All Of It Podcast Summary Episode: Equalizers: Alicia On Her ‘Producer Of The Year’ Nomination
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host/Author: WNYC
Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in conversations about the what and why of their work. This episode focuses on women in music production as part of Women's History Month.

Introduction to the Episode

Alison Stewart opens the show by welcoming listeners and outlining the episode’s focus on "Equalizers: Women in Music Production," a series dedicated to celebrating female producers in the music industry during Women's History Month. She highlights the scarcity of women in production roles, citing a USC Annenberg study that revealed women accounted for less than 5% of production credits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022.

"According to a USC Annenberg study, in 2022, women accounted for less than 5% of production credits on the Billboard Hot 100." [00:51]

Introducing Alicia

Alison introduces the guest, Alicia, a trailblazing female music producer who received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in 2025. Alicia's notable work includes producing tracks for artists like Ray Khalil, Jamila Woods, and BJ the Chicago Kid.

"Alicia is one of the very few women working in music productions today, joining us for Equalizers, Women in Music Production." [02:55]

Alicia's Background and Musical Journey

Alicia shares her musical roots, starting at the prestigious Berklee School of Music where she played the bass. She discusses her transition from performing to production, driven by her love for music and desire to create and produce songs.

"I think I was always a music lover. I always really was craving and wanting to be able to play everything I was hearing on bass." [03:14]

She reflects on her deep connection to funk music, citing influences like Bootsy Collins and Larry Graham, which have significantly shaped her production style.

"I was a huge, like, funk 70s music fanatic. That's what really made me want to start playing bass." [05:16]

Grammy Nomination and Noteworthy Projects

Alicia discusses her groundbreaking Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year, the first woman nominated in the non-classical category since its inception. She highlights her work on Mary J. Blige's "Love Without the Heartbreak," praising the collaborative experience and her role in elevating Blige's vocal presence in the mix.

"We had two nominations, actually, including album of the year, which is one of the most important categories. So we were all very happy." [06:07]

Alicia elaborates on specific production choices, such as keeping Mary J. Blige’s vocals front and center to enhance the song's emotional impact.

"Keeping her vocals so in front and then the backgrounds more in the back is definitely something that elevates this song." [08:22]

In-Depth Look at Production Techniques

The conversation delves into Alicia's production process, emphasizing her preference for live instruments and analog sounds. She discusses her work on Ray Khalil's "Is It Worth It," where she played and arranged strings to capture the song’s powerful essence.

"Most of the instruments, pretty much all of them are played live. We really wanted to keep that magic and capture all of it." [10:14]

Alicia also highlights her versatility across genres, from funk-inspired tracks to dance-oriented productions, illustrating her ability to adapt and innovate.

"This year was a lot of different types of songs. I love that one too." [14:19]

Challenges as a Woman in Music Production

Alicia openly discusses the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She speaks about the need to work harder to gain respect and the importance of having thick skin to navigate through predominantly male environments.

"Sometimes I had that feeling that I had to prove that I have that respect. So that's why I worked really, really hard." [19:25]

She emphasizes the ongoing struggle for gender equality in music production and the necessity for women to believe in themselves and trust their instincts.

"It's a very tough industry. You have to really be grounded and really believe in yourself first." [19:25]

Alicia's Insights and Advice

Alicia offers valuable insights into the role of a music producer, describing it as bringing an artist’s vision to life through collaboration and musical arrangement. She shares her personal practices for maintaining a creative and positive work environment, such as using Palo Santo for purifying the studio space and setting mental intentions before sessions.

"The producer's job is to take the idea of a song or come up with an idea together with the artist and make it come to life." [17:22]

She advises aspiring producers to create a safe and comfortable space for vulnerability and creativity, essential for producing meaningful music.

"Always be in a good mental space... Music is very artsy, so always be in a good mental space." [19:04]

Personal Reflections and Favorites

When asked about her favorite albums and songs she wishes she had produced, Alicia expresses admiration for Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and "Off the Wall," and mentions Stevie Wonder’s "How I'm Feeling." These choices reflect her deep-rooted influences and aspirations within the music industry.

"I think my favorite album is Thriller and Off the Wall by Michael Jackson." [21:47]

Conclusion and Future Episodes

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by thanking Alicia for her participation and teasing future installments of the "Equalizers" series, including upcoming interviews with Wendy and Lisa of the Revolution, the first women nominated in their Grammy categories.

"In our next installment of this series, we're gonna have Wendy and Lisa on of the Revolution." [21:15]

Alicia encourages listeners to continue supporting and shining their light through music, emphasizing the importance of female voices in the industry.

"Keep shining their light in this world, you know, with their beautiful spirit." [21:21]

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a brief mention of future guests and a heartfelt thank you to Alicia, solidifying the show's commitment to highlighting diverse voices in culture and music.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Alicia is one of the very few women working in music productions today, joining us for Equalizers, Women in Music Production." [02:55]
• "I think I was always a music lover. I always really was craving and wanting to be able to play everything I was hearing on bass." [03:14]
• "Keeping her vocals so in front and then the backgrounds more in the back is definitely something that elevates this song." [08:22]
• "The producer's job is to take the idea of a song or come up with an idea together with the artist and make it come to life." [17:22]
• "It's a very tough industry. You have to really be grounded and really believe in yourself first." [19:25]
• "I think my favorite album is Thriller and Off the Wall by Michael Jackson." [21:47]

This episode of All Of It sheds light on the exceptional contributions of women in music production, exemplified by Alicia's journey and achievements. It underscores the importance of diversity and resilience in shaping the cultural landscape of music.