Phoebe Bridgers on songwriting, her younger self & Taylor Swift: Melber's 2022 in-depth interview

Grammy-nominated singer Phoebe Bridgers recounts her songwriting process, inspiration for lyrics, and how fear, loneliness and Covid can shape creativity. Bridgers also discusses her idols David Bowie and Joni Mitchell in this newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons. Warning, this video contains some adult language.
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Phoebe Bridgers On Her Lyrics, Lonely Creativity, And Smashing Guitars And Double Standards

[@AriMelber]

Thanks again to Phoebe for being our debut guest on this new season of Mavericks! Definitely had some Inspectah Deck energy here - triple extra large / Wild like rock stars who smash guitars! / Poison bars from the Gods / bust holes in your mirage… :)

[@DaveToneMusic]

That was so great Ari, really wonderful interview, great questions, nice vibe and good chemistry between you both. Bravo! And thanks Phoebe, you're a treasure, it was beautiful!

[@kristinadutton3259]

More like this please!

[@PraiseReason]

Thanks Ari... love to see my favorite people interviewing my favorite people.

[@onefootsteve5919]

Phoebe is a superb young artist and just a remarkable young woman. And in what looks like what is going to be a difficult future for reproductive choice, we need her uncompromising activism. Thanks for choosing her, Ari, and your questions were as witty and insightful as always.

[@ricksamericana749]

If you've ever had the opportunity see Phoebe Bridgers live then you can appreciate how funny she is. Her humor is most pointed before or after she sings her most heartbreaking lyrics. It's really quite charming.

[@tuckeringersoll5724]

wow. seriously love this interviewer. he's adding to the conversation and you can tell he's really paying attention to what she's saying

[@billyalarie929]

I legitimately cannot tell if this is sarcasm or not

[@RandomPlayIist]

@@billyalarie929 Why would it be sarcasm? He's literally doing what that person said.

[@JoshIdstein]

I love how they brought up Joni Mitchell. First time I ever listened to Graceland Too, I said to myself "it sounds like something Joni would write". Phoebe is my absolute hero, and she feels like a natural progression of the folk musicians I grew up listening to in my parent's living room.

[@llbxq]

can you recommend some of joni's songs that sound like that?

[@EfOneAddict]

That was really good. She is immensely talented and fun to listen to. One of my favorite PB lyrics is "One of your eyes is always half shut, something happened when you were a kid. I didn't know you then and I'll never understand why... it feels like I did."

[@Storanzo98]

same, cried to that one

[@ryanmillward585]

Is this about Thom Yorke? She references other artists and musicians in that song including Bowie, The Smiths and Lemmy from Motorhead. I feel like it's a reference to Thom

[@magowiee]

@@ryanmillward585 more like Marshal her drummer and ex boyfriend

[@habso2838]

yesss! smoke signals is truly a gut wrenching song

[@ferreduda]

mine too!

[@annt7384]

“Your sound is both gentle and confrontational.” Wow, what a gifted way to begin an interview!

[@dopier12]

That was actually fun! Two intelligent people talking about fun stuff! First time watching the show/podcast and that I'd heard of Ms. Bridgers but she was very fun to listen to!

[@Progger11]

Listen to her album "Punisher." It's an absolute masterpiece.

[@dopier12]

@@Progger11 Missed this reply but will definitely check it out. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, as her intelligence and even maturity came out a bit evident in the clip.

[@bostonadams8803]

loved this interview, phoebe is my literal hero

[@briangrant774]

well done ari! phoebe bridgers is awesome cant get enough of her.

[@charleshenry8075]

This was FANTASTIC!. Thank you Ari for introducing me to a name I've heard of but haven't listened to - my fault. She is incredible and so was the interview.

[@hammycow26]

Saw her on SNL last spring after which she jumped to the top of my artists on Spotify. Her music is like nothing I've ever heard before or since.

[@MaryLouLord1]

What a great interview. He was wonderful, as was she. I concur with the lyrics of "These Days" by the way. Brilliant song. It's refreshing to hear an interviewer who's a fan, or, has at least researched the artist as this guy has. excellent.

[@hallow_cat]

This is one of the best interviews I've seen done by a regular news organization in a long time, props.

[@lukescoma]

Phoebe is a national treasure.

[@robertkeene7909]

Thank you Ari and Phoebe for being open and candid to talk about songwriting. As a musician myself, this really was a joy to hear!

[@kesscho118]

Great interviewer, great vibe between the two. Great to watch, thank you.

[@woohoo04]

Definitely one of the best interviews ever! There was a real connection between the both of them too, which I love. One of my fave Phoebe interviews fo sho.

[@nikkibuzdar6253]

Great interview! Questions were well-researched, unique & thoughtful. Thanks to you both!

[@potatoproductions1589]

shes so amazing cant wait to get news on her 3rd album

[@ditkasguitar07]

Excellent interviewer! Thanks for giving such a great platform for Phoebe to dive into her outstanding songwriting.

[@sabrinachavez8563]

It’s important to be vulnerable and show others that it’s okay go be human, so no one feels alone. She does this.

[@samara.ariel.jpg_]

I love you pheobe, gov ball and ur past new york shows were one of the most amazing experiences ever. your my favorite artist💙

[@JeanandBiancabooboo]

I love Phoebe Bridgers and Joni Mitchell. Phoebe's *Gentle and confrontational* songs. ❤️🔥🥹

[@maialeventhal4474]

she’s so 🥺💗☀️

[@onefootsteve5919]

I'm 61. Sometimes I get discouraged at all the cruelty and hatred and desire to repress. But then I see young folks like Phoebe, or Florence Pugh, or some of these trans/non-binary kids. Nice, happy, funny youngsters who tell their attackers to go F themselves. And I feel better!

[@staykinduniverse]

Phoebe you save my life daily. Thank you for sharing your sadness sooo beautifully

[@Progger11]

Wow, I didn't realize how many people out there are jealous of this beautiful, talented woman. But the comments under this video certainly show a concentrated attack from many, many haters. Imagine caring that much to put in that kind of effort.

[@von_freiesleben64]

all of the comments are positive what are u talking bout

[@simeonwindeth1847]

Graceland too and Chelsea are two of her rawest tracks. Phoebe has a beautiful melancholic soul. Punisher is the soundtrack to my pandemic experience.

[@clairecouplandmusic]

this has easily become one of my fav interviews, great conversation. thank you!

[@molly5963]

I wish there were more interviews like this with famous musicians so good!

[@MaRyAnN14love]

This was so lovely to watch and the interviewer Ari was so spot on!

[@QuadryHolloman]

Is the interviewer an artist as well? He's very knowledgeable about the process...Well done mate

[@jeannecarroll7729]

Great interview! Smart questions 🌸

[@mirafurman7439]

Great show Ari Melber. BRAVO!

[@valerieterranova8130]

Phoebe and Ari are both top of the class! What a great interview!

[@d1208cool]

i love that she mentioned joni in the literal first 30 seconds of the interview 🥰

[@RespireOfficial]

Two of my favorite people. Great interview!

[@JBHunt18]

who is this man and why is he an absolute G

[@rgwak]

boygenius - her collab with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus - is pretty dope as well.

[@usedtolovepotatoes8197]

Thanks for the massive record inflation, jotato...👈

[@onefootsteve5919]

And don't forget Better Oblivion Community Center with Conor Oberst!

[@aethrya]

Yeah it's good when average musicians pair up with actually talented ones.

[@balloon4202]

ugh i just adore her

[@timbutler8302]

OMG, Ari; that interview was off the charts!

[@shelbiewhitson4403]

I love her, she’s gonna be big soon I cant wait to watch it

[@fernandosibecas3492]

Great interview, love Phoebe, bummed out she pull out of Lollapalooza Buenos Aires, hopefully I´ll get tickets for Primavera Sound in November.

[@fernandosibecas3492]

FInally I got to see her live here in Buenos Aires with my daughter, we are both huge fans, loved her show, felt surreal!

[@arthurnoronha4736]

looking back it’s so clear pheobe and taylor have friendship or at least share their work with one another before releasing… pheobe is literally telling us how she shouldn’t be left to her own devices, they come with prices and vices and she ends up in crisis

[@levipierpont]

tale as old as time

[@crosee1274]

im in love with her

[@TimothymakeupsDitzler]

Man this was so good. Respect.

[@aubreythomas4477]

I love her soooo much. She’s so amazing

[@oliviastockwood9157]

her favourite lyric being from moon song i am crying

[@brooklynnmusiclive]

If I could describe this interview in one word: BADASS 🤘

[@georgeash4008]

I can think of another one beginning with C and ending in T, it has four letters.

[@LukeVanGeest]

Thanks for having my friend Phoebe on your show!

[@tashuntka]

Love this woman.... Guitar smashing is a major plus 💛❤️💛 Thanks Ari 👍🙏👌👍

[@serenity__now]

Love this interviewer! And the chemistry between them

[@stereoagnostic]

Such a thoughtful, engaging interview. A rare treat these days...

[@Mickiethenothingness]

I watched this interview soon after it came out but just came back to it because i think this is STILL her best interview! Very conversational and lowkey. She seemed completely comfortable and you seemed interested in what she had to say. Really great work! I hope you invite her back sometime soon!

[@FanDutch]

You give such thoughtful responses, so quickly! Really great

[@Melissa-iw8xo]

Why am I only just now seeing thin interview. This exchange creates only more love for both Melber and Phoebe. Thanks!!

[@ashlynn22]

“You can sacrifice a rhyme if something really means something”

[@gracew7337]

Such a great interview ! Interviewer seems like the best dude

[@DannyPoet]

inspiring artist.

[@bobwerber2984]

Wow she is smart. Melber also obviously did a great job of prepping for this.

[@LakeErieMermaid1]

She's so much more interesting than Taylor Swift. Doesn't just sing about boys. Swift should be opening for HER.

[@jamule777]

I appreciate your insight Phoebe. I don’t even know you, but I love you. Also, well done Ari.

[@moonlightval13]

wish her the best always

[@mandi4794]

This was fantastic!

[@vp4744]

I have a hunch, feeling, premonition, whatever that Billie Eilish's song Your Power is partly about Phoebe's past experiences. I know they are close friends and support each other.

[@vp4744]

@Sara Mill I doubt that.

[@natejohnson9669]

this is extremely interesting, and the early video clips are just icing on the cake

[@onefootsteve5919]

SLOPPY JANE. Phoebe played with them when they were a primitive punk rock group; now they're a art-pop big-band led by Phoebe's high school BFF, Haley Dahl, who is a deranged genius. Their Tiny Desk is well worth a look.

[@natejohnson9669]

@@onefootsteve5919 Oh yeah for sure, familiar with Sleepy Jane

[@annw5487]

'fancy words have never been really in my wheelhouse' when she literally wrote 'i wanna be emaciated'

[@sophialilly19]

right at this point phoebe bridgers is teaching me more new words than school is lol

[@yunia2318]

wow I have a hard time seeing quality interviews, really like this one ❤

[@user-jp2fn8ez8k]

fantastic interview

[@dtf-productions6134]

glad to hear she's getting the attention she deserves for her creativity

[@thekafe1219]

Sometimes I question Ari when he says “word” . I don’t understand he be different but I love this

[@carmenablaze5824]

this interviewer is so amazing

[@wowsports8800]

18:03 I've never heard anyone talk about this omg, that's exactly how I feel! Definitely made me feel less alone, she gets it

[@phobreze4652]

I love her so much. She’s my best friend and doesn’t even know it

[@tsivils1987]

BEST INTERVIEWER EVER! this guy rocks

[@humanbeing5300]

Ari seems like a great dude, I appreaciate his news show and now this style. Phoebe Bridgers is such a beautiful woman and a great talent. WOW

[@User_32]

Great interview

[@paulkern7229]

Why so many trolls on this thread? Slow day?

[@flix7753]

No wonder she writes such great lyrics/songs. There's a whole lot of substance with that woman.

[@joaofilipesantos7410]

Didn't really know this, but it was awesome!!

[@ohno9000]

-Taylor swift -King -Respect Love this

[@jayceklept]

great interview

[@kellyjervis8196]

yup that’s it i’m getting “if i could give you the moon i would give you the moon” tattooed

[@kristaunger7041]

Did you end up getting it?! I have been wanting it for a year now, so I know it’s not a whim. I just haven’t decided on the actual design or placement. Minor detail. 🙃🌖🌙

[@kellyjervis8196]

@@kristaunger7041 no i haven’t! but i’m planning on hopefully getting one soon and eventually i would like to get that, that lyric always has meant a lot to me and i totally understand wanting it

[@kristaunger7041]

@@kellyjervis8196 hopefully we both can get it someday soon! 🥰 I spent all of my potential tattoo funds on tickets to three boygenius shows in June, so I spent $15 on temporary tooth tattoos for the shows to tide me over until then. 😂🦷💙

[@jocelynmariejewell1249]

She’s so pretty

[@joesikorski4080]

Hi, I'm literally the greatest interviewer of all time. Thanks.

[@gabrielmontoya1407]

how did I know this would be Ari Melber! haha awesome interview!

[@Sometimes_Always]

Talented and super cute! Pheobe is awesome..

[@danny_davis]

Nice job, Ari! I’ve never heard a guy in a suit use “word” and “respect” like a hip-hop artist. It made me smile. 😀

[@gretasstolendreams2154]

Did not expect craig mack to come up in this interview

[@surayamelina]

Incredible interview 🤌🏽

[@pinklodha1206]

Nice chat with Ari and Phoebe

[@ye4us]

I thought that car ad was a youtube ad and i was looking for skip button.

[@tiffanysandoval3209]

It’s time to face our inner demons to heal and have understanding of others to bring acceptance, peace and unity that the World really needs in order to change and live a more fulfilling life!!

[@gianmarcoorsini3346]

What a great journalist

[@florenciasalomon]

Aww I Loved the "KING" for Taylor Swift :)

[@pinklodha1206]

Great interesting chat elegant Ari with pretty Phoebe

[@Progger11]

Still not over her being robbed at the Grammys

[@aarond9563]

Really good interview. If I'm being I didn't expect it from MSNBC, with this backdrop, in this studio, or to be frank from a middle aged white man in a full blown suit, but fair enough.

[@CINRZ]

Totally, thats rad

[@marryn9065]

“Respect”

[@OUTSPOKENWALLFLOWER4444]

Phoebe💕

[@strongjohn10956]

So, people actually spend money to attend one of her concerts and are offended by something "POLITICAL" she says? I guess there must be people out there who do not understand the lyrics of the music they think that they like. How f'ing odd.

[@lothrix9112]

Great interview 👍 you should do a interview with chelji or William Eyelash