After a hectic summer of gigs, festival appearances and the release of a stunning new album, Martha Wainwright is back in her native Big Apple.

But there is no time for relaxing. The itchy-footed singer-songwriter insists this is only a flying visit, before crossing the Atlantic once again for another hefty UK tour.

First, though, there's the small matter of deciding what to take... and what to do with her Brooklyn apartment.

"I'm frantically packing and trying to create room for a potential sub-letter," she gasps.

It is not, I suggest, very rock'n'roll.

"Well," she laughs, "with what's going on in the economy, people are not buying records any more. It's a difficult time for the music industry."

The much talked-of credit crunch may be chipping away at sales, but Martha's latest catchy-titled creation I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too is still going down well — packed, as it is, with touching vocal performances, razor-sharp wordplay, and bitter personal experience.

But then that's what we've come to expect from Martha.

Growing up in Montreal, the sister of the outrageously camp singer- songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and daughter of folk legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Martha is part of a musical dynasty — something she knows she can never escape from.

"I'm from a folk music background which means I put myself out there, play lots of shows and collaborate with other people," she says.

They include such stars as Pete Townshend of The Who, Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, Garth Hudson of The Band, as well as her mother and brother — who contributed to the latest album — and that other great Canadian, Leonard Cohen.

"It's about singing together, which is good — especially when you're been self obsessed with stuff as I've been. It's fun to open yourself up to other people.

"My songs are a little introverted and internalised. But as you look around, you start to realise life is not all that bad compared to other people.

"I try to tap into truths," she says, explaining the themes of unrequited love, loss and other slices of existential torment on the new album — including bittersweet single Bleeding All Over You — from which the album's title comes.

"There are resonating truths that reoccur... unfortunately for the listeners!" she laughs. "But these are things and situations that people feel and identify with, and can see themselves in. This stops us feeling alone."

The tensions of growing up in a celebrity family have made their mark on Martha — in particular, the tormented relationship her father had with her mother, and the rest of the family.

But while, in the past, she has made no secret of her feelings towards her often remote father — one song about him is so laden with expletives, even its title is unprintable in a family newspaper — she insists she is now in a happier place, going as far to sing with him, as well as the rest of her family.

"I write songs about my life," she says. "As a young person that meant standing up to my parents. I made an example of Loudon and people can identify with that.

"I never shy away from life issues. But I grew up listening to Loudon's music and we sing together whenever we're in the same town and can do it.

"I also work with my mother as she is great accompaniment.

"We're close as we grew up together and have a long history. My brother is also inspirational. In many ways he is my greatest mentor."

The family connection continues. Her album was partly produced by her bass player husband Brad Albetta.

"I like family," she says. "I like to be around people who know me and, maybe by knowing me so well, can get to the heart of things.

"They have the power to wade through any potential bull, and get to the crux of things.

"But as an artist, my work is my life.

"Sometimes I envy people who can work at a desk and escape at the end of the day, by cooking a meal or seeing a movie. I envy the structure of it all.

"I had a briefcase as a kid," she recalls. "I liked to pretend I had a travel agency — it was called Always Travel, and the ironing board was the front desk!"

Such domestic reveries brings us back to her packing, and the vexed task of moving home.

"I'm looking for a place where I can be completely naked," she confesses. "That means having no neighbours. After all, I don't have Helen Mirren's body!

"I may be an exhibitionist, but I don't want to get myself arrested."

Wainwright plays Oxford Town Hall on November 4. Support comes from Angus and Julia Stone.

Tickets are £17.50 in advance. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com and www.tctmusic.co.uk