Vanessa Carlton revealed to fans on her official site’s message board the progress on her album. Carlton said on Saturday morning, “I don’t know if my cold went away or if I’m just really happy this morning. Oh, it’s 2pm isn’t it. I just woke up. I’m going back to LA tomorrow morning to rehearse with my band and finish album artwork. I can’t tell you much I adore the cover of ‘Be Not Nobody’. It’s kind of reminiscent of some of the old 70’s illustrated album covers, but it’s definitely all me. Anyway, I’m finishing up that stuff next week and I got a show if San Fran opening for the Counting Crows. Hope to see some of you there. My mom is making me breakfast!!!! man, it’s good to be home!!” Carlton also said she also does her official site’s artwork.

Vanessa Carlton Shares Secret CD Release Date

March 8, 2002 - Vanessa couldn’t keep her record company’s secret on her official site message board by leaking the release date of her debut album. Vanessa revealed, “Hey guys… guess what! I’m not supposed to say this yet, cause my label hasn’t released the date, but I don’t really care. My album comes out on April 30!!!!!!! yeah baby. Finally!!! It will have eleven songs including all of the lyrics and some cool pics in the booklet. Up until then, I’ll be doing lots of radio shows, a few talk shows, and possibly SNL!!”

Vanessa Carlton Calls In To Seattle Radio Show

March 6, 2002 - Vanessa called in to talk with KISS 106.1’s Jackie & Bender recently (from Los Angeles) to talk about her recent commercial success, the filming of her video ‘A Thousand Miles’, comparisons to Michelle Branch, her reaction to her songs being played on the radio, how she was introduced to music while still in her mother’s womb, and the perks with being a successful artist. Vanessa said she doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Vanessa Carlton Checks In After Conan Performance

March 6, 2002 - Vanessa checked in with fans on her official site’s message board on Wednesday to give her thoughts on her appearance on Late Night With Conan O’Brien on Tuesday night. Carlton said, “Hey guys. I had fun last night. I can’t tell you how excited I was to touch Conan’s hair. His hair is just so hilarious!!! It felt fantastic. I love him!!!! Anyway, I’m on the east coast hangin’ out with family and friends. I’m sick and need to sleep a lot.”

Vanessa Carlton’s sister Gwen stuck up for her big sister after a negative posting by a fan of Jewel who blasted, “I just saw this chick’s video on MTV and she sucks! She is trying to be like Jewel and Michelle Branch… they are so much better than her… and she’s never going to make it in the business.” Gwen’s response:

Imagine taking three years out of your life to follow a passion. Vanessa dropped everything in her life to follow her music . Her music is who she is, and just by seeing one video of hers and listening to one song, you can only get a slanted opinion. I highly doubt that you have ever seen her in a club spilling her guts out on the piano, then you can truly realize that this girl is for real. I don’t know that you are even going to read this, but don’t worry my sister most likely listened to your judgmental comment. There is a part of her that is scared to give her whole self out there into the world and to be getting judged for it. She knows that this is the backlash she gets to show people that there is more to music than Britney Spears and O Town. People like you who don’t even get to see the whole picture will realize that there is more to her than just an image, but there is a heart and passion to her music, and if you are blind to this I would wish that you tried a little harder to see it.

Thank you for your time
Gwen Carlton

Vanessa Carlton Teary Eyed Over Fans’ Messages

January 18, 2002 - Vanessa Carlton posted a new message Tuesday to thank fans and alert them that her debut video ‘A Thousand Miles’ is now ‘Buzzworthy’. Carlton writes, “Just want you all to know that I have read every single one of your messages. I used to blush when I read them, but I actually got teary eyed today. Your words mean so much to me. Thanks. Anyway FYI the video is Buzzworthy on MTV now. I think part of the reason is that you guys are voting all the time. I wish I could personally thank each and every one of you. Much much love.”

Vanessa Carlton Thanks Fans For Being TRL Wannabe

January 18, 2002 - Gracious Vanessa Carlson posted another message on her official site’s forum thanking fans for voting for her on Total Request Live. Vanessa said, “I’m really looking forward to going to NY. I miss my apartment!! I’m leaving LA on the 20th for my TRL show on the 24th. I’m kind of nervous, but excited at the same time. MTV is being so awesome. Thanks again for the TRL votes.”

Vanessa Carlton posted an updated for fans on her official site Friday telling them, “I’m really excited right now because I get to fly home to NY tomorrow morning. I’m buzzing around my apartment trying to pack and do dishes, but I fear I am making no progress whatsoever. I’m really looking forward to playing my song on MTV. I’m finally starting to meet with radio stations next week too. Thanks again for all the cool messages (I love the Vanessa Carlton Warrior icon… I was hysterical!!!) Much love to you guys.”

Vanessa Carlton Blushing Over Compliments

January 5, 2002 - Vanessa again communicated with fans on her official site’s message board on Saturday following the TRL premiere of her new video saying, “Just want everyone to know that I get so excited everyday to check out what you guys say. I honestly never expected so many amazing messages. I have the best fans ever. I can’t wait for you all to be able to hear the rest of the songs on the album. I’m not sure if I should be saying this (my record company is gonna kill me), but the B side of the single (“A Thousand Miles” is going to be a special live version of the song “Twilight”. Twilight is just me and the piano. Just want you guys to know. (Look for it in early Feb.)”

Vanessa Carlton Jumps Online Following TRL Premiere

January 5, 2002 - Vanessa jumped online after her video for “A Thousand Miles” debuted on MTV’s Total Request Live. The awestruck Vanessa posted on her official site’s message board, “My mom will be proud. Ummmm… I was just world premiered? Carson was cool. You guys are awesome. Much Much Much love and thanks.”

Vanessa Carlton Ticketed For Running Red Lights

January 5, 2002 - Vanessa admitted Thursday on her official site’s message board that “I got two tickets last week for running red lights. My mom says that I’m a beginner driver but I swear I’m intermediate.” As for her album, Vanessa said, “FYI just got back to LA from Arizona (I was riding horses). I’m finishing up vocals on a few songs and rehearsing with my band. Trying to decide on album cover, but I don’t like the pictures. (I hate getting my picture taken).”

Vanessa Carlton Says Fame Won’t Change Her

January 5, 2002 - Vanessa posted to fans on her official site’s message board not to worry about her big break on MTV will turn her into a pop diva. Vanessa said ahead of her video debut last weekend, “I had know idea they were going to air the video already. I’m so happy people like it. I had so much fun filming it. I wish I could respond to every e-mail I get. I thank each and every one of you for the support. Those of you who are worried that fame will change me…. don’t. I don’t buy into any of the bullsh*t. I’m actually in the desert right now riding horses.”