Dave Grohl, musician and member of the Foo Fighters, joins Norah Jones in the studio. They discuss taking the hard road after Nirvana, getting lost in the White House, and duet on a song he hasn't played in 20 years. Dave lends his powerful drumming to one of Norah's songs. This episode gives an intimate peek into the mind of one of modern rock's most beloved legends.
Dave Grohl talks about his decision to take the hard road after Nirvana and his experiences at the White House.
Dave Grohl discusses his experience learning to play different instruments, such as the piano, and compares the guitar to a drum set in terms of rhythm and percussiveness.
Dave Grohl and Norah Jones emphasize the importance of simplicity and finding like-minded collaborators in music, as well as the cathartic nature of songwriting.
Deep dives
Hanging out with Dave Grohl
In this podcast episode, Nora Jones and Dave Grohl talk about their friendship and past collaborations. They reflect on meeting each other years ago and discuss their shared love for music. They also talk about the influence of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, as well as their experiences at the Kennedy Center Honors. The conversation touches on the importance of music and the joy of connecting with fans through performances.
Exploring Different Instruments
During the podcast, Dave Grohl discusses his experience learning to play different instruments, such as the piano. He shares a story about receiving a piano as a birthday gift and how it opened up a whole new musical palette for him. Dave also talks about his approach to playing guitar and drums, comparing the guitar to a drum set in terms of rhythm and percussiveness.
The Challenge of Being a Musician
Nora Jones and Dave Grohl discuss the challenges and insecurities that come with being musicians. They both admit to feeling nervous when meeting their musical heroes and the desire to be cool and appreciated by others in the industry. They also talk about the importance of connecting with the audience and the joy of playing songs that resonate with people.
The Importance of Simple and Relatable Music
In the podcast episode, the guest discusses the importance of simplicity and relatability in music. They mention being inspired by a punk rock band that had a straightforward and simple approach to their songs, which made the guest realize that music doesn't have to be overly complex to be impactful. They emphasize the value of starting with something simple and gradually getting better, rather than attempting something difficult and getting discouraged. The guest also highlights the importance of finding like-minded individuals to collaborate with, as it can lead to the creation of a band and the thrilling experience of making music together.
The Emotional Journey of Songwriting
During the podcast, the guest shares personal experiences related to songwriting and performing. They mention writing a song for their mother while she was in her final days, and how that experience became a way to cope and express their emotions. The guest also talks about their love for collaborating with their daughter, praising her hauntingly beautiful voice and deep appreciation for a wide range of musical genres. They reflect on the emotional significance and connection that comes from singing and making music with loved ones. Overall, the guest emphasizes the cathartic and transformative nature of songwriting, as well as the joy of connecting with others through music.
Dave Grohl and Norah hang out in Foo Fighters' studio to play through some choice songs from his epic career. Dave talks about why he decided to take the hard road after Nirvana, getting lost in the White House, and asks Norah to take him to music school. Norah and Dave duet on a song that he hasn't played in 20 years, and he makes her day by lending his powerful drumming to one of her songs. This warm and wide-ranging episode gives an intimate peek into the mind of one of modern rock's most beloved legends. Recorded 4/26/23.
