All Of It: OK Go in the Studio – Detailed Summary

Published on May 29, 2025, by WNYC's "All Of It" hosted by Alison Stewart.

Introduction and Episode Overview

In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart welcomes the innovative band OK Go—comprised of Damien Kulash, Tim Norwin, Dan Konopka, and Andy Ross—to discuss their latest endeavors. Known for their groundbreaking music videos and infectious melodies, OK Go celebrates the release of their fifth album, "and the Adjacent Possible", which marks nearly two decades since their viral sensation, "Here It Goes Again". The band shares insights into their new album, upcoming tour, and fresh creative approaches.

Album Creation and Development

Damien Kulash opens up about the extensive process behind their new album. "We started writing these songs, believe it or not, about six, seven years ago," he explains (04:50). The band faced various challenges, including extensive touring, the complexities of producing elaborate music videos, and significant life changes such as parenthood and the global pandemic. These factors contributed to a nearly decade-long journey in crafting the album, allowing the songs ample time to mature and evolve.

Dan Konopka adds, "This is the most time we've ever had really, to just incubate the songs," emphasizing the value of patience and perspective in their creative process (05:38).

The Impact of Parenthood on the Band

The conversation delves into how becoming parents has reshaped the band's dynamics and creative output. Dan Konopka notes, "It certainly changed the way we thought about touring and being out of town and, you know, just being away from them," highlighting a shift towards a more balanced touring schedule to accommodate family life (06:06).

Damien Kulash reflects on the emotional transformation, stating, "Having kids made life fresh again all over the place... It's like holding my 3-year-old hand and feeling an emotion that I have had so many times, but having it so fresh and rediscovered" (06:29). This newfound perspective inspired songs like "Love," which explores the profound emotions tied to parenthood.

Band's History and Long-term Collaboration

The band reminisces about their early days, having met at Interlochen, an arts camp, around the age of 11 (07:31). Damien Kulash shares, "It was like taking off your space helmet... we weren't the same people—we were just there because we wanted to be around creativity" (08:08). Their long-standing friendship and shared passion for music have been pivotal in sustaining OK Go's creative endeavors over the years.

Evolution of Songwriting and Creativity

Damien Kulash discusses the evolution of their songwriting approach over the years. "We’ve given over more to the idea that we're not really in control of it," he says (13:46). The band now focuses on experimenting with sounds, chords, and melodies to capture emotional moments rather than strictly adhering to predefined ideas. This shift prioritizes emotional authenticity and spontaneous creativity.

Dan Konopka echoes this sentiment, explaining, "It's just like playing with sounds and rhythms and beats and sonics until you've got something that just makes like, yeah, that sounds awesome" (15:47). This experimental approach marks a departure from their more traditional songwriting methods, fostering a space for innovation and artistic growth.

Visual Storytelling and Semiotic Influence

Visual creativity remains a cornerstone of OK Go's identity. Damien Kulash, a former semiotics major, connects his academic background to the band's approach to music videos. "Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and meaning... it's sort of like just loving why it's made and where it's come from," he explains (18:50). The band continues to integrate intricate visuals into their projects, viewing video production as an extension of their musical artistry.

Navigating Social Media and Content Platforms

The band addresses the challenges and implications of modern social media platforms. Damien Kulash critiques the short-form video trend, stating, "The problem with the short form video, for us as a band at least, is that it is all about, like, quantity" (20:52). OK Go prefers investing time in creating meaningful, high-quality content rather than producing a constant stream of quick, ephemeral videos required by platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They emphasize that their art flourishes through depth and careful craftsmanship rather than rapid content turnover.

Deep Dive into Specific Songs

Alison Stewart inquires about the song "Good Good Day At Last," which features collaborations with Shayla Fearing, Sam from Beginners and Laxs, and Ben Harper. Damien Kulash describes the song as embodying "rollicking, kind of like out of control joy," drawing inspiration from classic tracks like Eric Burdon's "Magic Mountain" and Funkadelic's vibrant energy (22:32). The collaboration with Ben Harper, a close family friend, infuses the song with a unique and dynamic spirit.

Performances from the Studio

The session includes intimate acoustic performances of both new and classic OK Go songs, highlighting the band's versatility and the emotional depth of their music.

"A Stone Only Rolls Downhill" is performed first, showcasing the band's melodic intricacies and lyrical depth. Later, "This Too Shall Pass" is shared, offering a nostalgic nod to their earlier work while presenting it in a fresh acoustic arrangement.

"Love" serves as a poignant finale, with Damien Kulash describing it as capturing the essence of human connection and the beauty of life through the lens of parenthood (23:39). The song’s heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery resonate deeply, encapsulating the album's central themes.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, OK Go expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share their music and creative journey with the All Of It community. Damien Kulash remarks, "It's been nothing but a gift" to merge their musical and visual storytelling passions (18:47). The band leaves listeners with a profound understanding of their artistic evolution and the meaningful intersections of their personal lives with their creative endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• Damien Kulash (04:50): "We started writing these songs, believe it or not, about six, seven years ago."

• Dan Konopka (05:38): "This is the most time we've ever had really, to just incubate the songs."

• Damien Kulash (06:29): "Having kids made life fresh again all over the place..."

• Damien Kulash (13:46): "We've given over more to the idea that we're not really in control of it."

• Damien Kulash (18:50): "Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and meaning."

• Damien Kulash (20:52): "The problem with the short form video... is that it is all about, like, quantity."

• Damien Kulash (22:32): "It’s like acoustic funk gone off the rails a little bit."

Stay tuned to All Of It on WNYC for more engaging conversations exploring the nexus of culture and creativity.