Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

In this engaging discussion, Richard Thompson, a London-born guitar virtuoso and former member of Fairport Convention, shares his passion for traditional Scottish music and his innovative reworking of old folk tunes. He reminisces about his early days, including playing alongside Jimi Hendrix, and breaks down the unique elements of Scottish melodies. Richard also explores the intricacies of songwriting and instrumental techniques, revealing how personal experiences and diverse influences shape his musical identity.

Jim James, the frontman of My Morning Jacket, shares his transformative journey from self-doubt and alcoholism to self-acceptance. He discusses the healing power of ayahuasca and other therapies that helped him emerge stronger during the pandemic. Reflecting on the band's creative process for their new album with legendary producer Brendan O'Brien, Jim also recalls performing with Bob Dylan and the magic of live music. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth, mental health, and the joys of embracing creativity in a digital age.

Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary producer and songwriter Daniel Lanois, captured live at Brooklyn's premier podcast event, On Air Fest. Host Justin Richmond sits down with Lanois before an audience filled with musical luminaries—including Prince's former guitarist Donna Grantis, performance artist Laurie Anderson, and ambient music pioneer Laraaji. In this special episode, Lanois shares fascinating insights from his storied career producing albums with Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and The Neville Brothers. He also delves into the creative process behind his exceptional solo work, punctuating the conversation with a mesmerizing live pedal steel performance that showcases his unique musicality. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Daniel Lanois songs HERE. Get ad-free epsiodes to Broken Record by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Augé, the talented duo behind Justice, share their musical journey and creative influences. They dive into the making of their latest album, 'Hyperdrama', blending jazz with electronic beats. The duo discusses their iconic track 'We Are Your Friends' and the collaborative magic that brought it to life. They reflect on their visual identity, including the famous cross logo, and reveal the thought process behind their recent collaboration with The Weeknd, paying homage to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. A blend of nostalgia and innovation!

Adam Duritz, lead singer of Counting Crows, shares insights from his expansive musical journey and the impact of fame on personal relationships. He candidly discusses his lifelong struggle with mental health and dissociative disorder, shedding light on how this shapes his songwriting. The conversation touches on the challenges of artistic integrity amidst commercial pressures, the transformative power of performance, and the complexities of finding genuine connections in the spotlight. Duritz also reflects on the joy of reconnecting with fans through their new album.

Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business and host of The Unshakeables, shares his insights on unconventional paths to success in the music industry. He discusses how XL Recordings scaled up through strategic focus on a select roster of artists. Walter contrasts the risk management of indie labels with larger corporations, highlighting the entrepreneurial moves of music icons like Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine with Beats by Dre. He also emphasizes the need for sustainable business models that allow artists to thrive creatively while ensuring their financial stability.

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.

Alice Randall, a country music songwriter and bestselling author, shares her journey through the genre in her new memoir, 'My Black Country.' She discusses the powerful influence of Motown on her music and highlights the rich, yet often overlooked, contributions of Black artists to country music. Randall reflects on her personal battles, including a cancer diagnosis, and the emotional resonance of storytelling in song. With insights into the art of collaboration and the importance of diverse narratives, she advocates for a deeper understanding of country music's roots.

Billy Corgan, the iconic lead singer of The Smashing Pumpkins and owner of the National Wrestling Alliance, shares his eclectic journey from rock star to podcast host. He discusses his unique interviewing style and the 'Siamese Zombies,' a fascinating subset of his fandom. The conversation dives into his rejection of 90s alternative music conventions, the struggles of authenticity in the industry, and the complexities of balancing emotional honesty with public perception. Corgan also addresses the challenges of navigating political discourse in today's media landscape.

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys dive into their creative process behind the upcoming album, No Rain, No Flowers. They fondly recall growing up in Akron, filled with quirky characters and musical influences. The duo also discusses newfound passions for DJing eclectic parties, sharing the thrill of making people dance to unknown tracks. They reflect on the vibrant blues roots that shaped their sound and the exciting evolution of their music amidst the challenges of the pandemic.