Indie Rocker Morgan Nagler Recalls Surprise Songwriting Session with Kim Deal

The Haim and Phoebe Bridgers collaborator opened up about her unexpected creative partnership with the Pixies and Breeders legend.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:50am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered disco ball reflecting shards of light, conveying the glitz and energy of the indie music scene.The unexpected creative collaboration between indie icons Kim Deal and Morgan Nagler reflects the vibrant, ever-evolving nature of the modern music industry.Los Angeles Today

Morgan Nagler, a rising indie artist known for her collaborations with acts like Haim and Phoebe Bridgers, recently recounted a career-defining moment when Pixies and Breeders icon Kim Deal unexpectedly showed up at her driveway and the two wound up writing songs together. Nagler, who first gained attention as a child actress, has been making music for over 20 years and is now preparing to release her debut solo album.

Why it matters

This chance encounter between the established alt-rock legend Deal and the up-and-coming indie artist Nagler highlights the tight-knit and supportive nature of the indie music community, where established artists can provide mentorship and creative inspiration to the next generation. It also showcases how unexpected creative partnerships can lead to compelling new music.

The details

According to Nagler, Deal randomly showed up at her driveway one day, calling out her name. The two had previously crossed paths when Nagler's band Whispertown opened for The Breeders, but they had never really connected. This time, Deal asked Nagler what she was working on, and after Nagler shared some demos, Deal reached out a few days later to collaborate on new songs 'for no reason at all.' Nagler described the experience of working with Deal as incredibly inspiring, noting that Deal is '100% herself' and deeply dedicated to her artistic vision.

  • In 2024, Kim Deal and the Breeders were introduced to a new generation when they supported Olivia Rodrigo on her GUTS tour.
  • Nagler has been making music for over 20 years, building a reputation as a sought-after collaborator.

The players

Morgan Nagler

A rising indie artist known for her collaborations with acts like Haim and Phoebe Bridgers, Nagler first gained attention as a child actress before transitioning to music full-time.

Kim Deal

The legendary alt-rock musician best known as a founding member of the Pixies and The Breeders, Deal recently released her first solo album, 'Nobody Loves You More,' in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“All of a sudden, I heard, 'Morgan! Morgan!' So I went outside, and I was like, 'Oh my god! It's Kim Deal!'”

— Morgan Nagler, Indie Artist

“Being in her world has shaped me so much. She is a true artist, 100% herself, and so dedicated to her vision. It's so inspiring.”

— Morgan Nagler, Indie Artist

“I went to L.A. and stayed there for about two years, and I began doing stuff on my own. I met some drummers out there, I did some solo seven-inches, and I kept writing songs.”

— Kim Deal

“Then I got to recording with Jack Lawrence from the Greenhorns, the Raconteurs, who's in, like, fucking Kentucky – I recorded with him at Candyland. I thought, 'I don't want this to be a seven-inch, I think this should be an album track.' And that's when I began to stir everything I did and make it like an album.”

— Kim Deal

What’s next

Nagler's full interview with Guitar World is expected to be published in the coming weeks, providing more details on her creative partnership with Kim Deal and the making of her debut solo album.

The takeaway

This chance encounter between indie upstart Morgan Nagler and alt-rock icon Kim Deal underscores the tight-knit and supportive nature of the indie music community, where established artists can provide mentorship and inspiration to the next generation of musicians. Their unexpected collaboration highlights how such creative partnerships can lead to compelling new music that resonates with both longtime fans and emerging artists.