2017’s Masseducation ,from the enigmatic St. Vincent, was released to universal acclaim. Annie Clark’s credentials include, being a member of Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens’ touring band, as well as other bands, after graduating from the Berklee school of music.
The stage name was inspired by the line, “And Dylan Thomas died drunk in / St. Vincent’s hospital" from a Nick Cave song, which was a new fact to me.
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I was lucky to see her before she was St. Vincent, when she was going by just her name, Annie Clark. She was playing a show outside of Boston with a friend’s band. I’m not to proud to admit, in my very ignorant and problematic youth, when I saw her get on the tiny stage I was certain I’d be rolling my eyes at another Lisa Loeb / Jewel singer songwriter type thing. Then she completely melted my face off with the most interesting guitar work and captivating songs I had seen at that club. I learned a lesson that day (in the best possible way) about being a stupid young boy.