Where do you normally get your inspiration from when composing a song?
I get inspired by relationships—not only my own, but also those that I experience around me. I’m fascinated by the subtleties of how we all relate to one another in different situations. I long for us all to connect authentically and without fear and to love freely. And when we don’t, I feel compelled to understand why.

What’s your favorite song to perform live?
I really love performing “Sunday Afternoon.” It’s the kind of song that becomes really epic as it progresses and showcases the chemistry the band has on stage. It’s an anthem of sorts that starts reflectively and ends with a passionate self-declaration to not feel pain anymore, but it’s so obvious that one does.

Where does the intimacy and intensity of your lyrics come from?
Being vulnerable comes naturally to me when I’m writing. I think some of this is sourced from my own experiences and at times I am just a channel for emotions we all universally feel.

Why did you choose to launch the record label Frankenfish?
It was the right move for me to go out on my own. I spent many years on major labels and while there were many advantages, at the end of the day, it took four years each time to get a record out. That’s a lifetime for someone who wants to make music. You can’t move onto the next expression if something is held up like that. I realized that I’d rather take the chance on my own and at least know that any success, failure or delay was a result of something I was involved with. It was about taking control of my destiny.

What was the inspiration behind your latest EP, Heavyweight?  
Heavyweight is a collection of songs that are mostly a bit darker and more piano based. I worked on them just after recording Chesapeake (2011) and they fill that void of heartbreak and work together well as their own piece. The strings are stirring and beautiful and the final song, “Keep Going,” is a kind of mantra for us all to find strength in one another. It was an unusual song for me to write—it’s somber, but positive. The title track is a play on words. I was intrigued by the idea of a heavyweight boxing champion and the idea that two people could endlessly try to love one another, but only ever come out fighting.

With your complex and emotional sound, how do you channel these emotions when you perform?
I try to stay open to the night and feed off of the crowd. I use whatever energy I’ve got from the day, whether it’s stress or sadness or excitement, as the fuel to perform. I don’t have to go into the same place I was when I wrote the song, but I do have to fully connect with where I am in the moment.

What do you expect people to feel when listening to your music?
I couldn’t say. I just know that I’m always moved myself when I see that the audience is moved. I think part of the way I stay vulnerable in my songs is down to being very focused on the emotion I’m expressing and not entering into thoughts about how it will affect others. I don’t think about it much. If I can saturate myself in something that’s very true for me, I figure it will resonate with others somehow. We are all unique, but not so different.

What’s the hardest song that you’ve ever written?
I would say the hardest was actually also the easiest. “Elephants” was lyrically the easiest for me—the words came very fast while I was running down a mountain.  However, it took me six months to figure out the right chords and music to go with it. It was almost like a poem and I didn’t know how to frame it. Eventually, it all came together.

What’s next for 2013?
I’m loving my trips to Asia and would like to come back soon. I’m also planning a solo/duo tour of the States for June, as well as finalizing some work on a covers EP. I’d like to hibernate for a bit at some point and start sketching out songs for the next record. My wishlist is endless; I’m always working on something.

Rachael Yamagata will be performing at Thailand Cultural Center (Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-262-3456. MRT Thailand Cultural Center) on Feb 28, 7pm. Tickets are B1,500-2,000 from Thaiticketmajor.