Listen to Bret Easton Ellis interview The National's Matt Berninger for an hour
The National are Ellis' favourite band
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.American Psycho author Bret Easton Ellis has interviewed The National frontman Matt Berninger for his podcast, talking depression, alcoholism, love and the band's new film Mistaken For Strangers.
For music and literature fans, it was like being served lobster with your steak.
Here are two wordsmiths who have explored the depths of our anxieties in very different but equally moving ways, coming together to discuss their creative processes and sharing their respective experiences of loneliness.
The podcast begins with Bret explaining how the band's album Boxer pulled him out of depression in 2008 and cemented The National's place as his favourite band, before the pair trade thoughts on whether pain is necessary for good writing.
Matt's new film Mistaken For Strangers is also discussed, along with the songwriting process and what it is like to perform such high intensity shows as The National do – the full interview being well worth checking out when you have an hour going spare.
Ellis has become a prolific podcaster in recent months, previously interviewing Kanye West, Judd Apatow, Marilyn Manson, Kevin Smith and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments