Kim Deal, the iconic lead singer and guitarist of The Breeders and The Pixies, shares her journey from the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, to the heights of alternative rock fame. She discusses the unexpected success of The Breeders, fueled by the hit 'Cannonball,' and her recent solo album, 'Nobody Loves You More.' Deal reflects on the serendipitous moments that shaped her career, the nostalgia of transforming music formats, and the evolution of female musicians in rock. It's a delightful dive into her musical inspirations and experiences!
Kim Deal's unexpected success with The Breeders' hit 'Cannonball' reflects her spontaneous artistic approach and transformation in the music industry.
Her evolution from covering songs in Dayton to performing original compositions with The Pixies and The Breeders highlights significant personal and professional growth.
Deep dives
Kim Deal's Musical Journey
Kim Deal's background in music began in Dayton, Ohio, where she played guitar with her sister but never had a formal band experience. Following a move to Boston and responding to a classified ad, she became a founding member of the influential band, The Pixies. This transition marked a significant step in her career, as it introduced her to the world of original music performances, contrasting with her experiences of playing mostly covers in Ohio. Her continuation in the music scene led to the formation of The Breeders in 1989, showcasing her evolution as an artist with a distinct voice in alternative rock.
The Breeders' Unexpected Success
The Breeders experienced a breakthrough with their hit song 'Cannonball,' which emerged during a transitional period for Kim Deal as she stepped away from The Pixies. The unexpected success of the track surprised her, as it was created with a casual and spontaneous approach that deviated from traditional hit-making strategies. The joy of seeing people dance to their music in bars was a new and exhilarating experience that highlighted the band's mainstream appeal. This marked a significant transformation, elevating The Breeders from being a side project into a top contender in the rock music scene.
Reflections on Growth and Change
As Kim Deal reflects on her music career, she expresses appreciation for the technological advancements in sound equipment and how they improve live performances today. Despite facing challenges and evolving as an artist, she values the progress and clarity that modern PAs provide compared to earlier performances. Additionally, she contrasts her earlier drinking habits with her current clear-headed approach to performing, highlighting a personal growth that positively influences her artistry. The discussion emphasizes that, while the music landscape and personal circumstances have changed, her love for guitar-driven rock remains as strong as ever.
With a little help from the smash hit Cannonball, The Breeders became one of the biggest names in early '90s alternative rock. In 2018, we chatted with the band's lead guitarist and singer Kim Deal. The band just released their first new record in 10 years. Just this past month, Deal recorded her first ever solo album: Nobody Loves You More. She talked about the music scene in her hometown of Dayton, Ohio, how unintended her success was, and transitioning from the Pixies to The Breeders.