Suzanne Vega Performs a Brand-New Song (Get Lit)

Summary

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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

Transcript

[WNYC Studios]

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[Alison Stewart]

You are listening to all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. Our get lit November book club selection was the novel Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser Achner. Part of that novel takes place in the 80s. So when we were looking for a musical guest, Taffy suggested we invite singer songwriter Suzanne Vega, whose debut album came out in 1985. And we were thrilled she said yes. Earlier this year, Suzanne put out her first new original single in almost a decade and we hear there's an album on the way. She joined us with her longtime guitarist Jerry Leonard. In just a moment, you're going to hear two live performances from Suzanne, including a brand new song and a great rendition of Tom's Diner. But first, here's my conversation with Suzanne Vega. One of the reviews I read of you was remembering 40 years ago and it said, suzanne Vega is a writer. Do you think of yourself as a writer?

[Suzanne Vega]

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.

[Alison Stewart]

Long Island Compromise starts in 1980s in New York. What strikes you has changed about the music scene in New York since the.

[Suzanne Vega]

80S compared to oh so much. Yeah, back in the 80s, it was a wonderful time to be an up and coming musician, especially if you found your, 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, how to perform.

[Alison Stewart]

Jerry Leonard is your guitar player. How long have you been working with Jerry?

[Suzanne Vega]

I've been working with Jerry since 2000. So that's 24 years now.

[Alison Stewart]

And what clicked for you? How did you know he was going to be your guitar player?

[Suzanne Vega]

He kept showing up. No, no, that's a joke. When I first met him, we were working on an album, and 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. But since I was playing them myself, I thought, great. But then I broke my arm. I broke my left arm right before I was supposed to go on tour, and I thought, I need Jerry Leonard to come and play my parts like me. And we've been pretty much playing together, mostly as a duo, but very often not as a duo. Sometimes we bring a full band, and it's been since then.

[Alison Stewart]

I want to ask you about your latest single, Rats.

[Suzanne Vega]

Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

All right. So I heard this. I went and watched the video, and then I had to turn it off.

[Suzanne Vega]

I don't blame you.

[Alison Stewart]

It's full of rats.

[Suzanne Vega]

It's full of rats. It's really, really creepy, even for me. I was like, oh, my God.

[Alison Stewart]

You're, like, riding bikes and things. What led you to write about Rats?

[Suzanne Vega]

Well, 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, and through Covid, I would read about them on Next Door. Like, you know, there was that. The line about their swarming in Barzinis. They really were swarming in Barzinis. So I was like. And the language. Swarming in Barzinis. I was like, I have to write that down. So I've just collected all of these stories that are true.

[Alison Stewart]

Somebody wrote in the comments on YouTube I didn't have on my bingo list, punk rock rats in Suzanne Vega. I like this song.

[Suzanne Vega]

Great. I like to surprise. I feel like I very often surprise people with what. With what I like to do. And it seems to happen over and over again. When I did Blood Makes Noise, people were like, oh, my God, that's so unlike you. But I keep doing it, so that's.

[Alison Stewart]

Probably how you stay interested.

[Suzanne Vega]

It's how I stay interesting.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah. Interesting.

[Suzanne Vega]

Yeah. And interested. And it's also just. It's a part of life that I want to express, you know? So, yeah, I had a good time with that.

[Alison Stewart]

You have a new album coming out?

[Suzanne Vega]

Yeah, in the spring.

[Alison Stewart]

Tell us a little more about it. What are you planning that's interesting and interested?

[Suzanne Vega]

Well, 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. The song I'm going to do tonight is looking like it's going to be the title track. It's called Flying With Angels. 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. And so that's what's going on in that song.

[Alison Stewart]

Who's the producer on it?

[Suzanne Vega]

Jerry. Jerry, yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

My next question was, is Jerry on it? So, yes, he is. Yes.

[Suzanne Vega]

Playing my guitar parts like I do.

[Alison Stewart]

Before we get to the new song, I'm going to ask you about Tom's Diner.

[Suzanne Vega]

Sure.

[Alison Stewart]

It's, you know, it's probably your most popular song to date. There's actually a song, reggaeton, hip hop song on the album. Now, the albums now, that is sampling it. Last time I talked to you, there was another band. It was two years ago, people sampling. Do people have to call you about it?

[Suzanne Vega]

They don't have to call me, but they have to ask permission through the publishing company. Yeah. And I get a couple of those a month. I mean, for years. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Why? Why do you think it's that about that song? What do you think it is about that song?

[Suzanne Vega]

That is something I could not have predicted when I wrote the song. One is that 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. That's why I think what is the.

[Alison Stewart]

Most surprising use of Tom's Diner that you've heard?

[Suzanne Vega]

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? So I'm always like, no, that was a surprise.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah.

[Suzanne Vega]

But the Rest of it, I'm like, yeah, okay. You know, as long as there's an artistic, genuine point of view, it can be obscene. It can be, you know, whatever. But that once it crosses into that line, I'm like, no, thanks.

[Alison Stewart]

If you could pick one other song that you would like people to know or to think about from your career, what would it be? People know Tom's Diner. People know Luca. What's another song? People Can Go Home?

[Suzanne Vega]

And I think I would like to hear more of Caramel. Actually. It's a very sensual song, and I would always love to. I listen to a lot of jazz stations, and I'd love to hear it on the jazz station. They don't play my version. They have. There's another woman who's done a cover, and they play her from time to time with my song. But, you know, I'd like to hear a little more of that.

[Alison Stewart]

All right, so go home and listen to Caramel. And we'll hear now more from Suzanne Vega. Thank you for coming tonight.

[Suzanne Vega]

Thank you. Thank you so much.

[Jerry Leonard]

Flying with angels Hovering low then going high don't know how it happened Suddenly I am in the sky Flying with angels I can feel them all around I see them so clearly.

[Suzanne Vega]

I've got.

[Jerry Leonard]

No idea when I'll touch I'm over your head and over my own in fact someone is flying this plane Whispering how to act I'm in a heightened state Everything has two.

[Suzanne Vega]

Wait.

[Jerry Leonard]

I'm flying with angels Suddenly we're all in a pack Know that they're with me Cause I can feel them at my I've got to be careful I can't go left and won't turn right I'm flying with angels I thought they would know I hate the height I'm over your head in over my own in fact someone is flying this plane Whispering how to act I'm in a heightened state Everything has two wait Aching with patience I'm glad I'm not flying all alone I hope they stay with me until I can get you home. Flying with angels Flying with angels.

[Suzanne Vega]

Thank you.

[Jerry Leonard]

In the morning the diner on the corner I am waiting at the counter for the man to pour the coffee and he fills it only halfway and before I even argue he is looking out the window at somebody coming in do do do do do do do do do do it is always nice to see you says the man behind the counter to the woman who has come in she is shaking her umbrella and I look the other way as they are kissing their hellos and I'M pretending not to see them and instead I po I opened up the paper. There's a story of an actor who had died while he was drinking. It was no one I had heard of and I'm turning to the horoscope and looking for the funniest When I'm feeling someone watching me and so where is my head? There's a woman on the outside looking inside. Does she see me? No, she does not really see me cause she sees her own reflection and I'm trying not to notice that she's stitching up her skirt and while she's straightening her stockings her hair has gotten wet oh this rain will continue through the morning as I'm listening to the bells of the cathedral I am thinking of your voice and of the midnight picnic Once upon a time before the rain began and I finish up my coffee and it's time to catch the train. Thank you so much. Thank you for having us.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Suzanne Vega with a live performance of her song Tom's Diner from our November get lit with all of it book club event. 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. To find out more details on the January event, head to wnyc.org getlit and that is all of it for today. I'm Alison Stewart. I appreciate you listening and I appreciate you. I will meet you back here next time.

[WNYC Studios]

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