Shirley Manson, the iconic frontwoman of Garbage, shares insights from her life and career. She discusses the upcoming album, touches on the peculiarities of octopuses as sentient beings, and reveals her unique MRI playlist. The conversation also humorously navigates her shower schedule, cleaning habits, and the complexities of streaming revenue. Shirley dives into the challenges faced by young artists today, recalling wild touring days with Noel Gallagher and My Chemical Romance, while reflecting on the bittersweet excitement of live performances.
Shirley Manson's perspective on aging highlights how societal norms have shifted, impacting the risk-taking behaviors of younger generations.
The podcast discusses the financial struggles within the music industry, emphasizing streaming revenue challenges that new artists face today.
Engaging in humorous banter sets a lighthearted tone for deeper discussions, illustrating the hosts' approach to effective dialogue with guests.
Deep dives
Importance of Early Humorous Disclaimers
The hosts emphasize the need for an initial humorous disclaimer to loosen the atmosphere and establish rapport before delving into serious topics. One host mentions their habit of getting silly jokes out of the system beforehand to ensure clarity during the conversation. This approach not only sets a lighthearted tone but also allows them to transition smoothly into deeper discussions. They reflect on how engaging in playful banter can lead to a more relaxed and productive dialogue with guests.
Reflections on Podcasting Competition
The conversation touches on the competitive landscape of podcasting, notably referencing the different styles and impacts of notable figures like Joe Rogan versus their own show. The discussion highlights how Rogan's platform serves as a significant opportunity for artists and public figures to promote their work, likening it to a modern-day Howard Stern. They express an awareness of their position in the market as a more accessible, middle-class alternative that engages in entertaining yet thoughtful exchanges. This commentary reveals insight into their aspirations and the challenges they face in this evolving medium.
Navigating Celebrity Trials
The hosts delve into recent high-profile legal cases, particularly revolving around celebrities like Diddy, discussing the gravity of the accusations and the societal implications of such trials. They commend Cassie for her bravery in pursuing justice and reflect on the shocking nature of the allegations revealed during the Diddy trial. The conversation illustrates their views on the celebrity culture and its often troubling realities, discussing how public opinions are shaped by these instances. This segment serves as a commentary on the intersection of fame, accountability, and the responsibility of public figures.
Aging and Cultural Perspectives
An exploration of aging reveals the hosts' views on growing older and the shifting cultural landscape they navigate. They reflect on how societal norms influence the actions and perspectives of younger generations, noting a shift towards less risk-taking compared to their own experiences in the '90s. The hosts discuss the nostalgia associated with their past and how this contrasts with the current climate that can often feel overly cautious. By embracing their age, they highlight the importance of experience while also recognizing the challenges younger individuals face.
The Challenge of Music Industry Economics
The podcast discusses the current state of the music industry, particularly how economic pressures affect artists' ability to thrive. They emphasize the difficulties new artists encounter regarding streaming revenue and the often unfair distribution models that prevail. The conversation also touches on the flatlining fees that musicians receive compared to rising costs in production and touring, illustrating the struggles of artistic integrity versus financial survival. This part of the discussion underscores a critical examination of the industry's practices and their impact on creativity and sustainability.
Shirley Manson is a singer and songwriter, most notably from the band Garbage, whose new record, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, is out May 30th. We chat with Shirley from her home in Los Angeles about Diddy updates, DJ Akademiks, Esq., Chris is flying out of Newark tomorrow, walking in Los Angeles without a dog, octopuses are sentient beings, what she listens to in the MRI machine, how Chris cleans his bathroom, her shower schedule, sloppy seconds, when she gets nervous, streaming revenue, she says the phrase "player, please", the best ways for a band to break up, touring with Noel Gallagher, opening for My Chemical Romance, and the last time she did ecstacy.
