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

00:00:00

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.

00:01:55

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.

01:04:08

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

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