Skip to Content
Talkhouse home
Talkhouse home
Music

Mac McCaughan (Superchunk) Talks with Laura Cantrell for the Talkhouse Music Podcast

These two ex-bandmates have gone different musical ways — country music and anthemic indie-rock — but they still have some important things in common.

Back when they were in college in the late '80s, Laura Cantrell and Mac McCaughan were in a band called Bricks. That band didn't get very far, but Laura went on to become an acclaimed country singer-songwriter hailed by the likes of Elvis Costello and legendary BBC DJ John Peel. Mac soon founded Superchunk, who went on to 26 years (and counting) of indie-rock glory, as well as co-founding the phenomenally successful Merge Records.

Even though Laura and Mac have taken different musical paths, they've not just maintained their long friendship, they've both stayed true to themselves and to their art, and carved out respected, sustainable careers. They actually still have a lot in common. So we figured we'd put them together for a Talkhouse Music Podcast and have them catch up, reminisce, compare notes and share a little wisdom.

Related Stories

Mood Board: Jess Williamson’s A Mile South of Heaven

The Texan singer-songwriter on how a Pam Houston short story collection, Shooter Jennings’s tarot deck, and more shaped her new record.

October 9, 2026

Emily A. Sprague and h. pruz Are Constructing Their Own Worlds

The artists talk the role of fantasy in their songwriting, the possibilities of ambient music, and more.

October 9, 2026

Amos Pitsch and Graham Hunt Get Serious

The artists talk “goofy” Wisconsin punk, their production ethos, and more.

October 8, 2026

In the Salon with Spike and The Tubs

Hannah McLoughlin chats with Owen Williams (while giving him a haircut).

October 6, 2026

Mood Board: Semiratruth’s S!M

The Brooklyn-based artist on how Silent Hill 2, Boards of Canada, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and more shaped their new record.

October 2, 2026

Pete Fij (Adorable) Talks with Mark Gardener (Ride) on the Talkhouse Podcast

"We did a press conference with Oasis, which was sort of humiliating."

October 1, 2026