What album shaped Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus as both an artist and a person? Ani DiFranco’s Not a Pretty Girl.

In this episode of The Spark Parade, Merrill joins host Adam Unze to reflect on the raw, political, and poetic power of DiFranco’s groundbreaking 1995 album.

They explore how the record helped her find her voice, challenged traditional ideas of femininity and artistry, and set the tone for Tune-Yards’ fiercely original sound.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Ani, Tune-Yards, or just looking for creative inspiration, you’ll find something to spark your imagination here.

Highlights include:

• The lasting influence of Not a Pretty Girl
• Ani DiFranco’s impact on feminist songwriting and DIY culture
• How Merrill found artistic freedom in Ani’s boldness
• The power of music to unlock identity and creative purpose

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

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