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Published Jul 31, 2017

‘Game of Thrones’ and Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee on Making Music and Living in Philly (Ep. 172)

Delve into the creative mind of Katie Crutchfield from Waxahatchee as she shares personal touring experiences and her spontaneous music-making process, then join Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald as they unpack the complex narratives and character dynamics in the latest 'Game of Thrones' episode 'The Queen's Justice.'
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Episode Highlights

  • Album Concept

    The concept of an album as a cohesive narrative is central to approach to music. She views an album not as a collection of individual songs but as a unified piece, where each track contributes to the overall theme. This perspective is evident in her album "Out in the Storm," which she describes as having a fluid and cohesive sound, largely due to her collaboration with her live band 1. notes the album's seamless emotional transitions, likening it to a novel rather than a series of short stories 2.

    I always see the album as its own thing and don't really see it as individual songs that much.

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    This approach contrasts with her previous work, where she intentionally varied the sound and subject matter of each song to create a more unpredictable listening experience 2.

       

    Creative Shift

    creative evolution reflects a shift from meticulous planning to embracing spontaneity and collaboration. In her earlier work, she meticulously planned each song, drawing inspiration from diverse influences like Nicki Minaj and Tall Dwarfs 3. However, for "Out in the Storm," she allowed her instincts and her band's strengths to guide the process, resulting in a more organic sound. This evolution is also evident in her use of humor, which she acknowledges as an unintentional yet integral part of her music 4.

    I really tried to let my melodies be my melodies, let my instincts be my instincts.

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    This change signifies her desire to explore new artistic directions, including a potential return to more solo and folky projects in the future 3.

       

    Music & Place

    The geographic and cultural environment plays a significant role in music production. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she moved to Philadelphia, drawn by its vibrant music scene and more affordable lifestyle compared to New York 5. Philly's cultural boom has attracted many artists, creating a dynamic community that fosters creativity and collaboration. and discuss how this environment influences her work and the broader music scene 6.

    Philly is like, it has, like, it's popping off there. I mean, it's crazy. Everyone's moving there.

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    This setting not only impacts her music but also her lifestyle, allowing her to focus more on her art while enjoying a supportive community 5.

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