Belinda Carlisle, the former lead vocalist of the Go-Go's and a successful solo artist, shares her fascinating journey in music. She reflects on the punk beginnings of the Go-Go's and their rise to fame in the 1980s, including the iconic 'We Got the Beat.' The conversation highlights the challenges of being in an all-female band and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Carlisle also discusses her evolution as an artist and the impact of her feel-good anthems on pop culture.
Belinda Carlisle emphasizes the Go-Go's groundbreaking achievement as the first all-girl band to dominate charts with their original music.
The podcast highlights Carlisle's transition from the Go-Go's to her solo career, addressing the challenges of maintaining her artistic identity amidst fame.
Carlisle discusses her current projects and the importance of evolving with the music industry while staying true to her artistic vision.
Deep dives
Ryan Reynolds and Mid Mobile Introduction
Ryan Reynolds humorously discusses his experience with his numerous commercials for Mid Mobile, a budget-friendly wireless service that charges $15 a month. He expresses surprise that many consumers are still paying significantly higher rates for wireless services. The ad emphasizes the ease of switching to a more affordable option, highlighting the potential savings for customers. Reynolds invites listeners to try out Mid Mobile's service through their website, showcasing the appeal of affordable communication.
The Film 'Still Crazy' and Collaborations
The conversation shifts to the film 'Still Crazy,' in which Reynolds met Bill Nye while working on music for the project. The film features a fictional band called Strange Fruit, which reunites after a long hiatus. The discussions cover the process of creating the film's music, including the experiences of training the actors to present themselves as a cohesive band. The collaborative effort behind the project fosters a sense of camaraderie while reminiscing about the challenges and laughter shared during production.
Belinda Carlisle's Impact on Music
Belinda Carlisle's significant contributions to music and her groundbreaking work with the Go-Go's are explored in depth. As the first all-girl band to achieve high charts success with their own instruments and songs, the Go-Go's paved the way for future female musicians. Carlisle recalls their early days and how their identity as a playful, female-driven band was formed. The discussion highlights the cultural impact of the Go-Go's, their musical evolution, and their reunion tours that have followed over the years.
Navigating Fame and Solo Careers
As their band disbanded, Carlisle discusses the transition to her solo career. She reflects on the challenges of finding her identity as an individual artist while grappling with the pressures of fame and the music industry. She addresses how her early experiences and decisions shaped her future music choices, noting the importance of collaborative relationships with producers and songwriters. This experience underscores the balance between maintaining creativity and navigating the expectations that come with success.
Current Projects and Future of Music
The episode concludes with an insight into Carlisle's current projects, including her upcoming single and collaborations with notable artists. She expresses excitement about continuing to create music and the importance of adapting to industry changes while retaining her original artistic vision. Her reflections on the evolving landscape of the music industry emphasize a balance between new influences and the classic sounds that shaped her career. Carlisle's journey serves as an inspiration for both emerging and established artists navigating today's complex music scene.
This week on Rockonteurs, Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt chat with the former lead vocalist of the most successful all-female rock band of all time and a hugely successful solo artist too. We are delighted to welcome Belinda Carlisle to the podcast. From Punk to Pop, we discuss the Go-Go’s, their influences, and their success culminating with the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Plus, we look back at those huge feel-good pop anthems of the 80s.
Rockonteurs is produced by Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.