Laurie Anderson Discusses Bowie, Lou Reed, and JFK in an Insightful Interview
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Laurie Anderson, the innovative American musician and performance artist, delved into her latest work, her experiences with some of the most iconic figures in music, and her thoughts on technology, creativity, and optimism.
Anderson’s latest album, Amelia (2024), inspired by the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, explores themes of aviation and the inherent risks that come with it. She reflects on her fascination with such themes, mentioning her previous work related to sea voyages, like Moby Dick. Anderson has reimagined Earhart’s story multiple times, each version offering a different perspective. The most recent iteration was recorded remotely during the pandemic with the Czech orchestra, Filharmonie Brno. Anderson admires Earhart for her connection with the public and her progressive vision for women, which has fueled Anderson’s desire to bring such stories to the forefront of contemporary music.
When asked about the commercial success of her 1982 hit “O Superman,” Anderson confessed …
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that she was initially a bit of a snob, disconnected from the mainstream charts. Despite this, she appreciated the song’s impact and was thrilled to see it resonate with a new generation on TikTok, where its themes have found relevance once again.
The conversation also turned to technology, particularly the creation of an AI chatbot of her late husband, Lou Reed. Anderson is skeptical about technology’s ability to truly capture the essence of those we’ve lost, seeing it instead as a reminder rather than a new form of afterlife. She recalls her and Reed’s many creative plans that never came to fruition, emphasizing that while she doesn’t dwell on what could have been, she treasures the lessons learned from their time together.
Reflecting on her interactions with literary icon William Burroughs, Anderson shared how he taught her the power of addressing the audience in the second person, a technique that challenges and engages listeners in a unique way.
A particularly intriguing story emerged when Anderson recounted a mind-reading experiment with David Bowie. The eerie synchronicity of their drawings left a lasting impression on her, reinforcing Bowie’s status as a mysterious and special person in her life.
Anderson’s early correspondence with JFK also surfaced during the interview. At the age of 12, she wrote to him for advice on running for student council president. Kennedy’s detailed response and the subsequent delivery of roses to her home became a cherished memory, one that shaped her view of leadership and inspired her throughout her career.
When discussing her relationship with the avant-garde comedian Andy Kaufman, Anderson fondly remembered their collaboration, which often involved her wrestling Kaufman on stage as part of his act. She admired Kaufman’s ability to push boundaries and create uncomfortable yet unforgettable experiences.
Anderson also shared details about her upcoming show, ARK: United States Part 5, which explores apocalyptic themes while maintaining a sense of hope. Despite the grim subject matter, Anderson remains optimistic, believing that optimism leads to a happier life.
Finally, she reflected on one of her most unique performances—a concert for dogs at the Sydney Opera House. The event, which drew thousands of dogs and their owners, remains one of Anderson’s most cherished memories, highlighting her ability to connect with audiences in unexpected and delightful ways.
Amelia is set to be released on August 30th via Nonesuch, and ARK: United States Part 5 will premiere at Aviva Studios in Manchester from November 14-24.
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