All Of It: Solo Music From MUNA's Katie Gavin – Episode Summary

Release Date: April 23, 2025 | Host: Alison Stewart | Guest: Katie Gavin

Introduction to Katie Gavin and Her Solo Journey

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, listeners are introduced to Katie Gavin, renowned as a member of the critically acclaimed band Muna. Alison highlights Katie's significant contributions to Muna, including co-writing the hit song "Silk Chiffon" and touring alongside prominent artists like Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers. Transitioning to her solo career, Katie has released her debut album, "what a Relief," which Alison describes as "stripped back and has a confessional feel," focusing deeply on various facets of love—ranging from romantic highs and heartbreaks to the simple love of a dog and familial bonds (00:47).

Live Performance: "Casual Drug Use"

The episode features a live performance by Katie Gavin of her song "Casual Drug Use." The track delves into personal struggles with substance use, framed within the context of a 2016 breakup. Katie introduces the song by stating, “We're gonna do a song called 'Casual Drug Use.' Here we go” (01:49), delivering an emotionally charged performance that captures the complexity of coping mechanisms in relationships.

The Story Behind "Casual Drug Use"

Post-performance, Katie discusses the origins of "Casual Drug Use," revealing that it was initially intended as a Muna song but didn't fit within the band's album. She shares, “It kind of came back out on the table” when she embarked on her solo project (05:43). This decision was influenced by the pandemic, which provided the space and time for Katie to explore her individual artistic expressions alongside support from friends and collaborators.

Navigating the Pandemic and Record Label Changes

Katie reflects on Muna being dropped by RCA in 2020 and subsequently signing with Phoebe Bridgers' label. This period marked an existential crisis for the band, prompting introspection about their future and reaffirming their commitment to their music and community. Katie remarks, “We were very lucky that leaving a major label...refocused us as a band” (07:08), emphasizing the resilience and supportive network that helped them navigate this transition.

Exploring the Album Title: "what a Relief"

The title "what a Relief" encapsulates the theme of personal accountability and the relief that comes with recognizing one's own role in personal growth. Katie explains, “It's like... taking accountability for your own... flaws and things that you're working on is a relief” (07:53). This concept is woven throughout the album, embodying the therapeutic aspect of self-awareness and change.

Lilith Fair Influence and Community Collaboration

Discussing the Lilith Fair connection, Katie draws parallels between her album's vibe and the collaborative, introspective spirit of the original festival. She states, “There's so much introspection...seeing women and queer people...writing songs that are about their own...internal worlds” (08:39). This influence underscores the importance of community and collaboration in her creative process.

Collaborative Performances and Production Insights

The album features collaborations, including the song "As Good As It Gets," which features Nana Ajoa on vocals. Katie credits Phoebe Bridgers for initiating the duet and praises her for being a supportive A&R figure. Additionally, producer Tony Berg played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound, pushing Katie to explore beyond traditional songwriting structures. Katie shares, “He really pushes you to, like, make interesting choices that serve the song” (14:38), highlighting the collaborative effort in refining her music.

Songwriting: Muna vs. Solo Projects

When discussing the difference between writing for Muna and her solo work, Katie notes that while she continues to write with Muna in mind, solo projects allow her to explore “B sides” and personal expressions that may not align with the band's collective vision. She articulates, “These are, like, ultimately, these are B sides. These are Muna reject songs. And that's completely fine with me” (16:19). This distinction enables her to maintain a balance between her role in the band and her individual artistry.

Emotional Expression and Healing Through Music

Katie emphasizes the therapeutic role of songwriting in processing emotions. For instance, her song "Sweet Abby Girl" was written during a period of grief after adopting two senior dogs, one of whom passed away. She explains, “I wrote that song while I was really grieving...it really helps me to create stuff, share it, and then be able to talk about those feelings with other people” (17:14). This connection underscores the album's overarching theme of navigating and healing through personal experiences.

Venturing into Directing Music Videos

Expanding her creative repertoire, Katie has taken on directing music videos for her singles "Casual Drug Use" and "Aftertaste." Collaborating with photographer and director Alexa Vicious from Chicago, Katie describes the process as a means to realize her detailed visual fantasies. She remarks, “I was like...that's what directing kind of was for me” (18:30), showcasing her growth as a multifaceted artist.

Performing Solo: Intimacy and Connection

Katie discusses the nuances of performing solo, highlighting the intimate connection with the audience without the barrier of in-ear monitors. She shares, “I can just hear people talking to me. And we're having like a conversation the whole show” (19:29), illustrating how solo performances foster a more personal and engaging experience for both her and her audience.

Final Performance: "Inconsolable"

The episode concludes with Katie performing "Inconsolable," a song with a distinct country feel that explores themes of emotional resilience and vulnerability. The track received positive feedback from listeners, including a YouTube comment appreciating its heartfelt expression. Katie collaborated with Eric Radloff on this song, who contributed to the pre-chorus, enhancing its emotional depth. She notes, “A lot for me was, like, learning to trust my own instinct” (15:23), encapsulating the album’s journey of self-trust and authenticity.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Alison wraps up the episode by reminding listeners of Katie Gavin's upcoming performances, including her shows at Radio City Music Hall and a DJ set at the Market Hotel. The episode highlights Katie's evolution as an artist, her dedication to exploring personal and communal themes, and her commitment to connecting with her audience through honest and introspective music.

Notable Quotes:

• “What a relief to know that some of this was my fault and I'm not a victim after all.” – Katie Gavin (07:53)
• “He really pushes you to, like, make interesting choices that serve the song.” – Katie Gavin on producer Tony Berg (14:38)
• “A lot for me was, like, learning to trust my own instinct.” – Katie Gavin (15:23)

This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth look into Katie Gavin's transition from Muna to her solo career, exploring the emotional and creative processes that define her music. Through live performances, heartfelt interviews, and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Katie's artistic journey and the profound themes that resonate throughout her album "what a Relief."