American Football
Summary
Jesse Thorn interviews Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes of American Football about their journey from a brief college project to a cult emo icon. They discuss the band’s unexpected resurgence, the evolution of their math-rock sound, and the surreal experience of performing as adults with day jobs. The conversation also covers their new album, LP4, and their unique decision to collectively purchase the house featured on their debut album’s cover.
Topics discussed
Intro: The story of a college band's cult classic album
American Football's rise from breakup to festival headliners
High school punk scene and meeting in college
Math rock, odd time signatures, and shoegaze aesthetics
Recording LP1 as a bedroom project and Polyvinyl Records
The surprise of the band's growing cult following
Influence on pop-punk and the shock of the reunion
Returning to music as adults and improving as a band
Embracing emotional lyrics and the 'emo' label
Buying the iconic house from the album cover
Balancing corporate jobs with a successful music career
The house as an artist residency and community space
Outro, credits, and sponsor messages
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