169: What it means to make music in 2020

The pandemic has upended the art and business of making music. Producing, performing and releasing — every aspect is new and uncharted. The need for social distancing means that it’s unsafe to collaborate in small studios or perform for large crowds — not to mention finding the right thing to sing about in such a charged moment. We’re telling three stories about how artists are working within these constraints: Ricky Reed and John-Robert have found a way to generate a creative spark remotely, Jacob Collier has defied the laws of physics to master live performance over the internet, and Dua Selah has released a powerful new track that helps support the protests in Minneapolis. Everything is radically different than it was a few months ago, but these stories shine a light on why making music matters more than ever in 2020. 

SONGS DISCUSSED

Lizzo - Juice

John-Robert, Ricky Reed, Zach Sekof - Favorite Boy

Bill Withers - Lean On Me performed by Ty Dolla Sign & Jacob Collier

Jacob Collier - All I Need

D’Angelo - Feel Like Making Love

Stevie Wonder - You And I performed by Tori Kelly and Jacob Collier

Dua Saleh - Body Cast (Bandcamp Campaign)

Dua Saleh - Sugar Mama

Dua Saleh - Moth

Dua Saleh - Smut

Sister Rosetta Tharp - This Little Light Of Mine

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