Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Open Book Episode Featuring Ann Powers
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Elena Passarello
Guest: Ann Powers, Esteemed Music Journalist
Introduction to Ann Powers
In this episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Elena Passarello welcomes Ann Powers, a renowned music critic for NPR and author of several influential books on music and culture. Ann shares insights into her career, her passion for music journalism, and her extensive background in literary studies.
Ann Powers' Early Life and Influences
Ann Powers reflects on her formative years in Seattle, highlighting the pivotal role of local libraries and mentors in shaping her love for reading and writing.
“I grew up here. I spent so much time at the Elliot Bay Bookshop and the Seattle Public Library…” (03:22)
She fondly recalls her favorite librarian, Zani Goldmanis, who not only guided her literary interests but also empowered her during her adolescence.
“She not only took me under her wing in terms of turning me on to what to read, but she also empowered me.” (03:56)
Formative Reading Experiences
Ann delves into the books that left a lasting impact on her as a young reader, including "Ghosts, Ghosts and More Ghosts" by Robert Arthur and "The Stranger" by Albert Camus.
“I somehow made my way to Camus' The Stranger when I was like 11.” (05:39)
These early literary explorations fostered her deep appreciation for complex narratives and themes.
Current Reading Habits and Preferences
Ann discusses her current reading modalities, emphasizing a strategic approach to balancing fiction and non-fiction.
- Fiction: Prefers audiobooks, often listening while walking or cooking.
- Non-Fiction: Opts for physical books, taking extensive notes and using journal apps for future reference.
- Travel Reading: Utilizes a Kindle for light reading during flights.
“I tend to listen to audiobooks for fiction… and nonfiction I never listen to on an audiobook because pretty much every time I'm reading a nonfiction book, I'm taking notes.” (07:53)
She admires writers who blend memoir, cultural criticism, and reporting, citing Melissa Febos and Olivia Laing as her favorites.
“I love authors who are mixing kind of memoir, cultural criticism, a little bit of reporting, maybe, and beautiful writing.” (08:00)
Engaging with New Writers and the Writing Community
Ann emphasizes the importance of community among music writers and the role of the internet in fostering connections despite economic challenges in the writing field.
“The Internet has hurt so much in terms of writers being able to make a living, but it has been a real gift for us being aware of each other and connecting.” (09:05)
She highlights the Pop Conference, organized by her husband Eric Weisbart, as a key event for networking among writers.
“The Pop Conference… has been going for, I think, 23 years now.” (09:30)
The Impact of Mentors and Influential Works
Ann shares how Griel Marcus, an early mentor, significantly influenced her career through consistent encouragement and recognition.
“I was able to receive a postcard occasionally from Griel… that made such a difference to me.” (12:04)
She credits "Mystery Train" by Rainer Crumb as the book that solidified her commitment to being a serious music writer.
“Mystery Train really is the book that convinced me that I could be a serious writer and a music writer at the same time.” (12:29)
Ann also praises contemporary writer Hanif Abdulraqib for his poetic and autobiographical approach to music criticism.
“Hanif… has shown how you can do that kind of work for a new generation.” (13:20)
Thoughts on Writing Quality and Popular Culture
Ann discusses the misconception that writing about popular culture doesn’t require high literary standards. She advocates for excellence in prose, regardless of the subject matter.
“I feel like there's the bar is set lower that you're not necessarily expected to be an amazing writer at the level of the sentence if you're writing about a popular cultural subject.” (14:16)
She commends writers like Emily Nussbaum and Ira Madison III for their ability to blend intellectual rigor with engaging storytelling.
“Pure Innocent Fun is like talking to a super smart person whose every single cell in their body is pop culture.” (15:48)
Controversial Opinions: Embracing "Trash" Literature
Ann shares her unapologetic love for "trash" literature, arguing that even the most ostensibly lowbrow genres can offer significant cultural value and enjoyment.
“Trash can be great. Read the trash. Why not? Some of it's gonna be horrible, but you're gonna find some gems.” (16:10)
She cites Jackie Suzanne’s novels, such as "Once Is Not Enough" and "Valley of the Dolls," as examples of "trashy" works that have left a lasting impact on culture and entertainment.
“Valley of the Dolls… Not only a great book, a great trashy book, a great trashy movie.” (16:42)
Ann recounts a personal anecdote from her childhood about reading "Once Is Not Enough" at her neighbor’s house, underscoring the profound influence of these works on her development.
“...I was sitting there reading it. And I remember the dad… he was like, does your mom know you're reading that?” (17:45)
Conclusion and Final Reflections
Elena Passarello wraps up the conversation by highlighting Ann Powers' latest work, "Traveling on the Path of Joni Mitchell," and expressing gratitude for Ann’s contributions to music journalism and literary criticism.
“Thank you so much for talking about reading with me. I really have enjoyed talking to you so much.” (18:44)
Ann echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment derived from discussing literature and music.
“This was so fun.” (18:47)
Final Notes
The episode concludes with acknowledgments of the production team and sponsors, ensuring listeners are aware of the support behind the insightful conversation.
Notable Quotes:
- "I grew up here. I spent so much time at the Elliot Bay Bookshop and the Seattle Public Library…” — Ann Powers (03:22)
- “Trash can be great. Read the trash. Why not?” — Ann Powers (16:10)
- “Mystery Train really is the book that convinced me that I could be a serious writer and a music writer at the same time.” — Ann Powers (12:29)
For more engaging conversations and literary insights, tune into future episodes of Live Wire with Luke Burbank.