Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

Rewind: Jeff Tweedy

26 snips
May 29, 2025
Jeff Tweedy, the frontman of Wilco and author of 'How to Write One Song,' shares insights into his creative journey and the impact of personal history on songwriting. He explores the generational influences shaping artistic identities, the joy of collaborative music-making, and the power of ambient sounds in his work. Tweedy also discusses the emotional depths of his song 'Opaline,' connecting societal tensions to personal experiences. With humor and nostalgia, the conversation highlights the transformative role of music in conveying complex emotions.
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ANECDOTE

Family Roots in Creative Expression

  • Jeff Tweedy shares a childhood story about his father writing poems when angry as a form of emotional release.
  • This illustrates a family pattern of using creative expression to manage mood disorders.
ANECDOTE

First Song Recorded Young

  • Jeff Tweedy wrote his first song at age 13 or 14, called "Your Little World", about feeling excluded.
  • A local band even recorded it, marking an early recognition of his songwriting.
INSIGHT

Love Then Critique of Own Work

  • Tweedy admits he shamelessly loves his own creations at first but grows dissatisfied over time.
  • This dynamic fuels his artistic growth and shapes his relationship with his work.
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