Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

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Giles Martin, Part 2 Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

Today we have part two of Rick Rubin’s conversation with producer and composer, Giles Martin. In part one, Giles talked about his delicate work remastering classic Beatles albums. Today we’ll hear Giles talk about his dad, Sir George Martin, who never second guessed his own genius. Giles also shares hilarious stories from his time as a teenager living at his father’s storied studio that was destroyed by a volcano in the Caribbean. Plus, he talks about the time he was fired and then rehired by Martin Scorsese.

You can follow Rick Rubin's new podcast, Tetragrammaton, at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tetragrammaton-with-rick-rubin/id1671669052

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Beatles songs remastered by Giles Martin HERE.

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Usher Feb 23, 2023

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Usher is one of few R&B acts from the ‘90s who has gone on to become a global superstar. Since the start of his 30-year career, Usher has sold over 65 million records worldwide. He’s also starred in the Broadway musical Chicago, been a coach on The Voice, and recently added a Las Vegas residency to his long list of artistic achievements.

On today's episode Justin Richmond talks to Usher about why conflict has always been a big motivator in his songwriting—especially when working with producer Jermaine Dupri on his 2004 classic album, Confessions. Usher also explains how elder statesmen like Quincy Jones have helped him maintain a level of sophistication throughout his career. And he reveals why he thinks his first ever single was too raunchy.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Usher songs HERE.

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Burt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian: Broken Record Classic Feb 14, 2023

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The legendary composer and songwriter Burt Bacharach passed away last week at 94. Today we are re-running an interview Bruce Headlam did with Burt and Daniel Tashian, who released an EP together in 2020 called Blue Umbrella.

Justin Richmond also checks in with Daniel Tashian to talk about Burt Bacharach's tremendous skill as a composer. Danial shares the tips he took away from working with Burt, and he talks about how they were collaborating on new music right up until the end.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Burt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian songs HERE.

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Giles Martin, Part 1 Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Giles Martin may be the son of famed Beatles record producer Sir George Martin, but he’s also an acclaimed producer and composer in his own right. He’s worked on projects with The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Metallica, and is celebrated for his work remastering albums from The Beatles, including Sgt. Pepper’s, Abbey Road, and The White Album.

Last October Giles’ remaster for Revolver was released along with never-before-heard home demos and outtakes from The Beatles. Giles was able to separate the original 1966 mono recording tracks with the help of director Peter Jackson’s audio team, who used AI technology. Giles' resulting mix allows listeners to hear the original recordings with clarity and precision like never before.

On today’s episode Rick Rubin talks to Giles Martin about his approach to remastering the Beatles and the responsibility that comes along with it. Giles also talks about growing up in the music industry, why he didn’t have a stereo in his house as a young boy, and how he became his dad’s ears in studio sessions after his father lost his hearing.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Beatles songs remastered by Giles Martin HERE.

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Iggy Pop, Part 2 Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

Today we have part two of Rick Rubin’s conversation with proto-punk icon, Iggy Pop. If you didn’t catch part one last week where Iggy talked about his early days with the Stooges and the inspiration behind some of their most seminal songs, make sure you check that out.

On today’s episode you’ll hear Iggy talk in-depth about the years he spent working and touring with David Bowie. He also explains how James Brown inspired his legendary performance style, and then Iggy recalls the ridiculous antics that led to him bleeding on stage for the first time.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Stooges and Iggy Pop solo songs HERE.

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Iggy Pop, Part 1 Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

Iggy Pop is one of the most outrageous rock ‘n roll frontmen to ever step foot on stage. As the lead singer of The Stooges, Iggy was known for bending and contorting his sometimes-bloodied body while feverishly pacing the stage like a wild animal. Iggy’s 50-year career has been as tumultuous as his performance style. When The Stooges first broke up in the mid-70s, Iggy went solo and recorded a series of albums, some instant classics, others more experimental.

At 75 years-old he’s just released his newest album, Every Loser. On today’s episode Iggy shares incredible stories with Rick Rubin about his career. Their conversation was so great that we decided to split it into two consecutive episodes.

Today we’ll hear Iggy reminisce about recording Fun House in Los Angeles, and the first time he saw the ocean. Iggy also talks about the tight-knit rock scene in Detroit and how it was in some ways led by a local writer, activist and music manager named John Sinclair. Also, stay put at the end of this episode to hear a song off of Iggy’s new album.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Stooges and Iggy Pop solo songs HERE.

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Rick Rubin in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell Jan 17, 2023

Show notes

Today the interviewer becomes the interviewee.In his nearly 40-year career as a producer, Rick Rubin has helped unlock creativity and inspire musical genius time and time again. The artists he’s worked with often say that one of Rick’s superpowers is his expert ability to listen deeply, and to help guide whoever he’s working with to find their deepest expression of truth.

This month Rick released his first book, called The Creative Act: A Way Of Being. In it he shares practical principles on how anyone can generate creative authenticity and ultimately find their voice.

On today’s episode Malcolm Gladwell talks to Rick about The Creative Act, and they explore the principles in the book that are applicable to feelings of stagnation beyond artistic life. Rick talks about why he believes creativity comes from external forces rather than internal ones, and he explains why he believes that self expression isn’t actually about you.

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From Story of the Week with Joel Stein: The Hallucinogenic Toad Doctor Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

Here’s a preview of a new podcast from Pushkin, Story of the Week. Each week, journalist Joel Stein chooses an article that fascinates him, convinces the writer to tell him about it, and then interrupts a good conversation by talking about himself. Sometimes the story will be the one everyone is talking about, like the New Yorker article on smoking hallucinogenic toads. Other times we’ll find a story you might have missed, like the one in the Verge about the rock groupie turned hacker who had huge corporations at her mercy. These are stories you’ll tell your friends about. Stories that stick with you long after you forget whatever headline you just doom-scrolled through. Hear the full episode, and more from Story of the Week, at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/sotw?sid=record.

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Johnny Mathis Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

Today, we are featuring “The Voice of Christmas,” Mr. Johnny Mathis. Over the years, Mr. Mathis has released six Christmas albums. His iconic first holiday record, Merry Christmas, is a tribute to his mother and father and still stands as one of the most beloved collections of Christmas music ever. Now 87 years-old, Johnny is celebrating his 66th year as a recording artist. And he’s still performing. In fact, we only had a brief 30 minutes to speak with him because he needs to save his voice for his rigorous performing schedule.

On today's episode, Justin Richmond talks to Johnny about his illustrious career, and performing with greats like Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole. And Johnny shares the story about how he turned down the opportunity to qualify for the 1956 Olympics to launch his music career.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Johnny Mathis songs HERE.

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John Frusciante Returns, Part 4 Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

Today we have part four of our John Frusciante Returns series. This is the latest installment of Rick Rubin’s on-going series of in-depth interviews with the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist. And if this is the first interview you’re hearing, make sure to go back and check out the first three parts.

On this episode we'll hear John Frusciante play through more of his guitar parts, and he’ll explain how he came up with some of the best guitar melodies in modern rock history. John also talks about how playing along to classic heavy metal albums from Black Sabbath and Van Halen, as well as dancing all night at drum and bass clubs helped shape his style on the 2002 album, By The Way. He also explains how listening to Brandy, Destiny’s Child and Wu-Tang Clan helped influence his playing on Stadium Arcadium.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers songs HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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