About this episodeRuth B and Cole MGN discuss the creation of Ruth's album, emphasizing the importance of trusting instincts ove…AI summary
Ruth B and Cole MGN discuss the creation of Ruth's album, emphasizing the importance of trusting instincts over chasing trends, allowing songs to evolve naturally without pressure, and the value of deep, long-term collaboration over quick sessions. They highlight how personal growth and vulnerability can drive creative authenticity, even when facing industry pressures or viral success.
Key takeaways 5
Ruth B's song 'Dandelions' went viral five years after its initial release, teaching her that she doesn't need to replicate past hits but should focus on honest writing and trust that the right audience will find the music at the right time.
Cole MGN advises against trying to force a song into a specific genre or trend if it doesn't fit; instead, artists should trust their initial instincts and allow the music to define its own boundaries.
The collaborative process between Ruth B and Cole MGN involved a shift from traditional top-line writing to freestyling melodies without lyrics first, which helped Ruth overcome her fear of improvisation and led to more authentic songwriting.
Ruth B's song 'Breathe' took nearly two years to complete because she needed time to process her personal experiences and mental health struggles, demonstrating that some songs require significant time and emotional readiness to finish.
Cole MGN's approach to production involves creating a 'playlist of everything you loved as a teenager' to reconnect with the core reasons for loving music, helping him identify what truly resonates with him creatively.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“You never know how important the thing that you're doing is when you're doing it. And I just think try to see it through because you never know what's going to happen to it.”
▶ 0:42Cole MGN reflecting on the value of persisting with creative projects even when their potential impact is unclear.
“I don't think you need to rush music. Like of course we live in an industry where it's like you got to do stuff but like you you should give yourself the time to feel the music you're writing.”
▶ 45:57Ruth B discussing the importance of allowing songs to develop naturally rather than succumbing to industry pressure for quick releases.
“The more honest you are the better it is because you you want to be proud of something whether it does good or doesn't because in the end that's that's kind of really what matters.”
▶ 18:10Ruth B explaining how authenticity in songwriting leads to greater personal satisfaction and artistic integrity.
“I think that some people are really good at chasing trends and like, oh, someone said I make weird music. I got to like move it to the middle. Some people can do that really well. And I realized quickly like within a month and a half that like I can't do that.”
▶ 15:01Cole MGN sharing his realization that trying to conform to pop trends wasn't his strength, and that his unique style was actually what made him valuable.
“Just finish it. Just finish it. Like I think that it's like such a um that that is such a important skill that a lot of people don't have.”
Cole MGN emphasizing the critical importance of completing projects despite difficulties or doubts.
Chapters & Sections (35)▼
0:00Navigating Sudden Viral Success and Industry Shockchapter3
1:39Introducing Collaborators and Musical Influences
2:51Praising Collaborator's Unique Artistry
4:18Unprepared for Viral Success
6:12Navigating Music Industry Contracts and Touringchapter3
8:01Moving to LA and Meeting Ariel
9:10Transitioning from Touring to Studio Production
10:35Reality of Music Industry Work
12:28Navigating Industry Pressure and Authenticitychapter2
15:35Impact of Viral Success on Creative Process
17:06Overcoming Pressure After First Hit
20:37Genreless Music and Creative Freedomchapter1
22:53Designing Guidelines in Genreless Music
25:49Collaborative Songwriting Process and Freestylingchapter3
27:50Overcoming Fear of Freestyling in Songwriting
29:06Freestyling and Emotional Melodies
30:54Building Trust in Songwriting
33:54Building Trust and Musical Synergychapter2
35:25Reconnecting with Musical Roots
36:55Shared Musical Influences and Synergy
38:59Personal Growth and Songwriting Processchapter2
41:49Overcoming Indecision in Songwriting
44:06Mental Health and Songwriting Journey
45:48Creative Process and Finishing Old Songschapter2
47:47Finishing Decade-Old Songs with New Life Experience
49:22Adapting Vine Videos into Full Songs
51:37Musical Origins and Influential Songschapter1
54:16Stevie Wonder's Influence on Musical Development
56:27Songwriting Origins and Sampling Experienceschapter1
57:53Witnessing Song Interpolation Live
1:01:06Gag or Drag: Music Industry and Personal Lifechapter1
1:03:20Collaboration Disagreements and Friend Dynamics
1:05:06Collaboration Advice and Finishing Projectschapter2
1:06:44Advice on Collaboration Openness
1:08:18Overcoming Creative Burnout and Finishing Projects
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