Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode, Norah Jones and Sarah Oda visit Marc Rebillet at his apartment in downtown Manhattan to make music on the spot, talk about their shared high school background in Dallas, and discuss the creative process. Rebillet explains how he transitioned from making beats in his bedroom to using the BOSS RC-505 loop station, a hardware looper designed for hands rather than feet. Throughout the visit, Rebillet and Jones collaborate on spontaneous musical numbers, discuss the challenges of traditional studio recording, and share stories about working with music legends like Erykah Badu. The conversation offers a candid look at improvisation, the anxiety of following up early career success, and the importance of staying open to unexpected creative directions.
- Using a hardware looper designed for hands rather than feet can help streamline the live music creation process. 21:53
- Accepting unexpected opportunities and collaborating openly can help artists avoid creative burnout and stagnation. 47:59
- Refusing to chase the massive success of a debut project can prevent an artist from driving themselves crazy. 48:53
- Turning the recording process into a live performance or livestream can help overcome the boredom of traditional studio sessions. 43:45
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro and Host Greeting
Norah Jones opens the episode with a brief introduction and welcomes listeners to the show.
- 1:26Introducing Marc Rebillet and Studio Visit
Norah and Sarah explain how they invited Marc Rebillet to their apartment for a spontaneous jam session.
- 2:11Marc Rebillet’s Signature Style and Persona
The hosts describe Marc’s unique loop-based performances, his bathrobe aesthetic, and his viral presence.
- 5:51Closing Remarks and Promotion of Other Podcasts
Norah and Marc wrap up the episode, promote the 'Before the Moment' series, and thank listeners.
- 7:45Early Musical Roots and High School Experiences
Marc recounts his time at Booker T. Washington High School, his synthesizer ensemble, and the influence of teachers.
- 20:55First Exposure to Looping and Influences
Marc explains how he discovered looping after seeing Reggie Watts and how it shaped his creative process.
- 42:26Future Projects: Live Studio Sessions and Streaming
Marc outlines plans to host intimate studio sessions and livestream the recording process to create a full-length album.
- 49:09Personal Reflections on Family and Musical Influences
Marc shares insights about his family’s musical background, his upbringing in Motown and soul, and how it informs his sound.
- 59:24Podcast Intro and Host Greeting
Norah Jones opens the episode, welcoming listeners and setting the stage for the musical experiment.
- 1:00:22Underwear Performance Moment
A humorous exchange about performing in underwear, highlighting the relaxed vibe of the session.
- 1:01:01Vocal Pitch Experiment
The host and guest experiment with pitch-shifting vocals, showcasing live manipulation of sound.
- 1:07:02Outer Space Track Creation
They collaborate on a space-themed track, layering sounds and discussing the creative process.
Highlights
- 7:36
High School Synth Ensemble Memoriesstory
Norah Jones and Marc Rebillet discover they attended the same high school in Dallas, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Jones recalls participating in a synthesizer ensemble that recorded a tape in the band room.
- 21:16
Discovering the Loop Stationinsight
Marc Rebillet explains that seeing Reggie Watts perform live inspired him to start looping. He talks about purchasing the BOSS RC-505 because it is the only hardware looper designed specifically for hands.
- 25:28
Musical Upbringing and Choirsstory
Norah Jones and Marc Rebillet compare their musical upbringings. Jones discusses her early start playing piano and singing in church choirs, while Rebillet mentions taking piano lessons and choir at the Manhattan School of Music.
- 36:35
Improvising a New Song Ideastrategy
Marc Rebillet and Norah Jones build a song from scratch using vocal loops and keyboards, building a melody around the theme of singing about love, loss, fear, and tears.
- 40:58
Struggling With Traditional Studiosinsight
Marc Rebillet explains that he struggles with the traditional studio process because he finds it boring and lacks patience for it. He shares his idea of streaming studio sessions or turning recordings into live performances to force himself to finish a full-length record.
- 47:35
Avoiding the Sophomore Slumpinsight
Norah Jones reflects on her uninspired period following her first records and how she realized she just needed to stay open to inspiration rather than trying to recreate her initial massive success.
Quotes
“I was in a synthesis ensemble.”
SCRIBE_speaker_0 · 7:45 “was the day that she was supposed to come play, and she was supposed to come early for that day. Didn't come.”
SCRIBE_speaker_3 · 59:24 “I was kind of in a panic the whole time, you know? But yeah, it was fun.”
SCRIBE_speaker_3 · 1:00:15 “If it's good, if it's good, it's- Yeah ... If it's good, it's good.”
SCRIBE_speaker_3 · 1:16:14 “I love you. You're a goddamn icon. You're amazing.”
SCRIBE_speaker_3 · 1:16:38
Sponsored segments
- Granger 0:00–0:33
- Toyota 5:51–7:20
- Toyota 29:48–30:50
- Toyota 55:58–57:30
- Toyota 1:18:30–1:19:07
- Chase Freedom Flex 1:19:42–1:20:55
About this episode
Marc Rebillet is a wizard! You may know him as Loop Daddy or from his many viral videos improvising tracks at home in his bathrobe.
Transcript
10,881 words · 12 speakers
Topics
- New York
- iHeartRadio
- Lincoln
- Chic
- MIDI controller
- Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
- Deep Ellum
- The Factory
- BOSS RC-505
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