Podcast Title: Jokermen
Episode: In Conversation: SUNFLOWER BEAN
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Ian (Jokermen)
Guests: Julia Cumming and Nick Kivlen from Sunflower Bean

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of the Jokermen Podcast, host Ian welcomes Julia Cumming and Nick Kivlen from the indie rock band Sunflower Bean. Celebrating their latest release, "Mortal Primetime," the conversation delves deep into the band's creative journey, their musical influences, and their perspectives on the current state of the music industry and society.

Musical Influences and Inspirations

Julia and Nick passionately discuss their diverse musical influences, highlighting icons like Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan. Julia shares her early admiration for Brian Wilson, expressing a lifelong connection to his music:

[10:23] Julia Cumming: "I am like a Brian Wilson super fan. I used to have a smile shrine in my... in high school, I had a shrine of Brian and then I had lips cut out all over my walls for magazines."

Nick adds depth to their musical foundation by referencing the intricate harmonies and complex arrangements of bands such as Alice in Chains and The Beatles, which inspired the unique sound of "Mortal Primetime":

[42:08] Nick Kivlen: "I feel like we're a power... we're the heaviest power pop band. Like, that's kind of like the lineage of, like, you know, Kurt and Nirvana wanting to be like the Beatles."

Band History and Dynamics

Sunflower Bean's origins trace back to their days in the DIY scene in Brooklyn, where Julia and Nick met as teenagers. As the band evolved, they relocated from New York to Los Angeles, seeking a different creative environment:

[03:40] Nick Kivlen: "I'm home in Los Angeles. I moved here about a year ago just in my apartment."

The move was both a strategic and emotional shift, reflecting the band's growth and need for creative space. Nick emphasizes the supportive and collaborative music community in LA, contrasting it with the challenges faced in New York:

[06:48] Nick Kivlen: "It's very cheap to live here compared to New York. And just the way the music community moves out here is like... hangs out and writes together and jams."

Creating "Mortal Primetime"

The heart of the episode revolves around the making of "Mortal Primetime." Julia and Nick detail their collaborative process, emphasizing a return to live recording techniques reminiscent of the 1960s:

[29:05] Nick Kivlen: "We didn't do any copying and pasting. We didn't do, like, any flying choruses. Everything is, like, a full take. We tracked together."

This approach fostered a raw and authentic sound, allowing each member's strengths to shine. The band members reflect on personal growth and the importance of stepping back to innovate creatively:

[25:44] Nick Kivlen: "It was a painful and scary experience to sort of put a pause on stuff and go out on your own and be away from your bandmates for a while. But it was so healthy and so positive."

Touring and Live Performances

Touring remains a vital aspect of Sunflower Bean's connection with their audience. Julia recounts a memorable experience performing alongside The Beach Boys:

[11:06] Olive: "And I've seen the Mike Love Beach Boys many, many times. And actually, we played on the same stage as them."

Nick highlights the significance of touring with contemporaries and building genuine relationships within the music community:

[46:34] Nick Kivlen: "Our first ever full US Tour was opening for Dive... Then we went on tour with Cherry Glazer, and they were our age. It just felt like, you know..."

Navigating the Digital Age

A substantial portion of the discussion addresses the band's relationship with the Internet and social media. Julia and Nick express mixed feelings about platforms like TikTok and Spotify, recognizing both their challenges and opportunities:

[33:29] Olive: "We need to spend more time writing poetry, more time creating rather than consuming. That's the kind of stuff that made this record."

Nick advocates for authentic, in-person connections over digital interactions, emphasizing the importance of real-life community:

[34:58] Nick Kivlen: "We're not a band from the Internet. We're from a real tradition, a folk tradition of people meeting in real life and playing together."

Social and Political Engagement

Julia and Nick openly discuss their political beliefs and activism, linking their art to broader societal issues. Julia reflects on her upbringing in the East Village and the intertwining of music with activism:

[54:11] Olive: "Everyone was going to protests every week... That thought got really intertwined with me and what I thought about being, how I felt about being an artist."

Nick shares his Marxist perspective, critiquing societal structures and expressing concerns about the current political climate:

[56:08] Nick Kivlen: "I identify as a Marxist, and I think socialism, to me, is like a religion. I think that money really is like, the most root of all evil."

Light-Hearted Moments: "Fuck, Marry, Kill"

The episode takes a playful turn with the classic "Fuck, Marry, Kill" game, where Julia and Nick humorously navigate their feelings about musical legends:

[60:40] Olive: "Kill Dill, Volume one and two, Lou, because that would be fantastic."

Nick candidly shares his conflicted admiration for Bob Dylan, blending critique with genuine respect:

[62:28] Nick Kivlen: "It rubbed me the wrong way. I haven't seen the movie yet."

Concluding Thoughts

Ian wraps up the episode by highlighting the band's commitment to creating meaningful music amidst a turbulent world. He praises their ability to blend beauty and power in "Mortal Primetime," making it a standout record:

[36:09] Ian: "Belle and Sebastian meets Alice in Chains. I think that's a great way to describe it. I'm struck kind of by how, like, pretty the record is in many cases, but at the same time, like, kind of like kicks ass."

Julia echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the album as a "love record" and a testament to the band's resilience and unity:

[58:57] Olive: "I think that our best songwriting ever on this record. Without a doubt."

Key Quotes

• Julia Cumming on Brian Wilson:

  "I am like a Brian Wilson super fan. I used to have a smile shrine in my... in high school, I had a shrine of Brian and then I had lips cut out all over my walls for magazines."
  [10:23]

• Nick Kivlen on Authentic Recording:

  "We didn't do any copying and pasting. We didn't do, like, any flying choruses. Everything is, like, a full take. We tracked together."
  [29:05]

• Olive on Facing Challenges:

  "I never could imagine a time where I... Where I can feel safe and still be protesting."
  [54:56]

• Nick Kivlen on Musical Identity:

  "We're not a band from the Internet. We're from a real tradition, a folk tradition of people meeting in real life and playing together."
  [34:58]

Conclusion

This episode of the Jokermen Podcast offers a rich and engaging exploration of Sunflower Bean's artistic journey, their latest work, and their thoughtful perspectives on music and society. Julia and Nick provide listeners with an intimate look into their creative processes, personal beliefs, and the unyielding bond that sustains their music. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to their sound, this conversation is a compelling testament to the power of authentic artistry in today's complex world.

If you're intrigued by Sunflower Bean's "Mortal Primetime," consider checking out their upcoming tour dates and streaming platforms for a deeper dive into their evocative sound.