Joe Talbot (Idles) • Distraction Pieces Podcast with Scroobius Pip #341
Aug 25, 2020
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Joe Talbot from Idles joins Scroobius Pip for a deep chat covering worldwide trauma, music as therapy, political influences in music, and the making of Idles' new album 'Ultramono'. They also discuss the disparities in social classes during the pandemic, harmful beliefs in small towns, and the importance of using art for social commentary.
Music can serve as a powerful tool for political commentary and social impact across genres like hip-hop and punk.
Artists must navigate the balance between profound messaging and simplicity in lyrics to maintain authenticity and connect with audiences effectively.
Maintaining artistic integrity and authenticity is crucial in the face of external pressures, commercial success, and criticism for true creative growth.
Deep dives
Political Commentary and Sonic Impact
The podcast episode delves into the fusion of political commentary and sonic impact in music, drawing comparisons between genres like hip-hop and punk. It highlights the importance of clear and direct messaging in songs, emphasizing the immediacy and relevance of the content delivered. This approach aims to resonate with audiences through impactful lyrics and sonics, aligning with the essence of authenticity and transparency in the messaging.
Challenges in Political Expression
The conversation navigates through the challenges faced in political expression within music, discussing the tension between nuanced messaging and direct statements. It explores the artist's journey of finding a balance between conveying profound ideas and avoiding over-complication in lyrics. The importance of being genuine and true to one's artistic vision while delivering a clear and unapologetic message is a central theme throughout the discussion.
Criticism and Artistic Evolution
The podcast delves into the artist's response to criticism and the evolution of their artistic expression. It reveals the internal conflict between addressing critical feedback and staying true to one's artistic integrity. The episode captures the artist's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, leading to the creation of an album that serves as a cathartic release and a transformative platform for personal and creative growth.
The importance of staying true to oneself in creative endeavors
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of staying authentic to one's creative vision without succumbing to external pressures or expectations. It discusses the impact of compromising artistic integrity for commercial success by sharing a personal experience of choosing a single based on label preferences rather than personal artistic expression. The speaker reflects on the consequences of deviating from their true self and highlights the importance of creating art that resonates with one's values and beliefs to maintain artistic integrity and authenticity.
Exploration of societal issues through music and the artist's response to Brexit
The podcast addresses the artist's exploration of societal issues, such as the impact of small-town mentality, coping mechanisms, and nationalism, reflected in their music. It delves into the artist's perspective on Brexit and the manipulation of slogans and misinformation during the campaign. The discussion expands on the artist's experiences growing up in a small town, encountering racism, and the need for accountability and change. The episode concludes with insights into the artist's upcoming projects, the challenge of creating art during a pandemic, and the importance of maintaining a genuine connection with the audience.
Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Distraction Pieces Podcast with Scroobius Pip!
Joining Pip at long last this week is JOE TALBOT of IDLES!
A very in-depth, therapeutic and cathartic chat for you this episode (actually - lemme get this out the way up top - it’s a LITTLE sweary so don’t play in front of the young’uns perhaps), as Pip and Joe get all the way into everything. Of course the mandatory ‘present times’ talk is addressed and lifted at the front, to then reveal the creepy crawlies and seething underbelly of the world and greater universe beneath. But the chat accesses some very important and intriguing places which need addressing, including thanks and blessings, after effects of worldwide trauma, conspiracies (theories and otherwise), the state of the nation and the ripples created, politics through music, personal trauma and exorcising its demons (or working with them), and of course MUSIC! Some great talk about Idles’ new album ‘Ultramono’, and the influences of genres like hip hop on its production (nice talk for the nerds - I speak for myself in that!). GET YOU SOME.
