Summary notes created by Deciphr AI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk5bn-26UTgIn this episode, Charlotte Alter interviews Jack Antonoff, a prolific music producer and artist known for his band Bleachers and collaborations with Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde. Antonoff discusses the day-to-day realities of touring, likening it to the mundane yet magical life depicted in "The Office." He delves into New Jersey's influence on his creative process, describing it as an inspiring landscape of being "in but out," fueled by its proximity to New York City. Antonoff reflects on the impact of his sister's death on his and his sister Rachel Antonoff's creative pursuits, emphasizing a drive to create in the face of mortality. He shares insights into the music industry's shifts, the role of nostalgia and yearning in his work, and the importance of maintaining a direct, honest dialogue with his audience. Antonoff also critiques the current state of touring and ticket pricing, advocating for a fairer live music experience. Throughout the conversation, Antonoff's philosophy of authenticity and connection in music production and his personal approach to collaboration are evident.
"Music always gets written about so poorly because whoever is writing it is so obsessed with the mythology around it when the truth is it's very similar to an office."
The quote highlights the disconnect between the public's perception of the music industry, which is often romanticized, and the more prosaic, everyday reality experienced by those within it.
"Jack Antonoff's first hit was the song of 2012 it was called We Are Young which was back when he was in the band Fun."
This quote serves as an introduction to Jack Antonoff's early success and sets the stage for discussing his subsequent influence in the music industry.
"Antonoff is the perfect person to help us understand what's happening in the music industry right now."
This quote positions Jack Antonoff as an expert who can provide insight into the evolving music industry and its relation to cultural trends.
"New Jersey has produced tons of great artists."
The quote acknowledges the significant contribution of New Jersey to the music industry, countering the common underestimation of the state's artistic output.
"Nothing matters besides what makes you feel alive in the face of death."
This quote encapsulates the philosophy that emerged from the Antonoff siblings' experience with tragedy, highlighting the urgency of pursuing passion and creativity amidst the inevitability of mortality.
"If you think about a dirty glass of water that you can't see through and then you continuously Through The Years drop clear droplets of water eventually you'll be able to see through it dirt doesn't go away."
The quote provides a metaphor for understanding grief's long-term effects, suggesting that while the initial pain may not disappear, it becomes possible to find clarity and continue living productively.
"More than you think."
This brief quote challenges the assumption that having family members involved in an artist's tour life is unusual, revealing a hidden norm within the industry.
"It's yearning for something that I never had."
This quote clarifies that the emotional quality often perceived as nostalgia in Antonoff's music is, in fact, a deep longing for unexperienced aspects of life, which drives his creative expression.
"A lot of times I write about it through a relationship... it's just this weird pull sometimes it's about grief. but it's pulling me forward."
The quote highlights Charlotte's use of personal relationships and grief as a lens for her creative writing, and emphasizes the forward momentum this gives to her work.
"I mean the goal is to be in a dialogue with your people... you're writing something. and then you Chuck it out into the world."
Jack Antonoff emphasizes his desire to communicate and connect with his specific audience through his music, rather than trying to cater to a mass market.
"I'm really excited to be releasing music within it but that time was one of those things where it's like before that there were a lot of. rules..."
Jack Antonoff reflects on the freedom and excitement of creating music in a cultural period that is less constrained by rules and more open to diverse expressions.
"It was a time when a lot of bands were becoming interested in music that was based off of programming and it was kind of one of these like in between times when people haven't settled on anything so you can kind of do anything."
The quote explains why "We Are Young" resonated with audiences, as it came out during a time of musical exploration and genre blending.
"The worst thing you can do is to chase culture because you'll keep missing it... if you do you then you'll have these moments where you feel seen."
Jack Antonoff stresses the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision rather than trying to follow fleeting cultural trends, as authenticity leads to moments of connection with the audience.
"I will never look away from my audience... I'm not going to look for something better."
Jack Antonoff likens his relationship with his audience to a personal interaction, valuing consistent engagement and trust over seeking broader appeal.
"Well I can only speak to the experiences I've had because there's plenty of people that I can't work with."
This quote reveals Jack Antonoff's understanding that successful collaboration in music production is not universal and depends on the specific dynamics between individuals.
"No One Knows the future the future is this quiet feeling an artist has um I like paying attention to that feeling I like to be in a room with someone and look at something and not really know how we're going to get there and not even really know how to define it."
This quote highlights Jack's approach to music production, which is centered around intuition and the undefined future of a project. He values the creative journey and the discovery that comes with it.
"and you said on Instagram that you will one day write an essay on the different production I used on this song and how much working on it with Taylor has meant to me."
The quote indicates Jack's deep appreciation for his collaborative work with Taylor Swift and the impact it has had on his career as a producer.
"anti-hero was mostly built around an ob8 which is a really weird synthesizer that kind of has a different attitude every time you turn it on."
This quote explains how Jack used the OB8 synthesizer's unpredictable nature as a central element in the production of "Anti-Hero," showcasing his adaptive and inventive production style.
"you are one of very few people who have had access to some of like the great artists of our time."
The quote recognizes Jack's unique position in the music industry, having worked closely with several highly acclaimed artists.
"no matter how massive big successful revered you get it doesn't change the process because you're doing the same thing."
This quote encapsulates Jack's philosophy that the essence of songwriting and producing records is constant, and success does not alter the fundamental creative process.
"The process of making that song is the same process of making a song when I was 14 in the room with my friends... you are just completely vulnerable in a space trying to create the sound of that thing that you hear in your head."
This quote emphasizes how the essence of music creation is rooted in vulnerability and the pursuit of translating one's inner vision into sound, which remains consistent over time.
"Has it changed anything about the way you approach producing these songs? Zero zero."
The speaker is asserting that their music production process remains unaffected by the changes in music distribution, such as streaming.
"The insane Monopoly that is going on has turned the live music industry into basically a free market to the highest bidder."
This quote criticizes the current state of the live music industry, where ticket prices are determined by market forces rather than the value of the shared experience.
"The music industry going k-shaped is one of the great sadnesses of my personal life... the rich get richer the poor get poorer and there's no middle."
The quote describes the speaker's personal distress over the growing economic disparity within the music industry and the disappearance of middle-class artists.
"For me it's pretty wild what's been happening with Cruel Summer... that's my [Music] answer."
The speaker shares their personal experience with the song "Cruel Summer," which holds a special place for them and has unexpectedly become prominent again.
"When's the last time you bought an instrument yesterday and what was it Bon Echo it's an echo machine."
This quote provides a glimpse into Jack Antonoff's daily life and interests, showcasing his continuous engagement with music outside of production.
"Thank you so much for listening to person of the week... you can find it on our website."
The closing quote thanks listeners for their engagement with the podcast and directs them to additional resources to further explore Jack Antonoff's work.