All Of It Podcast Summary

Episode: Get Lit: The Ophelias Perform Live
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Spencer Pepit (Lead Singer and Songwriter of The Ophelias), along with band members Joe Schaeffer, Mick Adams, and Kate Goddard
Runtime: Approximately 19 minutes

Introduction to The Ophelias and Their New Album

The episode begins with Alison Stewart introducing The Ophelias, an indie rock band originally from Cincinnati, now based in New York City. The band celebrates the release of their fourth album, Spring Grove, produced by Julian Baker of Boygenius. Alison expresses excitement about the album preview shared during the "Get Lit with Olivet Book Club" event and mentions the band's upcoming North American tour, kicking off at the Broadway in Brooklyn.

Album Creation and Selection Process

Spencer Pepit discusses the collaborative process behind selecting the tracks for Spring Grove.
Quote:

“It was me, my three bandmates, and our producer, Julian Baker… I sent her a Google Drive folder of I think 20 something songs. And so everyone made a rank choice list of their favorites… A lot of people had the same favorites, which ended up,…”
Timestamp: [05:31 - 06:15]

He explains that the selection was democratic, with each member prioritizing their top choices, leading to a cohesive tracklist that resonated with the entire group.

Choosing the Album Title: Spring Grove

The conversation shifts to the album's title, Spring Grove, which is also the name of a cemetery in Cincinnati.
Quote:

“We did that song and we were driving home… Mick and Andrea said that has to be the title for the record. So I don't know. I like it when they tell me what the title should be.”
Timestamp: [06:21 - 06:56]

Spencer shares that the title was inspired organically during the recording process, emphasizing the collective decision-making within the band.

Collaboration with Producer Julian Baker

Spencer reflects on the significance of Julian Baker producing their album, highlighting it as a tremendous honor.
Quote:

“She can control time a little bit… It always kind of felt like we were on the right side of the clock somehow, even when we definitely weren't.”
Timestamp: [07:28 - 08:43]

He praises Julian's expertise and the welcoming atmosphere she created in the studio, which allowed the band to experiment and remain fluid during the recording sessions.

Defining "Moth Music"

The term "moth music," used to describe The Ophelias' sound, is explained by Spencer.
Quote:

“Andrea coined that term when we started the band in high school… I would say it means cathartic orchestral indie rock.”
Timestamp: [08:43 - 09:07]

This description encapsulates the band's blend of emotional depth and intricate instrumentation.

Exploring Identity in Music

A significant portion of the discussion centers on themes of identity within the band's music. Spencer emphasizes that music inherently reflects personal identity.
Quote:

“All music is about identity, whoever is writing it… Joe, our bassist, and Mick, our drummer, are both trans… It feels like we've all gotten a lot more confident in ourselves. And I think that is reflected in the music that we've made.”
Timestamp: [09:07 - 10:46]

He acknowledges the contributions of band members Joe Schaeffer and Mick Adams, both of whom are transgender, and how their experiences have influenced the band's creative direction, leading to a more confident and authentic sound.

Anticipation for the Tour and Album Release

Spencer expresses his excitement about the album's release after a prolonged period of mixing and fine-tuning.
Quote:

“I have been joking. I kind of feel like I've been pregnant for, like, three years. So I'm really thrilled to kind of birth… the record into the world.”
Timestamp: [10:48 - 11:06]

He also highlights the evolution of their live performances, noting a louder, tighter, and more complex setlist that fans can look forward to experiencing on tour.

Live Performances Featured in the Episode

The episode features live renditions of three songs from Spring Grove:

1. Cumulonimbus
   Live performance segment begins at [00:37], though lyrics are partially transcribed up to [05:24].

2. Open Sky
   Performed following the initial interview, lyrics partially transcribed up to [15:16].

3. Vulture Tree
   Concluding the live performance sections, with lyrics up to [19:08].

These performances showcase the band's new material, demonstrating the depth and complexity discussed during the interview.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Alison wraps up the segment by reiterating the release of Spring Grove and the commencement of their North American tour. She also provides a preview of the next hour’s content, which includes discussions on the new Broadway play "Purpose" with playwright Brandon Jacobs Jenkins and actors Harry Lennox and John Michael Hill, as well as an analysis of a New York Times article titled "The Gen X Career Meltdown."

Quote:

“That is all of it for this hour. Coming up next hour we'll talk about the new Broadway play Purpose with Tony Award winning playwright Brandon Jacobs Jenkins and actors Harry Lennox and John Michael Hill. Plus we'll talk about the recent New York Times article the Gen X Career Meltdown that's coming up after a break.”
Timestamp: [19:14 - 19:49]

Key Takeaways

• Spring Grove marks The Ophelias' fourth album, produced by Julian Baker, featuring a collaborative selection process for its tracks.
• The album title reflects the band’s roots and collective decision-making.
• Collaboration with Julian Baker brought a refined and welcoming creative environment, enhancing the band's studio experience.
• "Moth music" defines their style as cathartic orchestral indie rock.
• Themes of identity, particularly regarding the transgender experiences of band members Joe Schaeffer and Mick Adams, play a significant role in the album's creation and the band's music.
• The band anticipates a transformative live tour, showcasing a more dynamic and complex performance style.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Spencer Pepit on Album Selection:
  “…we made a rank choice list of their favorites… the one we just played was the first single from the record and that was on everyone's list.”
  [05:41 - 06:15]

• Spencer Pepit on Producer Julian Baker:
  “She can control time a little bit… It always kind of felt like we were on the right side of the clock somehow, even when we definitely weren't.”
  [07:52 - 08:43]

• Spencer Pepit on Identity in Music:
  “All music is about identity, whoever is writing it… It feels like we've all gotten a lot more confident in ourselves. And I think that is reflected in the music that we've made.”
  [09:07 - 10:46]

• Spencer Pepit on Album Release Excitement:
  “I have been joking. I kind of feel like I've been pregnant for, like, three years. So I'm really thrilled to kind of birth… the record into the world.”
  [10:48 - 11:06]

This episode of All Of It offers an insightful look into The Ophelias' latest creative endeavors, the significance of their new album Spring Grove, and the personal identities that shape their music. Through engaging discussions and live performances, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the band's evolution and the themes that drive their artistry.