Alan Sparhawk came of age in rural Northwestern Minnesota, the son of a construction worker, part-time farmer, and occasional musician. While music was a regular presence in the house, farm life didn’t provide for much cultural exploration, until Sparhawk found himself at college in the city of Duluth where he was able to gain access to a world with movies, music, and other folks interested in music and culture. For a time, Alan began playing in Zen Identity, a band based out of Superior, WI. After bassist John Nichols joined the band, he and Sparhawk began joking about starting a new band that was completely different from what was happening on the top of the charts.

Formed in the wake of the alternative revolution led by Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Low set out to play a quieter, slower, and more intentional kind of rock and roll. Focusing on slower tempos, stripped down arrangements, and quietly beautiful harmonies, Low excelled at bringing out the most essential elements within a song. This deliberate approach was eventually dubbed “Slowcore” by the indie music press, and Low found themselves often lumped in with bands like Bedhead, Codeine, and Ida to name a few. While this label largely fits, the feature that truly sets Low apart as a band, even within the Slowcore movement, is the gorgeous voice of drummer, Mimi Parker

Sparhawk and Parker had been married for some time, and had even played together casually around the house, but Alan admits having to coax Mimi into joining the band. It’s marvelous that he did, for her talent was undeniable. Together, their two voices soar across the entirety of the Low catalog, which includes 13 full length albums, 10 EPs, and a cache of singles and live recordings. Low found themselves critical darlings, and toured across the world for nearly 30 years. They are one of America’s great independent bands.

Tragically, Low came to an end in 2022, when Mimi Parker lost her battle with cancer. During our chat, Alan and I talk about the grief that he has endured since losing his wife. We also discuss the joys of working with Mimi, who often nailed vocal recordings in a single take despite feeling sheepish about performing. We also cover the math teacher/nun who sold Alan his first bass amp, and we even unravel how to find the spark for a song.

Let’s get into it.

Cheers,

Matty C

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End Credits

Thanks so much to Alan for joining me. You can find out all about his work in Low and his new solo musical efforts at https://www.alansparhawk.com/

The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.

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