at the Yaamava Theater, Highland, and concluding on November 8 at the Hollywood Bowl. This tour coincides with the release of a deluxe 30th-anniversary edition of Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas” album. As she continues her annual attempt to make “All I Want for Christmas Is You” number one on Billboard’s Hot 100, this year also marks significant milestones in Carey’s personal and professional life. In the recent past, she released a critically acclaimed memoir titled “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” where she opened up about her challenging marriage to Tommy Mottola, former head of Sony Music, and disclosed her secret release of an alternative-rock album under the name Chick in 1995.
× Before unveiling my yearly post-Halloween “It’s time” video, the green light for Christmas tunes according to me, I found myself lounging at a festively decorated Bel-Air mansion for an interview with the BBC, all in preparation for their holiday special. To be honest, instead of sitting up, I opted to recline on a plush leather chaise, kicking off my heels and wrapping myself in a cozy waffle-weave blanket, only to discard it later with a slight frown.
“This is a little dank,” she said.
Last year, I attended the Christmas tour at the Hollywood Bowl. At one point, I noticed some dampness onstage and requested a crew member to fetch a mop. Then, spontaneously, I composed a song about it.
Previously, you mentioned that your representative persuaded you to incorporate non-holiday tunes into the performance last year. Since it seems everyone has come to anticipate this mix, I’ll stick with that approach. To be honest, I wouldn’t object to an all-Christmas playlist either.
To my ears, there’s an unadulterated quality about the method they used. However, when I listened to their performance the day before, it sounded quite pleasing.
After “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which is number one, what would be the second-best track on the “Merry Christmas” album? The answer is a song titled “Miss You Most (At Christmas Time).” It’s quite a challenging choice as someone once mentioned to me – and this was my late mother – that it’s arguably the saddest Christmas song around.
From your perspective, it’s acceptable for Christmas music to have a melancholic tone. For instance, “Blue Christmas” resonates with many as they may not feel overly jolly during the holiday season. Contrary to some, who appear to be brimming with cheer, there are others who find solace in less upbeat tunes like “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”.
In the lyrics, the word “if” carries significant emotional weight: “War is over if you want it.” This is the reason I often feel a sense of melancholy when listening to it.
In my performance, do I have flexibility to deliver a melancholic Christmas show?
No, I don’t. Primarily, people attend the show for uplifting experiences, and it’s my responsibility to strive for that. If I wish to be sad, I can simply return home and watch a program designed to evoke those feelings.
Has ‘All I Want’ been No. 1 every year since 2019? Does it feel like something that must occur now? Not really, I don’t operate under the assumption that things are bound to happen. I can’t force myself to think, ‘This should happen.’
From all my reading about the song —
Can I re-answer that?
“I can’t help but feel excited because this has happened so many times before. If it happens again, I’ll be even more thrilled [laughs].
From what I gather about the song’s background, it appears you deliberately aimed for an everlasting quality in its creation. Indeed, while composing it, I had in mind that it should transcend the passing of time, embodying a sense of modern-day timelessness and classicism.
Are you still fond of it? Well, my preference for listening to Christmas tunes only during the holiday season is what led me to say “Not yet” or “It’s time.
It’s noteworthy that the tour this year begins more than three weeks prior to Thanksgiving.
As you know, you’re famous for not acknowledging the passage of time.
Mm-hmm.
However, as a film enthusiast, I must say that this fresh re-release of “Merry Christmas” is quite noteworthy because it marks three decades since its initial debut. Time flies when you’re lost in the magic of cinema!
Is it acceptable for the folks around you to send their birthday greetings to you?
You just celebrated another milestone – it’s been 20 years since “The Emancipation of Mimi,” released in 2005, was honored at the American Music Awards.
My mistake. So many awards shows —
So little time. Which we don’t acknowledge.
× What makes an awards-show moment fun?
If I like the outfit I wore. I liked that outfit.
“Were you thinking about the nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year? Any particular feelings about it?” The original sentence asks if the person has thoughts on their nomination, while the paraphrased version rephrases that into asking about their feelings.
I was attempting to tread lightly, as everyone kept telling me they believed I had a good chance, which made me thrilled. However, things didn’t work out as planned. In the end, my lawyer, Allen Grubman, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before me.
How about the Grammys?
[Sighs]
Feeling rather perplexed by this question, I find myself recalling an instance when I was at a loss for words. In my early career, I was fortunate to receive two Grammy Awards. However, the following year, which turned out to be a significant one for me, I had six nominations from the “Daydream” album and singles like “One Sweet Day,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “Fantasy.” These songs were massive hits in quick succession, making it seem likely that “One Sweet Day” would at least win for Best Duet. Yet, I sat through the entire ceremony without a single award. It wasn’t enjoyable, but what could I do? Complain about the Grammys or simply accept their decision? If they recognize my work again with more awards, I’ll certainly appreciate them more.
I recently revisited the “MTV Unplugged” episode from 1992 that you were in, and I must say, the dynamic between you and your backup singers – The Price sisters and Melonie Daniels – was truly captivating.
It’s truly amazing how much we collaborated – we had practiced extensively and even performed abroad before that “Unplugged” concert. To be precise, that was actually my third album, though at the time, Sony didn’t consider it as one. We appreciate Sony, but during those days…
It’s astonishing to hear that the “Unplugged” album wasn’t included in your contract, considering “I’ll Be There” reached the top of the charts.
The music business, folks.
Welcome to it. Anyway, yes, there is a connection that we had. Ever since I started and was a backup singer myself, I’ve revered those girls that are so incredible but still don’t have a record deal or anything.
Indeed, some vocalists are just performers, while others shine so bright they’re practically stars. That statement seems more like something you’d hear from a record label executive. Do you mean the documentary “20 Feet from Stardom”?
Slightly closer: “20 Feet from Stardom.”
I guess that’s kind of what we’re talking about.
× Have you ever found yourself astonished by your own vocal performance? This occurred on my debut album, in a track titled “All In Your Mind”. Towards the end, I hit a high note that split into two unexpected notes. I chose to keep both of them on the final recording.
Of all your albums, which one do you consider most successful in achieving what you aimed for? Either “Butterfly” or “The Emancipation of Mimi.” I felt I did well with both of them, primarily due to my personal circumstances at the time. They are generally upbeat records, yet the lyrics may lean towards a more emotional, heartfelt side.
Does the recent controversy surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs affect your enjoyment of the song “Butterfly” that you collaborated on with him? It’s understandable that hearing his voice might cause a moment of discomfort, given the allegations against him, but for me, “Honey” was more about my own experiences than anyone else’s. The other individuals involved in the song, including Diddy, weren’t as central to the creation of it, in my perspective.
Indeed, it appears that you’ve been informed correctly. I currently have around nine to ten tracks ready, which is enough for an album. However, I haven’t added vocals to all of them yet.
When creating a fresh piece, do I often seek stimulation or testing from my fellow artists? Yes, at times. However, there must be an immediate bond with the music for it to resonate with me.
By the way, I’ve had a soft spot for “Beautiful” by Miguel since day one. [Smiles broadly]
There’s a buzz about when the Chick album will be available for streaming. People are eagerly waiting, and I’m working on finding a way to make that happen.
This appears to be a challenge that can be overcome with diligence. For me, it’s something special – one of my most rewarding tasks yet.
As for the TV biography that Lee Daniels is working on about me, I’m yet to receive the initial draft of the script. I hope he can expedite its completion soon as he has been assuring me he will.
Is it challenging for you to allow another person to narrate your tale, considering it’s derived from your book? Not at all, as I am quite comfortable with it. Moreover, I retain a substantial level of control over the narrative.
The book seemed extremely truthful. Reflecting on it now, do you think there are parts you omitted that you wish had stayed?
Could it have possibly caused harm to those in my circle? Given that I don’t keep in touch with everyone.
In the past, I felt quite constrained due to being married during that period. Consequently, I found myself unable to express freely the challenges I faced in the pop music industry when I was starting out. It wasn’t until later that I gained the freedom to say, “This whole thing is messed up.
How have I found it watching Chappell Roan express herself? It’s as if the moments are already history, allowing others to spend their own time as they see fit.
As a cinephile looking back, I no longer carry the resentment from yesteryears. The circumstances were different then, but today, I’ve moved on.
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2024-10-30 13:32