by Casey Deal

Episode 205: Jon Batiste

“We Are”

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Jon Batiste is a pianist, songwriter, and composer from New Orleans. He’s been nominated for multiple Grammys, and just won the Golden Globe and got an Oscar nomination for the soundtrack to the Pixar film Soul, which he composed along with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Jon is also a recipient of the American Jazz Museum’s lifetime achievement award, and on weeknights, you can see him as the bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In March 2021, he put out his new album, We Are. But the title track from it came actually came out much earlier, last year, in June 2020. In this episode, Jon talks about how he drew from his roots, at a very personal level — and at a cultural, historical level — and wove all of it into the song.

You can buy or stream “We Are” here.


Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

footnotes
Kizzo, producer
Autumn Rowe, co-writer
Pomo, producer
Cory Wong, guitarist
Nate Smith, drummer
Sam Yahel, organist
The Marching 100
Gospel Soul Children, choir
Ed Sullivan Theater
Carol Burnett
Mac Miller

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by Casey Deal

Episode 204: Glass Animals

“Heat Waves”


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Glass Animals is a band from Oxford, England. They’ve released three albums since forming back in 2010. One of their biggest hits is the song “Heat Waves,” which came out in June 2020. It was certified gold in a bunch of countries, and platinum in Australia, where it hit #1. Dave Bayley is the singer, songwriter, and producer of the band. He won the UK’s Music Producers Guild award for “Self-Producing Artist of the Year,” and he’s produced songs for other artists, as well. In this episode, Dave tells the story of making “Heat Waves,” over several months. First, on his own, and then later with his bandmates, Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer, and Drew MacFarlane.

You can buy or stream “Heat Waves” here.


Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

footnotes
The Church, studio
Arlo Guthrie
Auto-Tune
Johnny Depp
808s

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by Casey Deal

Episode 203: Sasha Sloan

“Until It Happens To You”


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Sasha Sloan is a singer and songwriter based in Nashville. She put out her debut album, Only Child, last year. Before that, she’d written songs for artists like Katy Perry, John Legend, and Charli XCX, and she’s been a featured guest vocalist on songs by electronic artists Odesza and Kygo. Sasha made her album with her boyfriend, producer Henry Allen, aka King Henry, whose other production credits include songs by Beyoncé and Diplo. In this episode, Sasha, along with Henry, tells the story of making her song “Until It Happens to You.”

You can buy or stream “Until It Happens To You” here.


Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

footnotes
Danny Silverstein, acoustic guitar
LANY
Jake Goss, drummer
Snow Patrol
Arcade Fire
Explosions in the Sky
Granulator

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