This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Tracyanne Campbell, lead singer of the Scottish indie band Camera Obscura. In the interview, Tracyanne discusses the process of getting the band back together after a decade-long hiatus and the songwriting work that went into their new album Look to the East, Look to the West. She also talks about the humor and references in her lyrics, the imposter syndrome that won’t go away, and her mission to write a certain kind of love song.
After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk more about imposter syndrome. They also discuss why some UK artists sing using American accents (as referenced in a Slate piece from 2012.
In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Isaac asks Tracyanne about a certain word that’s often used to describe Camera Obscura: twee.
Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.
Podcast production by Cameron Drews.
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