All Of It: Equalizers – Producer, Singer-Songwriter Paula Cole

Hosted by Alison Stewart | Release Date: March 11, 2025 | WNYC

Introduction

In this compelling episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart delves into the multifaceted career of Paula Cole, a renowned singer-songwriter and groundbreaking music producer. Titled "Equalizers: Producer, Singer-Songwriter Paula Cole," the episode explores Paula's journey in the music industry, her pioneering role as a female producer, and the creative processes behind her acclaimed albums. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key discussions, insights, and Paula's personal reflections.

Breaking Barriers: Paula Cole’s Historic Grammy Nomination

Timestamp: [00:31 – 02:29]

Alison Stewart introduces Paula Cole by highlighting her remarkable achievements. In 1997, Paula was nominated for seven Grammy Awards for her album This Fire, winning Best New Artist. Significantly, she made history by becoming the first woman nominated solo for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical—a category traditionally dominated by men. Paula reflects on this milestone:

"I realized it was like dawn and the Clouds. That's why it was so hard. That's why people treated me so patronizingly..." ([07:50]).

This achievement not only underscored her talent but also paved the way for future female producers in the industry.

Early Production Experiences and Learning by Doing

Timestamp: [02:31 – 03:53]

Paula shares her initial foray into music production, which was largely influenced by her personal relationships and hands-on experience. Learning alongside her engineer-producer boyfriend while studying at Berkeley College of Music, Paula immersed herself in the studio environment:

"I was learning just by doing in Boston. Then we moved to San Francisco where I was prolific and making home demos. And those demos got me signed." ([02:38]).

Despite the challenges of pre-digital recording technology, Paula honed her skills by producing demos and eventually collaborating with legendary producer Kevin Killen on her first album, Harbinger.

The Challenge of Taking the Helm: Producing This Fire

Timestamp: [03:53 – 07:50]

Paula recounts the difficult but pivotal decision to produce her second album, This Fire, independently. Tensions with producer Kevin Killen led her to seek autonomy over her music:

"I very much wanted this to be a live feeling of an album... And that was very hard. That's why people treated me so patronizingly..." ([07:00]).

She took a significant risk by discarding $100,000 worth of recordings and securing a reduced budget from Warner Brothers. Paula and her drummer, Jay Belaro, worked relentlessly, cutting all 11 tracks in just two and a half days to maintain the live, organic feel she envisioned. This bold move not only strained personal relationships but also showcased her resilience and dedication to her artistic vision.

Creative Insights: Production Decisions on This Fire

Timestamp: [09:00 – 13:00]

Alison and Paula discuss the audacious production choices on This Fire, particularly focusing on the track "Tiger":

"It's a palindrome. It starts as it ends. I used backward vocal... There's odd meter in there. There's a lot of tensions." ([11:06]).

Paula emphasizes her willingness to experiment, incorporating unconventional time signatures, clarinet, and synth bass to create unique soundscapes. Another standout track, "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?", features intentional production choices like excluding bass to achieve a specific auditory effect:

"I wanted it to sound great... I added crowd noise underneath the whole track." ([13:00]).

These decisions highlight Paula's commitment to pushing creative boundaries and her skill in crafting distinctive musical experiences.

The Interplay of Songwriting and Producing

Timestamp: [14:31 – 19:56]

Paula delves into the relationship between songwriting and producing, noting that while they are distinct skills, they complement each other:

"The producer brain really influences my songwriting... I almost always think of Jay playing drums when I'm writing." ([14:31]).

She discusses her preference for autobiographical songwriting, drawing inspiration from artists like John Lennon and Joni Mitchell. Paula explains how her intuitive approach allows her to view her work from both a detailed and a macro perspective, facilitating a deeper connection between the lyrical content and musical arrangement.

Producing Low: A Return to Live Recording

Timestamp: [19:56 – 22:56]

In discussing her latest album, Low, Paula articulates a deliberate shift back to live recording to capture the authentic sound of musicians interacting in real-time:

"I wanted to return to live musicians in a room... We went to the Village in Los Angeles, which was the room that Fleetwood Mac built after their Rumors." ([19:56]).

She collaborated closely with engineer Mike Piersante and drummer Jay Belaro to create an organic and spontaneous recording environment. Paula contrasts Low with her earlier work, noting a softer, more introspective tone:

"Low is softer. I think I was screaming a lot in my 20s... But it's like harder for me now. I'm in a gentler space." ([22:56]).

This evolution reflects Paula's growth as an artist and her ability to adapt her production techniques to suit her changing artistic vision.

Personal Reflections and Tributes

Timestamp: [23:05 – 24:38]

Before concluding, Paula honors the memory of Mark Hutchins, her partner in music production and engineering, who passed away abruptly:

"I wrote this for Mark Hutchins... He taught me so much. I wouldn't be the producer I am today without Mark." ([23:05]).

The heartfelt tribute underscores the personal connections and influences that have shaped her career, adding depth to her professional achievements.

Conclusion

Paula Cole's interview on All Of It offers an intimate glimpse into her pioneering role as a female producer, her innovative production techniques, and her heartfelt approach to songwriting. From overcoming industry barriers to embracing live recording, Paula's journey is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her craft. This episode not only celebrates her accomplishments but also inspires aspiring musicians and producers to pursue their unique artistic visions.

For those interested in exploring Paula Cole's work further, her new album "Low" is a testament to her evolving artistry and dedication to authentic musical expression.