Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of iconic bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, discusses the vibrant origins of Le Tigre and their innovative approach to music. She reflects on the evolution of their sound from punk to experimental, particularly focusing on the creation of 'Deceptacon.' The conversation highlights the integration of unconventional sounds and authenticity in songwriting, as well as the cultural impact of the song, especially its connection to a new generation through viral dances. Hanna shares personal anecdotes about the challenges and excitement of their creative journey.
Kathleen Hanna's transition from traditional punk to electronic music exemplifies a desire for creative freedom and simplicity in her songwriting.
The collaborative creation of 'Deceptacon' reflects Le Tigre's innovative use of outdated equipment, resulting in a vibrant and empowering anthem that engages listeners.
Deep dives
Transition from Punk to Electronic
The evolution from traditional punk to electronic music is exemplified through Kathleen Hanna's journey from Bikini Kill to La Tigra. Hanna expresses that while Bikini Kill faced overwhelming external criticism, she longed for a simpler approach to music creation and a departure from conventional band dynamics. Inspired by artists like Atari Teenage Riot, she embraced samplers and drum machines, allowing for greater creative freedom in her music production. The introduction of these electronic tools marked a significant shift in her songwriting process, paving the way for a new sound that integrated elements of punk with electronic vibrancy.
The Creation of 'Decepticon'
'Decepticon' emerged as a standout track that encapsulated the collaborative spirit between Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Faitman. With Hanna setting up her Tascam tape machine and experimenting with simple drum beats, she recalled finding inspiration from various musical influences, including Michael Jackson's demo process. As they worked together, Faitman contributed her own musical ideas, leading to the development of the song's catchy riffs and melodies. This creative partnership showcased their experimental approach, as they utilized outdated equipment and embraced imperfections to build a distinctive sound that resonated throughout the electroclash scene.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The lasting impact of 'Decepticon' can be seen through its cultural resonance, as it has sparked spontaneous expressions of creativity among listeners, such as flash mobs and viral dances at events. Hanna recalled moments when people creatively engaged with the song through performances, which were particularly rewarding as she viewed them as meaningful interactions rather than passive consumption. This phenomenon illustrated how the song became an anthem of joy and empowerment, reaching a broad audience while maintaining its punk roots. With La Tigra's resurgence in live performances, the focus remains on creating a vibrant and inclusive experience for new generations, reinforcing the project's original mission of artistic freedom and feminist expression.
Le Tigre originally formed in 1998. They released their self-titled debut album in October 1999. Spin Magazine called it one of the best albums of the past 30 years, and Pitchfork called it one of the best albums of the 90s. I listened to that album a lot when it came out, and 25 years later, I still hear songs from it everywhere, on TV and in movies, and just out in the world – especially the song “Deceptacon.” For this episode, I talked to Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Fateman from Le Tigre about how they wrote it, and how they put the track together.