Bass Lines and Life Lines: Ali Smith's Punk Rock Memoir "The Ballad of Speedball Baby"

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"Music came into my bedroom on the radio waves and delivered a whole world to me."

Music, memoirs, & memories with Ali Smith in this Beyond the Mic Short Cut. Dive into the memoir of a punk musician in "The Ballad of Speedball Baby" as Ali reflects on her wild journey, candid insights, Rockin' 8, & heartfelt reflections.

Welcome Ali Smith

We’re joined on the Starline by a photographer, musician, author and full-fledged human being. Her worldwide tours with “Speedball Baby” influence her book, coated in black eyeliner and cheap booze. We welcome author of the memoir “The Ballad of Speedball Baby”, Ali Smith.

Ali, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You held your own, playing your bass, intimidating men and a ton of broken down vans. Why was it necessary to tell this story right now?

You dragged enough equipment in and out of less than stellar clubs for less than stellar pay. Why did you do it?

Why does music give you joy?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. If you could have redone “Cinema!” how would you have changed it?

2. Favorite tea to drink?

3. If you could ask 1 more question to Sandra Bernhard, what would it be?

4. Person you would love to do a photoshoot with?

5. Which song from Speedball Baby didn’t get the love you thought it should have?

6. Do you still have your 1st $25 bass?

7. You have a fear of rats, how close are they to music execs?

8. Favorite place you did a show with Speedball Baby where you didn’t get strip searched?

The Back Half:

You completed a project on incarcerated mothers in a maximum security prison. How did that change the way you see yourself as a mother?

Best thing about Harper?

What do you consider to be the most important thing in a photograph?

One Big Question:

What’s the one memory that you didn’t put into “The Ballad of Speedball Baby”, which still makes you emotional today?

Where can people find you online?

The Wrap:

She hates rats, doesn’t have her 1st bass and wants you to read “The Ballad of Speedball Baby” Ali Smith thanks for taking the time to talk with us today!

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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