Craig Finn, the lead singer of indie rock band The Hold Steady, shares insights on job satisfaction and the pursuit of passion. He reflects on his own transformative journey from a monotonous office job to a vibrant music career. The conversation tackles the pressures of ambition, the joy of making music without expectations, and the nostalgia for alternative paths. Finn also explores the complexities of fulfillment after achieving success, balancing financial realities with artistic dreams, while celebrating the joy found in the journey.

Craig Finn, the lead singer and songwriter of The Hold Steady, is known for his vivid, literary-style songwriting. He often writes about characters going through an existential crisis. The Hold Steady released their eighth album, Open Door Policy, earlier this year. This time around, the Minneapolis-born Finn says his focus is on themes related to the trappings of technology and late-stage capitalism. On today’s episode Craig Finn talks to Bruce Headlam about how the Drive By Truckers inspired him to create The Hold Steady, how Springsteen taught him to vamp, and why he feels like it’s his duty to not only write about the party, but to write about the hangover too.Subscribe to Broken Record’s YouTube channel to hear all of our interviews:  https://www.youtube.com/brokenrecordpodcast and follow us on Twitter @BrokenRecordYou can also check out past episodes here: https://brokenrecordpodcast.comCheck out a playlist of our favorite Craig Finn and Hold Steady tracks  HERE. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Finn discusses Catholicism, music stands, and KISS. The episode explores relationships, creative control, and the emotional intensity of music. Themes of forgiveness, redemption, and connection through music are highlighted. Musical composition techniques and performance dynamics are also discussed.