Suzanne Vega's Spark Is Lou Reed's Berlin

04/23/25 • 28 min

Legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega joins Adam to discuss her deep connection to Lou Reed’s 1973 concept album Berlin — a haunting, operatic record that became a major influence on her songwriting, especially her iconic hit “Luka.”

Suzanne shares how seeing Lou Reed live for the first time at Columbia University blew her mind, how Berlin’s brutal honesty shaped her approach to writing about difficult subjects, and why pairing dark lyrics with upbeat melodies can create something truly powerful. She also reflects on Reed’s raw, confrontational style and how it taught her to be fearless in her own artistry.

Whether you're a fan of Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, Berlin or behind-the-scenes stories of iconic songs like Luka, this episode is a must-listen.

Suzanne's new album Flying With Angels is out on May 2nd.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

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For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Whether you're a fan of Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, Berlin or behind-the-scenes stories of iconic songs like Luka, this episode is a must-listen.

Suzanne's new album Flying With Angels is out on May 2nd.

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Goldie's Spark Is Style Wars

Legendary drum and bass DJ and producer Goldie joins Adam for a deep dive into the cultural force that helped shape his identity: the groundbreaking graffiti documentary Style Wars.

From his first encounters with the film and Subway Art to his close relationships with graffiti pioneers like Henry Chalfant and TATS CRU, Goldie unpacks the profound connection between street art and jungle music.

He also reveals how the layering, rebellion, and cryptic complexity of graffiti mirrors his approach to music production — especially on his new Rufige Kru album Alpha Omega, dropping May 15, 2025.

As Goldie tours the U.S. throughout April and May 2025, he’s reflecting on the sounds and visuals that influenced generations of underground artists. Hear how graffiti and drum and bass intertwine, why Style Wars still matters 50 years on, and what it means to leave your mark — whether it’s on a train, a wall, or a record.

Don’t miss Goldie live on tour this spring — and get ready for Alpha Omega, out May 15th.

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Ok Go front man Damian Kulash's Spark Is Fugazi's Repeater

Damian Kulash, lead singer and guitarist of OK Go, joins Adam for an unforgettable conversation about the album that changed his life: Fugazi’s landmark 1990 release Repeater.

Damian shares his teenage memories of discovering Fugazi in the heart of the Washington, D.C. punk scene and how Repeater gave him a blueprint for making music that was raw, political, human, and totally accessible. From DIY shows in churches to five-dollar ticket prices and all-ages gigs, Fugazi’s ethos left a permanent imprint on him — and helped shape his approach to music, art, and live performance.

We get deep into:

The power of seeing music made by real people, in real time
How Repeater became a gateway to punk, DIY ethics, and artistic empowerment
The surprising parallels between Prince and Fugazi
Why the D.C. hardcore scene was a “religion” for creative kids
How that same mindset lives on in OK Go’s genre-bending videos and music

Whether you're a lifelong Fugazi fan or just discovering the magic of Repeater, this one’s a wild, inspiring ride.

About Repeater:

Released in 1990, Repeater is the debut full-length album by legendary post-hardcore band Fugazi. Combining punk aggression with experimental songwriting and a fiercely independent ethic, the album set a new standard for underground rock. It remains one of the most influential records of the 1990s.

About Damian Kulash:

Damian Kulash is the frontman of Grammy-winning alt-rock band OK Go, renowned for their groundbreaking music videos and inventive pop-rock sound. OK Go’s commitment to DIY creativity and visual storytelling has earned them a global fanbase — and it all traces back to the raw power of bands like Fugazi.

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.