EP164 | JODY STEPHENS OF BIG STAR launches Luther Russell

LaunchLeft

Ever wonder what it's like to be part of rock history? Our latest LaunchLeft episode pulls back the curtain on Big Star's legacy.

Rain Phoenix hosts an illuminating conversation with Jody Stephens, drummer of the legendary band Big Star. The discussion delves into Jody's early musical influences in Memphis, his experiences with Big Star, and the band's enduring legacy. Jody shares insights about recording at Ardent Studios and working with John Fry, offering a glimpse into the creation of Big Star's iconic sound.

Jody then launches Luther Russell. They discuss their collaboration in their band Those Pretty Wrongs, exploring their songwriting process and creative dynamic. Luther provides additional perspective on their partnership and his own musical journey. The episode also touches on Jody's recent induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and Luther's latest solo album. Throughout, the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a joyful, pressure-free approach to creativity in music.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Introducing Jody Stevens of Big Star

• (05:21) Jody’s early musical influences in Memphis

• (09:06) Rain on discovering Big Star in Costa Rica

• (15:22) John Fry's influence on Big Star's iconic sound

• (24:17) Working at Ardent Studios after Big Star

• (31:49) Changes in the music industry over time

• (47:50) Luther Russell is launched

• (49:17) Collaborative songwriting process for the band

• (56:32) Recording at Abbey Road with John Leckie

• (59:52) Luther Russell's new solo album Happiness for Beginners

• (1:02:39) Upcoming shows and future recording plans

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Music creation should be a joyful, pressure-free process. By focusing on having fun and avoiding self-imposed stress, artists can collaborate effectively long-distance and produce multiple albums together. This approach has allowed creativity to flow naturally.

• The music industry has changed dramatically, but there are still "gatekeepers" in new forms. While technology has democratized distribution, the sheer volume of content makes it challenging to break through. Having a passionate fanbase who will share your music remains crucial.

• Revisiting and performing older material can lead to unexpected new creative partnerships. What started as playing some shows together to support a documentary evolved into a fruitful songwriting collaboration and multiple albums. Being open to these opportunities can take your career in exciting new directions.

RESOURCE LINKS:

LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link

JODY STEPHENS BIO:

Jody Stephens (born October 4, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American drummer best known as a founding member of the influential power pop band Big Star. Formed in 1971, Big Star’s original lineup included Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Andy Hummel, and Stephens. The band released three albums—#1 Record (1972), Radio City (1974), and Third/Sister Lovers (recorded in 1974, released in 1978)—which, despite initial commercial struggles, later garnered critical acclaim and influenced numerous artists .

In 1993, he participated in a reformation of the band alongside Chilton and members of The Posies, resulting in the 2005 album In Space.

Beyond Big Star, Stephens has collaborated with various groups. He joined the alt-country supergroup Golden Smog (with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco), contributing to albums like Weird Tales (1998) and Another Fine Day (2006) . In 2015, he formed Those Pretty Wrongs with Luther Russell, releasing their self-titled debut in 2016, followed by Zed for Zulu (2019) and Holiday Camp (2023) .

Stephens has also been a longtime fixture at Ardent Studios in Memphis, where Big Star recorded their albums. He joined the Ardent staff in 1987 and has served as Vice President of Production am— and other titles, working under founder John Fry (who died in 2014 at age 69). Under his tenure, Ardent has continued to be a vital recording venue for artists across genres.

Today, Jody Stephens remains active in music, performing, recording, and contributing to the legacy of Big Star and Ardent Studios (he still works at Ardent). He is the last surviving member of Big Star’s original lineup, but still plays the music with the Big Star Quartet at shows across the world.