Don Was has figured out what all the great musicians have in common
Jun 1, 2022
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Music producer Don Was, known for working with legends like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, shares insights on collaborating with iconic artists, the importance of physical immersion in recording sessions, and the balance between fandom and producing great music.
Musical legends like Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt share a common thread of authentic storytelling.
Blue Note Records prioritizes genuine storytelling in music creation for artists like Nora Jones and Van Morrison.
Deep dives
Passion for Authentic Music at Blue Note Records
At Blue Note Records, a dedication to authentic music and uncensored expression fuels the label's success spanning 83 years. The founders' manifesto from 1939 stressed the pursuit of truth in music, a principle upheld with artists like Nora Jones, Van Morrison, Wayne Shorter, and Robert Glasper. Whether it's a 60-year-old album sounding relevant or new artists carving their stories with honesty, Blue Note aims to tell genuine tales and create music that resonates with listeners.
Musical Geniuses and Truthful Expression
Don Was reflects on working with musical legends like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul Westerberg, highlighting their common thread of being vessels for authentic storytelling. Sharing insights from his experiences, Was emphasizes the artists' abilities to channel emotions truthfully through their music, transcending personal ownership of their creations. From Garth Brooks' extraordinary vocal presence to the humility of legendary musicians, the essence of heartfelt expression unites these artistic souls.
Chasing Innovation in Music Production
In the pursuit of musical innovation, Don Was delves into the essence of creativity and the elusive nature of capturing new sounds. Drawing parallels between surfing unpredictable waves and creating music, he values pushing boundaries to craft something unprecedented yet emotionally resonant. From the experimentation of Miles Davis to the unconventional methods of The Rolling Stones, Was advocates for embracing the unknown in music creation.
Nerdy Music Dudes and Artistic Essence
Reflecting on his passion for music production, Don Was's insights reveal a deep appreciation for the essence of storytelling in music. Through anecdotes with artists like Willie Nelson and collaborations with greats like Bob Dylan, Was emphasizes the transformative power of artists as true vessels of emotional expression. From respecting musicians' instincts to seeking uncharted territories in music creation, Was celebrates the beauty of honest, generous, and pioneering music-making.
Don Was has worked with some pretty incredible artists. Here's just a few: Bob Dylan, Garth Brooks, The Rolling Stones, Aaron Neville, John Mayer, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson and Carly Simon. He's also the president of Blue Note Records, one of the most prestigious record labels in the world, and he wrote and performed that song Walk the Dinosaur. So after you talk to Don Was about his career, you're left with a few questions: what were those artists like to work with? How do you make sure your fandom doesn't get in the way of making a great record? And most importantly, what do all of those legendary artists have in common? Don Was has answers for all those questions.
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