Song Exploder Jon Batiste - We Are
Mar 24, 2021
Jon Batiste, pianist, composer, and songwriter, talks about drawing from his roots and creating the title track 'We Are' from his new album. He discusses collaboration, inspiration, and the importance of authenticity. The podcast also mentions his Grammy nominations, Golden Globe win, and Oscar nomination for the soundtrack to Pixar film Soul.
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Creating "We Are" in Dressing Room
- Jon Batiste started the song "We Are" during a busy period juggling multiple projects and captured inspiration in short bursts over nine days.
- He felt the creative energy in the Ed Sullivan Theatre dressing room where the song was born.
Ancestral Power and Resilience
- The lyric "We are the golden ones" reflects the belief in personal power and ancestral strength from the Black diaspora.
- Jon honors unsung heroes like his grandfather, emphasizing resilience and empowerment through heritage.
Grandmother Nana’s Star Power
- Jon remembers his grandmother Nana as a star in his community, embodying strength and nurturing qualities.
- This inspired the lyric about ghettos full of stars, highlighting overlooked potential in marginalized areas.