Lake Street Dive Performs in the Studio
Digest
This podcast episode features an interview with the band Lake Street Dive, exploring their musical journey, songwriting process, and the themes behind their latest album, "Naturally Good Together." The band members discuss their unique blend of Americana, pop, country, and rock, which they developed while studying at the New England Conservatory. They also share their unique songwriting process, which involves rolling dice to determine parameters for their songs, encouraging collaboration and keeping their songwriting fresh. The episode delves into the theme of "joyful rebellion" that permeates their latest album, emphasizing the power of joy and optimism in challenging societal norms and promoting positive change. The band also discusses their musical influences, including Mavis Staples and the song "Just Another Soldier in the Army of Love," which inspired their approach to creating music that addresses both personal and societal issues. They highlight the benefits of not having a big radio hit, emphasizing the importance of having a diverse catalog of songs and the potential downsides of sudden fame. The episode concludes with a discussion of the inspiration behind their song "Set Sail, Prometheus, and Eros," highlighting the concept of Prometheus and Eros and their contrasting roles in the song's narrative.
Outlines
Lake Street Dive's Musical Journey
The band Lake Street Dive discusses their musical journey, from their early years as music students to their current success, highlighting their unique blend of Americana, Pop, Country, and Rock.
The Band's Dynamics and Songwriting Process
The band members discuss their band dynamics, emphasizing their love for each other and the joy they bring to their music. They also delve into their unique songwriting process, which involves rolling dice to determine parameters for their songs and collaborating in the studio.
The Theme of "Joyful Rebellion" and Musical Influences
The band discusses the theme of their latest album, "Naturally Good Together," focusing on the concept of "joyful rebellion" and its lasting impact on listeners. They also discuss their musical influences, including Mavis Staples and the song "Just Another Soldier in the Army of Love," which inspired their approach to creating music that addresses both personal and societal issues.
The Benefits of Not Having a Big Radio Hit and the Inspiration Behind "Set Sail, Prometheus, and Eros"
The band discusses the benefits of not having a big radio hit, emphasizing the importance of having a diverse catalog of songs and the potential downsides of sudden fame. They also discuss the inspiration behind their song "Set Sail, Prometheus, and Eros," highlighting the concept of Prometheus and Eros and their contrasting roles in the song's narrative.
Keywords
Americana
A genre of American roots music that blends elements of folk, country, blues, and rock. It often features storytelling lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and a focus on traditional American themes.
Joyful Rebellion
A concept that emphasizes the power of joy and optimism in challenging societal norms and promoting positive change. It suggests that joy can be a powerful force for resistance and transformation.
Maricana
A term used to describe a blend of Americana and pop music, often characterized by catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and a focus on storytelling.
Mavis Staples
A legendary American singer and civil rights activist known for her powerful vocals and her commitment to social justice. She has been a prominent figure in gospel, soul, and blues music for over six decades.
Just Another Soldier in the Army of Love
A song by The Staples Singers, a gospel and soul group known for their powerful vocals and their commitment to social justice. The song is a message of hope and unity, urging listeners to join together in the fight for love and equality.
Prometheus
In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. He is often seen as a symbol of rebellion, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Eros
In Greek mythology, Eros was the god of love, desire, and passion. He is often depicted as a winged youth with a bow and arrow, symbolizing the power of love to inspire and transform.
Q&A
How did Lake Street Dive's musical style evolve from their classical and jazz roots?
While studying at the New England Conservatory, the band members gravitated towards a blend of Americana, Pop, Country, and Rock, creating a unique sound that became their signature.
What is the band's songwriting process like, and how do they manage to stay creative after so many years together?
They use a unique method involving rolling dice to determine parameters for their songs, encouraging collaboration and keeping their songwriting fresh.
What is the theme of Lake Street Dive's latest album, "Naturally Good Together," and how does it reflect their musical philosophy?
The album explores the concept of "joyful rebellion," emphasizing the power of joy and optimism in challenging societal norms and promoting positive change.
How does Lake Street Dive's music address both personal and societal issues, and what is their approach to creating music that is both relatable and impactful?
They incorporate themes of love, heartbreak, and societal struggles into their music, aiming to create a sense of unity and shared experience among their listeners.
What are the benefits of not having a big radio hit, and how does Lake Street Dive's approach to music differ from artists who experience sudden fame?
They believe that having a diverse catalog of songs allows them to connect with a wider audience and maintain their artistic integrity, while avoiding the potential downsides of sudden fame.
What is the inspiration behind Lake Street Dive's song "Set Sail, Prometheus, and Eros," and how does it reflect their musical creativity?
The song draws inspiration from Greek mythology, contrasting the characters of Prometheus and Eros to explore themes of innovation, love, and the future of humanity.
Show Notes
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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