Episode 167 - Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis (Live)
Aug 17, 2020
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Nile Rodgers, a Grammy-winning guitarist renowned for his work with Chic and legends like David Bowie, joins Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, to explore the intersection of music and investment. They discuss artist advocacy in the streaming era and the challenges of fair compensation. Nile shares how he crafted iconic hits like 'We Are Family' and 'Let's Dance,' illustrating the emotional depth behind songwriting. Their camaraderie and insightful anecdotes shine a light on the enduring impact of Chic's timeless sound.
Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis emphasize the importance of collaborative dialogue in the creative process, fostering artistic growth and innovation in songwriting.
The Hypnosis Songs Fund represents a groundbreaking approach to music investment, aiming to financially empower songwriters by treating their works as profitable assets.
Deep dives
Meeting and Collaboration
Niall Rogers and Merck Mercuriadis discuss their longstanding partnership that originated from a mutual passion for music and creativity. They bonded over shared interests, such as video games, before delving into the music industry, where their admiration for songwriting and musicianship strengthened their collaboration. Their relationship is characterized by continuous dialogue about music, where they exchange ideas and critique each other's work, although they generally approach such discussions with enthusiasm rather than criticism. This active engagement highlights their deep commitment to music and the artistic process, allowing them to create distinctive soundscapes together.
Hypnosis Songs Fund and New Asset Class
The Hypnosis Songs Fund, founded by Mercuriadis, aims to shift the financial landscape for songwriters by presenting successful songs as an investment opportunity. This venture has garnered over $500 million in funding, capitalizing on the idea that hit songs are reliable and profitable assets. The fund reflects a new perspective in the financial community, positioning music as a valuable asset class that can provide consistent returns regardless of market volatility. The initiative not only seeks to generate profit but also strives to enhance the economic status of songwriters, who have historically received less recognition and financial reward.
Songwriting Process
Rogers elaborates on the creative process he and his late partner Bernard Edwards employed when writing timeless hits. They would begin each project by conceptualizing the overall theme of the record, understanding that each song should contribute to a larger narrative. This approach allowed them to craft songs like 'We Are Family' for Sister Sledge, where they integrated the essence of the group's identity into the music. By ensuring that the songs resonated deeply with both the artists and their audience, they unlocked the potential for enduring success and relevance in pop culture.
Lasting Impact of Chic and Evolution of the Music Industry
Rogers reflects on the transformative impact that Chic's music has had on the industry, particularly highlighting the continued relevance of their work through sampling and modern reinterpretation. Despite facing challenges during shifts in musical trends, such as the 'Disco Sucks' movement, the duo's influence remained strong, with their songs frequently being revisited by newer artists. Their music serves as a bridge between genres, showcasing how melody and groove can traverse time and connect generations. This adaptability reflects the evolving landscape of the music industry, where streaming has made music more accessible and the demand for hit songs continues to grow.
Grammy-winning hitmaker Nile Rodgers and legendary manager Merck Mercuriadis join Simon and Brian onstage at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall during the 2019 Meltdown festival. The pair share insights into the art and business of songwriting through their work together on the Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, and Nile takes up his guitar to demonstrate how he wrote classic hits for artists like Sister Sledge, Diana Ross and David Bowie. Nile was also the guest for episode 123 of this podcast.
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