Author and NY Times music critic Caryn Ganz discusses The Breeders' influence on rock music, Kim Deal's impact, and their iconic 90's albums. They explore coolness, Nirvana's inspiration, and Kim's unique approach to relationships and lyrics.
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Quick takeaways
The Breeders emerged as a significant band with a unique journey from a Pixies side project to iconic status.
Kim Deal challenged gender norms in music, expressing creativity and forming collaborations that shaped The Breeders.
Collaborative spark led to unique projects like aiming to create a dance album and quirky albums like 'Pod'.
Band dynamics saw Kim and Kelly Deal forming The Breeders with influences from their teenage music history.
The album 'Pod' showcased diversity and quirkiness, garnering appreciation with tracks like 'Cannonball' and 'Divine Hammer'.
The Breeders' resurgence with 'All Nerve' reflects a more mature songwriting style and Kim Deal's pivotal sobriety journey.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the Breeders
Kim Deal's journey from joining Pixies after responding to an ad, navigating the band dynamics, expressing creative needs while touring, and diverging paths post Pixies reunion.
Defying Gender Stereotypes in Music
Kim Deal's experience of challenging gender biases within the music industry, expressing her songwriting skills and creative vision, alongside friendships and collaborations that shaped her career.
Musical Exploration and Creative Ventures
The collaborative spark between Kim Deal and Tanya Donnelly, fueled by a shared desire to experiment, highlighted by their ambition to create a dance album after being inspired by the Sugar Cubes during a tour.
The Birth of The Breeders
Kim and Kelly formed The Breeders after struggling to start another project. David Narcizo, a drummer from Throwing Muses, joined them. The band's name emerged from Kim and Kelly's teenage music history. The name sparked discussions due to its origins as a term used by gay men towards heterosexuals with children.
Musical Journey and Collaborations
The band had separate album contracts, leading to a unique songwriting arrangement between Kim and Tonya. They delved into song demos with Mirandi in Scotland. The album 'Pod' was born, engineered by Stephen Albini. The band welcomed drummer Brit Walford from Slint. The quirky and playful nature of the record garnered appreciation.
Album Success and Artistic Depth
The release of 'Cannonball' from the album saw unexpected commercial success. Kim's musical influences such as Marquis de Sade impacted their songs like 'Invisible Man.' Kim's marriage views inspired 'Motherhood.' Tracks like 'Divine Hammer' showcased a diverse musical spectrum, epitomizing the band's unique flair and collaborative spirit.
The Amps Adventure and the Resurgence of the Breeders
Kim Deal embarks on The Amps project after quitting The Breeders, facing challenges and instability throughout the recording process, leading to a hiatus. Kelly Deal forms a band, The Kelly Deal 6000, and ventures into music production. The original Breeders experience a tough time with band dynamics and solo projects.
The Making of Title TK and Lyrical Depths
Kim Deal reunites The Breeders with a new lineup to create Title TK, showcasing a fresh sound with a mix of subversive and emotionally poignant lyrics. Standout tracks like 'Little Fury' and 'Off You' reveal a blend of playful symbolism and deep sentiment, reflecting Kim's multifaceted songwriting talent.
Musical Impact and Emotional Resonance
Title TK by The Breeders receives critical acclaim, marking a successful return for the band. Songs like 'Off You' leave a lasting impact with their ethereal and cryptic lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners and showcasing Kim Deal's poetic prowess in songwriting.
The Breeders' Influence on Olivia Rodrigo and a Return to Form with 'All Nerve'
Kim Deal of The Breeders reflects on their influence on Olivia Rodrigo and their resurgence with 'All Nerve', showcasing a shift in their songwriting style to a more mature and sincere approach. The podcast delves into Kim Deal's pivotal sobriety journey and the band's 2018 record 'All Nerve', highlighting the emotional depth and quirky sound that defines their later career outputs.
The Breeders' Live Experience at the Hollywood Bowl and Front Row Memories
The podcast recounts the captivating live experience of witnessing The Breeders perform at the Hollywood Bowl, with a memorable front-row encounter immersing the host in a surreal moment. The discussion touches on the band's raw and authentic presence on stage, capturing the essence of their music in a live setting and creating unforgettable memories for fans.
Kim Deal initially formed The Breeders with her sister Kelley as a side project while she was in the Pixies so that she could record her own songs, but it definitely turned into something way bigger, more iconic, and more influential than that. Through shifting line ups and several starts and stops, the band managed to make some of the best rock albums of the 90’s and beyond, setting the bar for coolness and influencing artists from Nirvana to Olivia Rodrigo along the way. Author and New York Times pop music editor Caryn Ganz joins us to talk about their history, their impact, and of course, their incredible music.
