Ep44: Ken Stringfellow (The Posies / R.E.M. / Big Star) on saying "yes"

Summary: <p>Visit the deluxe show notes page: <a href="http://penfriend.rocks/ken" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://penfriend.rocks/ken</a></p><p>Read the text version: <a href="http://penfriend.rocks/ken-ts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://penfriend.rocks/ken-ts</a></p><p>.</p><p>Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone….because it really is. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts!</p><p>.</p><p>About my guest: A fixture on the music landscape, indie and otherwise, since the debut of his band The Posies in 1988, <strong>Ken Stringfellow</strong> has over a quarter century of experience as a performer, composer, producer, arranger, programmer and more. In addition to his 8 albums with The Posies and 4 solo albums, Ken spent a decade touring and recording with R.E.M.; he was also involved in the rebirth of Memphis cult band Big Star, playing with Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens from the band's first reunion shows in 1993 until Chilton's death in 2010.</p><p>.</p><p>Ken has played onstage or in studio with such artists as Neil Young, the Afghan Whigs, Mercury Rev, Thom Yorke, John Paul Jones, Patti Smith, Wilco, Robyn Hitchcock, Ringo Starr, Damien Jurado, Nada Surf, Brendan Benson, Mudhoney, the Long Winters...a very long list indeed. In fact, Ken has appeared on over 300 albums (totaling 9 million sales), and performed in 96 countries.</p><p>.</p><p>The Posies play their first livestreamed gig this Saturday 24th July 2021 - watch live or at any time over the following 24 hours. GET TICKETS: <a href="https://www.konnectclub.com/branded/events/260063625445" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.konnectclub.com/branded/events/260063625445</a></p><p>.</p><p>In this episode, we discuss putting in the work - how to be a super productive musician, the importance of treating everyone the same in the studio, regardless of fame or experience, going viral via cassette in the late 1980's, and how The Posies' outsider status in the '90s Seattle scene has led to longevity for the band, plus how sharing a stage with your musical heroes gives you no choice but to level up.</p><p>.</p><p>About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from <a href="http://penfriend.rocks/hello" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://penfriend.rocks/hello</a>.</p><p>.</p><p>My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: <a href="http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters</a></p><br><hr><p style="color:grey;font-size:0.75em;"> See <a style="color:grey;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p>