Episode 301: Colin Newman and Malka Spigel (of Immersion)




RiYL show

Summary: The van is running late. Never underestimate the traffic in from D.C. When Malka Spigel and Colin Newman do finally arrive, they’re both a bit wiped. Another late night on tour, getting in after last call, but the couple are both excited and slightly melancholy to play the final show of the tour. It’s Immersion’s first in the U.S., celebrating their first LP in a decade and a half. Spigel and Newman are clearly happy at the reception both the album and tour have received, even if it’s felt a bit like starting from scratch. After all, the mention of the pair’s other legendary bands Wire and Minimal Compact only go so far when it comes to filling venues. But with their son out of the house — as it happens, Spigel and Newman are also a married couple — the time is finally right to fully embrace a musical project that’s been on the back burner for quite some time. And the result is a sort of newfound energy musicians often lack later in their career.  Spigel and Newman sat down ahead of a show at Rough Trade in Brooklyn to discuss the project, touring and choosing musical passion over commercial success.