Natalie Merchant has contributed a moving and personal interview to the new BBC World Service series Striking a Chord, in which musicians talk about songs they have written that “struck a chord with a nation, or a generation." Merchant discusses her song "Wonder" and the impact it has had, as well as the unique power of music. "It's hard to unite people in one feeling and one frame of mind," she says. "I feel like music is a way to do that. It's one of the only ways."
Natalie Merchant has contributed a moving and personal interview to the new primetime BBC World Service series airing this month entitled Striking a Chord, in which a selection of international musicians talk about the songs they have written that “struck a chord with a nation, or a generation." On today's episode, Merchant discusses the song "Wonder," off her 1995 solo debut album, Tigerlily, the inspiration behind the song, and the powerful impact it has had both on her and her audiences ever since, including her current tour of the United States.
Later in the interview, Merchant goes on to discuss the unique experience the live concert setting offers, how it allows people to come together in a way few other experiences can.
"I really love that I can be the catalyst for such an outpouring of wonderful energy," says Merchant. "I can have three to ten thousand people in a room all singing 'thank you' and singing about their gratitude. It's really beautiful. It's hard to unite people in one feeling and one frame of mind. I feel like music is a way to do that. It's one of the only ways."
You can listen to the latest episode of Striking a Chord featuring Natalie Merchant and hear previous contributions from artists like Tracy Chapman, Femi Kuti, K'Naan, and Manu Chao at bbc.co.uk. The show also airs on NPR member stations across the US.
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