NorVa show is kickoff for Branch’s comeback

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Michelle Branch knows she’s been off the radar.

“It’s crazy. I’m going to feel like I don’t remember the words to my own songs. I haven’t played them in so long,” she said in advance of tonight’s show in Norfolk.

It’s been almost five years since she released her last solo album, “Hotel Paper.” In 2004, the pop vocalist hooked up with singer Jessica Harp to create the country band The Wreckers. The duo released “Stand Still, Look Pretty” in 2006.

“A lot of people don’t know I did the country project,” Branch said. “It took up the last three years of my life. I went and recorded the album, and the minute I finished it, I found out I was pregnant.”

She took time out Tuesday for a phone interview  before rehearsals in Nashville, where she was preparing for her first solo  show in 3½ years. She’ll make her solo comeback tonight at The NorVa.

Next on her list is a new album, which is almost done. She doesn’t have a name for it yet, but she said it has more of a country feel.

“I’ve really started to feel at home in this genre of music as a songwriter. I just really love everything about it. I think this record will probably be closer sounding to The Wreckers project than old Michelle, but it’s still me.”

Most of the music is about relationships. Branch said her husband isn’t a good source of inspiration because “it’s harder to write a happy song than it is a sad song.

“I have to make these scenarios up in my head. I’m just a sap. I love love songs.”

Without a tour to keep her away from home, Branch has had time to teach her 2-year-old daughter about music.

“Recently in the car, just to get my daughter introduced to The Beatles, I put on a mixed CD of all The Beatles songs that I love, and she actually really likes it, and she’s like, 'Mommy this is my favorite.’ She really seems to like it, and she really likes Fleetwood Mac.”

“Crazy Ride,” an upcoming release, is dedicated to her daughter.

“It’s a song to little ones saying, 'I’m just warning you that life gets really tough sometimes and be prepared for it, and I wish you could always stay this young and innocent.’”

Branch’s daughter won’t be joining her on this trip, but other relatives will be around. Her husband plays bass in her band. Her brother is part of the stage crew. Her 21-year-old sister will debut with Branch on some of The Wreckers’ tunes.

“I can’t get away from my family, which is actually really nice,” she said.

Branch’s official tour is scheduled for midsummer, but when she was offered a gig in Wilmington, N.C., she decided to hit The NorVa, too. “That’s, like, one of the coolest clubs to play, and everyone there is so accommodating, so you’re always excited when you get to play there. It’s in a little cool walking area. We had fun before when we played there, so hopefully people will come see me.

“If I show up and I’m all excited and nobody’s there, I’m going to be so sad.”

DeAnne M. Bradley, (757) 222-3897, deanne.bradley@ link757.com