Album: Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars (1988)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Before Jerry Seinfeld created a show about nothing, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians made a song about nothing. In an interview with Melody Maker, Edie Brickell explained: "One day I was just walking along and I realized I was in a band and I could write about anything in the whole world. The first word that bumped into my head was 'nothing.' And I thought: 'I'll write about nothing!' Just nothing!"
  • Credited to the five band members, "Nothing" is part of the first Edie Brickell & New Bohemians album, Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars. Brickell was not an original member of the group; she signed on after joining them onstage one hazy night in 1985 when she was a student at Southern Methodist University. Even after landing a deal with Geffen Records, they thought their chances were slim, which explains the album title. But they landed an appearance on Saturday Night Live in November 1988 that broke their first single, "What I Am," and the album went on to sell over 2 million copies. Those same five band members were still making music together decades later.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.