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

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.

Tunde Adebimpe, the multifaceted lead singer of TV On The Radio, discusses his latest solo project, Thee Black Boltz. He reflects on how engaging in diverse creative pursuits keeps his sanity intact. Tunde shares amusing stories from his days as a stop-motion artist and elaborates on the emotional rollercoaster of releasing new music. He speaks on the power of creativity in navigating grief and how fleeting cultural moments shape artistic expression, making his insights both profound and relatable.

Join bassist Steve Scipio and guitarist Patrick Patterson of the British funk band Cymande, who skillfully fuse calypso, reggae, and funk. They share fascinating stories about their band’s early days in London, including unforgettable moments opening for Al Green. The conversation dives into their Caribbean roots and the creation of their new album, Renascence, showcasing collaborations with contemporary artists. They reflect on the lasting influence of their music on hip-hop and the joy of returning to their true passion after pursuing careers in law.

Will Smith, a Grammy-winning rapper and iconic actor, opens up about his artistic evolution and the introspective themes in his upcoming project, *Based On A True Story*. He reflects on his journey of self-discovery and how past experiences shape his creativity. The conversation touches on his career beginnings in Philly, the transformative power of music, and the balance of fame and personal identity. Discover how Will navigates nostalgia while embracing new challenges that define his artistry today.

In this Valentine’s special, legendary songwriter Babyface dives into how his early love experiences shaped heartfelt ballads, while Malcolm Gladwell argues that country music is the ultimate genre for love songs. Pushkin producer Ben Naddaff-Hafrey shares his personal journey of writing a love song that helped him find his partner. Together, they explore whether sad songs hold more romance and debate the emotive powers of R&B compared to other genres. It's a delightful mix of music, love, and memories!