All Of It Podcast Summary: Matt Berninger's New Solo Album

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart (filled in by David Fuerst)
• Episode Title: Matt Berninger's New Solo Album
• Release Date: May 30, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT explores culture and its consumers, engaging with thinkers, creators, and artists to delve into the what and why of their work.

1. Introduction and Album Release

[00:00 - 01:12]

David Fuerst opens the episode by announcing the release of Matt Berninger's second solo album, Get Sunk. He provides context by mentioning that this album follows five years after Berninger's debut solo effort, Serpentine Prison, and numerous releases with his band, The National, including two full-length LPs in 2023. Fuerst also highlights that Matt Berninger is embarking on his first solo tour, with upcoming performances at Webster Hall and Rough Trade.

David Fuerst: "Get Sunk comes five years after Berninger's debut solo album... Matt Berninger is on his first solo tour."
[01:12]

2. Evolution from First to Second Solo Album

[01:12 - 03:49]

The conversation transitions to the genesis of Get Sunk. Julia Laws explains that Serpentine Prison was initially intended as a covers album inspired by Booker T. Jones's Stardust. However, as original songs began to emerge during production, the focus shifted entirely to original material. The pandemic-induced lockdown interrupted the planned tour for Serpentine Prison, leading to the development of new songs that eventually culminated in the Get Sunk album.

Julia Laws: "Serpentine Prison started out as a covers record... we just switched to original while we were kind of cooking it."
[02:08]

3. Impact of the Pandemic on Album Creation

[03:49 - 08:01]

Julia discusses how the COVID-19 lockdown affected the album's production. The inability to tour Serpentine Prison led to studio collaborations under challenging conditions, including mask mandates and social distancing. Despite initial plans being derailed, these constraints fostered new creative processes, allowing for the development of the first batch of songs that would be part of Get Sunk. This period also marked a profound personal journey for Berninger, especially concerning his struggles with depression.

Julia Laws: "On came the lockdown and everything. And so there was no, I couldn't tour Serpentine Prison."
[03:49]

4. Themes of Depression and Water Metaphors

[08:01 - 12:13]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the themes of depression and personal struggle within Get Sunk. Julia elaborates on her use of water metaphors to depict emotional states, emphasizing their elemental and universal nature. She references a pivotal conversation with David Letterman about depression, highlighting the notion that "there's nothing wrong with water until you're under it." This metaphor underscores the depth and omnipresence of depressive feelings, aligning with the album's exploration of mental health.

Julia Laws: "Water is something... it's so elemental that it just. It can apply to so many things."
[04:08]

Julia Laws: "In times of difficulty... get sunk..."
[09:29]

5. Discussion on "Times of Difficulty"

[08:01 - 12:13]

The episode delves into the song "Times of Difficulty," the album's closing track. Julia explains that the song was conceptualized before her personal battle with depression but gained deeper meaning during her experience in 2023. The phrase "in times of tears get sunk" is explored, revealing its inspiration from the Kansas state motto, "Ad astra per aspera" (through adversity to the stars). This duality reflects both personal resilience and a broader human contemplation of existence.

Julia Laws: "Kansas had to make a choice, slave states or free states, and they decided to be a free state, and they made it their state motto."
[11:03]

Julia Laws: "Times of Difficulty is about... trying to understand our place in the universe and why we're here."
[11:37]

6. Collaboration and Band Members

[13:36 - 16:24]

Julia highlights the collaborative nature of Get Sunk, introducing key band members and contributors. She mentions Julia Laws (also known as Ron Boy) as a prominent vocalist on eight tracks, along with other musicians like Sean O'Brien, Garrett Lang, and Sterling Laws. The tight-knit group has been working together for five years, ensuring a cohesive sound for live performances. Julia also notes the involvement of Kyle Reznik from The National on brass arrangements.

Julia Laws: "Julia Laws, also known as Ron Boy, sings on eight of the songs on this record."
[15:08]

7. Live Shows and Cover Songs

[16:24 - 18:57]

The discussion shifts to Matt Berninger's live performances, including the integration of cover songs into his sets. Julia shares her experience covering iconic tracks like Radiohead's "Kid A," Nirvana's "All Apologies," Tom Petty, and Tom Waits's "Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night." She expresses both the challenge and joy of interpreting beloved songs, emphasizing the emotional connection and personal significance they hold.

Julia Laws: "I have to ask you about this, too. You're closing some shows with COVID songs. Radiohead's Kid A, Nirvana's All Apologies."
[16:37]

Julia Laws: "I was like, let's do my favorite song ever... it was so fun."
[17:25]

8. Conclusion and Upcoming Performances

[18:11 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Julia expresses excitement for the upcoming live shows at Webster Hall and Rough Trade. She appreciates playing these songs live for the first time and looks forward to connecting with audiences. David Fuerst concludes by playing a snippet of "Inland Ocean," the album's opening track, leaving listeners with a taste of Get Sunk.

Julia Laws: "I can't wait. I love Webster hall so much. And no, and I love New York."
[18:37]

David Fuerst: "We're gonna hear a little bit of Inland Ocean, the opening track."
[19:16]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• David Fuerst: "Get Sunk comes five years after Berninger's debut solo album..."
  [01:12]

• Julia Laws: "Serpentine Prison started out as a covers record... we just switched to original while we were kind of cooking it."
  [02:08]

• Julia Laws: "Water is something... it's so elemental that it just. It can apply to so many things."
  [04:08]

• Julia Laws: "Kansas had to make a choice, slave states or free states, and they decided to be a free state, and they made it their state motto."
  [11:03]

• Julia Laws: "I can't wait. I love Webster hall so much. And no, and I love New York."
  [18:37]

Key Insights and Conclusions:

• Creative Evolution: Matt Berninger's transition from a covers album to original material showcases adaptability and creative growth, influenced significantly by external factors like the pandemic.

• Mental Health Themes: Get Sunk delves deep into personal struggles with depression, using water metaphors to articulate complex emotional landscapes.

• Collaborative Effort: The album is a testament to collaborative artistry, with contributions from longstanding band members and new collaborators enhancing its depth and richness.

• Live Performances: Incorporating cover songs adds a layer of nostalgia and personal connection, enriching live shows and offering audiences a blend of original and cherished tracks.

• Philosophical Undertones: The album not only reflects personal battles but also engages with broader existential questions, inviting listeners to contemplate their place in the universe.

Get Sunk emerges as a multifaceted work that intertwines personal vulnerability with universal themes, presenting Matt Berninger's continued evolution as a compelling solo artist.