Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode, Norah Jones sits down with Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Elizondo for the first part of a two-part conversation. Elizondo discusses his versatile career, sharing stories about collaborating with Dr. Dre on hits like Mary J. Blige's No More Drama, working with film composer Lin-Manuel Miranda on Encanto during the pandemic, and co-writing Big Money with John Batiste. Throughout the episode, Elizondo and Jones perform stripped-down renditions of these songs while reflecting on the creative process, musical influences, and the importance of simplicity and groove.
The conversation highlights Elizondo's unique journey from studying classical and jazz upright bass in Los Angeles to becoming an in-demand studio musician and top-tier producer. He explains how Dr. Dre taught him the power of hypnotic, trance-like grooves and discusses the transition of moving his studio operations from LA to Nashville. What makes the episode compelling is the rare, insider perspective on how massive commercial tracks were built from simple studio jams and classical upright bass lines.
The hosts introduce the podcast, the format, and the guest, Mike Elizondo, while setting the stage for the episode.
Mike discusses his early life, education, and the variety of genres he has worked in, from jazz to hip‑hop and pop.
Mike explains his move to Nashville, the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and his involvement in the remote production of Disney’s Encanto.
Nora and Mike perform a couple of songs together, showcasing their musical chemistry and discussing the creative process behind each track.
Mike shares his approach to writing and producing, emphasizing collaboration, improvisation, and the importance of chemistry between artists.
The hosts conclude the episode, recap the music discussed, and promote related shows and sponsorships before signing off.
Elizondo explains how Mary J. Blige's hit song began in the studio with Dr. Dre on an MPC drum machine and Elizondo playing an upright bass line with a bow.
Connecting Dre and Burt Bacharachstory
Elizondo shares how he helped introduce Burt Bacharach to Dr. Dre, resulting in unreleased collaborations where Bacharach wrote arrangements over Dre's beats.
Juggling Ry Cooter and Drestory
Elizondo describes running between morning studio sessions with Ry Cooter and afternoon sessions with Dr. Dre during the early days of his career.
Elizondo discusses working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on the music for Disney's Encanto entirely remotely during the pandemic shutdown.
Writing With John Batistestory
Elizondo details how a last-minute phone call from John Batiste led to a jam session in Nashville that produced the title track Big Money.
“was Dre on a, on an MPC drum machine, and me playing upright bass.”
“And it, and it went on. It was, it was the first time I had a number one hit as a co‑writer.”
“He said, no more touring for you.”
“So I, I've known Lin‑Manuel Miranda for a number of years and he, he called me up one day and he's just like, hey, you want to work with me on this Disney thing?”
GRAMMY-winning producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Elizondo joins Norah to talk about his remarkable career working with artists including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Fiona Apple, Mary J. Blige, and many more.
6,295 words · 8 speakers
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated