Episode 133 of Podsongs Podcast: Laura Weinbach of Foxtails Brigade finds inspiration in historian of bad behavior Alissa Bennett, co-host of the C-word Podcast
In this episode, Laura Weinbach of the band Foxtails Brigade draws inspiration from the insights and experiences shared by Alissa Bennett of the C-word Podcast. The conversation between the two serves as a catalyst for the creation of “Afterlife of a Painting,” a song that beautifully captures the essence of their discussion. With Laura’s lyrical brilliance and Foxtails Brigade’s signature sound, the song will resonate deeply with fans old and new. The song will be released on June 30th.
PRE-SAVE THE SONG: https://ffm.to/afterlifeofapainting
WATCH THE EPISODE: https://youtu.be/X7qneyM_kDs (published 21st June)
Laura is a long-time fan of the C-word podcast, hosted by Alissa and her friend Lena Dunham. In each episode they take a historical deep dive into the life of a once prominent woman that society eventually deemed mad, sad, or bad.
“It was an honor to interview Alissa Bennett whose work as a ‘historian of bad behaviour’ gives a voice to the lost, outcast, silenced or forgotten. In writing this piece of music I couldn’t help but feel a sense that I was in a way channeling a part of those voices as well. I only hope that this little song does some justice to the impact her work has had on me and the impact she has on so many others dead and alive,” explains Laura.
Laura is no stranger to cult stories. The Hollywood Hills-born daughter of a horror filmmaker and classical pianist, and sister of a cult comedian and twin playwrights, Foxtails front-girl Laura Weinbach grew up in a household that embraced eccentricity. Her next-door neighbors were circus contortionists with emus and fang-toothed monkeys as pets and her childhood activities included snail hunting and spying on celebrity neighbors like Slash, Ice-T, and Larry from Perfect Strangers. Laura’s upbringing is present everywhere in Foxtails Brigade, from the lyrical imagery to the hand-drawn artwork and sophomoric Instagram cartoons. The band’s live show is a clockwork of junkyard beats, warped orchestral sonics, and Laura’s trademark voice and classical guitar intricacies.
Following their 2011 debut album The Bread and the Bait (Antenna Farm Records), the band released their second LP. Time Is Passed (DIY) during Christmas of 2012. The band put out their self-titled LP in April 2016 on OIM Records produced by Jeff Saltzman (Blondie, The Killers). Foxtails Brigade is also out now in Japan on Rallye Records.
In the wake of their 2016 STLP release, the band completed a PCNW, So-Cal and South/Mid-West U.S. run as well as a spring tour in France opening for Emily Jane White. Following that they embarked on an East Coast and Europe tour opening for and playing in Emily Jane White’s band again.
In 2020-21 after a one-off release at the end of 2019 for their single “On The Other Side” and a well-received music video for their dark fairy-tale version of “My Favorite Things”cover , the band put out a series of monthly single releases including “Gimme A Sign”, “Slave” and more.
Like the rest of the world, the band’s live show lay dormant throughout the pandemic until their first in-person SF performance in March 2023. The band is currently working on a new record, and more touring to come.
LYRICS TO THE SONG: Afterlife of a painting
Now I’m convinced and I admit that dead is better
Only as long as there’s a way to live forever
The choice was clear then as it is now
I walk the path for immortality
I lived bold with elegance and a sense of pride
Then passed away irrelevant and cast aside
Today I’m the beautiful queen you have crowned
Tomorrow I’m another woman drowned
I was the image of perfect grace
Encapsulated by the painter’s trace
I keep the paintings in the afterlife
And for the image I pay the price
The people saw themselves in me with full embrace
Then tore me down relentlessly to my disgrace
Today I’m the beautiful queen you have crowned
Tomorrow I’m another woman drowned
The fruit is gone now, the tree is bare
And though you’ve seen me, you will not stare
Adjusted credits:
Music by Laura Weinbach
Lyrics by Laura Weinbach and Jack Stafford
Mixed by Anton Patzner
Produced by Anton Patzner and Maurizio Sarnicola
Voice and guitar – Laura Weinbach
Piano – Massimino Voza
Percussion and programming – Anton Patzner
Drums – Josh Pollock
Podsongs
Podsongs is a unique podcast format created and hosted by Jack Stafford, a British musician living in Italy. Musicians interview inspiring people and produce a song inspired by the conversation. It launched in November 2020 after COVID lockdowns forced Jack to look for other outlets for his music, and it evolved into a collaborative project.
Listen to this episode https://www.foxtailsbrigade.com/
Links:
Podsongs – https://podsongs.com/
Recorded at @Goldmine.Records
