In this engaging conversation, Kim Deal, the iconic musician from The Breeders and Pixies, shares her musical journey and reflections on the chaos of performing at Glastonbury. She reminisces about childhood harmony sessions with her twin and the impact of family on her music. The discussion humorously intertwines personal anecdotes with her recent solo record and explores the nostalgic influence of Star Trek on her songwriting. With light-hearted banter, they capture the essence of being an artist and the emotional connections that music fosters.
Kim Deal's evolution into a prominent musician reflects her artistic journey from Ohio to iconic bands like Pixies and The Breeders.
The emotional impact of Kim Deal's family experiences, including caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, deeply influenced her songwriting and artistic expression.
Conversations about daily life and musical connections highlight themes of nostalgia and the importance of shared experiences in Kim's artistic narrative.
Deep dives
The Simplicity of Website Creation
Creating a website can be surprisingly easy, as demonstrated by the experience of a character who built a site to sell paintings. Initially doubting his skills, he found that with user-friendly templates and straightforward uploading tools, he could create a professional-looking website without prior computer knowledge. His partner, Debbie, whereupon hearing about a service, utilized an online trial, allowing her to efficiently set up her own site. This experience emphasizes that accessibility and simplicity can empower anyone to establish their online presence.
The Impact of Storm Darra
The episode captures the essence of enduring natural elements, particularly Storm Darra, with its turbulent weather conditions affecting the narrator's daily life. He describes harsh weather events as both inconvenient and a source of introspection, commenting on the unpredictability of power outages during storms. Despite the discomfort of the weather, there is a sense of humor as he likens his situation to reality, contrasting his uncomfortable experience with the comforts of home. This leads to a reflection on the balance between nature's power and personal resilience.
Kim Deal's Musical Journey
Kim Deal's musical career, from her beginnings in Dayton, Ohio, to becoming a member of Pixies and The Breeders, illustrates her evolution as an artist. She learned guitar through a cherished Neil Young book, and her journey took her through various gigs before landing in iconic bands that shaped alternative rock in the late 80s and early 90s. With Pixies' debut and The Breeders' success, including hits like 'Cannonball,' her contributions to music have been significant and lasting. Deal's candid talk about personal struggles, including substance issues, enriches the understanding of her artistry.
Reflections on Family and Music
Deal shares poignant stories regarding her family's influence on her music, particularly how her parents' backgrounds shaped her perspective. Her father's trajectory from a coal miner to a math professor served as a foundation for her appreciation of life's complexities. The emotional weight of caring for her mother with Alzheimer's added depth to her songs, transforming personal experiences into relatable art. Conversations about family dynamics and shared musical histories between Deal and her sister Kelly establish a connection that resonates throughout her work.
The Significance of Connection
Throughout the episode, themes of connection and nostalgia surface, particularly in discussions around the music of artists like Neil Young and the bond between twins. Deal touches on how music has been a means of expressing complex emotions related to familial relationships and personal struggles. Cultural references, including fun anecdotes from her past and the deep significance of shared experiences with her sister, underscore the importance of connection in both music and life. The celebratory yet reflective tone captures the essence of human experience, threading through the fabric of her artistic creations.
Adam talks with American musician Kim Deal of The Breeders and Pixies. Ramble topics include what it was like playing Glastonbury and what Adam thought of Coldplay, musical influences, Dad chat, identical twin chat, childhood memories, working with Steve Albini, and Star Trek TNG.
Conversation recorded face-to-face in London on 19th July, 2024.
Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support
