Show Notes
Kristin Hersh of THROWING MUSES joins Rain Phoenix on LaunchLeft for a raw, unfiltered conversation about artistic integrity and the music industry's dark underbelly. Kristin reflects on her journey in the music industry, discussing her experiences with major labels and her commitment to making music that feels true to her. She shares insights into her creative process, including her approach to songwriting and production. The conversation touches on themes of authenticity, the spiritual aspects of music, and the challenges of maintaining artistic vision in a commercial industry. Kristin Hersh then launches Wallace False, who offers his unique perspective on creating original music and art. The episode provides a fascinating look into two generations of musicians who prioritize creative expression over commercial success, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of independent and experimental music-making.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Intro: Kristin Hersh joins LaunchLeft podcast
(05:58) The music industry's focus on image over art
(13:18) Spirituality and channeling in music creation
(19:39) Exploring unconventional sounds and instruments
(25:49) Leaving major labels to pursue artistic vision
(32:28) Kristin on producing her own music and incorporating nature sounds
(38:32) Streaming's impact on musical exploration
(48:50) Wallace False is launched
(53:54) Creating original sounds from basic waveforms
(59:18) Finding inspiration beyond audience expectations
(60:00) Wallace False's new industrial soundscape album: Signal
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Kristin has always prioritized authenticity in her music, choosing to leave major labels to maintain artistic integrity and her creative process. She believes that music is about capturing a visceral truth, not conforming to industry standards of prettiness or marketability. It's about nurturing the energetic essence of a song and letting it resonate with listeners who appreciate its rawness.
Kristin strives for originality and control through her creative process. By manipulating raw sounds to craft unique compositions and avoiding conventional influences, she aims to create something entirely its own. It's important not to become complacent in any artistic lane, but to explore and experiment, allowing inspiration to guide the way.
Music has a spiritual component that goes beyond just sound. It's about being a vessel for inspiration, channeling something greater than oneself. Kristin and Wyatt create music that resonates with truth, rejecting superficial standards and focusing on the deeper connection it can foster with those who truly listen.
RESOURCE LINKS:
LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link
KRISTIN HERSH LINKS:
WALLACE FALSE LINKS:
https://dondekko.bandcamp.com/album/signal
https://medium.com/@wyatt.true.oconnell/the-fortune-letters-bc68e47777ea
BIOGRAPHIES:
KRISTIN HERSH:
"One of indie rock's most fascinating figures" - The Guardian
The inimitable Kristin Hersh is a musician's musician, a songwriter's songwriter, and an innovator's innovator. The Queen of Grunge's first band, Throwing Muses, began recording and playing out when they were just 14 years old and they're still going. 2020's critically acclaimed Sun Racket was hailed as a "perfect record."
Hersh's refusal to participate in a corporate industry saw her leave a Warner Brothers recording contract at the top of her success in order to become listener-supported. "Music is humanist and so are we," as she puts it. Wildly prolific, she has released more than 20 albums - solo, with Throwing Muses, and her noise rock band 50 Foot Wave ("A group that runs laps around most rock bands" said Pitchfork, on 2022's Black Pearl).
She's also a celebrated author: Rolling Stone named her first book, Rat Girl (Penguin) one of the ten best rock memoirs of all time. NPR said of her second book, Don't Suck, Don't Die, "Not only one of the best books of the year, but one of the most beautiful rock
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