In this episode of ReThinking with Adam Grant, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste shares his creative process, his journey in the music industry, and his philosophy of music.
Batiste discusses the importance of originality, the role of music in society, and his approach to creating a timeless legacy.
One of the things we see in psychology is that one of the reasons people get typecast is they start to define themselves by their past work. – Adam Grant
Exploring Different Creative Outlets
Batiste reveals his early connection with video games and expresses a desire to compose video game theme music in the future, indicating his continuous exploration of different creative outlets.
Grief as Unexpressed Love
Batiste reflects on a conversation about grief being unexpressed love.
He believes this perspective allows us to connect grief to redemption and appreciate the enduring impact of our loved ones.
Role of Mentorship
Batiste credits the late Alvin Batiste, a renowned avant-garde clarinetist, as a significant influence in his decision to pursue a career in music.
Alvin Batiste’s teachings and mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Jon Batiste’s musical journey.
Importance of Originality
Batiste emphasizes the importance of originality in music.
He identifies with repeat hitmakers who begin with more novel genres and songs that differ from each other.
His music doesn’t fit into a familiar category by choice, reflecting his commitment to originality.
Moving Forward as an Artist
Jon Batiste emphasizes the importance of moving forward as an artist.
Once he releases an album, he puts it behind him to focus on new projects and continue growing.
He believes that once an album is released, it belongs to the public, serving as a soundtrack to their memories and experiences.
The Power of Pure Inspiration
Batiste’s approach to his work is influenced by his belief that pure inspiration defies marketing or branding.
By following this inspiration, he believes that an artist’s expression will continue to evolve, preventing them from being typecast or confined to a particular style or genre.
Stepping Out of Comfort Zone
Batiste’s decision to move to New York to pursue his music career was a significant turning point.
He chose to step out of his comfort zone, leaving the predictability of his hometown to explore new opportunities.
This decision allowed him to grow as an artist and expand his musical horizons.
Combating Apathy Through Music
Batiste’s album ‘We Are’ was created to combat apathy, which he sees as a major societal issue.
He believes that many societal problems stem from a lack of human connection and genuine exchange.
His album encourages listeners to look to themselves for solutions.
Once you [release an album], it’s theirs. It’s the soundtrack to their memories, their lives… If you dwell on that, you don’t grow as an artist. – Jon Batiste
Music as a Social Tool
Batiste’s philosophy of music is rooted in the concept of ‘social music,’ which he defines as music that is used to create community.
He sees music as a way to inspire people and add nuance to political and social issues, emphasizing the role of the artist as a citizen.
There’s something about inspiration that I feel in its most pure sense defies any form of marketing or branding. If you follow that pure inspiration, your artistry and your expression will continue to evolve. – Jon Batiste
Creating a Timeless Legacy
Batiste aims to create a timeless legacy with his music, hoping to inspire people for generations to come.
He believes in capturing the moment in his music, focusing on the present while also considering the future impact of his work.
Parallels Between Comedy and Music
Batiste draws parallels between comedy and music, stating that both are about structure and timing.
He sees music and comedy as cousins in the creative family tree, with music often serving as punctuation in comedy.
Influence of Cultural Heritage
Batiste’s artistry is deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage.
Growing up in New Orleans, he was exposed to a diverse range of music.
His mother, although not a musician, instilled in him a love for learning and a spirit of perseverance, which have added depth to his artistry.
