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Radio Atlantic

The Strange, Lonely Childhood of Neko Case

Feb 13, 2025
Neko Case, the celebrated singer-songwriter known for her work with The New Pornographers and her memoir, shares her poignant childhood memories of neglect and struggle. She reflects on the solace she found in music as a transformative force during her challenging years. The conversation dives into how trauma shapes artistic expression and the evolving conversation around gender identity. Neko also discusses forgiveness and emotional connection, illustrating how her music helps process pain and navigate complex relationships.
34:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Neko Case’s childhood of neglect was alleviated by music, illustrating its profound impact as a source of solace and creativity.
  • Her evolving understanding of gender identity highlights both personal growth and the ongoing challenges women face in the music industry.

Deep dives

The Power of Music in Nico Case's Life

Nico Case discusses her deep connection to music, highlighting how it offered her solace during a challenging upbringing. Despite being raised in a neglectful environment, she found comfort in listening to artists like Blondie, which led to her discovery of music's power. This realization, however, wasn’t instant, as societal expectations related to gender initially inhibited her from pursuing singing. Eventually, the intensity of her desire to create music overrode this hesitation, allowing her to embrace her talent and express herself fully through song.

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