DeepSummary
Layla Hathaway, the daughter of legendary singer Donny Hathaway, talks about her early musical memories, growing up surrounded by music, and her experience studying at Berklee College of Music. She discusses the influence of her father's singing style and the challenges of replicating his unique sound.
Hathaway reflects on the importance of music education in schools and how the decline of music programs can impact children, particularly Black children who have significantly shaped music culture. She also talks about her approach to recording, preferring to capture full vocal takes rather than piecing together sections.
The conversation explores themes of Black identity, ancestral connections, and the need to honor the struggles and sacrifices of previous generations. Hathaway shares her perspective on the idea of "gifts" and how her talent is rooted in a spiritual source. She also touches on her recent trip to South Africa and the freedom she felt being among other Black people without the burdens of American racism.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Layla Hathaway has a deep appreciation and respect for her father Donny Hathaway's unique singing style, which she believes is challenging to replicate.
- She believes that music education is essential, particularly for Black children, and its decline in schools can have detrimental effects on artistic expression.
- Hathaway values capturing the authenticity and energy of full vocal takes in the recording process, rather than piecing together sections.
- She has a strong sense of Black identity and feels a connection to her ancestors and their struggles, which informs her artistic perspective.
- Hathaway's recent experience in South Africa provided her with a sense of freedom from the burdens of American racism and allowed her to exist simply as a Black woman among other Black women.
- She views her musical talent as a "gift" from a spiritual source, and her music as a gift to others in the same way it was gifted to her.
- Her new album, "Vantablack," represents a focused exploration of her Black identity, legacy, and role as a role model for future generations.
- Hathaway strives to maintain a sense of peace and positivity by surrounding herself with supportive people and not taking things personally.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think it's a small thing, but music, we know scientifically that it makes people smarter. It makes you. It improves your cognitive learning skills, your math skills. It makes you a better critical thinker. It makes you a better problem solver. But when you suck that out of schools, particularly in the cities where children live, I think it aids in the downfall of what is a really beautiful expression, particularly for our kids, for black kids.“ by Layla Hathaway
- “When I say gift, it is a spirit driven thing that I get to have this lifetime, and it's not a favor. It comes from the source as I come from the source in the way that I'm a gift. Yeah. Or the universe or however you express it, however it's expressed, my instrument, my sound, my ministry, my balm, whatever is this thing that you find appealing or that you need in your life, is my gift to you in the same way someone gifted it to me, if that makes sense.“ by Layla Hathaway
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Episode Information
Toure Show
DCP Entertainment
7/3/24