Podcast Summary: All Of It – Equalizers: Linda Perry, Record Producer

Episode Title: Equalizers: Linda Perry, Record Producer
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
Podcast: ALL OF IT by WNYC
Series: Women's History Month – Equalizers, Women in Music Production

Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart engages in a profound conversation with Linda Perry, a renowned songwriter, singer, and music producer. Known for her breakthrough with the band 4 Non Blondes in 1993 and her subsequent influential solo and production work, Perry shares insights into her career, creative philosophy, and her commitment to addressing gender inequality in the music industry through her organization, Equalize Her.

Linda Perry’s Career Journey

Linda Perry's musical journey began with the success of 4 Non Blondes, whose self-titled album included the iconic hit "What's Up?" Despite the band's early disbandment in 1994, Perry's relentless passion for music propelled her into a prolific solo career and later into music production.

• Transition to Production: After releasing solo albums, Perry shifted her focus to producing, collaborating with high-profile artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Dolly Parton. Her expertise and dedication have made her one of the few women recognized in production roles within the industry.

• Recognition: Perry's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She is one of only three women nominated in the 21st century for the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), and she received a special shout-out from Alicia Keys at a recent Grammy ceremony.

Notable Quote:

"Female producers have always powered the industry. Patrice Rushin, Missy Elliott."
– Linda Perry [01:44]

Production Philosophy and Approach

Linda Perry emphasizes the importance of emotional authenticity in music production. She believes that true creativity stems from a heartfelt connection to the work, rather than striving for technical perfection.

• Emotional Focus: Perry prioritizes emotion over technicalities, stating, "I'm listening for emotion." She encourages artists to approach their performances freely, avoiding overthinking to capture genuine feelings in their music.

• Creative Control: Perry advocates for artists to maintain control over their creative vision. She shares her experience with 4 Non Blondes, highlighting the necessity of protecting one's creative output to ensure it authentically represents the artist's intent.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm listening for emotion. [...] I'm constantly looking for something that emotionally moves me."
– Linda Perry [09:07]

"Everything about music, everything that we do, I believe, is about feel. We have to approach from our heart and an emotional place."
– Linda Perry [10:40]

Collaborations with Artists

Perry's collaborative spirit is evident in her work with various artists, where she fosters environments that prioritize passion, honesty, and commitment.

• Working with Pink: Perry recounts her collaboration with Pink, noting Pink's determination to redefine her musical direction. Despite initial skepticism, Perry's confidence in their project led to the creation of a record that sold over 12 million copies.

• Mentorship and Learning: Perry credits mentors like Bill Bottrell for honing her production skills and emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting within the studio environment.

Notable Quotes:

"She believed in it. She believed in the process. She did everything that was needed to do to make that record."
– Linda Perry [13:35]

"Talent is a very small part of the equation. I'll take passion over talent any day."
– Linda Perry [12:22]

Transition to Soundtracks and Film Scores

Expanding her creative horizons, Perry ventured into scoring soundtracks for films and documentaries. This move allowed her to explore the cinematic aspects of music composition, aligning with her innate sense of drama and emotion.

• First Projects: Her initial foray included scoring Sean Penn's documentary "Citizen 10" and Hulu's "Kid90," rapidly establishing her presence in the field.

• Continued Success: Perry continues to work on diverse projects, including Disney films and Amazon Prime series, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to creative growth.

Notable Quote:

"I just really gotta be in the studio. I like to work. My joy is by working and being creative and taking my art serious."
– Linda Perry [21:37]

Equalize Her Initiative

As a passionate advocate for gender equality in the music industry, Linda Perry co-founded Equalize Her, an organization dedicated to empowering young women through education and opportunities in various music-related fields.

• Mission: Equalize Her aims to bridge the gender gap by providing resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in areas traditionally dominated by men, such as sound engineering, tour management, and instrument design.

• Programs and Partnerships: The initiative conducts workshops, grants, and collaborative events with established artists and industry professionals to inspire and support the next generation of female musicians and technicians.

Notable Quote:

"There's a lot of girls that are not getting the education, the opportunity that they should be getting."
– Linda Perry [22:39]

"We try to be a third party and connect girls to songwriting camps or coming to sound checks and shadowing the sound guy, tour manager, roadie."
– Linda Perry [22:39]

Conclusion

Linda Perry's multifaceted career as a musician and producer is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the craft of music and her commitment to fostering diversity and equality within the industry. Through her work with various artists and her leadership in Equalize Her, Perry continues to shape the cultural landscape, inspiring both current and future generations of musicians.

This summary captures the essence of Linda Perry's insightful discussion on the "ALL OF IT" podcast, highlighting her professional journey, creative philosophies, and advocacy for gender equality in music production.