Dead Pioneers Confront the American Dream

A Deeper Listen

Dead Pioneers talk about how their new album portrays disillusionment with modern America through a proudly Indigenous lens.

Subscribe Here:

Apple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts Overcast Podcasts  Pocket Casts  Spotify

photo by carlos cruz (view set)

Denver-based punk group Dead Pioneers recently released their second album, PO$T AMERICAN, on Hassle Records. They’ve been opening for Pearl Jam on their U.S. tour this spring.

KEXP’s Dusty Henry caught up with lead vocalist Gregg Deal to discuss the band’s rapid success, how their new album portrays disillusionment with modern America, and how the band reclaims and recontextualizes Indigenous representation seen in media – from Dances with Wolves through One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. In a divided moment in history, PO$T AMERICAN feels perfectly timed for imperfect times.

“I know that there are different mediums out there that exist to create places of safety and understanding and articulation of frustration,” Deal says in the interview. “I know music is one of those places, I know art is one of those places, and I am grateful to have any part in either of those things.”

Support the show: kexp.org/deeper 

More From A Deeper Listen

Merrill Garbus says the lyrics simply poured out of her mouth on several tracks for the new Tune-Yards album, Better Dreaming.

Japanese synth artist Hiro Ama discusses his debut solo album Music for Peace and Harmony.

Martin Oldgoth, co-founder of World Goth Day, in conversation with DJ Sharlese, host of Mechanical Breakdown, talks about the holiday’s origin.