Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart – Featuring The Swell Season

Episode Title: The Swell Season Live in Studio
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are treated to an intimate live session with Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season. Celebrating their return after a 15-year hiatus since their acclaimed work on the film Once and its subsequent Broadway adaptation, the duo unveils their latest endeavor—a new concept album titled Forward.

Reuniting After 15 Years

Glenn and Marketa discuss the journey leading up to their reunion and the creation of Forward. After years of solo projects and personal milestones, their collaboration rekindled the creative spark that made them beloved worldwide.

Marketa Irglova emphasizes the essence of their partnership:

“When we get together, we're so much more than some parts of ourselves... there's an energy that inhabits our collaboration” (05:54).

Glenn adds that their approach has evolved to a more balanced partnership:

“Before, it would have been like 80% my songs and 25% Marketa’s, whereas now it's 50-50” (08:00).

Live Performance: "People We Used to Be"

The episode features a live rendition of "People We Used to Be", a poignant track reflecting on change and enduring relationships. The lyrics delve into the complexities of evolving friendships and the bittersweet nature of time's passage.

Glenn introduces the song by sharing its origin:

“The people we used to be. This is a song I heard Marquetta play at a sound check in Denver...” (01:38).

Key Lyrics Highlights:

“How I miss the people we used to be and all those things that you brought out in me... I will not stand by and watch this fire burn down everything we work so hard to build.” (02:33).

Creating "Great Weight": Exploring Hope and Renewal

Glenn presents "Great Weight", a song imbued with themes of liberation and hope, inspired by personal loss and global uncertainties.

Glenn shares the song's personal significance:

“I wrote the song kind of after my mom passed and COVID had just ended... it was like the clouds have parted, the sun is shining” (21:15).

Notable Lyrics:

“A great weight is lifted, A great weight is gone... The sun is grinning from ear to ear.” (16:14).

He reflects on the song's ongoing evolution:

“The song continues to evolve even after you've committed it to tape... it keeps on giving you new lines” (21:15).

The Making of "Forward" and Marketa's Short Film

Marketa discusses the organic and familial atmosphere that shaped the album's creation, highlighting the importance of maintaining joy and connection during the creative process.

Marketa explains the recording sessions:

“We had three separate sessions that kept getting longer... the whole process has been kind of two years of our lives.” (09:28).

She also shares insights into her short film documenting the album's creation:

“I thought it would be nice to have the camera around and capture stuff... it became the intention to give people a window into what it was like to be in the studio.” (22:41).

Glenn praises Marketa's filmmaking:

“She was so good at it, I didn't really notice the camera was rolling.” (24:07).

Reflecting on "Once" and Its Enduring Impact

The conversation shifts to the monumental success of Once, which transcended into an Oscar-winning film and an eight-time Tony Award-winning play. Marketa delves into why Once resonated so deeply with audiences.

Marketa attributes the success to authentic storytelling and relatable characters:

“There's something about his storytelling that is attractive to people because it's honest... it connects to people's hearts.” (25:13).

She highlights the synergy between strong narratives, evocative music, and the vibrant setting of Dublin as pivotal factors.

Notable Insights:

“If you're having fun and you're doing something that feels right... that translates.” (25:13).

The Power of Communication in Collaboration

Throughout the episode, Glenn and Marketa emphasize the significance of open communication in both their personal and professional relationships.

Glenn underscores the value of honesty:

“As long as you're communicating, you can be honest... that's something Glenn and Marketa have always been good at.” (27:30).

Marketa adds that their deep conversations fuel their creative synergy:

“Everything comes out of your talking to each other and having these good, deep conversations.” (27:24).

Closing Performance: "I Leave Everything to You"

The session concludes with a heartfelt performance of "I Leave Everything to You", a song that encapsulates themes of trust, forgiveness, and the beauty of letting go.

Lyrics Sample:

“Everything I ever knew I passed it on to you... I leave everything to you.” (28:54).

Glenn and Marketa deliver the song with profound emotion, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and introspection.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive and intimate look into The Swell Season's creative journey. Through live performances, thoughtful discussions, and personal anecdotes, Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova illuminate the enduring power of collaboration, storytelling, and music in reflecting and shaping our cultural landscape.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the moments in the provided transcript.