206. Eliza Niemi Discusses The Cradle, Half a Double Life

You, Me and An Album

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10d ago 53:20

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On this episode, Toronto-based singer, songwriter, composer and cellist Eliza Niemi joins Al to introduce him to Paco Cathcart’s project The Cradle and their 2021 album Half a Double Life. Eliza talks about how she first learned of Paco’s music, and Half a Double Life in particular, and she discusses the lyrical and musical elements that keep her coming back to the album. Eliza also delves into her 2025 album Progress Bakery, noting the features that were consciously and subconsciously influenced by Cathcart.

Follow Eliza on Instagram at @eliza.niemi! You can also follow her label, Vain Mina Records, on Instagram at @vain.mina.records.

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1:31 Eliza joins the show

2:00 Eliza explains how she became a fan of The Cradle

5:08 Eliza notes why Half a Double Life stands out to her among Cathcart’s albums

6:15 Eliza breaks down some of Half a Double Life’s lyrical themes

14:46 Al enjoyed the contrasting imagery in “No Human Hands”

16:30 Eliza and Al talk about the cyclical nature of the album’s songs

19:54 Half a Double Life got Eliza more interested in minimal arrangements

22:28 Paco’s theme of compromise extends to “Always Certain Trades”

23:48 Is it easier to get attached to albums that are “growers”?

25:13 Eliza has listened to the album steadily since its release

27:43 Eliza has questions about the album that she’d like to ask Paco

29:25 Eliza appreciates the thought Paco gives to the musical elements they use

31:56 Eliza likes the album’s blend of darkness and silliness

33:45 Eliza and Al compare and contrast Half a Double Life with Progress Bakery

38:49 Eliza explains the origins of a lyric from “Do U FM”

42:10 Eliza talks about the ASMR quality of her music

45:04 Eliza explains why she called her album Progress Bakery

46:57 Eliza talks about some upcoming shows

48:52 Eliza alerts us to a new release on her label

Outro music is from “Dusty” by Eliza Niemi.

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206. Eliza Niemi Discusses The Cradle, Half a Double Life

You, Me and An Album

published 10d ago