Podcast Episode Summary: "Katie Gavin of MUNA Performs Live From Her Debut Solo Album"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. The show fosters a diverse community, reflecting the vibrant culture of New York City.

Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart welcomes Katie Gavin, the talented lead singer of MUNA, to discuss her debut solo album, "What a Relief." Known for hits like "Silk Chiffon" and touring with Taylor Swift, Katie ventures into a more stripped-back, acoustic sound with her solo project, delving into the multifaceted theme of love.

Background on Katie Gavin and MUNA

Katie Gavin has been at the forefront of MUNA's success, contributing significantly to the band's breakout moments over the past few years. Her transition to a solo artist marks a new chapter, allowing her to explore personal narratives and introspective songwriting.

Debut Solo Album: "What a Relief"

Katie introduces her solo debut, "What a Relief," described as a confessional and acoustic album. Alison highlights Pitchfork’s review, stating the album delivers “introspective self-portraits whose sound calls back to Gavin's youth and stories, rich with the kind of empathy that's only gained over time” (01:30). The core theme revolves around love in its various manifestations—from romantic highs and the depths of heartbreak to the unconditional love for a pet and familial bonds.

Live Performance: "Casual Drug Use"

The episode features a live performance of Katie's song "Casual Drug Use" at Studio 5. Alison notes, "That was actually written about a 2016 breakup" (05:00), underscoring the personal nature of Katie's music. Katie elaborates:

"It was written while I was going through a 2016 breakup, and it was about some real-life experiences related to that." (05:13)

Process of Creating the Solo Album

Katie discusses the inception of her solo project, noting that the initial track was intended for MUNA but didn’t align with the band's vision. The Pandemic period became a pivotal time for her creativity:

"It kind of happened during the Pandemic... Muna got dropped in 2020 from RCA and we got re-signed to Phoebe Bridger's label... she said, I would like to put out this record as well." (05:47)

Being dropped by RCA led MUNA to an existential reflection, ultimately strengthening their focus and reaffirming their commitment to their community.

Themes and Inspirations

The album's title, "What a Relief," encapsulates the relief Katie feels in taking accountability for her flaws and embracing agency over her personal growth:

"It's like, what a relief to know that some of this was my fault and I'm not a victim after all. It's the idea of taking accountability... there's possibility to change." (07:22)

Katie draws inspiration from the Lilith Fair era, emphasizing the importance of introspective songwriting and community support among female and queer artists:

"There's so much brilliant songwriting... seeing women and queer people as just the subjects in their own lives... the community has been really important to me as an artist." (08:15)

Collaborations and Production

Katie highlights her collaboration with fellow artist Nana Adoja (Mitski) on the track "As Good As It Gets," a duet suggested by Phoebe Bridgers. She praises her producer Tony Berg for pushing her to explore unconventional songwriting structures:

"He really pushes you to make interesting choices that serve the song... he pushes me outside of the box a little bit." (14:07)

Katie reflects on her growth in advocating for her creative vision, ensuring her songs remain true to her instincts despite external feedback.

Songwriting and Personal Growth

Katie differentiates her songwriting approach between MUNA and her solo work. While MUNA remains her primary creative outlet, her solo songs often embody "B-sides" or rejected tracks that allow her to experiment and express personal narratives without the band's framework:

"I'm constantly writing for Muna... if a song doesn't feel right for them, it goes to me. These are B sides... this is a cherry on top." (15:48)

Writing serves as a therapeutic tool for Katie, helping her process emotions and connect with others through shared experiences. The song "Sweet Abbey Girl" exemplifies this, written during a period of grief after adopting and losing a pet:

"I wrote that song while I was really grieving. It helps me create, share, and talk about those feelings with other people." (16:43)

Directing Music Videos

Expanding her creative repertoire, Katie has directed music videos for tracks like "Casual Drug Use" and "Aftertaste." Collaborating with photographer and director Alexa Vicious, Katie enjoys the process of bringing her detailed visual fantasies to life:

"I’ve been having detailed fantasies to pop songs since I was 8, so directing is not that hard for me." (18:02)

Live Performances and Interaction

Performing solo has offered Katie a new dynamic with her audience. Without the barriers of in-ear monitors, she experiences a more intimate connection, engaging in conversations throughout her shows. Her recent performance at the Bowery Ballroom, now sold out, features collaborations like the live duet with Nana Adoja.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Katie shares her pride in tracks like "Inconsolable" and "The Baton," highlighting her development as a fiddle player and her willingness to embrace new musical ventures. Alison thanks Katie and Nana Adoja for their participation, celebrating the release of "What a Relief."

"Thank you for having us... The new record is called what a Relief." (24:49)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "What a relief to know that some of this was my fault and I'm not a victim after all." — Katie Gavin (07:22)
• "There's so much brilliant songwriting... seeing women and queer people as just the subjects in their own lives." — Katie Gavin (08:15)
• "He really pushes you to make interesting choices that serve the song." — Katie Gavin (14:07)
• "I'm constantly writing for Muna... These are B sides. This is a cherry on top." — Katie Gavin (15:48)
• "I wrote that song while I was really grieving. It helps me create, share, and talk about those feelings with other people." — Katie Gavin (16:43)

Final Thoughts

Katie Gavin's solo debut, "What a Relief," offers a heartfelt exploration of love and personal accountability through an acoustic lens. Her collaboration with influential artists and producers, coupled with her introspective songwriting, marks a significant evolution from her work with MUNA. This episode of ALL OF IT provides listeners with an intimate glimpse into Katie's creative journey, underscored by live performances and candid discussions about her growth as an artist.