20VC Grammy Nominee Aloe Blacc on Working with Avicii on Wake Me Up, The Art of Great Storytelling, Behind The Scenes on the Songwriting Process and Why Rules Are Just Good Suggestions

Abstract
Summary Notes

Abstract

In a candid conversation with host Harry Stebbings, Grammy nominee Aloe Blacc delves into his journey from a laid-off consultant to an internationally acclaimed artist, revealing his aversion to fame and the pressures of supporting others' livelihoods. Aloe also discusses his entrepreneurial venture into biotech, aiming to combat COVID-19 by licensing a promising scientific discovery. The discussion touches on the intricacies of songwriting, the influence of technology on music creation, and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Aloe reflects on personal growth, the impact of parenthood on his music, and his aspirations for the future, both as an artist and a business founder.

Summary Notes

Running from Fame and Personal Independence

  • Aloe Blacc expresses his discomfort with the pressure of being responsible for the livelihoods of others in the music industry.
  • He values freedom and autonomy, preferring to manage his own affairs to avoid being tied to the demands of others.
  • Aloe Blacc emphasizes the importance of making personal choices and questions conventional rules and systems.

"I ran from that. I've always looked at rules like good suggestion. Is that a stop sign? It's a good suggestion."

This quote highlights Aloe Blacc's desire to distance himself from the dependencies created by fame and his inclination to see rules as flexible guidelines rather than strict mandates.

The Role of Music in Aloe Blacc's Life

  • Aloe Blacc's love for music was nurtured at home with diverse genres played by his father.
  • His early exposure to hip hop came from break dancing with local kids, which was different from the music played at home.
  • Music was not initially considered a career path, but a series of events led him to pursue it professionally.

"There was always something. He had a huge stereo system that was just state of the art for the time."

This quote conveys the significance of Aloe Blacc's father's influence on his musical tastes and the presence of music in his childhood home.

Transition from Consulting to Music

  • Aloe Blacc started writing lyrics at age nine and was actively involved in music throughout his adolescence.
  • Despite making music, he initially pursued a career in business consulting after college.
  • Aloe Blacc's music gained international attention while he was working, which became his focus after being laid off.

"So when I graduated from college, I went to go work as a full time consultant in the health sector industry. And my music was just making it all around the world."

This quote describes the pivotal moment in Aloe Blacc's life when he shifted from a traditional career path to following his passion for music.

Response to Adversity

  • Aloe Blacc faced pressure from his immigrant parents' expectations and his own ambitions.
  • Being laid off was a tough time that led him to reconsider his career path.
  • He values the opportunity to share his voice with the world, which came as a result of the break from his previous job.

"Definitely getting laid off was the tough time."

This quote reflects the challenging period in Aloe Blacc's life that ultimately directed him towards a successful music career.

Influence of Parenting

  • Aloe Blacc's father's military career meant he was often absent, which influenced Aloe's decision to be more present as a father.
  • He has tailored his career to balance family life and work, allowing him to stay home more.
  • Aloe Blacc is strict about certain aspects of parenting, like screen time and sugar intake, unlike his own parents.

"Presence is very important."

This quote encapsulates Aloe Blacc's parenting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of being present in his child's life.

Personal Motivations and Aspirations

  • Aloe Blacc is motivated by the desire for growth and avoiding stagnation.
  • He seeks to create a loving and supportive family and friend structure, valuing the sustenance it provides.
  • Aloe Blacc aims for longevity in his career and to create joy through various avenues, including music and entrepreneurship.

"I'm running towards longevity. That's certain."

This quote reveals Aloe Blacc's long-term goals, focusing on personal fulfillment and lasting impact.

Perspective on Competition and Legacy

  • Aloe Blacc has reached a point where he is not competing with others but ensuring his family's happiness and pursuing personal satisfaction.
  • He discusses the importance of legacy and wants to be remembered for contributing to people's joy in various ways.

"Once I figured out I had enough money for my grandkids, I'm not racing against other people at this point."

This quote indicates Aloe Blacc's shift away from competitive drive towards a focus on personal and familial contentment.

Barometer of Success

  • Success is not solely defined by financial status.
  • Aloe Blacc considers humanity and family as core components of success.
  • External measurements are not as significant in defining personal success.

"And my barometer of success, I think the very small part of it at this point, because I've already had what I feel is enough. On the finance side is everything that relates to humanity and family, not measurements that are external."

This quote emphasizes that Aloe Blacc values aspects related to humanity and family over financial achievements when it comes to defining success.

Music Creation Process

  • There is no fixed pattern for writing music; Aloe Blacc is open to inspiration at any time.
  • Ideas are constantly being noted or recorded.
  • Songwriting sessions are typically four hours long, starting with a discussion that leads to a key phrase that forms the nucleus of a song.
  • The structure of a song includes a chorus, verses, a pre-chorus, post-chorus, and a bridge.
  • Professional songwriters can efficiently create a song within a short time frame due to their expertise.

"Sometimes I'm scheduling, and I'll schedule a four hour session, no longer than 4 hours. For meeting with someone else to come up with an idea."

Aloe Blacc explains that he schedules songwriting sessions with a clear time limit, often resulting in the creation of a new song.

Storytelling in Music

  • A good story in a song draws listeners into the artist's created world.
  • Effective storytelling in music can transport listeners and create a sense of timelessness.
  • Songwriters aim to achieve a flow state in their creative process, which can also transfer to the listener.

"A good story, I feel, is something that helps the listener forget that the world exists and fall into your paradigm."

Aloe Blacc describes the power of a good story in music to fully engage the listener in the song's narrative.

Recognizing Magical Songwriting

  • Songwriters often know when they are creating something special.
  • Bringing one's best effort to the songwriting process is crucial.
  • The goal is to create the best possible product for the world to experience.

"You know it when you're in it? Sometimes you don't, but I think mostly you know it when you're in it."

Aloe Blacc suggests that songwriters can usually sense when they are crafting a magical story within their music.

Professionalism in Songwriting

  • Professional songwriters have mastery over language and poetic devices.
  • Collaborating with a professional can streamline the songwriting process.

"They just have a facility with words and all the dynamics that come into poetry."

Aloe Blacc explains that professional songwriters possess a high level of skill that makes the collaborative process more efficient.

Editing and Refining Songs

  • Not every creation is immediately a hit; editing is a crucial part of the process.
  • Demos or work tapes are used to refine songs over time.
  • Songwriters may change lyrics or melodies as the song develops.

"You can't determine what's going to be a hit. And quite often, it's not right. But it's okay because you can always edit before you get to final record."

Aloe Blacc acknowledges that the initial version of a song may not be perfect, but there is always an opportunity to revise and improve.

Inspiration and Songwriting Strategy

  • Inspiration can come from various sources, including other songs.
  • Strategic songwriting involves making creative choices, such as selecting more dynamic words.

"So flower, to me, is not dynamic enough. This is a very strategic method of songwriting, but it's also, I'm inspired, and I can use my left and right brain at the same time."

Aloe Blacc discusses how he strategically enhances his songwriting while also drawing on inspiration.

Dealing with Writer's Block

  • Aloe Blacc addresses writer's block by dipping into a reserve of previously noted ideas.
  • He maintains a collection of ideas that can be used when fresh inspiration is lacking.

"But what I do then is I go into my bag of tricks. I scroll through thousands of ideas that have been waiting for this exact moment."

Aloe Blacc explains his approach to overcoming writer's block by utilizing his archive of ideas.

Music Creation Cadence

  • There is no pressure to maintain a specific cadence of creation.
  • Aloe Blacc has a large inventory of unreleased songs and focuses on releasing music rather than creating new material under pressure.

"I'm not compelled to create by any sort of sense of urgency. I'm compelled to create just because I can't stop it."

Aloe Blacc expresses that his drive to create music is not based on urgency but on a natural and constant flow of creativity.

Adapting to the Digital Era

  • The transition to the digital era requires a shift in music release strategies.
  • Algorithms play a role in music promotion and discovery.
  • There is a balance between artistic integrity and adapting to market demands.

"I need to quickly readjust and use the algorithms to their benefit and continuously release music."

Aloe Blacc acknowledges the necessity of adapting to the digital landscape in order to effectively promote his music.

Impact of Technology on Music Creation

  • Technology serves as a tool for commerce within the music industry.
  • The concept of an album is a product of the record industry designed for profit.
  • Music creation will continue to be influenced by commercial factors.

"I don't necessarily look at it like technology has changed anything. I think what will happen is we will continue to make music based on how it can be sold."

Aloe Blacc discusses how the music industry has always been influenced by commercial interests, with technology being the latest factor.

Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Demands

  • Creative process remains genuine and separate from commercial considerations.
  • Once a song is completed, it can be altered to meet market demands while preserving the original version.

"No, it doesn't affect me in the creative process. The creative process really, truly is genuine."

Aloe Blacc emphasizes that his songwriting is not influenced by commercial pressures and remains an authentic creative endeavor.

Fame and Anonymity

  • Fame can lead to the loss of anonymity, peace, and in some cases, safety.
  • Trusting people becomes more about understanding human nature and intuition.

"Your anonymity, your peace and quiet. Sometimes, in some cases, your safety."

Aloe Blacc reflects on the personal costs associated with fame, highlighting the loss of privacy and potential safety concerns.

Early Fame and Desire for Anonymity

  • Aloe Blacc experienced early fame while in Paris, which disrupted his personal life.
  • He decided to focus on making his music recognizable rather than his face.
  • Aloe Blacc wanted to enjoy simple pleasures, like eating a burger, without interruptions.

"I just thought, this is not the way I want to live. I don't want to miss out on my burgers. I don't want to be interrupted everywhere I go all the time."

The quote reflects Aloe Blacc's realization that fame was interfering with his normal life and his desire to prioritize personal privacy over public recognition.

Strategies for Privacy in the Music Industry

  • Aloe Blacc appreciated Sia's approach to fame, which prioritizes privacy.
  • He aims to have his songs known more than his face, similar to Sia's strategy.

"Oh, I loved it. When Sia came out, I was like, dang, she really figured it out."

This quote highlights Aloe Blacc's admiration for Sia's ability to maintain privacy while being a successful artist, something he aspires to emulate.

Pressure of Success and Artistic Integrity

  • Aloe Blacc does not pressure himself to outdo his past successes.
  • He focuses on creating timeless music that supports his family and will be appreciated in the future.
  • Blacc aims for his music to be a meaningful legacy rather than chasing current trends.

"I just want to create a catalog that will stand the test of time, like a time capsule."

Aloe Blacc emphasizes his desire to create music that will remain relevant and appreciated long-term, indicating a focus on artistic integrity over commercial success.

Listener Experience and Artistic Goals

  • Aloe Blacc's music aims to affirm, inspire, and motivate listeners.
  • He wants to be known for inspiring music and as a great storyteller.
  • Blacc's song "Harvard" draws parallels between his life and a hardworking mother's life, showcasing common human experiences.

"These are songs that will hopefully be the soundtrack to you living your best life or motivating you to achieve the impossible goal."

The quote encapsulates Aloe Blacc's artistic mission to create music that empowers and motivates his audience, serving as a soundtrack for positive life experiences.

Collaboration with Avicii

  • Aloe Blacc collaborated with Avicii on the hit "Wake Me Up."
  • The collaboration was a result of Avicii's appreciation for soul music and desire to work with Blacc.
  • The recording session was a blend of Blacc's lyrics and Avicii's and Mike Einziger's musical talents.

"He'd reached out to me because he heard I need a dollar. He wanted to work with a soul artist and he was a fan of some of the songs of Marvin Gaye."

This quote explains the origin of Aloe Blacc's collaboration with Avicii, highlighting Avicii's admiration for Blacc's work and the soul genre.

The Creative Process and Overcoming Initial Reception

  • "Wake Me Up" faced initial criticism but eventually became a massive hit.
  • The song's controversy sparked discussions that led to its increased popularity.
  • Aloe Blacc acknowledges the unpredictability of the music industry and the importance of resilience.

"There's no way to know where a song is going to go in the marketplace."

The quote reflects the uncertainty artists face regarding how their work will be received and the success it may achieve, emphasizing the unpredictability of audience reception.

Dealing with Criticism and Online Negativity

  • Aloe Blacc reads negative comments but understands they are opinions, not truths.
  • He believes it's not his job to convince critics but to let his music speak for itself.
  • Blacc emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future, not the past.

"The Internet is a place where people don't go to lose. People go to the Internet to win."

The quote highlights the competitive nature of online discourse and Aloe Blacc's perspective on handling criticism without letting it affect his self-worth or artistic direction.

Parenthood and Musical Evolution

  • Becoming a father influenced Aloe Blacc to create music that reflects life's stages and maturation.
  • He seeks to write songs that resonate with those experiencing similar life changes and to provide guidance to those approaching these stages.

"The music industry is, for all intents and purposes, a young person's sport and arena."

This quote addresses the youth-centric focus of the music industry and Aloe Blacc's intention to create music that also speaks to the experiences of maturing audiences.

Principles, Parenthood, and Personal Growth

  • Aloe Blacc agrees that parenthood shifts one's focus from self to children, promoting growth.
  • He also respects other paths to maturity, such as steadfast adherence to principles.
  • Blacc emphasizes the importance of having strong principles, whether one has children or not.

"Your job now is to help them survive. And there's not a whole lot of wiggle room around that."

The quote reflects Aloe Blacc's view on the responsibilities of parenthood and the role it plays in personal development and adherence to principles.

Marriage, Career, and Balance

  • Aloe Blacc acknowledges the challenge of being a good husband while maintaining a successful career.
  • He discusses the importance of communication, intentionality, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy marriage.
  • Blacc and his wife prioritize family time and make an effort to stay connected despite busy schedules.

"We made a rule that two weeks at the most, one week is cool. And whenever possible, bring the fam."

This quote illustrates Aloe Blacc's commitment to balancing his career with his role as a husband and father, setting clear boundaries to ensure quality family time.

Understanding Love Languages

  • Love languages are a way to express and receive love in relationships.
  • The concept of love languages comes from the book "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.
  • Individuals have different preferences for how they like to give and receive love.
  • Common love languages include acts of service, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch.

"I don't know if I'm using all the terms right, but I know that what I like is just service, and I'm a provider."

The quote explains Speaker A's personal love language preference, which is acts of service, and identifies as a provider in relationships.

"But she's gifts. She's gifts and words of affirmation, words of affection."

This quote identifies the love language preferences of Speaker A's partner, which are receiving gifts and words of affirmation.

The Challenge of Adapting to Partner's Love Language

  • It can be difficult to naturally give love in a way that isn't your own preferred love language.
  • Understanding a partner's love language requires active effort and sometimes significant adjustment.
  • The challenge lies in consciously choosing to express love in a way that resonates with the partner's needs.

"The problem is I always default to mine. And I'm always thinking, oh, well, service. I'm going to service."

Speaker A acknowledges the difficulty in adapting to their partner's love language because they tend to default to their own preference for acts of service.

"It's easy to give the love that you favor giving. It's hard to actually give something that is not normally come for you, and you have to change the love that you give."

This quote summarizes the challenge of giving love in a way that doesn't come naturally to oneself, emphasizing the need for change and adaptation in how love is expressed.

Entrepreneurship and Company Creation

  • Starting a company is a complex process that can be driven by various motivations, including philanthropy, art, and commerce.
  • The genesis of a company can stem from identifying a need or a solution to a problem.
  • Licensing intellectual property from universities can be a pathway to company creation.
  • Building a successful company requires assembling a strong team and developing a clear plan for regulatory pathways and market entry.

"I got sick with Omacron at the top of 2022 in January, and I just started thinking about all the research papers I'd been reading and all of the science that I was learning about the disease."

Speaker A explains the personal experience and research that led to the idea behind their company, which is focused on finding a solution to block a receptor exploited by SARS-CoV-2.

"For me, it was really a philanthropic endeavor. I was like, the world needs this, because if we can block SARS Cov two and block Covid, we can block other coronaviruses with this particular solution."

This quote reveals Speaker A's philanthropic motivation behind starting the company, aiming to provide a solution that could have a significant impact on global health.

  • The biotech sector has specific challenges and requirements that differ from other industries.
  • Not all venture capitalists (VCs) are interested in biotech investments; targeting the right investors is crucial.
  • VCs are often more interested in the team behind an idea than the idea itself.
  • Understanding the incremental challenges and long-term vision is important when seeking venture capital.

"One of the things I didn't know was that biotech is a specific sector and not all vcs are amenable to biotech as an investment."

Speaker A discusses the learning curve of realizing that biotech is a specialized field with specific investors.

"Who's your team? Who's going to take this from a dream to an actual product on the shelf? And who's going to return my money?"

This quote highlights the key concerns of VCs, which include the composition of the team and the potential for a return on investment.

Personal Development and Future Aspirations

  • Personal growth and learning are fulfilling aspects of entrepreneurship.
  • Aspirations can include expanding one's impact through different mediums, such as music, television, or commerce.
  • Revealing the creative process to a wider audience can be an inspiring and educational endeavor.
  • A long-term vision for a company includes having a product on the market or being in advanced stages of clinical trials.

"It's great. I love learning, and again, I love learning processes. So every time somebody tells me something I didn't know before, it becomes a tiger lily blossom, I love that."

Speaker A expresses enthusiasm for learning and discovering new processes, which they find deeply satisfying.

"First of all, my company is going to be either already with a product on the shelf or very close, like phase three trials and success with lots of investment."

This quote outlines Speaker A's vision for their company's future, aiming for significant progress and success in bringing a product to market.

Impact on Music and Societal Change

  • Music is seen as a universal language with healing powers.
  • Encouraging everyone to engage with music, regardless of skill level, can have therapeutic benefits.
  • Optimism about the future is often rooted in the potential of the younger generation to address major challenges.
  • Concerns include the pace of technological change and its impact on employment and society.

"I fundamentally believe strongly that music has a healing power, and for everyone to be engaged in music is a type of healing."

Speaker A advocates for universal engagement with music due to its healing and cathartic effects.

"I'm really optimistic about youth. They recognize the extreme challenges that we have with our relationship with ecology, with social and political dynamics, with economic disparity."

The quote reflects Speaker A's optimism about the younger generation's awareness and potential to address significant global challenges.

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