S2E15 - Music Man - A Conversation with Desmond Child
Feb 22, 2024
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Join the fun conversation with Desmond Child, a legendary songwriter and producer, as he shares insights on breaking into the music business, his Cuban roots, and favorite collaborations. Explore the decline of traditional songwriting, narrative-driven music, funny shoe stories, flight frustrations, and vintage chairs. Dive into his Cuban heritage, musical influences, and collaborations with iconic artists like Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. Discover his journey through surrogacy, unique photographic memories, and artist collaborations in a new documentary.
Desmond Child's success stemmed from a serendipitous collaboration with Kiss, leading to chart-topping hits with renowned artists.
Crafting songs like bespoke garments, Desmond tailors each piece to the artist's style and voice for a personalized connection.
Transitioning from solo to collaborative work, Desmond values camaraderie and exchange of ideas in songwriting partnerships.
Deep dives
Inspiration Behind Writing Style
Desmond Child shares the story of his first big hit song, 'I Was Made for Loving You,' co-written with Kiss during a rehearsal session. The hit song led to more collaborations with artists such as Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Cher, marking a shift in his music career towards working with renowned musicians. This impactful meeting with Paul Stanley from Kiss showcased how a chance encounter and a shared musical vision led to a successful collaboration.
Custom Tailoring Songs
Desmond Child reveals his approach to songwriting as 'custom tailoring' songs for specific artists, similar to creating couture pieces for individual singers. His process involves immersing himself in the artist's story, style, and voice to craft songs that resonate uniquely with them. By tailoring each song to fit the artist like a custom suit, Desmond creates a deep connection between the music and the performer, resulting in songs that feel personalized and meaningful.
Evolution of Collaboration
Over the years, Desmond Child's songwriting journey transitioned from solo work to collaborative efforts with various artists. His love for collaboration stems from a desire to connect with others, share experiences, and enjoy the creative process as a team. Working with artists like Bon Jovi, Katie Perry, and more has enriched his songwriting experience, fostering camaraderie, fun, and an exchange of creative ideas that spark inspiration for new music.
Musical Inspirations and Creative Process
Desmond Child's creative process is deeply rooted in deriving inspiration from personal experiences, childhood memories, and diverse music influences. He values storytelling within songs, akin to scripts of a music movie, where lyrics paint vivid narratives shaped by emotions and past encounters. By infusing each song with personal stories, reflections, and witty insights, Desmond crafts a musical narrative that captivates both artists and listeners, offering a unique and resonant listening experience.
Evolution of Self-Identity and Cult Experience
The podcast episode delves into the personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, narrating the evolution of the individual's self-identity from initially grappling with being more gay than bi to embracing clarity and authenticity. It reflects on the challenges faced in trying to live a double life and the eventual realization leading to a deeper understanding of personal truth. Additionally, the episode explores the individual's encounter with cult experiences, detailing the allure, manipulation, and eventual disillusionment within the group dynamics, shedding light on the gradual erosion of self-esteem and the pivotal moment that broke the control exerted by the cult.
Musical Career Highlights and Collaborations
Another focal point of the podcast episode centers around the guest's illustrious career in music, highlighting significant collaborations and achievements in songwriting. The narrative encapsulates pivotal moments such as receiving the Clive Davis Legend and Songwriting Award after initially submitting a demo to Clive Davis, showcasing a journey of persistence, recognition, and creative fulfillment. The episode also delves into the enriching experiences of working with iconic artists like Bonnie Tyler and the profound impact of music in touching the lives of millions globally.
Meet Desmond Child, the amazing songwriter and producer who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008. His hits are endless and you are sure you recognize more than a few: Kiss' "I Was Made for Lovin' You"; Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' "I Hate Myself for Loving You"; Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer"; Aerosmith's "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" and "Angel"; Cher's "We All Sleep Alone" and "Just Like Jesse James"; Alice Cooper's "Poison"; Michael Bolton's "How Can We Be Lovers?"; and Ricky Martin's "The Cup of Life" and "Livin' la Vida Loca", among dozens more! His demeanor is fun and the Two Guys have some great fun with him as Desmond opens up about how he broke into the business, his Cuban roots, his favorite collaborator and so much more.
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