Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth is helmed by a seasoned music journalist sharing engaging interviews, reflections on star encounters, and insights on celebrity interview techniques. It spans diverse genres, focusing on musicians' journeys, creative processes, and industry perspectives.

Music Industry Insights Musician Interviews Creative Processes Celebrity Encounters Interview Techniques Genre Exploration Artistic Evolution Music Education

The hottest Substack posts of Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth

And their main takeaways

Janis Ian

99 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Artist interviews Music Industry
  1. Janis Ian finds a community in Nashville that supports songwriters. She appreciates the polite and welcoming environment compared to New York.
  2. Her recent album, 'Folk Is The New Black,' is the easiest one she’s ever made, showing a cohesive flow and emotional depth. She focuses on expressing feelings without unnecessary filler in her lyrics.
  3. The music industry is changing rapidly, and artists now have to be more independent and proactive. This shift means they need to handle more business tasks themselves, which can take time away from creating music.

Steve Earle

158 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Politics Cultural impact Artistry Music Industry
  1. Steve Earle believes music has always had a political side, and right now it might be more important than ever. He thinks artists should write about what they feel strongly about, even if those topics are heavy.
  2. Earle points out that in the past, music played a big role in social change. He feels that today's artists have the chance to create impactful songs, especially with current issues in the world.
  3. He also emphasizes the need for empathy in songwriting. When artists connect with their emotions and experiences, they can reach people's hearts better, making them more powerful in conveying their messages.

Tori Amos

178 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎶 Music Artist Profiles Songwriting Interviews Live performance
  1. Tori Amos explains that she can't force creativity like some songwriters can. Inspiration for her songs comes from moments in life, not from a set schedule.
  2. She emphasizes that great songs and hit records are not the same thing, and real artists often avoid formulas to make authentic music.
  3. Tori believes that understanding emotions and personal experiences is crucial for songwriting. Living a full life helps writers create deeper, more meaningful art.

Keith Jarrett

1229 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
  1. Keith Jarrett's approach to music is deeply connected to the concept of essential sound and the use of different instruments to convey different emotions.
  2. Jarrett's musical journey reflects a blend of discipline and daring, with a focus on authenticity and a constant search for deeper meanings in music.
  3. His thoughts on live performances versus studio recordings reveal a preference for the organic flow of live music, and a belief in the power of music to reflect inner consciousness.

Elton John

376 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
  1. Don't trust your first impressions, listen deeper, and you might be surprised.
  2. Elton John's unique piano style was influenced by various other musicians like Bill Payne and David Sancious.
  3. His performing style evolved into an uninhibited and fun approach, breaking away from intense singer/songwriter trends of the early Seventies.
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Ray Manzarek

138 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. The importance of being authentic and exploring new musical paths
  2. The impact of spirituality and philosophy on art and music
  3. The influence of societal values on creativity and the significance of staying true to one's artistic vision

Ginger Baker

218 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
  1. Ginger Baker faced misunderstandings about his music journey from rock to jazz. He was a jazz player from the Fifties, not just a rock artist.
  2. Baker blended jazz and blues in Cream, creating a unique sound that was popular and accessible. Cream's formula mixed different musical styles successfully.
  3. Baker's interest in African rhythm was sparked by his drum hero Phil Seamen, inspiring a deep connection to the primal nature of drumming. This interest developed throughout his career.

Wynton Marsalis

99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
  1. Wynton Marsalis led the 'young lions' in jazz, focusing on traditional jazz traditions.
  2. Marsalis emphasizes the importance of technique in music, using examples of various jazz musicians.
  3. Education and sharing joy in music are key to Marsalis, who advocates for jazz education and public understanding of music.

Keith Urban

59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
  1. Keith Urban's album 'Ripcord' showcases his diverse musical influences and his focus on rhythm as a core element.
  2. Urban uses unique instruments like the ganjo to drive rhythms and create atmospheric sounds in his tracks.
  3. Collaborations with artists like Pitbull and Carrie Underwood bring new dimensions and energy to Urban's music.

Miami Steve Van Zandt

99 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
  1. Miami Steve Van Zandt reflected on his music journey and the importance of balancing different artistic pursuits.
  2. The long hiatus allowed Little Steven to explore new musical horizons and incorporate diverse influences in his new album.
  3. Little Steven emphasized the intensity and passion in music, contrasting it with the modern music landscape.

Ben Folds

79 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
  1. Ben Folds' band, Ben Folds Five, created a unique musical blend of craftsmanship and post-punk snark that caught the attention of critics and listeners.
  2. Ben Folds prioritizes playing music with like-minded band members who add to the music and make it great, rather than focusing on commercial success.
  3. Ben Folds challenges traditional music industry norms, preferring to make music he finds important and engaging with audiences through live shows rather than relying on demo tapes or media coverage.

Vince Gill

59 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Vince Gill is a humble and multi-talented artist who excels in singing, songwriting, and playing guitar.
  2. Gill emphasizes the importance of simplicity and authenticity in music, focusing on self-editing and delivering heartfelt performances.
  3. Collaboration and genuine kindness from others play a significant role in the music industry, inspiring creativity and fostering a welcoming environment for artists.

Hank Williams Jr.

39 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
  1. Hank Williams Jr. is known for his controversial remarks and strong political opinions.
  2. Hank has a deep interest in Civil War history, as seen through his collection of battlefield relics and cannons.
  3. Hank is focused on living life on his own terms, away from the influence of mainstream politics and media.

David Crosby

39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
  1. David Crosby collaborated with his son, James Raymond, resulting in some of his best work.
  2. Crosby's recent albums represent a resurgence and rebirth for him as an artist.
  3. While he acknowledges the role of protest music, Crosby's main focus is on creating music that celebrates the best parts of humanity.

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth

39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
  1. Interviewing people for a living involves asking questions and piecing together information.
  2. Approach each interview professionally, even if you develop a relationship with the subject.
  3. Effective journalism involves a balance of research and listening during interviews.

Chuck D

19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. Chuck D and Public Enemy were revolutionary in their music and messages, pushing beyond expectations and traditions.
  2. Chuck D's experiences with record labels led him to start his own label, SLAMJamz, to offer fair deals and international distribution.
  3. Chuck D emphasizes the importance of skill and basics in music and compares it to basketball, highlighting the value of maintaining strong foundational skills over flashy techniques.

Keith Emerson

19 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
  1. Keyboard players rose to stardom briefly with synthesizer wizardry in bands like Yes, Genesis, and ELP.
  2. Keith Emerson stood out as a towering figure among prog rock keyboardists for his command and creativity on the keyboard.
  3. Despite struggling with health issues affecting his ability to play, Emerson remained resilient and hopeful about his future in music.

Rick Springfield

19 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
  1. Rick Springfield's album 'The Snake King' showed a new side to him and departed from the norm in the music industry.
  2. The album covers deep themes like the impact of evil in the world, failure of beliefs, and personal struggles.
  3. Springfield took risks and was unapologetically authentic in his music, not worried about potential backlash from fans.

Coming soon

19 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
  1. Newsletter about Musician Interview Transcripts & Commentary
  2. Written by Robert Doerschuk
  3. Coming soon - Subscribe for updates

Penn Jillette

2 HN points • 21 Aug 23
  1. Penn Jillette is considered one of the smartest people interviewed, with a deep passion for music and jazz.
  2. Jazz music is more universal and allows for greater individual expression compared to rock 'n' roll.
  3. Learning new skills, like playing jazz bass, can be a fulfilling journey of growth and self-discovery.

John Mellencamp

0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
  1. John Mellencamp discussed his creative process for his live performance DVD and his approach to making music and art.
  2. He reflected on the importance of surprise in art and shared insights on his experiences in the music industry.
  3. Mellencamp emphasized the intersection of music and visual art, showcasing his evolution as an artist over the years.

Bobby Braddock

0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
  1. Bobby Braddock's memoir shares insights into the world of country music over five decades.
  2. Country music's evolution from raw, emotional storytelling to a broader appeal is both good and bad.
  3. Nashville's music scene has transitioned from bohemian, bar-written hits to a more corporate, 9-to-5 environment.

Patty Griffin

0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
  1. Patty Griffin's unique voice draws listeners in with its rich timbre and conversational style.
  2. Griffin's songwriting process involves surrendering to inspiration and making space for authentic emotions.
  3. Despite challenges in the music industry and label changes, Griffin remains grateful for support and passionate about collaborating with talented musicians.

Poster Art Legend Jim Franklin

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Jim Franklin was a key figure in Austin's poster art scene, creating unique and surreal designs that captured the vibe of the time and place.
  2. Austin's art and music scenes in the 70s were grassroots and authentic, with artists like Franklin rejecting commercialism in their work.
  3. The fusion of strong artistic technique and an appreciation for anarchy in Austin's poster art scene influenced later movements like graffiti art, emphasizing the value of creativity and skill in artistic expression.

Björk

0 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. Björk shared insights into her music, blending Icelandic elements with techno beats and strings.
  2. She emphasized the importance of personal and unique creativity in music, breaking away from traditional styles.
  3. Björk discussed her diverse musical influences, love for communication through music, and the challenge of translation in her lyrics.

Jeff Jarrett

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
  1. Jeff Jarrett's deep connection and long history with the professional wrestling industry.
  2. The creation and evolution of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as an alternative to WWE.
  3. The importance of realistic storylines and the mix of wrestling and entertainment in professional wrestling.