Song Exploder

MJ Lenderman, a talented musician known for his solo work and contributions to the band Wednesday, dives deep into the creative evolution of his song "You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In." He shares how the song transformed from a simple demo into a reimagined masterpiece, emphasizing the power of repetition and late-night sessions. MJ also reflects on the emotional aspects of songwriting, particularly addressing themes of drifting relationships and the challenges of capturing the original energy while battling self-doubt in his creative journey.

James Acaster, a talented comedian and musician known for his clever Netflix specials and co-hosting Off Menu, dives deep into the powerful connection between music and personal growth. He reflects on the impact of OutKast's 'Hey Ya!' on his musical journey. Acaster shares his unique switch from left to right-handed drumming and how a life-changing car accident spurred his comedic career. He also discusses the vital role of rhythm in both music and comedy, highlighting the delicate balance of audience engagement and artistic innovation.

Lucy Dacus, a talented singer and songwriter recognized for her work with Boygenius, reflects on her poignant song 'Thumbs.' She shares the emotional journey that inspired the track, highlighting themes of parental mistreatment and vulnerability. Dacus discusses the challenges she faced during the recording process and the therapeutic power of songwriting. Additionally, she dives into her minimalistic approach to music production, aiming for an ethereal quality that enhances the song's emotional impact.

Theodore Shapiro, composer renowned for his work with Ben Stiller, discusses the captivating main title theme for the acclaimed series Severance. He reveals how the initial concept evolved through experimentation with unique sound palettes and organic motifs, fitting the show's intricate themes. Shapiro shares intriguing stories about his creative process, including avoiding typical temp tracks to maintain originality. Listeners will also discover how the music's emotional dynamics resonate deeply with the show's narrative, making it an unforgettable auditory experience.

Hanif Abdurraqib, a celebrated poet and cultural critic, dives into the world of The Clash and shares how his childhood library experiences sparked his love for music. He reflects on the thrill of discovering 'Lost in the Supermarket' and how limited access to music deepened his appreciation. Abdurraqib also reminisces about trading songs during middle school and the emotional duality of The Clash’s music, highlighting the calm amidst chaos. Finally, he discusses the power of music writing in shaping our understanding of artists.

Sasami, a talented singer-songwriter and producer known for her work in Cherry Glazerr, takes us on a nostalgic journey in this engaging discussion. She shares how a transformative house-sitting experience in Northern California inspired her song "In Love With a Memory," featuring Clairo. Fans will love hearing her original voice memos and the creative evolution of the track, co-produced with Grammy-winning Rostam. Sasami reflects on the complexities of longing and emotional connections, emphasizing the power of collaboration in her music.

Kevin Barnes, the visionary lead singer and songwriter of Of Montreal, dives deep into the making of their iconic track 'Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games.' He reflects on the emotional weight of the song during the release of 'The Sunlandic Twins' and discusses his transition to solo artistry. Themes of escapism, whimsical love, and the duality of light and dark are explored, alongside the idea of 'magical thinking' in music. Barnes invites listeners into a surreal world, celebrating creativity and the complex beauty of existence.

Sophie Thatcher, an actor and musician known for her roles in 'Yellowjackets' and 'Companion', shares how Elliott Smith's poignant track 'Waltz #1' deeply influenced her artistic identity. She reflects on the solace she found in Smith's music during challenging times, especially in her adolescence. The discussion highlights the powerful emotional ties between music and personal experiences, exploring nostalgia and vulnerability in both music and film, and how Smith's vocal layering has informed her creative journey.

In this conversation, Yola, a talented singer, songwriter, and actress known for her breakout roles and Grammy-nominated music, reflects on her artistic evolution. She shares her journey from the electronic music scene in the UK to her current identity in Americana. Yola discusses her song 'Symphony,' emphasizing themes of self-acceptance and empowerment. Alongside co-writer Sean Douglas, they delve into the collaborative process, exploring how live sessions and experimentation shape their musical storytelling.

In this episode, Adrianne Lenker, the lead singer of Big Thief and acclaimed solo artist, shares her journey through heartbreak and creativity. She discusses how sadness can transform into a beautiful artistic expression in her song 'Sadness As a Gift.' Lenker and co-producer Phil Weinrobe reveal the intimate and boundary-pushing recording techniques they used to capture raw emotion. They also reflect on the evolution of the song's lyrics, emphasizing the deep connections formed during collaboration and the profound complexities of love.