Radio Atlantic: The Strange, Lonely Childhood of Nico Case
Hosted by Hanna Rosen | Released on February 13, 2025

Introduction to Nico Case and Her Artistic Journey

In the February 13, 2025 episode of Radio Atlantic, host Hanna Rosen delves deep into the life and artistry of Nico Case, a revered figure in the indie music scene. Known as a lead vocalist of the indie pop collective The New Pornographers and for her impactful solo career, Case's music resonates deeply with indie music aficionados. Rosen sets the stage by highlighting the complexity and depth of Case's lyrics, which often require multiple listens to fully grasp their nuanced meanings.

Hanna Rosen [01:28]:
"But what's most distinct about her are her lyrics, which are often oblique, like a song seems to be about a car crash, but maybe it's about incomplete grief. You have to listen a few times before you get closer to it."

Unveiling the Memoir: "The Harder I Fight the More I Love You"

Case recently released her memoir, sharing its title with her 2013 album, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight the More I Love You. The memoir offers a raw and introspective look into her tumultuous upbringing, characterized by poverty and neglect. Raised by teenage parents who, according to Case's speculation, never intended to have a child, her early life was fraught with challenges.

Hanna Rosen [02:13]:
"She writes about growing up poor and neglected. Her parents were teenagers when they had her, and her guess is that neither of them ever wanted a child."

By the end of her sophomore year in high school, Case sought emancipation from her mother, a testament to the strained family dynamics she endured.

Hanna Rosen [02:00]:
"And so Keis hid a lot behind her music."

The Power of Music: A Lifeline and a Form of Expression

Music served as both a sanctuary and a means of self-expression for Case. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalls moments of solace found in the school library, where she immersed herself in bands like Blondie, a ritual indicative of her neurodivergent ADHD tendencies.

Nico Case [03:17]:
"By Blondie over and over and over and over, like only a neurodivergent ADHD kid can do."

Despite her profound love for music, Case grappled with self-confidence, a struggle rooted in societal expectations of femininity in the United States.

Nico Case [04:20]:
"Well, I was raised to be female in the United States of America, so I wasn't raised with a lot of self confidence."

Her journey into singing wasn't a calculated decision but a compulsion driven by an intense desire to create and express.

Nico Case [04:34]:
"It wasn't so much deciding I could do it. It was just that I couldn't help but to do it because the desire was so intense."

Challenging the Country Music Paradigm

Case is notably critical of the current state of the country music industry, labeling it as "misogynist and racist." She underscores the industry's resistance to evolution, contrasting it with the more progressive nature of rock and roll.

Nico Case [06:43]:
"Oh, it's straight up misogynist and racist and hateful. We don't even have to sugarcoat that one."

She expresses admiration for trailblazers like Beyoncé, whose foray into country music symbolizes the breaking of traditional barriers.

Hanna Rosen [08:14]:
"I mean, there was a moment. There was a good moment for women in country music."

Memoir Insights: Navigating Personal Trauma and Creativity

Case emphasizes that her memoir was not an attempt to decode her song lyrics but rather a genuine exploration of her life's experiences. She aims to present her stories authentically without diminishing the emotional connection listeners have with her music.

Nico Case [08:47]:
"I tried to not give away the songs as much as possible. Like, there was a couple times where I kind of went into them. But I don't like to ruin songs for people."

A poignant moment in both her memoir and music is the song "Nearly Midnight Honolulu," which recounts a traumatic event involving a bus stop incident in Hawaii. Initially perceived as a metaphor for her relationship with her mother, Case clarifies that it was a real event where she felt helpless witnessing a crisis.

Hanna Rosen [09:52]:
"And I just felt so helpless."

Nico Case [10:55]:
"I felt absolutely unafraid and I was seeing an actual moment of grace in life and I couldn't believe it."

Gender Identity and Personal Evolution

Case discusses her fluid approach to gender, identifying as gender fluid while still using traditional pronouns. She celebrates the younger generations' courage in embracing their identities, which has afforded her deeper self-awareness.

Nico Case [20:55]:
"I am so thrilled and proud and excited by generations younger than mine who are not backing down from who they think they are."

Despite societal resistance, especially towards LGBTQ+ individuals, Case remains steadfast in her identity, balancing her personal evolution with the harsh realities of the world.

Nico Case [22:07]:
"I am neither. I still call myself she, her. I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me."

Financial Struggles and Resilience

Contrary to her artistic success, Case candidly admits to financial instability, attributing it to a series of unfortunate events including her house burning down, the impacts of COVID-19, and challenges in the streaming landscape.

Nico Case [18:01]:
"Yeah. The confluence of my house burning down Covid and streaming those three things together."

Experiencing Loss and Embracing Joy

A recent profound experience for Case was witnessing the death of a close friend, an event that transformed her perspective on fear and joy. She describes the communal honor walk and the diverse representation of people coming together in honor of her friend as a moment of collective grace.

Nico Case [24:46]:
"I felt so utterly galvanized against the fear and so utterly galvanized in that joy is the way forward."

This experience reinforced her belief in embracing exuberant joy as a path forward amidst life's adversities.

Forgiveness and Complex Emotions

Forgiveness is a recurrent theme in Case's memoir and discussions. She differentiates between forgiving and ignoring contempt, advocating for an authentic acknowledgment of one's feelings without being constrained by them.

Nico Case [28:01]:
"If something doesn't stir anything but contempt in you, then there's a reason. Don't canonize your contempt, but don't ignore it."

Her relationship with her father is layered with compassion and sadness, recognizing his struggles while acknowledging the impact of his actions on her life.

Nico Case [29:17]:
"I have a lot of compassion for my dad and a lot of sadness because I feel like his development was arrested completely."

Reflections on Personal Growth and Music

Despite the myriad challenges, Case finds solace and strength in her music, viewing it not as a product of trauma but as a constant companion that never let her down.

Nico Case [18:21]:
"Music is the only thing that never let me down. But trauma did not make me a great musician."

Her favorite song, though melancholic, embodies a sense of self-control and clarity, offering a bittersweet sense of empowerment.

Nico Case [31:42]:
"It's a moment of actually seeing yourself clearly."

Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Integrity

Nico Case's narrative, as explored in this episode of Radio Atlantic, is one of resilience amidst adversity, using music as both a shield and a sword to navigate the complexities of her past and present. Her candid discussions about gender, forgiveness, and the realities of the music industry provide listeners with a profound understanding of the artist behind the evocative lyrics.

Hanna Rosen [33:00]:
"Thank you for listening."

Notable Quotes:

• Nico Case [04:43]:
  "It's straight up misogynist and racist and hateful."

• Nico Case [16:37]:
  "The mythology of people needing to suffer to make beautiful things or just art or creative things in general is not true."

• Nico Case [28:01]:
  "If something doesn't stir anything but contempt in you, then there's a reason. Don't canonize your contempt, but don't ignore it."

Produced by Janae West, Edited by Claudine Baid, Rob Smirciak Engineered, and Genevieve Finn Fact-Checked.