Dancing to the rhythm
When you speak to someone who has been a blueprint for everything you stand for, the excitement can feel overwhelming. For Kathleen Hanna, a figure recognized as the frontwoman of Bikini Kill and a key icon of 90s feminist punk, those conversations are not just interviews; they are opportunities to explore the intersection of art, activism, and change.
As the host of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame podcast Music Makes Us, Hanna has leveraged this platform to connect with some of the most influential voices in music history, including Olivia Rodrigo, Shirley Manson, Joan Jett, Nancy Wilson, and Chaka Khan. The way she navigates these conversations reveals a deep appreciation for different energies—from the rapid-fire pace of some guests to the calm presence of others.
Her experience varies greatly when interviewing different artists. While she found a rapid-fire pace when speaking with guests like Amy Taylor, who matched her high energy, she discovered a different kind of rhythm when engaging with those who are more comfortable and relaxed. She noted that slowing down the pace when speaking with someone who is “very chill” allows for a deeper connection, teaching her valuable lessons about listening and empathy as an interviewer.
This pursuit of connection extended into her work with more guests, such as Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, and artists like Sheila E. Researching Sheila E, Hanna found a profound connection to how intertwined her family was with the East Bay music scene. Interviewing her in person was a highlight, revealing fascinating details about how family dynamics shape artistic history.
Hanna likened the experience of interviewing Sheila E to performing live on stage, describing a moment where the conversation shifted into an impromptu Q&A. She felt a sense of shared experience, as if they were playing a live show together, which brought her immense joy and a feeling of connection to those striving to change the world.
This dynamic mirrors Hanna’s own life mission. Since the 1980s, she has been actively fighting for equality and empowerment, often addressing themes of sexism and violence against women in her spoken word and music. She views her interviews as extensions of this ethos, seeking to uncover deeper truths about how artists navigate the world.
Hanna’s admiration for artists like Chuck D—whose work inspired many to speak their minds through lyrics—is reflected in her commitment to creating music that merges technical excellence with raw emotion. She strives for an organic synthesis of content and feeling, a balance she finds rare in the music landscape.
Ultimately, Hanna’s journey emphasizes that personal passion can fuel global change. She advises that we find what we love and put it into service of our deepest concerns. Whether it is art, gardening, or advocacy, finding a way to contribute is key. By focusing on what truly matters, individuals can inspire significant shifts, proving that a simple, passionate approach can lead to monumental impact.
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