The Sting Interview

Introduction to the Discussion

Meeting Rick Beato, Sting, and Dominic Miller

• Rick Beato introduces himself and his guests, Sting and Dominic Miller, highlighting their long-standing collaboration of over 30 years.

• Beato expresses admiration for Sting's unique musical qualities, referencing a previous video titled "Why Sting is Uncopyable."

The Essence of Surprise in Music

Musical Influences and Composition

• Sting discusses the importance of surprise in music; if he doesn't feel surprised within the first eight bars, he loses interest.

• He emphasizes that composition is about instinct rather than theory, drawing inspiration from J.S. Bach's work.

• The discussion touches on time signatures like three-four time and six-eight time, which Sting enjoys for their traditional feel.

Songwriting Process

Crafting Melodies and Lyrics

• Sting explains his songwriting process begins with a small idea or riff that sparks further development into a structured song.

• He describes how structure helps tell a story through music; without it, a riff alone lacks narrative depth.

• When writing songs like "Fortress Around Your Heart," he explores various key changes while maintaining melodic coherence.

The Journey of Song Creation

Unique Compositions

• Sting shares that melodies often write themselves as he remains open to where the music leads him during creation.

• Despite not being conservatory-trained, he has experience playing jazz gigs and values different aspects of musicianship.

Completing Songs and Lyric Inspiration

Collaboration with Dominic Miller

• Both artists discuss their collaborative history; lyrics can be elusive but often come from simple inspirations found in nature or daily life.

Exploring Musical Influences and Collaborations

The Inspiration Behind Chord Sequences

• The speaker discusses a warm-up exercise based on sixth chords, drawing inspiration from Chopin-like piano chords and John McLaughlin's chord sequences.

• Reflecting on the use of classical music in modern contexts, the speaker notes that rappers unknowingly incorporate these classical elements into their work.

• Sting's role as a collaborator is highlighted; he transformed an exercise into a complete song within a day, showcasing the spontaneity of creativity.

Ownership and Influence in Music

• The speaker expresses humility regarding ownership of musical ideas, acknowledging their roots in classical music rather than claiming them as entirely original.

• A discussion about "Roxanne" emphasizes how timeless songs would still resonate today, regardless of when they were released.

Timelessness of Music

• The speaker believes that the uniqueness of Sting's voice and songwriting would have ensured success at any time, not just during the punk era.

• A personal anecdote reveals how impactful "Roxanne" was upon first hearing it in 1978, illustrating its lasting appeal.

Vocal Techniques and Song Structure

• The importance of vocal register is discussed; singers need to project above band noise, similar to how military leaders must be heard over battle sounds.

• An analysis of "King of Pain" highlights its unconventional structure with long breaks, reflecting an operatic approach to songwriting.

Evolution from The Police to Solo Work

• Transitioning from The Police to solo projects involved incorporating more keyboards and evolving stylistically while maintaining melodic sophistication.

Reflections on Success and Artistic Risks

The Nature of Success

• The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of success, noting that few bands leave at their peak. They express satisfaction with their achievements, feeling they have accomplished more than expected.

Taking Risks in Art

• After achieving success, the speaker felt a need to take risks again, suggesting that art inherently involves risk-taking. They leveraged their past momentum to explore new career paths.

Observations on Other Artists

• The speaker acknowledges the difficulty for artists to know when to stop performing, likening a band to a teenage gang that limits personal growth and exploration.

Admiration for Consistency

• While discussing other artists like AC/DC, the speaker admires their consistent quality but emphasizes that such predictability does not resonate with them personally.

Musical Collaborations and Personal Connections

Memorable Records

• The speaker identifies "Something" as a standout record due to its perfection across all songs. However, they also highlight "The Soul Cages" for its emotional significance and creative freedom during production.

Audition Experience

• A recounting of an audition experience reveals initial struggles with sound equipment but leads to an unexpected jam session that solidified a connection between musicians.

Emotional Resonance of "The Soul Cages"

• The album holds special meaning for the speaker as it resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced loss. This connection provides nourishment beyond personal solace for the songwriter.

Collaborative Dynamics

The Creative Process of Songwriting

Insights on the Laid-Back Nature of Musicians

• The anecdote about a musician sleeping in the control room illustrates the relaxed atmosphere often found in music production environments.

Importance of Flagship Songs

• Sting reflects on his past interview discussing the necessity of having flagship songs to ensure record sales, emphasizing their role in radio play.

• He acknowledges ageism in the industry but maintains that at least two strong singles are essential for success.

Identifying Hit Songs

• Sting describes how he and his team gauge potential hit songs through collective feedback from musicians and close associates.

• He mentions having a finely tuned instinct for recognizing which songs might resonate with audiences, even if some pieces may not be commercially viable.

The Anxiety of Songwriting

• Sting shares his feelings of anxiety surrounding songwriting, expressing concerns about whether he can replicate past successes.

• He likens creativity to fishing, suggesting that persistence is key to finding inspiration.

Approaches to Writing Music

• There is no singular method for writing; Sting employs various techniques including starting with lyrics or improvising musically.

• He enjoys experimenting with different musical elements like tempo and key changes, treating music as a puzzle to solve.

Arranging Music: A Collaborative Effort

• Sting emphasizes the importance of arrangement in his work, noting that while he contributes significantly, collaboration enhances the final product.

• He clarifies misconceptions about solely creating chord voicings by acknowledging contributions from other talented musicians.

The Role of Collaboration in Song Development

• Dom discusses how he engages deeply with Sting's initial ideas, exploring options based on unique chord sequences presented by him.

Understanding Musical Dynamics and Modern Songwriting

The Role of Bass in Music Composition

• The speaker discusses the unique approach to bass lines, emphasizing how variations in rhythm and spin can create engaging hooks that captivate listeners.

• Acknowledges the subconscious impact of musical surprises, noting that the absence of expected elements can enhance listener engagement and anticipation.

• Highlights meticulous attention to detail in playing bass notes, which contributes significantly to the overall groove and feel of a song.

Leadership in a Band Setting

• The speaker reflects on their dual role as a singer and bass player, asserting control over harmony and melody within the band dynamic.

• Emphasizes the importance of allowing other musicians to shine while maintaining leadership, creating an enjoyable environment for all members.

Techniques and Evolution in Playing Style

• Discusses transitioning from using a pick to fingerstyle playing, influenced by different musical genres such as punk and jazz.

• Introduces the technique called "apoyando," which involves damping notes for brevity, showcasing an evolution in playing style since the 1980s.

Practice Philosophy

• Shares insights on practicing complex syncopated tunes by slowing down tempos until familiarity is achieved with song structures.

• Quotes musician Jason Robelo on practice dynamics; emphasizes that effective practice should focus on evenness rather than sound quality during rehearsals.

Reflections on Modern Music Trends

• Expresses admiration for historical musicians like J.S. Bach while acknowledging ongoing learning through daily practice.

• Critiques modern songwriting trends, noting a simplification in structure where traditional bridges are often absent, leading to repetitive themes without resolution.

How Collaboration Shapes Music Creation

The Impact of Musical Bridges

• Discussion on the significance of musical bridges, particularly highlighting a memorable bridge from a song that features an unexpected key change.

• Emphasis on the excitement and athleticism involved in performing this part live, indicating its importance in the overall experience of the song.

Collaborative Process for New Record

• Insight into the collaborative nature of creating new music, specifically between Dominic and the speaker, with Dominic contributing initial ideas for several songs.

• Description of how they adapted elements from Dominic's previous work to create new material, showcasing improvisation as a key component in their songwriting process.

Evolution of Recording Techniques

• Comparison between recording processes during The Police era (late 70s to early 80s) and modern techniques; earlier records were produced quickly due to fewer choices.

• Reflection on how advancements have led to more variables in music production today, allowing for extensive manipulation but potentially diminishing musicianship.

Musicianship Standards in Recording

• Commentary on the necessity for musicians to possess strong skills when recording on tape; artists had to be proficient since mistakes could not easily be fixed.

• Mention of rigorous standards for singers entering studios, emphasizing that they needed to sing in tune without digital corrections available at that time.

Changes in Music Industry Landscape

• Acknowledgment of how opportunities for emerging artists have shifted; traditional venues like rock clubs are scarce compared to past decades.

• Concern expressed about younger artists missing foundational experiences that shaped earlier generations' careers due to reliance on talent shows like X Factor or America's Got Talent.

The Influence of The Beatles

Songwriting Techniques and Hooks

• Exploration of songwriting strategies involving repeated hooks, citing The Beatles as masters who effectively used this technique across their hits.

Personal Connection with The Beatles

• Personal reflection on how The Beatles inspired the speaker’s musical journey; shared background as working-class individuals from similar northern English towns contributed to this connection.

Perfect Songs by The Beatles

• Discussion about iconic Beatles songs considered perfect by both speakers; highlights include "Blackbird" and "Penny Lane," showcasing admiration for their craftsmanship.

Musical Legacy and Influences

Admiration for Timeless Ballads

• Mentioning Peter Frampton's opinion on "Whiter Shade of Pale" as one of the best ballads ever written, illustrating its lasting impact through unique lyrics and composition style.

Exploring Musical Influences and Evolution

Personal Musical Journey

• The speaker shares their early exposure to folk music, particularly Scottish and Irish traditions, as well as coal mining songs and sea shanties from Newcastle.

• They mention a diverse musical upbringing influenced by their mother’s piano playing and records from iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and big band jazz.

• The speaker emphasizes the broad spectrum of music they were exposed to, ranging from classical composers like Beethoven to popular bands like The Beatles.

Cultural Context in Music

• Another participant reflects on their South American roots, highlighting the influence of Argentine and Brazilian music alongside Western rock icons such as The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.

• Discussion shifts to the challenges of creating original music within contemporary popular parameters while acknowledging an ongoing search for innovation in the industry.

Historical Shifts in Music

• The conversation touches on significant cultural shifts every 30 years in music history, with Nirvana's impact being noted as a recent example that changed the landscape.

• Participants express optimism about future breakthroughs in music despite current limitations.

Modern Consumption of Music

• Acknowledgment is made regarding how streaming services like Spotify have transformed access to music but also commodified it, reducing its perceived value compared to past experiences.

• The nostalgia for physical records is discussed; listeners used to engage deeply with albums through rituals associated with vinyl records.

Importance of Artist Connection

• Emphasis is placed on knowing not just the main artists but also all contributors involved in making a record—producers, engineers—which enriches listener appreciation.

The Art of Album Sequencing and Song Creation

The Importance of Album Order

• The speaker reflects on the meticulous process of arranging an album, emphasizing the significance of track order for listener experience.

• Discusses the ritualistic aspect of listening to albums, highlighting how listeners would engage with both sides and share thoughts about them.

• Remembers the anticipation surrounding new album releases, particularly noting how listeners were often unaware of what to expect beyond the first single.

Insights into "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"

• Shares details about demoing "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," focusing on its unique bass line that incorporates a whole tone scale.

• Describes convincing band members to include keyboards in the song, which was initially met with resistance as it didn't fit their typical sound.

• Highlights Stewart Copeland's exceptional drumming on this track, showcasing his talent and adaptability during recording sessions.

Evolution and Performance of Songs

• Emphasizes a philosophy of keeping songs alive through incremental changes in performance, treating them as living artifacts rather than static pieces.

• Discusses respecting original guitar parts from previous works while also finding personal satisfaction in performing them authentically.

• Expresses enjoyment in playing classic songs like "Every Breath You Take," indicating they never become boring despite frequent performances.

Live Performance Dynamics

• Engages with audience participation by suggesting a live performance of "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic."

• Reflects on challenges faced when performing certain songs live due to key changes or arrangements differing from studio recordings.

New Music Release Discussion

Discussion on Music Release and Legacy

Retro Music Formats

• The upcoming music release will be available in vinyl and cassette formats, highlighting a nostalgic return to retro media.

• The artist expresses excitement about using an old car with a cassette player, indicating a personal connection to the format.

Reflections on Musical Legacy

• When asked about what he wants to be remembered for, the artist emphasizes pride in his body of work rather than individual songs.

• He describes his music as explorations of his subconscious and musical knowledge, suggesting a deep personal investment in his creations.

Personal Pride and Family

• The artist conveys satisfaction with his legacy and expresses pride not only in his music but also in his family and children.

• He appreciates the opportunity to engage with others about his work, indicating gratitude for collaborative experiences.

Closing Remarks

• The conversation concludes positively, with expressions of hope for future interactions among the participants.