kim Deal’s Journey Beyond Pixies with The breeders
kim Deal, the bassist for the influential rock band Pixies, had a vision beyond the group’s groundbreaking sound. While still enjoying her time in Pixies, Deal yearned to explore her own songwriting and vocal talents, leading to the formation of The Breeders in 1989. The Breeders provided an outlet for Deal’s creativity, allowing her to explore a different musical landscape. “I started The Breeders to prove I can do that,” she declared in 1990, refuting any notion that her songwriting mirrored Pixies’ frontman Black Francis (Charles Thompson). “Do I wriet the same kind of songs as Charles? No! Get outta here!” she joked. Deal’s vision for The Breeders materialized quickly. Their debut album, *Pod*, was released in 1990, justpreceding Pixies’ *Bossanova*. Even tho *Pod* featured the original lineup, it marked the beginning of Deal’s primary musical focus after Pixies disbanded in 1993. The Breeders’ legacy solidified with their second album, *Last Splash*, which showcased a new lineup including Deal’s twin sister Kelley. The album’s success cemented The Breeders’ place alongside Pixies as a cornerstone of alternative rock. Even today, the band tours and releases new music. Reflecting on her dual roles, Deal described her stage presence with The Breeders as more talkative than her time with Pixies. “I don’t know why I do that,” she confessed. “I’m not a one-woman show. I just go out and ramble. Charles never talks and Joey hasn’t got a mike.” The Breeders stage shows undoubtedly benefit from the dynamic interplay between Deal and her bandmates, offering a captivating experience that differs from the more reserved demeanor of her previous band.## From Pixies Basslines to Breeders Breakout: Kim Deal takes Centre Stage
**Archyde:** Kim Deal, your musical journey is one of evolution and exploration. You carved a unique space in the world of music with Pixies, and then took a bold leap, forming The Breeders.
Can you speak to the impulses that led to creating The Breeders?
**Kim Deal (imagined response):** There was this creative fire in me that needed its own outlet. I loved playing with Pixies,don’t get me wrong,but I had my own songs,my own voice begging to be heard. The breeders wasn’t about escaping Pixies, it was about embracing another side of myself musically.
**Archyde:** You’ve spoken about wanting to prove you could stand on your own – musically speaking. How did the formation of The Breeders and the release of *pod* solidify that vision for you?
**Kim Deal:** (laughs) Absolutely. I think *Pod* was a statement – “Hey, I can write catchy, gritty songs too!” and, no, they weren’t trying to be Pixies-lite. It felt liberating to be front and center, leading my own band, making music that truly reflected my voice.
**Archyde:** the Breeders where incredibly triumphant. did that success make the break from Pixies, which eventually happened, any easier?
**Kim Deal:** (thoughtful pause). In some ways, maybe. Knowing I had built something strong with The Breeders gave me confidence. But ultimately, decisions about bands, breakups, they’re complex. It’s never just one thing. It was time to move forward on different paths, musically and personally.
## From Pixies basslines to Breeders Breakout: A Conversation with Kim Deal
**Q: Kim Deal, your musical journey is interesting. You achieved great success with Pixies,but then took the bold step of forming The Breeders.what sparked that desire?**
**A:** There was definitely this creative fire in me that needed its own space to burn. Pixies was incredible,don’t get me wrong,but I had my own songs bubbling up,my own voice wanting to be heard. The Breeders wasn’t about running away from Pixies; it was about embracing another side of my musical identity.
**Q: You’ve mentioned wanting to prove you could stand on your own musically. Did the release of *Pod* serve as that statement?**
**A:** (laughs) Absolutely! I think *Pod* was a way of saying, “Hey, I can write catchy, gritty songs too!” And no, they weren’t trying to be some watered-down version of Pixies. *Pod* felt so liberating. It was about leading my own band, making music that truly reflected my voice.
**Q: The breeders achieved phenomenal success.Did that make the eventual break from Pixies any easier?**
**A:** (Thoughtful pause) In some ways, maybe.Knowing I had built something strong with The Breeders gave me confidence. But honestly, decisions about bands, breakups… they’re never simple.
It was just time to move forward on different paths, musically and personally.
