Aaron Raitiere Will Change Your Definition of a ‘Country Song’ | Nashville Now
Summary
Rolling Stone’s Joseph Hudak interviews Nashville songwriter Aaron Ratner, who discusses his recent No. 1 hit with Ella Langley and his unique approach to commercial songwriting. The conversation covers the impact of AI on the music industry, the evolving trends in alcohol consumption, and Ratner’s new venture into children’s music. Ratner also shares anecdotes about his collaborations with Lady Gaga and the late Bob Weir, including a secret psychedelic rock opera project and personal memories of their friendship.
Topics discussed
Intro and Certified Fresh Series promo
Meeting Aaron Ratier and the 'genius' debate
Nashville songwriting career and collaborations
Generational shifts in drinking and country tropes
Substances, anxiety, and the creative process
AI songwriting tools and the value of craft
AI voice cloning and the 'Fred eats potatoes' test
Chord progressions and writing commercial hits
Ella Langley's 'Buffalo on Roller Skates' and hits
Writing children's music to stay home
Sponsor reads and the 'potato song' philosophy
Approaching co-writing sessions with different artists
The unexpected success of 'You Look Like You Love Me'
Ella Langley's vocal style and truth in songwriting
Grammy awards and starting a boiled peanut business
Recording with Lady Gaga and the Foo Fighters
Discovering forgotten songs from the Gaga session
ADHD, focus, and the Bob Weir musical project
The Bob Weir musical and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey
Anecdotes with Bob Weir: traffic, swimming, and Whole Foods
Bob Weir's legacy, perspective, and tech foresight
Swimming with Bob Weir and meditation
Upcoming monastery retreat and vow of silence
Live performance style and the wooden flute
Stage antics and the accidental 'Ben' song
Loss of friends, CPAP, and respecting sleep
Influences: Beck, John McPhee, and nature
Teaching songwriting and the 'beans and potatoes' lecture
Contentment, cars, and the 'how to live' book
Writer's nights, drinking, and a house fire
Will Gaddara, hospitality, and closing remarks
Credits and production team
ChatGPT Work Mode sponsor
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