Suzanne Vega on NYC Rats, Fontaines DC, and Her First LP in Nearly a Decade

Kyle Meredith With...

Suzanne Vega joins Kyle Meredith to talk about her upcoming album, which will be her first in nearly a decade. The “Tom’s Diner” singer discusses workshopping new songs on her current tour, including the recently released single “Rats,” which was inspired by New York City’s infamous rodent population and the recent international rat summit. The song’s eerie, Ramones and Fontaines DC-inspired vibe perfectly suits the Halloween season, though Vega hadn't initially planned it that way. She shares the influence of longtime collaborator Gerry Leonard, whose versatile guitar work has helped shape her sound over the past 20 years and who’s also known for his time playing with David Bowie. The new album promises a wide range of genres, from folk rock to a surprising Motown-inspired track. Despite the long break since her last release, Vega explains how life’s personal challenges, including the pandemic, have influenced her songwriting. As timing will have it, the album might coincide with the 40th anniversary of her debut, giving the record an added layer of significance. In true New York fashion, Vega remains deeply connected to the city’s pulse, continuing to find inspiration in its streets, history, and idiosyncrasies—a theme that has defined much of her illustrious career.

Listen to Suzanne Vega chat about all this and more in the new episode or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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