Brandon Flowers
Summary
Brandon Flowers discusses his new country album, recorded live at Nashville’s iconic RCA Studio with veteran session musicians. He reflects on his musical journey, from his teenage obsession with Britpop to a mid-20s epiphany with Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty that shaped his storytelling style. The conversation covers the technical and emotional benefits of recording live, the influence of his father’s conversion to the LDS church, and the nuanced balance between masculinity and vulnerability in his songwriting.
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor reads
Family trips to Japan
Recording at RCA Studios in Nashville
Collaborating with Dawes and live recording
Working with session musicians and drumming
Why the band stopped recording live
Decision making in the studio
Discussing the song 'Charlie'
Emotional depth and masculinity
Themes in 'Miss America' and rural masculinity
Father's conversion and family changes
Sponsor reads and podcast promotion
Living in Payson and the 'Footloose' connection
Songwriting style and post-punk influences
Influences from Morrissey, Nick Cave, and country
Writing 'Paradise' and studio dynamics
Genre flexibility and lyrical style
The Bruce Springsteen epiphany
Oasis influence and stage presence
Mariachi elements in 'Angel' and 'Red Red Ground'
Themes of romance and family upbringing
Musical background and piano writing
Production choices and live vocals
Origin of the album title 'Thrasher'
Anecdote about Danny Elfman at Spago
Talking about Tom Waits and Smiths reunion
Collaboration with Johnny Marr
Live performance moments with Tom Petty
Sponsor reads and podcast promotion
Discussing the song 'Never Got Single Tree'
Embodying characters and family stories
Las Vegas in the late 80s and 90s
Celebrity encounters and Tupac surgery
Touring with the solo band
Meaning of 'Thrasher' and father's support
Competitive spirit and closing thoughts
Outro and final sponsor reads
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