Show Notes
In a deeply personal and wide-ranging discussion, the two artists explore the realities of navigating long careers in music and entertainment while confronting ageism, personal transformation, grief, family life and creative independence.
Both women speak openly about the industry barriers faced by female artists as they get older, particularly within radio and traditional label systems, while highlighting the creative liberation they have found through independence. As Spencer reflects, “You don’t hit an age and suddenly lose your talent.”
A central theme of the episode is the tension between industry expectations and artistic longevity. Danielle Spencer reflects on the irony that artists often become more interesting with age and experience, yet receive less support from traditional music structures: “Women who are doing some of their best work are not actually platformed anywhere. I don’t think people become less interesting as they get older, I think they become more interesting.”
Bassingthwaighte shares her own confronting experience with industry ageism, recalling how she was told her music might not receive radio support: “I was told, ‘They’re not going to play your songs on radio… you’re too old to sign a new deal,’ That was confronting,” states Bassingthwaighte.
The conversation also highlights the growing movement of established artists stepping away from traditional label systems and reclaiming creative control.
Both Danielle Spencer and Natalie Bassingthwaighte discuss how independence has allowed them to reconnect with the core reason they make music, authenticity. As Bassingthwaighte reflects, “We’re independent now, and it is so exhilarating… we don’t have to ask anyone else’s permission.” For Spencer, her latest album Regenerate reflects a broader life shift, embracing change as children grow up and new chapters begin: “It’s about hitting this point in life where you can decide it’s all over… or you can regenerate.”
The episode explores how lived experience, relationships, parenting, grief, and personal growth deepen artistic expression. Spencer notes that songwriting becomes richer with time and perspective: “I love hearing lyrics from somebody who has actually lived.” Bassingthwaighte reflects on the emotional impact of performing in the musical Jagged Little Pill and how it forced her to confront unresolved trauma: “Jagged Little Pill unravelled something in me. It left me raw and wide open.”
The conversation also moves into deeply personal territory, as both artists discuss navigating divorce, blended families, and parenting through major life transitions. Bassingthwaighte shares a powerful moment of honesty with her daughter while navigating a new relationship and evolving identity: “My daughter said, ‘Are you a lesbian?’ and I said, ‘I don’t know… I’ve just met someone I have a connection with.’ I wanted to be truthful, even though it was terrifying.” Throughout the episode, a common thread emerges: the importance of honesty in art and in life: “When you get older, you start to ask, ‘Who am I at my core? What do I stand for?’ That’s where the creativity comes from.”
Despite industry challenges and personal upheaval, both artists emphasise the importance of continuing to create and share stories. Spencer notes, “I realised I still had plenty to say. I’m not suddenly at a point where I need to be in the garden.” The episode offers a powerful reminder that creativity does not diminish with age; it evolves.
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