Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with Cindy Lawson

Cindy Lawson - The Reckoning

Minneapolis punk icon Cindy Lawson is back with “The Reckoning” — a fiery, no-holds-barred anthem for anyone who’s ever been burned or betrayed. After walking away from the scene she helped build alongside The Replacements and Soul Asylum, Lawson returns with a vengeance on Hygh Tension Records (TLG)/Virgin Records. The new official music video (out Oct. 10) captures her raw power and fearless storytelling — think Patti Smith meets Sleater-Kinney with decades of lived-in grit. This is a punk revival with purpose — loud, unapologetic, and long overdue.

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Interview with Cindy Lawson

What does “The Reckoning” mean to you right now?

I was able to draw on experiences and feelings to create original art-and it means so much to me. I need to feel authentic and sincere when I'm playing music and being able to transform misery and pain into inspiration and energy to share with others is a wonderful feeling.

How did it feel stepping back into the punk scene you helped build?

I have a few friends who have continued playing this whole time and I don't think they are stopping anytime soon! Right now there are a zillion bands in Minneapolis so we can see original music every night of the week AND I love how we have so many more bands formed by women and LGBTQIA persons. In the very beginnings of punk rock there were all kinds of female and gay voices but at a point in time it all just became straight white guys with guitars. There's nothing wrong with a straight white guy and a guitar, but man, I want to hear about life from a different point of view.

What fired you up to write this new anthem?

The song came to me as all the songs do, just playing around with melodies and how the words fit around those chord changes. I have a lot of righteous anger in me that I finally feel strong enough to accept and face. It's tricky when you open yourself up and tell the truth about things that have happened to you.

How does this song capture your journey from The Clams to today?

It's all a part of a journey that started way back in the 80's when it seemed like the whole world was open to you as a 20-something. It felt like anything was possible. And now I see how much I've learned and how much joy I still get from strapping on my guitar and screaming into a mic.

What inspired the sound and attitude behind “The Reckoning”?

Well, I'm at the 'no fucks given' stage of my life. I've survived these many years-I've lived through heartaches and happiness and raising children and working at a career. I've got the scars from battle but I also know I'm strong enough to survive. I honor myself and I honor others for their lives.

How was it working with Hygh Tension Records and Virgin Records for this release?

It's been really cool! I have really appreciated the opportunity.

What message do you hope fans take from the new video?

Be strong. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other-music connects us and helps us process this crazy world.

Which artists or memories were on your mind when you hit the studio?

I think of artists like Nina Simone or Joni Mitchell who were not afraid to speak from the heart. They didn't feel the need to pattern themselves after anyone else-they showed their authentic selves.

How does it feel to see your music connecting with a new generation of punk fans?

Of course I love it! We love playing all ages shows-the spirit of music is ageless.

What can we expect next from Cindy Lawson?

More music! More sass! Maybe more bitchiness! Thank you so much for the interview!