Two books dive into the musical histories of The Police and Joni Mitchell
Jul 12, 2024
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Stewart Copeland discusses his memoir about The Police, detailing band dynamics and musical evolution. Ann Powers explores Joni Mitchell's career, highlighting resilience and industry ambivalence. The episode offers insights into iconic musicians' diverse journeys in rock biographies.
Stewart Copeland's Police Diaries reveal The Police's journey from uncertainties to a unique musical style.
Joni Mitchell's biography Traveling explores her defiance of norms and diverse artistic evolution.
Deep dives
Stuart Copeland's Journey with The Police
Stuart Copeland, the drummer from the band The Police, reflects on his memoir detailing the band's rise to fame. The book, Stuart Copeland's Police Diaries, chronicles the early struggles, uncertain times, and evolution of the band's sound. Despite initial challenges and lack of recognition, the arrival of guitarist Andy Summers marked a turning point, leading to the creation of their distinctive style. Copeland highlights the pivotal moments, collaborations, and creative tensions that shaped The Police's musical journey.
Joni Mitchell: A Trailblazer in Music
The exploration of Joni Mitchell's life and work reveals a multifaceted artist challenging societal norms and pushing artistic boundaries. Mitchell's biography, Traveling, delves into her unique upbringing, struggles, and triumphs as a female musician in a male-dominated industry. From her early compositions to jazz experiments, Mitchell's artistry evolved, reflecting her diverse influences and personal experiences. The podcast discusses Mitchell's complex relationships, artistic risks, and her impact on music as a trailblazer and inspiration to many.
Identity and Artistry in Music
Both Stuart Copeland and Joni Mitchell grapple with themes of identity and authenticity in their musical careers. While Copeland navigates the challenges of punk authenticity and creative evolution in The Police, Mitchell explores gender roles, artistic expression, and societal perceptions in her music. Their stories reflect a journey of self-discovery, artistic integrity, and the constant quest to redefine oneself in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. Copeland's revelations about collaboration and musical tensions contrast with Mitchell's exploration of personal struggles and artistic experimentation.
Today's episode is about two emblematic musicians who take us to very different parts of the globe, from the London punk scene to the Laurel Canyon utopia of the 1960s and 70s. First, Stewart Copeland speaks to NPR's Leila Fadel about his memoir, Stewart Copeland's Police Diaries, which chronicles his time as a drummer for the legendary band. Then, Here & Now's Robin Young is joined by NPR Music's Ann Powers, who's written a biography of Joni Mitchell's expansive career called Traveling.
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