YouTube
Set List
- “Everybody Scream”
- “Sympathy Magic”
- “Cosmic Love”
- “One of the Greats”
Florence Welch, the lead vocalist of Florence + the Machine, exudes a captivating aura on stage. Her ethereal voice and evocative imagery transport audiences to an era where magic felt tangible. Her latest album, Everybody Scream, delves deeper into this mysticism, offering a more intimate exploration of personal themes.
Prior to the album’s creation, Welch faced a significant emotional challenge, experiencing a miscarriage that necessitated emergency surgery. In a live session recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, she reflects on how she harnessed a primal feminine energy to navigate through the physical and emotional aftermath of this experience. Welch also shares insights from her exploration of the Warburg Institute in London, where she deepened her understanding of witchcraft and magic’s historical context.
“I believe that imagination serves as a form of escape; mythology offers a means of escape,” she explains. “I sought to find meaning in my experiences and to explore different forms of power, as well as to connect with women who have led unconventional lives.”
In Everybody Scream, Welch also examines her dual identity as a performer, grappling with the tension between her public persona and her private self. She collaborated with fellow artist Mitski on the title track.
“Mitski significantly contributed to shaping that song,” Welch notes. “We discussed the sacrifices women often face in this industry, sacrifices that male counterparts might not encounter. Amidst this, she expressed something profound: the intimacy gained from these experiences is something that perhaps they will never understand.”
Welch also includes a live performance of a fan favorite from her debut album, Lungs.
This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez, with Kimberly Junod serving as the senior producer. Chris Williams handled engineering, while Chelsea Johnson coordinated programming and booking, and Will Loftus acted as the line producer.
