Carl Newman of The New Pornographers on Downbeat Lyrics, Upbeat Music

I think there may be a logic behind our songs. They’ve always been like that. I think, for me, you listen to music and it makes you feel better. A lot of people listen to music and it makes them feel better when they’re feeling lousy. That translates into me making music. I make music to make myself feel better. I think of pop songs that I love. I’ve always loved these epic, sugary pop songs, like “Daydream Believer” or “Happy Together,” so when I’m writing songs, I just naturally go in that direction. But that’s a product of something being rough in your life. You’re writing music just to make yourself feel better. So lyrically, it may be a little downbeat, but the music is very upbeat. – Carl Newman of The New Pornographers