Alicia Bognanno, the Nashville-based musician known as Bully, shares insights from her new album, "Lucky For You." The discussion ranges from hilarious travel tales involving a drink-spilling flight attendant to quirky neighborhood dynamics and her unusual dreams. Bognanno reflects on gentrification in East Nashville, the struggles of music performance, and the intricacies of personal style. She also tackles food debates, humorously defending burrata, while contemplating the evolving landscape of music criticism.
The hosts humorously reflect on the unpredictability of travel, highlighting a comical interaction with a flirtatious flight attendant and a drink spill.
Alicia Bognanno discusses the struggles of nightmares and the impact of sleep on creativity, emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression in music.
The conversation critiques music criticism, advocating for artists to trust their instincts and prioritize authenticity over public perception shaped by reviews.
Deep dives
Post-Flight Adventures
The hosts reflect on the chaos of air travel, narrating their arrival in London after a red-eye flight. They humorously describe their experience at customs and the interesting conversation with a flight attendant who seems to flirt with one of the hosts. The interaction escalates with a drink spill, adding to the chaos, leading to an amusing depiction of the playful exchanges during the flight. Their lighthearted banter sets a comical tone, emphasizing the unpredictability of travel.
Dining Experiences in the Skies
The conversation shifts to the dining experience aboard their Delta flight, where they discuss the unexpected culinary treats, including a sumptuous sundae featuring crushed Biscoff cookies. The hosts debate the merits of airline food, contrasting it with their expectations for first-class service. They make light of the ridiculousness of indulging in desserts mid-flight, showcasing their humorous approach to discussing mundane topics like airplane food. The comedic backdrop reveals their appreciation for the small joys that come with travel.
Creative and Personal Vulnerability
The episode delves into the theme of artistic expression and personal challenges, particularly through the guest musician, who discusses their struggles with nightmares and the impact of sleep on creativity. The hosts engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the importance of authentic self-expression in art, drawing parallels between their experiences in music and the vulnerability that comes with sharing personal stories. By exploring the guest's emotional struggles, they highlight the journey of navigating personal and artistic challenges. This candid conversation underscores the significance of mental health and its connection to the creative process.
Critique and Connection in the Music Industry
The discussion takes a critical turn as they examine the role of music critics and the relationship between artists and their audiences. The musician reflects on how reviews can shape public perception but emphasizes the importance of individual interpretation over critical consensus. This dialogue highlights the evolving nature of music consumption, particularly in an age where listeners can form opinions independently through platforms like Spotify. Ultimately, they advocate for artists to prioritize authenticity and to trust their instincts in creating music.
Navigating Personal Experiences in Music
As the episode wraps, the conversation transitions to practical aspects of performing, including the pressures of live shows and the interactions with fans. The musician shares insights about connecting with audiences, describing how personal notes and gifts from fans bring comfort amid self-doubt. They discuss the complexities of touring, managing expectations, and the importance of maintaining authenticity while pursuing success in the music industry. This reflection emphasizes the delicate balance between artistry, audience engagement, and personal well-being in a demanding profession.
Alicia Bognanno, aka Bully, is a musician from Nashville. Her great new record, Lucky For You, is out now on Sub Pop. We chat about a drink-spilling flight attendant, in defense of burrata, home toast is toast you have at home, her dreams are f*cked up you probably can't handle it, and her neighbors have done a lot of terrible things but worst of all, saying they preferred her blonde, the escape from Nashville's bachelorettes and California transplants, we do a good fifteen on dog shit, hot girl denim, to stomp or not to stomp the distortion pedal, opening for the Pixies and apologizing for the ticket price, and have we evolved beyond the need for music criticism?
