Podcast Summary: ALL OF IT (WNYC)

Medium Build's 'Country'

Date: June 20, 2024
Host: Koosha Navadar (in for Alison Stewart)
Guest: Nick Carpenter (Medium Build)

Overview

This episode of ALL OF IT features an intimate listening party and interview with Nick Carpenter, the Alaska-born singer-songwriter behind the indie/folk/country project Medium Build. In the wake of his April release "Country"—his first studio album since 2019—the conversation delves into Carpenter's creative process, the role of nostalgia, finding authenticity as an artist, and memorable facets of his personal journey, including tips from an unusual internship and sentimental tributes to Shrek.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Authenticity in Songwriting

• DNA of the Album:

  • Carpenter wanted "Country" to feel imprinted with his personal DNA, meaning music that is deeply personal, honest, and doesn't chase mass appeal.
  • Quote: "I'm not interested in telling anyone else's stories, but mine or the stories that I want to tell... I'd rather make something that I like and hope that the people that are into it come along." (04:04–04:45)

• Authenticity as Medium Build’s Core:

  • Since inception, Medium Build has always foregrounded honest, real-life narratives, even when that means being less palatable.
  • Quote: "That's been the recipe since the beginning. It's just been say the honest thing, say the real thing..." (04:51–05:09)

2. The Role of Nostalgia and Memory

• Song: "In My Room" (06:00)

  • Inspired by a childhood bedroom songwriting prompt; reflects on lonely, imaginative childhood moments with humor and pop culture references.
  • Host observes numerous relatable '90s references (Matrix, The Simpsons, Weird Al).

• Intentional Use of Nostalgia:

  • Carpenter is careful not to let nostalgia sugarcoat pain, using it to highlight rather than obscure emotional complexities.
  • Quote: "Generally nostalgia is a bad detour... It's like sugar. You don't want to use too much of it, but in the right doses it can be really effective, right?" (07:22–08:25)
  • Describes blend: "What I'm really doing is... internal family system therapy work, but I'm couching it in this humor and nostalgia device." (07:22–08:25)

• Finding the Right Balance:

  • Early Medium Build songs went "too much" into introspection; now aims for a "union between the material and the delivery method," mixing vulnerability with accessibility.
  • Quote: "This song felt... my favorite song from the record to play live. And it feels like I nailed the—let's do both. Let's laugh, let's look back, and let's give that kid empathy and... a voice." (08:42–09:36)

• Evolving Sound:

  • Tries to create music his mom would appreciate, leaning into simplicity and clarity.
  • Quote: "...she was just like, this stuff is so yucky and difficult to listen to... every year I try to make something Lydia would like a little bit more." (09:54–10:38)

3. Travel, Change, and Creation

• Song: "Cutting Through the Country" (10:57)
  • Born out of a literal and metaphorical journey: relocating solo from Alaska to Nashville after a breakup, capturing the manic, hopeful energy of reinvention.
  • Quote: “We made it... This is the demo... I wanted the cadence of the lyrics to have sort of the feel of like an Earl Sweatshirt song. ...There’s no break, it's just brain just coming to you..." (12:26–13:55)
• Recording Process:
  • The studio take was a creative "Frankenstein," pieced together from several partial performances, so performing live was a new challenge.
• The Subaru Legacy:
  • The old car that carried him cross-country also stars in the music video, a symbol of journey and resourcefulness.
  • Quote: "That Subaru is rocking... It's the official car of Alaska." (15:23–15:33)

4. Organization, Craft, and Lessons from the Industry

• Disney Publishing Internship:
  • Lessons in cataloging and organization profoundly impacted his approach to songwriting and archiving ideas.
  • Quote: "I learned write less and write everything down. Just be organized because there's so many beautiful songs just lost on people's phones." (16:12–16:54)

5. Aging, "Coolness," and Acceptance

• Song: "Can't Be Cool Forever" (17:09)
  • Written during a lonely Thanksgiving in London, reflecting on changing definitions of purpose, community, and lasting relevance.
  • Quote: "I started to feel like maybe I don't have anything to say or maybe what I have to say is not for everyone. ...I am a niche thing, and that's okay. I'm more interested in finding my people...” (18:06–19:31)
• Priorities Now:
  • Focused on honesty, health, presence, and meaningful connections rather than chasing "universal" acclaim.
  • Quote: "I'd rather do less work and more appreciating." (19:41–20:21)

6. The Shrek Factor: Humor and Pop Culture Roots

• Shrek as a Touchstone:
  • Childhood inspirations; Shrek’s antihero status and cultural crossover appeal resonate.
  • Funny anecdote: Banned from a school talent show for singing the Shrek version of "I Like Big Butts".
  • Host and guest bond over shared childhood karaoke Shrek performances.
  • Quote: "Shrek’s just kind of a hero... the like, the millennial and like, Zoomer kind of crossover..." (20:38–21:17)
  • Favorite Shrek character: The sassy mirror on the wall. (21:33)

7. Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Authenticity:
  • "I'd rather make something that I like and hope that the people that are into it come along." (04:43)
• On Nostalgia:
  • "Generally nostalgia is a bad detour... it's like sugar. You don't want to use too much of it..." (07:22)
• On Personal Growth:
  • "I'd rather do less work and more appreciating." (20:21)
• On Shrek:
  • "I was banned from, you know, fifth grade talent show because of my relationship with Shrek." (20:38)

Notable Timestamps by Segment

• 02:14 – First live performance: "Known by None"
• 03:45 – Introduction of Nick Carpenter and 'Country'
• 04:04–04:45 – Discussion on honest, DNA-driven songwriting
• 06:00 – "In My Room" performance
• 07:22–08:25 – On nostalgia’s limits and benefits in songwriting
• 10:57–12:04 – "Cutting Through the Country" performance and creation insights
• 13:55–15:33 – Moving from Alaska to Nashville; Subaru story
• 16:12–16:54 – Disney Publishing: industry lessons
• 17:09–17:59 – "Can't Be Cool Forever" performance & reflection on changing priorities
• 18:06–19:31 – Embracing artistic niche and community
• 20:38–21:17 – Shrek discussion; cultural references and personal anecdotes

Final Thoughts

This episode showcases Nick Carpenter’s heartfelt approach to art and self, blending emotional candor with dry humor and nostalgic warmth. His reflections on balancing personal honesty with accessible songwriting, navigating change, and prioritizing genuine connection over coolness offer inspiration for both creators and listeners. The conversation’s lighthearted moments—like the Shrek karaoke stories—underscore the importance of not taking oneself too seriously, even when doing emotionally heavyweight work.

Medium Build’s “Country” is out now.

For full context and performances, listening to the episode is recommended, but this summary encapsulates all major narrative threads and the episode’s inviting, thoughtful tone.