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.
If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hear Me Out: Term Limits Could Ruin Congress
How To!: Take a Gap Year
Death, Sex & Money: Why You’re Not Having Sex
Working: A Classic Opera Gets an Overdue Update
John Dickerson’s Navel Gazing: Time Travel Via an Assortment of Journal Entries
ICYMI: The Ethics of the Therapist-Influencer
What Next TBD: Scarlett Johansson vs OpenAI
Dear Prudence: My Nonreligious Boyfriend Is Meeting My Ultra-Religious Parents. Help!
A Word: Haitian Chaos, American Neglect?
What Next: Diddy’s Reckoning
Culture Gabfest: Can Babes Make Childbirth Funny?
Decoder Ring: Why Are We Still Using Fat Suits?Why Are We Still Using Fat Suits?
Outward: Behind the Scenes of ‘Gays Against Briggs’ with Christina Cauterucci
ICYMI: The Aftermath of a Layoff
Well, Now | “As Little Regulation as Guns”: How Social Media Hurts Youth Mental Health
Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 1: A Hotbed of Homosexuality
Hear Me Out: Colonialism Never Ended
How To!: Confront a Vindictive Neighbor with Tig Notaro (Encore)
Death, Sex & Money: The Night Magic Mushrooms and Jam Bands Helped Me Walk Again
Hang Up: The Wolves Chomped the Champs
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Stuff You Should Know
On Being with Krista Tippett
TED Radio Hour
Black Beauty
The Count of Monte Cristo
Planet Money
The Dinner Party Download