S7E7: John Oates
Digest
John Oates, one half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates, joins Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt on the Rock On Tours podcast. The conversation delves into Oates's musical roots, tracing his early exposure to diverse genres in Philadelphia, including soul, R&B, and folk. He credits the city's unique blend of cultures for shaping his musical identity. Oates recounts his formative years playing in bands, his meeting with Daryl Hall, and the serendipitous events that led to their partnership. The duo's early success is attributed to their sophisticated songwriting and arrangements, often working with renowned producers like Arif Mardin. Oates emphasizes the importance of collaboration, both with Hall and with other musicians, and how their sound evolved over time. He shares anecdotes about their recording process, including the influence of studio musicians and the decision to form their own band. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on pop music, particularly the rise of radio and the phonograph, which Oates believes played a crucial role in shaping the genre. Oates concludes by discussing his current musical direction, focusing on a more stripped-down, acoustic sound, inspired by his exploration of American roots music. He reflects on the importance of rediscovering his musical DNA and the joy of performing live.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces John Oates, a legendary musician, as the guest on the Rock On Tours podcast. The hosts, Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, express their admiration for Oates's music and their excitement for the interview.
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John Oates's Musical Journey
This Chapter delves into John Oates's musical journey, starting with his early influences in Philadelphia. He describes the city's rich musical heritage, blending soul, R&B, and folk, and how it shaped his musical identity. Oates recounts his formative years playing in bands, his meeting with Daryl Hall, and the serendipitous events that led to their partnership.
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John Oates's Current Musical Direction
This Chapter focuses on John Oates's current musical direction, which involves a more stripped-down, acoustic sound. He discusses his exploration of American roots music, his fascination with the history of the American popular song, and his recent European tour. Oates also shares his thoughts on the importance of rediscovering his musical DNA and the joy of performing live.
Keywords
Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates is an American pop and soul duo, formed in Philadelphia in 1970. Known for their smooth, soulful sound, they achieved immense success in the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like "Rich Girl," "Maneater," and "You Make My Dreams Come True." Their music is characterized by intricate harmonies, catchy melodies, and a blend of pop, soul, and R&B influences.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, a city in Pennsylvania, is renowned for its rich musical history. It played a pivotal role in the development of soul, R&B, and rock music, with influential artists like The Delfonics, The O'Jays, and Hall & Oates emerging from the city. Philadelphia's unique blend of African American and European cultures contributed to its vibrant musical scene.
Arif Mardin
Arif Mardin was a Turkish-American record producer, arranger, and composer. He is known for his work with artists like Aretha Franklin, The Bee Gees, and Hall & Oates. Mardin's production style was characterized by his ability to blend different genres and create a cohesive sound. He was a master of orchestration and had a keen ear for melody and harmony.
Mississippi John Hurt
Mississippi John Hurt was an American blues guitarist and singer. He was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century blues revival, known for his distinctive fingerpicking style and his soulful vocals. Hurt's music influenced generations of musicians, including John Oates, who recorded a tribute album to him.
Pop Music
Pop music is a genre of popular music that is characterized by its catchy melodies, simple harmonies, and accessible lyrics. It has evolved over time, influenced by various genres, including rock, soul, and electronic music. Pop music is often associated with commercial success and widespread appeal.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall in London, England. It is known for its distinctive circular design and its rich history as a venue for music, theater, and other events. The hall has hosted numerous legendary performers, including The Beatles, Elton John, and Queen.
Beth Hart
Beth Hart is an American blues and rock singer-songwriter. She is known for her powerful vocals and her emotionally charged performances. Hart has released numerous albums and has toured extensively, gaining a loyal following in Europe.
Richard Marx
Richard Marx is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He achieved mainstream success in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like "Hold On" and "Right Here Waiting." Marx is known for his smooth vocals and his ability to write catchy pop songs.
Coco
Coco is a nightclub in London, England. It is known for its intimate atmosphere and its eclectic mix of music. Coco has hosted numerous live performances and has become a popular destination for music lovers.
Q&A
What are some of John Oates's early musical influences?
John Oates was influenced by a wide range of genres in Philadelphia, including soul, R&B, and folk. He credits the city's unique blend of cultures for shaping his musical identity.
How did John Oates and Daryl Hall meet?
Oates and Hall met at a teenage dance in West Philadelphia, where a gang fight broke out, leading them to take refuge in a service elevator. This chance encounter sparked a musical partnership that would last for decades.
What is John Oates's current musical direction?
Oates is currently focusing on a more stripped-down, acoustic sound, inspired by his exploration of American roots music. He is rediscovering his musical DNA and enjoying performing live.
What is the significance of the Royal Albert Hall for John Oates?
The Royal Albert Hall is a legendary venue in London, and performing there has been a long-held dream for Oates. He is set to perform there with Richard Marx, marking a significant milestone in his career.
How did John Oates's collaboration with Icehouse come about?
Oates met Iva Davies, the lead singer of Icehouse, at a bar in New York City. Davies invited Oates to Australia to write songs with him, and their collaboration resulted in the song "Electric Blue."
What is John Oates's perspective on the role of technology in pop music?
Oates believes that pop music only exists because of the invention of radio and the phonograph. These technologies allowed music to reach a wider audience, making it possible for songs to become popular.
How did John Oates and Daryl Hall develop their signature sound?
Oates and Hall's sound evolved over time, influenced by their collaborations with producers like Arif Mardin and their decision to form their own band. They experimented with different genres and instrumentation, ultimately creating a unique blend of pop, soul, and R&B.
What is John Oates's favorite album from his career?
Oates expresses a fondness for the album "Arkansas," which he describes as a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt and a journey through the history of the American popular song.
What is John Oates's perspective on the importance of collaboration in music?
Oates emphasizes the importance of collaboration, both with Daryl Hall and with other musicians. He believes that working with others can lead to creative breakthroughs and a more fulfilling musical experience.
Show Notes
This week on Rockonteurs, Gary and Gary chat to singer, songwriter, and record producer John Oates.
John, with his former co-writer Daryl Hall produced some of the greatest songs of the 70s and 80s making them the most successful musical duo of all time selling over 80 million albums. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
John has just released his latest solo album called ‘Reunion’. https://johnoates.com/
In this episode Guy and Gary chat to John about his influences growing up in Philadelphia, meeting Daryl, and the stories behind some of his biggest hits and this beautiful new collection of very personal songs.
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Produced by Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions
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