Ariana Grande | "eternal sunshine" Track By Track Breakdown [Part 2]
Summary
TLDRIn this heartfelt conversation, Ariana Grande discusses her new album, the challenges and triumphs in love, and the profound impact of her relationships. She shares her creative process, from writing lyrics to producing music, and the significance of astrology in her life. Grande's appreciation for her collaborators, especially Max Martin, is evident as she reflects on the transformative power of art and the beauty of creating something from nothing.
Takeaways
- 🎶 The conversation begins with a discussion about love and relationships, highlighting the significance of the speaker's first real relationship.
- 🌟 The speaker expresses pride and happiness for a friend's recent achievements, indicating a strong bond and support within their circle.
- 💔 There's a reflection on past experiences with love, including the challenges and growth that comes from navigating relationships.
- 🎵 The creation of music, particularly songwriting, is discussed as a deeply personal and emotional process, with the hardest song to write being one that seeks to avoid harshness while acknowledging the end of a relationship.
- 🌈 The importance of self-awareness and empathy in art is emphasized, with the speaker striving to create songs that are kind and empowering.
- 👩 The influence of the speaker's mother is significant, with her strength and example serving as a role model and inspiration for the speaker's own life choices.
- 🎶 The album 'Eternal Sunshine' is mentioned, with the speaker discussing the process of creating the album and the collaboration with producer Max Martin.
- 🏆 The speaker's gratitude for their fans and the significance of their debut at number one is expressed, showing appreciation for the support received.
- 🎶 The role of astrology in the speaker's life is discussed, with the interlude 'Saturn Returns' being a pivotal moment in the album's narrative.
- 🎵 The song 'Boy Mine' is highlighted as a favorite, showcasing the speaker's love for '90s music and their desire to create something that resonates with their listeners.
- 💖 The conversation concludes with a reflection on the power of art and music to create something from nothing, and the beauty in the ability to share these creations with the world.
Q & A
What is the significance of the album title 'Eternal Sunshine' for the artist?
-The album title 'Eternal Sunshine' is significant because it represents a journey of love and self-discovery. The artist was inspired by the movie 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and the concept of cycles in relationships, as well as the idea of capturing a moment in time that didn't exist before and making it beautiful.
How does the artist describe their relationship with their parents in terms of learning about love?
-The artist admits they didn't learn much about love from their parents, as their parents' example of love at home was different and not the fairy tale they craved. They had to learn about love from other human experiences, which contrasts with the example their parents set.
What was the hardest song for the artist to write on the album?
-The hardest song to write was 'By You' because the artist wanted it to sound self-aware and not like a typical love song. They wanted it to reflect the reality of moving on from a situation and the accountability that comes with it.
Who is Max Martin to the artist and how did he contribute to the album?
-Max Martin is a highly respected producer and a close friend of the artist. He helped the artist ensure that the songs were not watered down and maintained their emotional honesty. They worked closely together, pushing each other creatively and supporting each other throughout the album-making process.
What does the artist mean when they say 'Yes' is the right first single to introduce the story of the album?
-The artist believes 'Yes' is the right first single because it stands on its own and sets the tone for the album by acknowledging that everyone has their own journey and experiences that others may not be aware of. It also reflects the artist's feelings about their career and the constant scrutiny they've faced.
Why did the artist choose Mariah Carey to remix the song 'Yes'?
-Mariah Carey was chosen for the remix because she is the artist's number one vocal inspiration and they consider her the queen of music. The artist has admired Carey since they were young and felt her involvement elevated the song significantly.
How does the artist describe their experience working with Max Martin on this album?
-The artist describes the experience as intimate, productive, and incredibly special. They spent a lot of time together, working long hours and even going to shows and dinners. The artist feels grateful for the opportunity to work with Martin and to become closer friends after 12 years of knowing each other.
What is the significance of the song 'Saturn Returns' in the context of the album?
-The song 'Saturn Returns' signifies a wake-up moment and a pivotal shift in the album's narrative. It represents the astrological event where Saturn returns to its original position at 29.5 year intervals, prompting deep self-awareness and confrontation of patterns. The artist uses this concept to express personal growth and change.
How does the artist view the role of astrology in their life?
-The artist sees astrology as a tool that helps them hear what they need to hear, look forward with hope and awareness, and sometimes provides tough love. They believe in the power of astrology to provide guidance and make sense of their experiences.
What was the last song the artist wrote for the album, and why is it their favorite?
-The last song the artist wrote for the album was 'Imperfect for You,' which is their favorite because of its unique sound and personal connection. The song has a trippy, 60s feel that the artist had not explored before, and it captures a special moment of being one's truest self.
How does the artist feel about the song 'We Can't Be Friends'?
-The artist loves 'We Can't Be Friends' and considers it their second favorite song on the album after 'Supernatural.' They appreciate the emotional impact of the strings in the song and the way it resonates with them personally.
Outlines
🎶 Reflecting on Love and Personal Growth
The speaker discusses their journey through love, highlighting their first real relationship and its significance. They express pride and happiness for a friend's love experience, reflecting on the different forms of love they've witnessed. The conversation touches on the impact of parental love, personal readiness for relationships, and the growth that comes from navigating love and life's journey with chosen partners.
🎵 Embracing Empathy in Songwriting
The speaker delves into their approach to songwriting, emphasizing the importance of kindness, empathy, and self-awareness. They share their fears of replicating negative cycles and the lessons learned from their mother's strength and decision-making. The discussion also explores the interconnectedness of songs on the album, the complexity of human emotions, and the process of creating music that resonates with listeners' experiences.
🎼 Collaboration and Evolution in Music Production
The speaker recounts their collaborative experience with Max Martin, a renowned producer, during the creation of their album. They discuss the iterative process of refining songs, the vulnerability and intimacy of the studio sessions, and the impact of working with someone they admire. The conversation also touches on the role of curiosity and humility in the creative process, and the significance of learning from experienced artists.
🌟 The Power of Idols and Astrology in Art
The speaker expresses gratitude for the support and respect from their idols, such as Mariah Carey, and the surreal experience of working with them. They discuss the role of astrology in their life, using it as a tool for understanding and hope. The conversation also highlights the significance of the album's title, 'Eternal Sunshine,' and the interlude that serves as a pivotal moment in the album's narrative.
🎧 The Joy of Creation and Artistic Expression
The speaker shares the joy of creating music, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final product. They discuss the excitement of bringing a song to life, the emotional connection to their music, and the fulfillment that comes from sharing their art with others. The conversation also touches on the complexity of emotions involved in breakup songs and the importance of capturing the full spectrum of human feelings in their work.
🎶 The Art of Vocals and Layering in Music
The speaker describes their meticulous approach to vocals, emphasizing the emotional honesty and the strategic layering of sounds. They discuss the use of technology in their creative process, the influence of their idols on their vocal style, and the satisfaction of transforming a simple idea into a fully-fledged song. The conversation also includes anecdotes about working with Nona, a close friend, and the potential for future creative projects.
🎵 The Influence of '90s Music and Personal Pen Pals
The speaker talks about their love for '90s music and its influence on their work, including the interpolation of a favorite song from that era. They share a personal anecdote about their correspondence with Jim Carrey, whose art and ability to transform personal experiences into creative expression have deeply impacted them. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the album's theme of strength and the beauty of turning life's imperfections into art.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Love
💡Relationships
💡Self-Awareness
💡Growth
💡Vulnerability
💡Artistry
💡Influence
💡Empathy
💡Transformation
💡Authenticity
Highlights
The discussion begins with the host expressing happiness and pride for a friend's first real relationship.
The host shares a personal anecdote about a traumatic experience involving unrequited love and a misunderstanding.
The host talks about the importance of learning from every human experience, especially love, and how it differs from the love experienced at home.
The host's mother is mentioned as a strong, inspiring figure who has taught the importance of self-awareness and accountability in relationships.
The host discusses the process of songwriting, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness in lyrics.
The host and the guest bond over their shared history, including a humorous story about a past crush.
The host talks about the vulnerability and intimacy involved in creating music, especially when working with trusted collaborators.
The host expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with Max Martin, a renowned producer, and the impact he has had on their growth as an artist.
The host shares the significance of the album's title, 'Eternal Sunshine,' and its connection to personal growth and self-discovery.
The host discusses the role of astrology in their life, particularly how it provides guidance and helps make sense of their experiences.
The host talks about the importance of creating art and music as a form of self-expression and the joy of seeing it resonate with others.
The host reflects on the complexity of emotions involved in breakups and how their music aims to capture this nuanced human experience.
The host shares their excitement about a remix of their song 'Yes' by Mariah Carey, expressing admiration for her as an artist and inspiration.
The host discusses the process of selecting the right single to introduce the story of the album and why 'Yes' was the perfect choice.
The host talks about the significance of the song 'Imperfect for You' and why it's their favorite track on the album.
The host reflects on the phenomenon of creating something from nothing and the beauty of art taking on a life of its own.
The host shares a personal story about recording the song 'I Wish That I Hated You' and the emotional process involved.
The host discusses the importance of including various types of vocals in their music, emphasizing the emotional honesty behind each choice.
The host talks about the song 'Can't Be Friends' and its significance in the context of the album's overall narrative.
Transcripts
[Music]
we're
rolling yes I love you clapping Zach
say guys can we finally talk about I
mean I just I know that this is how we
started the last one but I might have to
start this one like it too I used to
tell you suck a dick Zach Sayang in
hopes and pray that you would do it and
you do it now they did
I so happy for you thank you so much I'm
so proud it's a big deal it's a big deal
it's my first real relationship and like
first love and probably my last love God
willing no yeah I mean yeah absolutely I
thought of that at a I got scared I
don't know what you meant I was like is
this are you guys jumping together what
is it no yeah it lasts first and last I
hope so I really gosh I mean that's so
beautiful it's special I'm really happy
for you it's really I mean it's like uh
yeah love is wild like yeah watching
friends experience it and navigate it
and so many times yeah it's true yeah I
but I learned a lot from every human
being who is going through love I didn't
learn much love from my parents just
being honest like and my parents can
watch this and be angry at me for it but
like it was just different like the
example of love I got at home
was it's just different it was different
it it's it's interesting
you know happiness hits different in
this year yeah and I think moving
forward and uh a lot of it I think has
to do with who I choose to live with and
share my life with and take on this
Journey with I think so too but
also because you yourself were ready for
it so don't not give yourself credit
please no you're 100% right because you
you you can't take on you're a different
person I am right I have to say yeah
thanks and you know me for yeah makes my
heart really happy Liz and I talk about
it we do we're very proud of our little
son you so much we love you it is your
mommies love you thank you thanks Mom
thanks Mom I went through like a whole
like year period where I just
exclusively called you Mom yeah two of
us we are that's what we are it's true
that's our most important role you know
it was so funny this morning I was
thinking about Liz as like an Italian
mother she's recently given Italian
mother more than ever before more than
ever but she's given it since she was 12
totally but now it's oozing out of her
100 well I mean it's like Among Us it's
coming it's it's right here you think no
but but not at all but sorry sorry
no it's not but also like it's that it's
she you know what I mean she treats all
of her friends like children she treats
which she has for a while she treats her
dogs like children I mean she treats
like her very old friends like kids
she's very maternal but is not pregnant
just so everyone just to make it extra
clear yeah know um no thank you for for
for acknowledging though that love
because it's been like this weird thing
in my life that I don't know like my
relationship world like been stunted a
little bit I've seen them I've seen it
we've seen each other's oh my God we've
both seen a lot of each we've both
helped each other through so much I mean
I remember I called you the first night
I thought I was going to lose my
virginity mhm oh my God this was like
five years ago no long I mean longer
than that seven yeah could be no could
be nine wa yeah I've known you 15 years
oh my God was so long ago long ago and
it was to a girl that's how long ago it
was and then didn't you walk in and she
was like your brother or
something somebody else in my
sister's room you you were close it was
crazy I literally was like oh yeah I'm
definitely going to like I've had this
crush on this girl she's totally giving
me signes nightmare that is deeply
traumatic I go to deliver her a cup of
water a cup of water and I just see of
water her on top of this other guy and I
dropped the cup and I just walk away
that is so traumatic yeah I can I yeah I
hope you can forget it one day Eternal
Sunshine that'll be one that we erase
doctor hook him up work on me yeah we
have an album to go through yes and an
album of Eternal Sunshine yeah yeah what
was the hardest song to write and what
was the easiest song to write on this
album oh God I
I
hardest I think by honestly it's a very
simple and silly lyric and it's
not but it was hard for the reason that
I desperately didn't want it to sound
like a you I wanted it to sound
like I need to leave so by you know like
I wanted it to be kind of rooted in
self-awareness and like not you you
go but with love
I'm immigrating from the situation
that's why I put it after the intro end
of the world because it asks a question
that is sort of takes accountability and
is self aware and then going into buy is
like prefacing it because I think my
biggest fear on when it comes to
songwriting in general is just kind of
um even if the concept is strong and
even if empowerment is important and I
want to empower people making sure that
it is kind and that it leads with
empathy and that it has that it's still
fun but it's like I just wanted to make
sure it wasn't like any sort of
harshness that isn't in My DNA but also
beautifully aware and I think like dude
it's not the first time that I've been
Hostage to these tears acknowledging
that another relationship is over again
I mean it that is awareness yeah yeah
this
song and I hope I hope that this is okay
to say I might go on a little bit of a
deep dive and I hope that it's all right
to say of course is it okay if I talk
about my mom my mom a lot she's here in
the corner listening but is it
okay are you sure I might like air your
out a
little I got to air she said she's
wearing a purple lip today she's fine
yeah okay okay um but no I think like
the reason why I felt okay to go there
is because of my mom honestly
and
whoa
sorry almost there almost there okay I
think a lot of um I think growing up
kind of you want what you don't have
like you my parents got divorced for all
the right reasons
they weren't supposed to be
together and um you kind of crave when
you grow
up the happily ever after the one is the
one is the one so you ignore all these
issues and you you kind of um you cling
on to that fairy tale you kind of self-
abandon and I think um my mom is a
fierce example of not doing that and um
a massive thing that I learned in my
year of Saturn return is um that my
fears of replicating a certain
cycle was actually the
opposite I was like oh
wow I want to be so much more like her
than I am I want to have the strength to
say bye kindly when something
isn't right it's as simple as
that and she's the strongest most
brilliant person I know and it's also a
disco track which is my mom's favorite
thing in the world so it kind of feels
like my mom's song or like something
that I wrote from my mom's perspective
almost um because that's something that
I I watched her do a few times and um
and yeah that's kind of like I watch my
mom do the same thing and there's
strength and goodbye yeah because it's
it's hard to it's it's hard especially
when the most is invested yeah
especially when you do have so much love
you know um so yeah that's a kind of a a
pattern that I realized I don't need to
be afraid of because it means doing the
right thing it means listening to
your
soul and not being afraid to be
uncomfortable don't want to break up
again follows by and they are coupled
again like these songs are connected so
when you listen the best way to listen
is in totality and to I believe so I
believe believe so I prefer it that way
and then when you have your favorites
once you once you know you can do it
want but yeah they are coupled in an
interesting way because it's kind of
like don't want to break up again is
kind of like The Hangover of by in a way
it's like okay that that this has
happened but I'm
reflecting and there are so many
polarizing feelings that we experience
as human beings kind of with regard to
one situation and that's what I like
about these two being back to back
because in by I say at least we know we
tried didn't we the two of us we did
good and then in don't want to break up
again it's like well you didn't even try
till the end you like both feelings
exist at different you know what I mean
so I like the humanness of that I like
that they are layered and complicated
and all of the different emotions that
come with loving and leaving are kind of
showcased I guess it it is
a it's a it's a it's a process right
like it's not just a one andone
situation it is something that is felt
and experienced
and it's over time so yeah a song I
don't want to break up again and then
buy how long or how many different
versions of those songs exist before you
got the version that we hear
today
uh I think there are a few of by and I
think there's one of don't want to break
up again what are the biggest
differences between them is it lyrical
differences
yeah I think
by I wrote on a day when I was very
upset and emotional so it was a little
bit
more reactive and I and it just wasn't
representative of like how I actually
feel so I I like filtered it through and
I combed through a bunch of times and it
was important to me to make sure that it
wasn't just
like that for that exact reason because
I it's like important to me that yeah
but there's something you capturing that
song In the Heat of the Moment right
we're capturing any song In the Heat of
the Moment abely and that's where
honestly that's where Max is so so I
mean he's the most brilliant producer in
the entire world and like the greatest
guy and great dad and the best person
the best human being on the planet but
as a friend he's like a friend to me on
a personal level but also on an artist
level like he will make sure that I
don't water down my truth too much or
that I don't like make things
too accustomed to how others will you
know what I mean like he's just he he's
very protective of me as a human first
and foremost but then also secondary to
that he's very protective of the body of
work how do you know he was the right
person to bring this story to oh my gosh
I mean he's Max Martin but also just how
he makes me feel yeah he knows you yeah
he knows me so well and he
um I don't know we really we push each
other in such a beautiful way that is
like we're both so so supportive of one
another and
excited I don't know it's just beautiful
we're both like like I'm such a happy
student to be in the room with him you
know I'm just so grateful to be in his
presence we'll just sit there together
and kind of just it happens very quickly
sometimes that was the thing that we
did uh that was really productive this
album was if it wasn't there we would
kind of Jump Around go to a different
idea and see if it was there and then if
it wasn't we'd come back to it and
bounce around but everything just poured
out so you
know yeah I don't know it was it was
very interesting once The Melodies were
there maybe he would go work on a
different track or something and then
come back and check on me and be there
with my laptop scribbling away and then
you know it was just it was very
intimate it was very intimate two of us
for most of it just really you him and
Ilia right yeah Ilia came for the very
last trip and it was so much fun um they
give me goosebumps yeah Ilia and
shintaro had been sending us beats stuff
like that so they were they were kind of
like virtually there with us but in the
room it was mostly just me and Max for
most of the time andara who come alone
and and Max was would call him and
FaceTime and check on me and whatever
but he was here for a week in September
a week in October and a week in November
and in between I was coming every day on
my own so it was really vulnerable it
was really naked it was really fun yeah
another memory that I'll keep with me
forever is when I walk into the studio
to hear this album you are sitting
behind this ginormous Monitor and
there's this F like a thousand audio
files in front of you and you're just
finishing the last song on the album
you're literally doing it all yourself
yeah well not all but but you that's
very kind but I do like to there's a
real hand in this process yeah yeah yeah
but but but I also had the privilege of
working with the most incredible
producers in the entire world
blessed what what do you learn from him
that's made you into a better producer
and artist just to be who he is and be
so curious and so hungry still there are
so many codes left to crack in his
opinion it's really crazy like he is one
of one and his generosity his curiosity
it's like when you spend time with him
you learn very quickly why he is who he
is he has no idea that he's Max Martin
and it's the most it's my favorite thing
in the world world because it's the
thing that he lives for he loves it so
much we spent so many long long long
days working on this album together just
he and I and um it's just such a an
honor to get to know him in that way and
also even become closer as friends after
12 years of knowing each other this is
like the most time we've spent together
we went to shows we went to like little
dinners we would walk to work every day
in the morning we walked the the high
The High Line oh that's so sweet yeah
all the way like it was so much fun we
walk together every single day those
moments make their way into the body of
work absolutely yeah oh I'm glad it's
you do have a relationship with him
that's unlike I mean anything I've ever
seen with a produ I mean like any artist
produc it's really special he's
incredible and the way he he treats
people is the most important thing like
he could be who he is and be sorry
ignore her oh no thanks
yeah thanks thank you so
much he could be who he is and be any
type of way he could be like other
people like he could be you know you
never know and and he's just the best
human being and he's the most incredible
producer in the world and curiosity is a
way I rest my case like like curiosity
is so on the nose as a way to describe
him because yeah I haven't spent much
time with the man at all most time I
spent with him was we went to Disneyland
together oh my God that's the best story
it it's really a lot it is a lot but he
just asked a ton of questions and was
really fascinated with everything yeah
the business of Disney incredibly
curious but also beautiful soul yeah and
like a really special person yeah and
it's so crazy like the best yeah but
there's something to that humility that
allows him to be the best Creator in the
world exactly he's
so brilliant because there's no ego in
it for him does that make sense 100%
you're allowed to grow and learn so much
more when you're not obsessed
with Optics and being right you know he
doesn't even know he's just curious yeah
he's just brilliant that's really that
being said what does going number one