Bridget Kearney, the bassist for Lake Street Dive, draws inspiration from the legendary Billy Joel as they share their journey from performing in small venues to the grandeur of Madison Square Garden. They reflect on their unique songwriting processes, the importance of camaraderie, and their political anthem 'Shame, Shame, Shame.' The band aims to evoke an intimate vibe at big shows, hoping to create connections like a 'gig at a dive bar.' They also discuss their new songs and the blend of themes in their music, full of emotion and hope.
Lake Street Dive's journey from small venues to Madison Square Garden exemplifies their grassroots approach and dedication to musical authenticity.
Their emphasis on joy in songwriting reflects a commitment to creating uplifting music while also addressing contemporary political themes and social issues.
Deep dives
Lake Street Dive's Musical Journey
Lake Street Dive's unique blend of Americana, pop, country, and rock has evolved over the years, starting from their roots as music students at the New England Conservatory. Originating from a small underground scene, the band used to tour in small venues before gradually gaining recognition, culminating in their recent performance at Madison Square Garden. Members discussed how their initial goal was to create music that was accessible to a wide audience, leading them to explore various genres while maintaining a distinct sound. Their journey from playing in dive bars to a major venue reflects their grassroots approach and commitment to staying true to their musical identity.
The Creation of Joyful Music
Lake Street Dive emphasized the importance of joy in their music, highlighting it as a driving force that has kept them together through challenging times. They strive to create songs that carry a lasting sense of happiness and celebration, as opposed to short-lived emotions such as anger or sadness. The discussion revealed their innovative songwriting process, including the use of Dungeons and Dragons dice to set parameters for their music and lyrics, showcasing their playful approach to creativity. This joyful rebellion in their new record aims to evoke positive feelings and shared experiences among their listeners, allowing for a collective catharsis during performances.
Political Themes and Unified Messages
The band introduced political themes into their music, particularly in songs addressing power dynamics and social issues, such as their track 'Shame, Shame, Shame'. They believe that music can serve as a unifying force for diverse audiences, fostering a sense of community through shared experiences and emotions. Their goal is to express feelings of sadness and frustration while also providing uplifting messages, creating a balance that resonates with listeners. Lake Street Dive’s commitment to engaging with contemporary issues through their music showcases their desire to connect personally and politically with their audience.
Lake Street Dive recorded their first album with money that their bassist won in a songwriting contest. They built a following the old-fashioned way, touring small venues for years and building a loyal following of fans—including David Remnick—who thought of them as an under-the-radar secret. Almost twenty years later, the band finds themselves onstage at Madison Square Garden. “My main inspiration for playing M.S.G. is Billy Joel,” the bassist Bridget Kearney said. “It feels like the club when he’s playing there, because he’s so comfortable there. . . . Like, ‘Welcome to my monthly gig, here again at Madison Square Garden.’ It won’t be quite like that for us . . . but I’d love it if we could in some ways make it feel intimate, make it feel like it’s a gigantic dive bar.”
They joined David Remnick in the studio at WNYC to perform “Good Together”and “Set Sail (Prometheus & Eros),” from their new album, and “Shame, Shame, Shame,” an older song about a Donald Trump-like “big man” who doesn’t “know how to be a good man.”
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