Podcast Summary: All Of It - Suzanne Vega Performs a Brand-New Song (Get Lit)

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Suzanne Vega and Guitarist Jerry Leonard
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Show Description: ALL OF IT is a WNYC show that delves into culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to explore the what and why of their work.

Introduction

In this engaging episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, accompanied by her longtime guitarist Jerry Leonard. The episode celebrates Vega's return with her first original single in nearly a decade and previews her upcoming album. Additionally, the episode features live performances, including Vega’s rendition of her iconic track "Tom's Diner."

Suzanne Vega on Writing and Identity as a Songwriter

Alison Stewart initiates the conversation by probing Vega’s self-identification as a writer. Suzanne affirms her identity as a songwriter, highlighting the deep-rooted influence of her father, Edgardo Vega Yunque, a writer who fostered a rich literary environment during her upbringing.

Suzanne Vega [01:57]:
"Yeah, I do. I mean, I'm a songwriter. I feel that that's where that's my best writing is. I think in the songs. But I love writing, I love reading, I love books. My father who raised me was a writer, my stepfather, Edgardo Vega Yunque was his name. And so we talked a lot about books, metaphor, vocabulary, everything. Talk, talk, talk, read, read, read."

This foundation not only shaped her lyrical prowess but also instilled a lifelong passion for storytelling and literary expression.

Evolution of the New York Music Scene Since the 1980s

Reflecting on the transformative changes in New York City's music landscape since the 1980s, Suzanne reminisces about the vibrant venues that nurtured emerging talents. She fondly recalls "Folk City," a haven where aspiring musicians could perform and hone their craft affordably.

Suzanne Vega [02:37]:
"Back in the 80s, it was a wonderful time to be an up and coming musician, especially if you found your home. And my home at that time was folk city. And you could go in and for the price of a drink or maybe two, you could stay all night and watch someone perform. It was great. It was a great place to just learn how to perform."

This nostalgic account underscores the supportive community that once thrived in New York’s music venues, fostering creativity and collaboration among artists.

Collaboration with Jerry Leonard

A significant portion of Vega's musical journey has been her collaboration with guitarist Jerry Leonard. Having worked together since 2000, their partnership is both professional and deeply personal. Suzanne elaborates on how Jerry became an integral part of her music, especially during a critical moment when she needed him most.

Suzanne Vega [03:26]:
"He came up to me one day and he said, you know, I can play your guitar parts like you do. And I thought, oh, that's interesting, because my guitar parts are really weird. I make them up and I invent them, and it's hard to find someone who could play my parts like me."

Their collaboration solidified when Suzanne broke her left arm before a tour, necessitating Jerry to seamlessly take over her guitar duties. This incident not only tested but also cemented their dynamic, allowing them to perform cohesively as a duo or with a full band.

Exploring the Latest Single: "Rats"

Alison Stewart transitions into discussing Suzanne Vega's latest single, "Rats," accompanied by a humorous reference to its rat-filled music video.

Alison Stewart [04:20]:
"I went and watched the video, and then I had to turn it off. It's full of rats."

Suzanne explains that the inspiration for "Rats" stems from her diverse experiences in various New York City neighborhoods and conversations about rats during the creation of her "Beauty and Crime" album. The song captures the pervasive presence of rats in urban settings, blending her personal anecdotes with broader urban narratives.

Suzanne Vega [04:38]:
"I grew up in New York City in many different neighborhoods, and one night when I was working on the Beauty and Crime album, I was having a discussion with the producer, and he had lived in Scotland and lived in London, and we started to talk about rats, and we literally started to talk about who had seen the biggest rat and compare rat stories. And then I just kept collecting them..."

The song not only showcases Vega's storytelling ability but also her knack for transforming everyday observations into compelling lyrical content.

Insights into the Upcoming Album

Suzanne provides a sneak peek into her forthcoming album, highlighting its eclectic mix of genres. While "Rats" introduces a punk rock element, the album as a whole traverses various musical landscapes.

Suzanne Vega [06:16]:
"Rats is probably the. It's a punk rock song, basically, but the whole album is not a punk rock album. There are many different genres of songs on this album."

She further describes the title track, "Flying With Angels," which encapsulates the urgency and adaptability required during the COVID-19 pandemic years.

Suzanne Vega [06:16]:
"It's got the atmosphere of when there's been an emergency and you need to figure out what to do really fast, and you feel that there's a kind of wind at your back and you need to make decisions quickly. And, of course, this was happening all the time during the COVID years."

The production of the album is once again helmed by Jerry Leonard, ensuring the continuity of their creative synergy.

The Enduring Legacy of "Tom's Diner"

Alison Stewart brings the conversation to "Tom's Diner," one of Suzanne Vega's most renowned songs. They discuss its pervasive influence and the myriad ways it has been reinterpreted across genres.

Suzanne Vega [07:49]:
"I think the melody is so simple. And the idea of someone sitting at a diner is also very simple. People hear it and they go, I could do that. I could write that. I could put my story into that song. And then they do, and it works."

While Suzanne appreciates most covers and samples of "Tom's Diner," she expresses reservations about versions that diverge significantly from her original vision, such as those incorporating explicit content.

Suzanne Vega [08:19]:
"I say yes to 98% of all of the versions that I hear, the 2% that I thought was really unnecessary, that I said no to was pornography. And I'm like, seriously, like, that song for that. Why would you do that?"

This selective approval highlights her commitment to maintaining the song's integrity while embracing creative reinterpretations.

Favorite Songs and Desired Covers

When prompted to highlight another track from her repertoire, Suzanne chooses "Caramel," a song she finds particularly sensual. She expresses a desire for "Caramel" to receive more airtime on jazz stations, highlighting her appreciation for diverse musical expressions.

Suzanne Vega [09:08]:
"Caramel. Actually. It's a very sensual song, and I would always love to hear it on the jazz station."

Live Performances

The episode features two live performances by Suzanne Vega, showcasing both her new material and beloved classics.

1. "Flying with Angels" [09:51 - 14:06]

   Performed alongside Jerry Leonard, "Flying with Angels" embodies the album's thematic essence of swift decision-making and resilience.

2. "Tom's Diner" [14:39 - 19:09]

   Vega delivers a heartfelt rendition of her signature song, reaffirming its timeless appeal and her enduring connection to her audience.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting the upcoming hiatus of the Get Lit book club during the holidays and teasing the return with Richard Price in January. She extends her gratitude to Suzanne Vega for her insightful conversation and captivating performances.

Alison Stewart [19:09]:
"Get lit is taking a break in December for the holidays, but we'll be kicking things back off in January with an exciting author, Richard Price."

Notable Quotes

• Suzanne Vega [01:57]:
  "I'm a songwriter. I feel that that's where that's my best writing is."

• Suzanne Vega [02:37]:
  "Back in the 80s, it was a wonderful time to be an up and coming musician... It was a great place to just learn how to perform."

• Suzanne Vega [04:38]:
  "I grew up in New York City in many different neighborhoods... I have to write that down. So I've just collected all of these stories that are true."

• Suzanne Vega [07:49]:
  "I think the melody is so simple. And the idea of someone sitting at a diner is also very simple."

• Suzanne Vega [08:19]:
  "I say yes to 98% of all of the versions that I hear... But the Rest of it, I'm like, yeah, okay."

Final Thoughts

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a comprehensive exploration of Suzanne Vega's artistic journey, her reflections on the evolving music scene, and her latest creative endeavors. Through insightful dialogue and mesmerizing performances, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Vega's enduring influence and her ability to continually reinvent her sound while staying true to her roots.