esperanza spalding, a self-produced musician celebrated for her collaborations with music legends like Milton Nascimento, shares her unique journey. She discusses her commitment to self-production and the challenges she faced early in her career. The conversation highlights the joys of collaborating with icons such as Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, showcasing the emotional dynamics of creating music with them. esperanza also reflects on the importance of women's contributions in music and her innovative approach to production that sets her apart.
Alicia Keys' Grammy speech highlights the essential contributions of women producers, encouraging a shift towards recognizing their influence in music.
Esperanza Spalding's long-standing practice of self-producing enables her authentic artistic expression and collaboration with legendary figures like Milton Nascimento.
Spalding's experiences navigating early career challenges reveal the importance of maintaining artistic integrity while advocating for personal creative vision.
Deep dives
The Power of Women in Music Production
Alicia Keys' acceptance speech at the Grammys emphasized the significant role of women in music production, highlighting figures like Patrice Rushen, Missy Elliott, and Linda Perry. This acknowledgment set the stage for discussions on the importance of recognizing and supporting women producers in a historically male-dominated industry. Their contributions are pivotal, not only in producing hit songs but also in shaping the overall sound of contemporary music. The podcast delves into these themes, underlining the necessity of elevating female voices within the production sphere.
Esperanza Spalding's Self-Production Journey
Esperanza Spalding has been self-producing her music since the start of her career, which has allowed her creative freedom and control over her projects. This approach has enabled her to collaborate closely with musical legends like Milton Nascimento, Wayne Shorter, and Herbie Hancock, learning from their mastery while also contributing her unique voice. Spalding reflects on how producing her music shapes the entire artistic process, allowing her to express her vision authentically. Her decision to take control reflects a growing trend among artists seeking to define their narratives and sounds.
Collaborating with Musical Legends
Working with icons such as Milton Nascimento and Wayne Shorter presented Esperanza with both inspiration and challenges. The opportunity to co-create and produce music with these giants allowed her to blend their masterful artistry with her contemporary style. She describes the tension of honoring their profound legacies while asserting her identity as an artist. The experience became a transformative journey in understanding the intricate details and intentions behind the music they create together.
Navigating Career Challenges
Spalding discussed the rocky beginnings of her career, characterized by the struggles of establishing her identity in the competitive music landscape. She shared experiences of navigating the complexities of producing her first records amidst external pressures from producers and labels. These challenges offered valuable lessons in artistic integrity and the importance of staying true to oneself. Her journey highlights the need for artists to advocate for their creative vision even in the face of industry demands.
The Emotional Connection to Music Creation
Throughout the conversation, the emotional depth and complexity of music creation were emphasized as central to Spalding's artistic practice. She articulated how music is not just a product but a vessel for shared human experiences and connections. The discussion revealed the fine balance between planning and spontaneity in artistic collaboration, especially when unexpected musical moments arise. Spalding's reflections convey a celebration of music as a powerful medium for healing and expression that transcends mere entertainment.
A month ago at the Grammys, Alicia Keys gave a beautiful speech while accepting the Global Impact Award. Part of her speech was dedicated to the women producers who power the industry, women like Patrice Rushen, Missy Elliott, Linda Perry, and others.
This was top of mind for Justin Richmond when he sat down with esperanza spalding at the Blue Note club in New York, where she was in the middle of a residency. Not only because she just produced a gorgeous new collaborative album by the unheralded Brazilian genius, Milton Nascimento, naturally called “Milton + esperanza.” But she’s also self produced just about all of her own projects from the very beginning.
esperanza and Justin talk about why she’s been producing herself from the jump in this episode, what it’s been like working so closely with master mentors like Milton Nascimento, but also Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. And esperanza talks about the rocky beginning of her career.
Listen to the songs of Milton Nascimento as curated by esperanza spalding
Listen to a collection of songs by esperanza spalding
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