The Check-In with Nick Thorburn-The Creem-Pear Shape

In this episode of Tour Stories: The Check-In with Joe Plummer, host Joe welcomes musician Nick Thorburn for a candid conversation spanning his latest project, the collaborative album *A Taste of Cherry* with Mike Stroud of Ratatat, and his debut comic book *Pear Shape*. Thorburn reflects on the creative synergy of working with Stroud, emphasizing the joy of stepping back as a vocalist and letting the instrumentalist drive the music, while drawing sonic inspiration from 1970s FM hits and the lush production of bands like ELO. The discussion dives into themes of nostalgia, artistic identity, and the balance between light and dark in songwriting, with a standout moment on the playful yet poignant track 'Goodbye.' Thorburn also reveals his foray into comics, explaining the dark, humorous, and intentionally mature themes of *Pear Shape*, which arrives just after the album’s June 5th release. The conversation touches on personal life—his engagement, parenting, and creative process—alongside reflections on basketball fandom, ADHD medication, and the evolving nature of artistic collaboration. The episode closes with a warm, humorous exchange about visiting Los Angeles and sharing a laid-back afternoon with chips, salsa, and a Corona.