The fiercely inventive singer-songwriter on creativity and inspiration
By PJ Feinstein
Neko Case has long been a force in the indie rock and alt-country scenes, known for her powerful voice and evocative songwriting. With a career that includes work with The New Pornographers and a series of acclaimed solo albums, she has spent nearly three decades carving out a distinct place in the music world. As she prepares for her upcoming performance at Strathmore on October 9, we chatted with Neko about storytelling and her creative process.
Your music is known for its vivid imagery and evocative storytelling. How do you approach the songwriting process, and how has it evolved?
I just chase ideas, so it hasn’t evolved much, other than I trust myself way more than I used to. Sometimes it starts with a melody, sometimes lyrics. I am constantly writing things down.
What song are you particularly proud of or holds a special place in your heart?
“Fox Confessor Brings the Flood” is one of my favorites because it was written for my grandmother, who is so special to me. The chords are psychotic, but I think the intent comes through.
How do you find creative inspiration while maintaining your unique style and voice?
I slow myself down purposefully to notice things. All details can be turned into something interesting—at least to me. I also read a great deal. I read and read and read!
You have a new memoir coming in January 2025 called The Harder I Fight the More I Love You. What inspired you to write about your life now, and what can readers expect?
I was asked to do it by the folks at Grand Central. It never would have occurred to me to write a book about myself. I am more of a fiction writer. I suppose the readers can expect the book to be a lot like lifting up a piece of plywood on a green lawn to expose the yellow grass and beetles underneath. Haha!
NEKO CASE
with Imaad Wasif
Wed, Oct 9