The New Yorker Radio Hour: Elvis Costello Talks with David Remnick

Episode Release Date: December 18, 2024

In this captivating episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick engages in an in-depth conversation with the renowned musician Elvis Costello. Recorded outside Costello's Vancouver home, the interview delves into Costello's illustrious career, his latest musical endeavors, reflections on his family's musical legacy, and his perspectives on the intersection of music and politics.

1. Career Longevity and Evolution

David Remnick opens the discussion by highlighting Costello's enduring presence in the music industry, noting, “there are careers that are 40, 50 years long. Elvis Costello has been on the scene since the mid-70s, a leader of the new wave, but since then he's led a vital and brilliant career of experiment and variation.” This sets the stage for exploring how Costello has navigated the evolving landscape of music over decades.

Elvis Costello reflects on the shifts in the music industry, stating at [02:26], “about 2010 I told people I was going to concentrate on live performance. I think that was coming to terms with the fact that the model that we had lived by for the previous years was no longer in existence.” He elaborates on moving away from the traditional record-and-tour model, emphasizing a focus on live performances and personal artistic growth.

2. The Creation of "hey Clockface"

Costello discusses his latest album, hey Clockface, describing its genesis during the pre-pandemic period. At [04:04], he shares the spontaneity involved in its creation: “I went in there with the songs in my head rather than in any kind of demo form. I knew the nature of those particular songs. They needed to be brought to life in a moment and not worked at.”

He credits modern digital editing technology for enabling the album's vibrant sound, countering the notion that technology detracts from musical feeling: “I would disagree that you can't get music of feeling and drive out of this technology.”

3. Live Performances and the Touring Experience

The conversation shifts to Costello's experiences on tour. At [06:03], he recounts the intense atmosphere of performing live, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. “I knew in my heart it probably, there probably wasn't going to be another show on that tour,” he admits, highlighting the emotional toll and the difficult decisions artists had to make during uncertain times.

Costello emphasizes the importance of his crew and band, acknowledging their pivotal role in delivering memorable performances despite external pressures: “I just had to admit that I'm putting my crew most of all. My crew, really, because they do all the close handling work.”

4. Reflections on Music Authenticity and Rock and Roll

Remnick brings up a profile by Nick Pamgarten, discussing the concept of artists adopting characters to perform. At [13:18], Costello challenges the notion that rock and roll is inherently more authentic than other show business genres: “I don't really hold to that. Now, we, all those of us of a certain age, remember you. We're about the same age as a certain kind of figure who exploded onto the music scene and... projected a certain character.”

He disputes the stereotype of rock music as “juvenile, delinquent music,” explaining his musical upbringing influenced by jazz and big band standards rather than rock and roll, which he found “crude.”

5. Family and Musical Heritage

A significant portion of the interview delves into Costello's familial ties to music. He shares anecdotes about his father, a trumpet player and singer, and their collaborative experiences. At [16:07], Costello nostalgically recalls his first paid recording session singing backup for his father’s track, “Secret Lemonade Drinker,” highlighting the early influence of his father’s musical career.

He reflects on the diverse musical environment his parents fostered, blending jazz with commercial dance music, which shaped his eclectic taste and approach to music: “You would hear these very bizarre versions of, you know, the Four Tops... my dad was about 35 when he was doing this. It seemed really weird, but that was the way I saw music.”

6. New Project: "50 Songs for 50 Days"

Costello introduces his latest initiative, 50 Songs for 50 Days, a collection predominantly featuring political themes. At [18:13], he explains his intent to provide a nuanced perspective on political issues without adhering to simplistic slogans: “I try to always look for the angle that somebody else isn't covering because there's other people doing the other thing really well.”

He likens the project to an art installation, aiming to evoke a range of emotions—console, amuse, or irritate—without prescribing a specific reaction. This approach underscores his belief in music's role as a reflective and provocative medium: “The simplest thing to say about it is the things that we are so rightly enraged about... are almost like a madness of passion. It's all happened before and here are the songs to prove it.”

7. Personal Reflections and Future Endeavors

Towards the end of the conversation, Costello shares personal insights about balancing his career with family life. At [08:49], he speaks fondly of the uninterrupted time spent with his 13-year-old sons, a rarity since their early years: “We are sharing every day. It's beautiful.”

He remains optimistic about future projects, leaving plans open-ended: “There is a wishful pencil mark in the diary of next year and we'll see where we are when we get there.”

8. Concluding Thoughts

David Remnick and Elvis Costello wrap up the interview with mutual appreciation. Costello expresses gratitude for the ongoing dialogue and the pleasure it brings him: “You give me so, so many years and so much pleasure and so, so many varieties.”

Remnick highlights Costello's new album hey Clockface and concludes the episode, leaving listeners with a sense of admiration for Costello's enduring artistry and thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Elvis Costello at [02:26]: “about 2010 I told people I was going to concentrate on live performance. I think that was coming to terms with the fact that the model that we had lived by for the previous years was no longer in existence.”

• Elvis Costello at [03:40]: “You know what? I'm completely... at ease with the balance between the old and the new.”

• Elvis Costello at [18:13]: “I try to always look for the angle that somebody else isn't covering because there's other people doing the other thing really well.”

• Elvis Costello at [20:30]: “we are so rightly enraged about, we see as unjust, we see dividing us... these are the songs to prove it.”

This episode offers a profound glimpse into Elvis Costello's artistic journey, his adaptability in a changing music landscape, and his unwavering commitment to meaningful musical expression. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this conversation provides valuable insights into the mind of one of music's most enduring figures.