LSQ

Don't even get me started on how much I love Kurt Vile's music, and his entire presence as a dude. In this episode, hear the singer-songwriter discuss his musical evolution and his new album, Bottle It In. Also featured: An excerpt from a 2002 interview with Weezer's Rivers Cuomo, about finding ways to integrate more metal into his music.

Proving herself a master multitasker, singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten made a brilliant new album in the midst of going back to college, starting a new side career in acting, and welcoming the birth of her first child. Hear her conversation with Jenny about her new album, Remind Me Tomorrow, and the creative journey that led her there. Plus, an excerpt from Jenny's 2004 interview with Gwen Stefa...

Singer-songwriter Eleanor Friedberger (formerly of Fiery Furnaces) joins Jenny for a discussion of the creative influences that shaped her early songwriting endeavors; how a long trip to Greece inspired her fantastic new album, Rebound, and more. The episode also includes an archive clip from one of Jenny's early '07 interviews with Amy Winehouse for Rolling Stone, wherein Amy talks about her own...

Few artists of David Longstreth's generation have pushed back as persistently at the boundaries of their own sound. But does that make Dirty Projectors' music "experimental"? That, among other nerdy tangents, populate a conversation about Longstreth's early influences -- his older brother, a book on Beatles' recording techniques, and more. He also discusses his creative process and perfectionist t...

One of modern R&B's most intriguing new artists, singer-songwriter Leon Bridges discusses how his childhood love of dance evolved into the look and sound he's developed since his excellent 2015 debut, Coming Home. Bridges also talks about how he plans to continue expanding his sonic palette, as he begins to think about album three. Plus, from Jenny's interview archive, a 2007 clip where Jack White...

The second half of a rare, candid conversation with Conor Oberst about his life in music.

The first part of a two-episode special with Conor Oberst, featuring a rare, candid conversation about his life in music.

Interviews with two exceptional young singer-songwriters: Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield and Speedy Ortiz's Sadie Dupuis. Both artists discuss early musical influences, including, for Katie, the impact being an identical twin has had on her craft; for Sadie, how teaching songwriting to children opened up her own process.

Benjamin Gibbard, leader of indie rock icons Death Cab for Cutie, discusses key moments in his musical journey, from teen years spent taking the ferry to Seattle to see all-ages shows, to making Death Cab's excellent new album, Thank You For Today. (An excerpt of a 2008 interview with Gibbard is this episode's archive clip.)

A lively chat with Bethany Cosentino, leader of Los Angeles indie rock duo Best Coast, about her creative journey and how missing home helped her discover her voice as a songwriter. Plus, from the LSQ archive, an excerpt of a 2006 interview with Christina Aguilera.

An exceptional multi-talent, the singer, songwriter, producer, & composer Rostam joins Jenny for a wide-ranging conversation examining his creative evolution: his classical music studies and early work on film scores, his years with Vampire Weekend, and his current solo endeavors. Plus, a 2014 excerpt of Beck talking about why he's come to find collaboration so rewarding.

Alexis Taylor -- singer, songwriter, guitarist & keyboard player for U.K. electronic outfit Hot Chip -- discusses his early musical influences, from the Farfisa at his grandmother's house to the local record store owner who put out Hot Chip's debut EP. Plus, from the archive, an excerpt from a 2009 interview with Dave Matthews.

Jenny visits Haim's middle sister and musical leader, Danielle Haim, at home in Los Angeles, for a conversation exploring the singer, songwriter and guitarist's creative journey -- from playing at a clown museum in the San Fernando Valley where she grew up, to touring the massive stages Haim now easily occupy. Also, an excerpt from a 2000 interview with TLC's late great Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather) discusses her evolution as a songwriter and artist, her early experiences on the road in the punk band Discount, and what she looks for in a musical collaborator. Plus, hear Kanye West explain why he thinks he's more "delusional" than arrogant, in a 2007 interview excerpt from Eliscu's vault.

Grammy-winning songwriter, artist and producer Jack Antonoff (Bleachers, Fun., Steel Train) joins Jenny for a lively discussion of his NJ punk rock roots, his creative evolution, and what it means to be a working-class artist. Also, hear an excerpt from a 2000 interview with Rage Against The Machine's Zack de la Rocha, including his thoughts on the importance of making concerts a safe space for wo...

Singer-songwriter Angel Olsen describes her musical evolution (spoiler: her first band played ska punk) and discuss why it was important to her to take greater creative control on her critically lauded 2016 album 'My Woman.' Plus: an excerpt from an interview with Avril Lavigne for her 2003 Rolling Stone cover story.

Interviews with two of LSQ's favorite up-and-coming singer-songwriters: Aaron Maine of the beat-driven indie-rock band Porches, and musical jack-of-all-trades Jonathan Wilson, a singer-songwriter, producer, guitar-maker & multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. Also, from the LSQ interview archive, an excerpt of a 2008 phone chat with Paramore's Hayley Williams.

A pair of conversations with the hilarious, neurotic Quin sisters, featuring Tegan and Sara's reflections on their songwriting process, their personal and creative goals for the coming year, and the work they plan to do with their Tegan & Sara Foundation. The episode also includes an excerpt from Jenny's 2007 interview with the Quins.

The impossibly cool Britt Daniel, frontman for indie giants Spoon, tells Jenny about a time in 1999 when he almost broke up the band, as well as discussing his early musical development and songwriting process. And from the vault, an excerpt of a 2000 phone interview with Metallica's Lars Ulrich about the band's Napster lawsuit.

Producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Dessner discusses The National's Grammy-nominated new album, Sleep Well Beast, and talks about his formative years as a musician, when he was first absorbing the diverse array of influences you hear in The National's songs. Also, from Eliscu's archive: An excerpt of a 2003 conversation with Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott.

Amelia Meath, singer for Durham, NC electronic duo Sylvan Esso describes a creative life that began with learning contortion at age 16. Also, from Eliscu's archive: An interview with Beyoncé from summer of 2000, when Destiny's Child were on the cusp of superstardom.