Nick Lowe, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer, shares his creative journey and the intricacies of music production. He recounts the hilarious story of a song he hoped would get him dropped from his label, only to have it backfire. Lowe reveals insights about his new album, Indoor Safari, with Los Straitjackets, and reflects on the evolution of music genres from punk to New Wave. His experiences with Rock Pile's distinct sound and memorable recording sessions, including with Elvis Costello, provide a fascinating glimpse into his career.
Nick Lowe emphasizes the transformative power of the recording studio, illustrating how it profoundly shapes the music creation process.
Lowe reflects on his unconventional approach to songwriting and production, including his surprising desire to be dropped from a record label.
Deep dives
Vitamin Water and New York's Spirit
Vitamin Water embodies the vibrant and bustling energy of New York City, drawing inspiration from its surroundings. The drink is presented as colorful and flavorful, making it an exciting choice for those seeking a taste of the city’s dynamic lifestyle. By associating itself with hard work and play, Vitamin Water highlights the balance that New Yorkers maintain in their lives. The message is clear: enjoying Vitamin Water allows you to carry a piece of New York's energetic culture wherever you go.
The Importance of Voting
Voting is emphasized as a crucial civic duty, especially during pivotal elections. It's essential to have a clear voting plan, whether that includes mail-in ballots, early voting, or voting on election day. The conversation highlights the importance of tracking ballots to ensure they are counted and that voters are aware of their registration status. Resources like the BPAC democracy toolkit are recommended for navigating state-specific voting regulations and ensuring everyone's voice is heard.
Nick Lowe's Musical Journey
The discussion showcases Nick Lowe's significant influence on the music scene, both as an artist and a producer. Lowe's early experiences included working with Nick Lowe in a studio, which led to pivotal collaborations that shaped his career trajectory. Notably, he highlighted the balance between simple musical compositions and live performances, which breathe life into songs. As he prepared for an upcoming album release, Lowe reflects on how touring has informed his songwriting and recording processes.
Records Behind the Scenes
In-depth reflections on various record labels reveal Lowe's complex relationship with the music industry. His experiences range from being unwelcomed at certain labels to finding collaborative success with others, illustrating the challenges faced by artists. The significance of the recording studio environment is also addressed, particularly how it shapes the sound and feel of music. Through personal anecdotes, he shares how the dynamics in studios provided him with growth opportunities, highlighting the collaborative and sometimes chaotic nature of music production.
This QLS is a special one-on-one episode between Team Supreme co-host Suga Steve and acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Nick Lowe. During an in-depth conversation, Lowe discusses songs from his sprawling catalog—including the newly released Indoor Safari with Los Straitjackets. He recalls making a song he hoped would get him dropped from his label, and why that plan backfired. Nick talks about his expansion into production, his relationship with vinyl, and the importance of the studio. Nick also tells the story of one of his songs, which he wrote two decades before, catching a monetary tailwind on The Bodyguard Soundtrack. This special QLS episode was recorded live at Reservoir Studios and engineered by James Yost.