King Tuff with Morgan Nagler

On this week’s Talkhouse Podcast, we’ve got a songwriter with a long and varied history who’s somehow just now making her solo debut alongside the musician and producer who helped her make it: it’s Morgan Nagler and King Tuff.

You could be excused for not knowing Morgan Nagler’s name; she’s been on the fringes of the L.A. music scene for the past couple of decades, co-writing songs with Phoebe Bridgers (the remarkable “Kyoto”) and HAIM, among others—as well as fronting the band Whispertown. She’s also had another career on-screen, from Punky Brewster to American Pie 2, but that’s not relevant for today’s conversation. Just this month, Nagler released the first album under her own name, and it carries the all-time great title I’ve Got Nothing to Lose and I’m Losing It. If you love melodic, heartfelt pop with a bit of that Laurel Canyon twang, you will find something to love on this record. Check out the song “Hurt” right here, which features a cavalcade of talented backing singers, too.

Kyle Thomas has been making music under the name King Tuff for the past 20 years or so, cranking out rollicking, straightforward rockers that fit perfectly with his moniker. For his new record Moo, Thomas went back to basics after spending what he felt like was too much time cleaning things up. The result is a garage-y, thoroughly catchy set of songs that never try to overcomplicate the desire to rock. Think GBV or Ty Segall or Mikal Cronin. Check out the song “Invisible Ink” from his new album Moo right here. It’s out this week.

In this fun chat, Nagler and Thomas talk about the fun of writing lyrics together, Thomas’ move back to the snowy woods of Vermont, and what they plan to eat on their upcoming tour together. There’s also white weasels and Cadbury creme eggs, so pay close attention and enjoy.

Thanks for listening to the Talkhouse Podcast, and thanks to Morgan Nagler and Kyle Thomas aka. King Tuff for chatting. If you liked what you heard, please follow Talkhouse on your favorite podcasting platform and check out all the great stuff at Talkhouse.com. This episode was produced by Myron Kaplan and the Talkhouse theme is composed and performed by the Range. See you next time!

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