Neko Case books an Orlando gig, talks about what inspires her

For the first time in more than a decade Neko Case is coming to Florida.

The alt-country chanteuse's sixth solo record, Middle Cyclone, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 pop chart in March, and Amazon.com has already crowned it best album of the year. On the phone, though, calling from her farm in rural Vermont, the charming Case sounds like an eager, unsigned artist, chatting about inspiration in household chores.

Middle Cyclone has the coolest album cover. You with a sword, barefoot, atop a 1967 Mercury Cougar looking ready to impale the enemy. How did you come up with that concept?

Well, I don't like getting my picture taken. So I thought I'm going to have to try to make this more fun somehow to get excited. I thought, "What would I do if I was a 10-year-old boy in 1978 making an album cover?" I would want to have a sword and a muscle car. I just went with that.

Do the sword and vehicle belong to you?

It's my own muscle car, but I rented the sword for $15.

You have performed on Leno and Letterman this year. Have you gotten used to watching yourself on TV?

I generally don't.

You don't watch at all?

Nah, I don't need to watch myself. I find that every time I would watch I would think, "Oh, my God." It would just make me want to puke. That's when I get really nervous — is watching myself.

What is it that inspires you to pick up the pen and start writing lyrics or put a melody together?

A lot of times it's an idea that just won't leave you alone. It kind of taps you on the shoulder a bunch. Or you find yourself thinking about one line over and over again and you realize, "Hey, I better write that down because it won't stop repeating itself, so it must mean something." But it's not like it comes out of nowhere. (in hoity-toity voice) Like I'm a vessel for some spiritual thing. (laughs) It's definitely me, but it's my subconscious. It comes out when my physical self is more engaged. Like when I'm sweeping or showering or doing the dishes or whatever.

Who knew doing the dishes is where you can find your muse as a songwriter.

It's true. Because your body knows how to wash the dishes so your subconscious is kind of warmed up in a way. You're not focusing so hard on the task in front of you because it's so easy. Your mind tends to wander, in a good way.

You live on a farm in rural Vermont. What do you grow?

I don't grow anything as yet. But I will be growing a large amount of vegetables and rare plants and medicinal plants — just because there are a lot of plants that are going extinct. And I'm really into heirloom seed farming. It's almost like growing your own food is a revolutionary act these days.

So this is going to be your first time to Florida in over a decade?

Yeah, and the first time ever with my own band.

I'm sure they'll be a lot of excited fans for you.

I hope so! Beg them to come for me.

Wade Tatangelo is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins, Colo. Contact him at wtatangelo@hotmail.com.