When I heard the opening lines of “Ask Me,” penned by San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Caitlin Cobb-Vialet, I immediately picked up a certain queer aesthetic to the song, even though there are no pronouns in the lyrics (see below.) This is a theory I’m working on, but I do think there is a way that queer artists can (and do) pitch their vocal performances in a way that conveys a certain sense of longing and gender transgression (regardless of the singer’s gender identity.) Again — it’s a working theory, but “Ask Me” is a case in point.
“‘Ask Me’ is a song I wrote inspired by the newfound feeling of safeness and understanding that I felt in my first queer relationship,” Cobb-Vialet tells Adobe & Teardrops. “At the end of the song, I come to the realization that ‘even in love you’re still alone,’ alluding to the temporary nature of even powerful love.”
In our interview, Cobb-Vialet tells us more about her writing methods (or lack thereof) and her goals for the future. Her new album, Endless Void, is out on May 6th.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
“Saw You In A Dream” by The Japanese House comes to mind. I love the modern production but it’s still very artistic and not too commercial. It has heartbreaking lyrics yet the melody also feels like some twisted, wonderful crush. I like the acoustic version too.
Explain the title of your album.
“‘Endless Void’ was pulled from the lyrics of one of its tracks ‘You Don’t Try,’ where I sing ‘I’m an endless void and you are just an astronaut.’
This line is important to me because it turns the concept of being ‘too much’ for someone or something on its head. Maybe I want to identify with the expansiveness, and to point out that expansiveness is relative (i.e. maybe you’re just not enough for me… a little petty but powerful.)”
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
I like to write songs without much planning in regards to structure and content. It creates more exciting, unexpected journeys (both lyrically and musically), and more accurately represents me as a person who is not terribly methodical, but easily inspired.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Of course I want people to stream my music and follow my social media and buy tickets to see me perform live, but I also just want to hear what people think about the lyrics and what resonates with them. I want to know what you’re projecting on to my song, and I invite the projections! I’m lonely from Covid isolation and curious about how people might relate to an abstracted and developed expression of my real experiences and feelings.”
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
“I’ve written songs for other people’s shows but I wanna write my own musical in the next few years and be a part of the new wave of musical theater-makers who are breaking all the rules.”
“Ask Me” Lyrics
Everything is complicated
Except maybe your shoulders
When I hold them with my hands
It’s like the first time
That I’m touching you
I know that you will always ask me
I know that you will always ask me
We can use our words
You can read me well
Oh, I wanna be known by you
Oh, I’d love to be known
In the face of everything we hate love
I can’t change much
I can’t change much
Just to have one
Person who believes me
Where’d you get this gentle gentleness?
I know that you will always ask me
I know that you will always ask me
I know that you will always ask me
I know that you will always ask me
What I should’ve said
Sounds good in the safety of your bed
But my anger is an insect
In the palm of New York’s hand
What I should’ve known
Even in love you’re still alone
Like when your mom calls on the phone
You spare her details
We can use our words
You can read me well
Oh, I wanna be known by you
Oh, I’d love to be known
I don’t wanna hold your hand on the subway
I don’t even mind hiding in the bathroom
When you’re on a call