Kim Deal, the indie-rock icon and original bassist of The Pixies, shares her journey from the groundbreaking alt-rock scene to launching her solo career. She discusses her collaborations with the late Steve Albini, revealing his regrets over their work on 'Surfer Rosa'. Kim reminisces about the creative burst inspired by a Nantucket trip while recording her new single, 'Coast'. She reflects on the highs and lows of making music, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community throughout her artistic evolution.
Kim Deal's transition from The Pixies to The Breeders showcases her evolution as an artist through collaboration and personal experience.
The podcast highlights the mutual respect between Kim Deal and Steve Albini, emphasizing the complexities of their creative dynamics during album production.
Deep dives
Kim Deal's Musical Journey
Kim Deal, known for her role as the original bassist and co-vocalist of the Pixies, transitioned to success with her band The Breeders in the early 90s. After the Pixies released their classic albums such as Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, Deal took time off to collaborate with her twin sister Kelly in The Breeders, producing notable hits like Last Splash. The discussion highlights how various life experiences and personal relationships have shaped her music, marking a significant evolution from her early days in the industry. The impact of her musical journey is emphasized by the continued relevance of her work, now with a new solo album titled Nobody Loves You More.
Collaboration with Steve Albini
The podcast explores Kim Deal's professional relationship with renowned producer and engineer Steve Albini, particularly during the recording of the Pixies' Surfer Rosa. Deal reflects on a moment where Albini expressed regret about a specific contribution he made to the album, shedding light on the complexities of collaborative dynamics in the studio. This conversation reveals the affectionate bond they share, highlighting how Albini and Deal view each other with mutual respect and care, despite his often reticent approach to production. The honesty in their creative process is a testament to the authenticity that characterizes both Deal's and Albini’s work.
Inspiration Behind 'Coast'
Kim shares the inspiration behind her new lead single, 'Coast,' which stems from her tumultuous experiences in Nantucket, encapsulating her past struggles with addiction. She paints a vivid picture of off-season island workers eagerly chasing waves while she was sorting through her chaotic lifestyle of substance abuse. This juxtaposition serves as a poignant backdrop for the song, allowing listeners to grasp the complexity of her emotional journey. Deal’s recollections illustrate how memories of people and places can spark creativity, resulting in powerful musical narratives.
Reflections on Earlier Work
Deal discusses her earlier recordings with The Breeders and her development as a musician, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with influential figures throughout her career. She reflects on the evolution of her songwriting and sound, particularly regarding her new album, which includes songs that were reworked from her earlier material. This retrospective approach shows her growth as an artist and the ways in which her past informs her present creations. Her relationships with long-time collaborators like Josephine Wiggs and Jim McPherson serve as critical support for her new musical endeavors.
Kim Deal is an indie-rock icon. In the mid-80s, she joined The Pixies as the band’s original bassist and co-vocalist. After the release of their debut album Come On Pilgrim in 1987, followed by the alt-rock classics Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, Kim took a break from The Pixies to form her own band, The Breeders. With the help of Kim’s twin sister Kelley on lead guitar, The Breeders released a couple EPs and four studio albums, including the platinum-selling ‘90s hit, Last Splash.
This year after a run with The Breeders opening up for Olivia Rodrigo's worldwide Guts tour, Kim Deal is once again heading out on her own with the release of her first solo album, Nobody Loves You More. The album was recorded by the late Steve Albini, a close friend and longtime collaborator of Kim’s, and it features a slew of her other old friends and collaborators, including Slint’s Britt Walford on drums, and The Breeders Josephine Wiggs, Jim Macphearson, and of course Kelley Deal.
On today’s episode Leah Rose talks to Kim Deal about working with Steve Albini on The Pixies Surfer Rosa, and why he always regretted a specific contribution to that album. Kim also recalls recording The Breeders’ first two albums, and she remembers how a group of surfers on a druggy trip to Nantucket helped inspire her new lead single, Coast.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Kim Deal songs HERE.