AMERICAN singer-songwriterMary Chapin Carpenter has made 14 albums and sold 14 million records, adding the latest, The Things We are Made Of, in May.

"I've been working pretty relentlessly and that's always the greatest thing in the world after all these years, just to be busy. I like that more than anything," says Mary Chapin, now 58, who plays York Barbican tonight on her return to Yorkshire after her Pocklington Platform Festival appearance last summer.

"I remember that night at the old railway station; the town; the people; it was so beautiful, it felt magical that night. It was pretty steamy in there, but certainly we were all happy. When we come over to the UK, we love it because everyone is so welcoming and enthusiastic and so we're really excited to be coming back with the new record."

Mary Chapin previewed the title song, The Things We Are Made Of, as the closing number of her Pocklington set, and tonight's York Barbican audience can expect to hear more selections, such as the lead track Something Tamed Something Wild. "As far as talking about the new record, we started the tour in June and it's been great to play the new songs," she says.

" I previewed a song or two last year but now we're playing larger chunks of the record and the response has been so gratifying every night – and I say that out of nothing but humility after 30 years and 14 albums, when the average career in our business lasts two years."

Mary Chapin has always enjoyed talking about her songs during her shows. "I wouldn't say I had unresolved feelings about the songs, but finding ways to discuss them, I want to be as informative as possible about how the songs came about, but I don't want to dictate what those songs mean. I want people to respond how they wish," she says.

"I don't have a script but speak spontaneously every night about the songs; I just try to be as easy-going as possible, but playing the songs live does help you organise your thoughts about the album."

In the eye of two storms, Brexit and the rise of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, Mary Chapin says: "I know the heartbreak that people are feeling about the message it gives out, and my heart goes out to you in Britain. Arts and culture will give people hope and give people courage, and they remind you that one of the most important things in life is to be free to express yourself, but the dark forces, the nationalist right wing, are leaving us truly fearful."

Mary Chapin Carpenter plays York Barbican, July 22, 7.30pm, supported by Applewood Road; box office: 0844 854 2757 or yorkbarbican.co.uk

Applewood Road, the Americana/folk trio of Emily Barker, Amber Rubarth and Amy Speace, will play The Band Room, Low Mill, Farndale, on November 18; box office: 01751 432900 or thebandroom.co.uk/gigs