DeepSummary
The transcript is a conversation with Jimmy Jam, where he discusses his experiences working with various artists and making hit records. He talks about the creative process behind songs like "Didn't Mean to Turn You On" with Sherelle, and how he programmed the drums and basslines without using sequences or manuals. Jam also reveals details about working with Janet Jackson on her iconic album "Control", and how they approached the songwriting and recording in a collaborative way to make it feel authentic.
Jam shares stories about working with other artists like The Human League, where there were some creative conflicts over the vocals. He also discusses his business partnership with Terry Lewis and their label Perspective, where they took an hands-on approach to promoting their acts like Mint Condition. Despite facing challenges with record label politics, Jam emphasizes the importance of having good partnerships and relationships in the music industry.
Throughout the conversation, Jam provides insights into his music production techniques, such as stacking Janet Jackson's background vocals in unique ways, using preset sounds effectively, and valuing live, unsequenced performances. He also touches on his early days with Prince's band and the lessons he learned from that experience.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Jimmy Jam values authentic, unvarnished performances and creative processes over technical prowess with equipment and software.
- Developing a good partnership and relationship with collaborators, labels, and other industry figures is crucial for success in the music business.
- Jam believes in creating art that challenges audiences rather than just giving them what's trendy or expected.
- Creative conflicts can arise when working with other artists, but Jam aims to find compromises while protecting his artistic vision.
- Gut instincts about new talent like signing Alexander O'Neal sometimes trumped industry conventions.
- Jam approached each project with a long-term plan and commitment to promoting the acts extensively, even self-financing efforts when labels wouldn't support them.
- Iconic hits like Janet Jackson's "Control" resulted from immersive collaboration to tap into the artist's authentic voice and mindset.
- Perfectionism in recording, such as layering Janet's vocals, contributed to Jam's signature sounds.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We went in just to give people not what they want, but what they need. And they don't know they need it until they hear it. And then they go, oh man, I needed this. And that's what sounds of blackness was.“ by Jimmy Jam
- “And she would stay in there for hours and hours and hours, and we'd stack every note at least four times. So if it was a, you know...“ by Jimmy Jam
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Episode Information
Questlove Supreme
iHeartPodcasts
6/29/24