EP 8: What’s the Narrative of Your Life? feat. Natasha Khan
Jun 23, 2021
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Natasha Khan, known as Bat for Lashes, is a celebrated singer-songwriter who shares her journey of moving to California and navigating motherhood. She reflects on the transformative power of parenthood and how it intertwines with creativity amidst a post-pandemic world. The conversation explores the deep connections formed through storytelling and the emotional nuances of balancing family life with artistic endeavors. Khan also muses about the significance of personal mythology and the joy of experiencing life’s milestones with loved ones.
Natasha Khan's journey through motherhood has deeply influenced her artistry, intertwining personal experiences with the broader sociopolitical context of her environment.
Both speakers emphasize the significance of genuine connections over enforced intimacy, highlighting how storytelling serves as a means to navigate personal and universal truths.
Deep dives
Reflections on Enforced Intimacy
The speaker expresses a discomfort with enforced intimacy, such as obligatory hugs and commercialized holidays like Valentine's Day. Instead, he values moments of genuine connection that occur spontaneously and naturally. Growing up in a house without modern conveniences led him to seek comfort in the humble, tranquil warmth of his grandparents' home. Late-night visits to their bedroom to watch television fostered a unique bond, turning those shared moments into cherished memories of togetherness.
Influence of 'The Company of Wolves'
A pivotal moment in the speaker's life occurred when he watched the film 'The Company of Wolves', which reshaped his understanding of fairy tales as profound narratives. The film, based on Angela Carter's work, introduced concepts of fairy tales being a 'secret history' of the earth. This revelation resonated deeply with him as a confused teenager and sparked a lifelong fascination with storytelling and its deeper meanings. The speaker connects this experience to his current artistic endeavors and how it mirrors the themes and myths found in his work.
The Creative Journey of Natasha Khan
Natasha Khan, the singer-songwriter known as Bat for Lashes, discusses her transformative journey through motherhood and the impact it has on her creativity. Her recent experiences in Los Angeles during a politically charged atmosphere have influenced her artistic output, notably her album 'Lost Girls'. She recounts writing letters to her unborn daughter that reflect the turbulent sociopolitical environment, intertwining personal growth with broader societal issues. The process of creating a home and nurturing her child has sparked a new artistic direction, balancing motherhood with creativity.
Art as Therapy and Connection
Both the speaker and Khan reflect on the dualities of their artistic practices amidst life changes, acknowledging the tension between domesticity and creative expression. Khan describes how her creativity is sometimes stifled but also builds a secretive anticipation for when she can fully engage with her art. They both recognize that isolation can breed vulnerability but also brings an opportunity for authentic connection with their audiences. This exchange highlights the importance of storytelling and myth-making as means to navigate personal and universal truths.
In the next episode of the Smoke Hole Sessions, Martin Shaw chats with Bat for Lashes singer songwriter and musician, Natasha Khan. Natasha talks about her move from the UK to California four years ago and her evolution as a mystic artist, explorer and new mother. They discuss the joys of parenthood and how the experience of sharing art, be it music or mythology, is changing as the world slowly emerges from the pandemic that has gripped it.
Get 30% off Martin’s new book Smoke Hole at chelseagreen.co.uk using the code SHS30
Find Martin Shaw on Insta @drmartinshaw; Facebook @Martin Shaw; drmartinshaw.com
Find Natasha Khan on Twitter @BatForLashes; Insta @batforlashes and check out her Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/batforlashes
A huge thanks to Ben Addicott for helping to produce this podcast.
Violin music by John Matthias
Smoke Hole: Looking to the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass is published by Chelsea Green Publishing UK.
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