Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin John Mayer
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Jul 19, 2023 
John Mayer, the acclaimed guitarist and songwriter, discusses his profound journey through music. He dives into the transformative power of live performances and the emotional depth they bring, especially inspired by the Grateful Dead. Mayer shares insights on improvisation's importance and how personal growth influences songwriting. He candidly reflects on the complexities of vocal identity and the emotional challenges of performing live. With a touch of humor, he explores the balance between authentic creativity and commercial pressures in his artistic process.
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Early Dead Rejection
- John Mayer initially rejected the Grateful Dead in high school, associating their music with a social group he didn't identify with.
- He preferred blues artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and saw the Dead's fans as "cooler kids" driving Jeeps.
Blues Beginnings
- Mayer's blues fascination began at 13 when a neighbor gave him a Stevie Ray Vaughan cassette.
- Vaughan's energetic, accessible style resonated with him.
Balancing Influences
- Mayer balanced his guitar playing with song-based influences like Pearl Jam.
- He viewed his dedication to music as a secret identity during high school.