All Of It Podcast Summary: "Equalizers: Songwriter/Producer Lauren Christie"

Podcast Information

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: WNYC
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. The show celebrates the diversity and varied perspectives that make New York City vibrant.

Episode Details

• Episode Title: Equalizers: Songwriter/Producer Lauren Christie
• Release Date: March 10, 2025
• Series: Women's History Month Series, "Women in Music Production"

Introduction to Lauren Christie

[00:37] Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting the significant gender disparity in the Grammy nominations for non-classical producers, noting that only three women have been nominated in the past quarter-century. She introduces Lauren Christie as the first female nominee, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about her contributions to the music industry.

Early Career and Discovery of Production Skills

[02:13] Lauren Christie shares her journey into music, starting as a songwriter at the age of 12. By 18, she secured a publishing deal that provided her with a home studio, allowing her to develop her production skills through creating demos. "I started off writing songs when I was 12 years old... pretty soon I moved on to an eight track and I would just do all my own demos and that's when my production skills started," she explains ([02:20]).

Transition from Solo Artist to The Matrix

Before joining The Matrix, Lauren was a solo recording artist and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her song "The Color of the Night." Alison Stewart plays a snippet of this track, illustrating Lauren's early success.

[05:05] Lauren discusses her pivotal role in The Matrix, a production trio, and their collaboration with Avril Lavigne. She recounts the summer of 2001 when they wrote hit songs like "Sk8er Boi" and "I'm with You." Lauren emphasizes the serendipitous nature of their creativity, stating, "Promise me I'm never going to find you Fake it that was literally given to me. I didn't come up with that. It just dropped into my head" ([05:15]).

Faith and Its Impact on Her Music Production

[06:23] Alison Stewart probes into the role of faith in Lauren's life and work. Lauren reveals that she became a Christian at 42, which transformed her approach to music production. "Now it just makes everything so much easier... I just walk into sessions with literally On a wing and a prayer and with an open heart," she shares ([06:54]). This newfound faith allows her to approach production with a sense of purpose and openness.

Insights on Production and Songwriting

[09:03] Lauren delves into the intertwined nature of songwriting and production. She advocates for songwriters to embrace production skills, highlighting the evolving landscape of the music industry where "streaming... doesn't really pay songwriters." By teaching a master class on songwriting and production, Lauren encourages emerging artists to become versatile creators. She praises industry icons like Rick Rubin for their "great sonic taste" and influence ([10:46]).

Gender Dynamics in the Music Production Industry

[11:08] Discussing her experience as part of The Matrix, Lauren addresses gender dynamics in the industry. She notes that being part of a team with two men shielded her from gender-based biases. "I never felt that thing of being kind of put down as a woman... I never got anything but respect," she states ([11:23]). This positive environment allowed her to focus on her contributions without facing gender-related challenges.

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

[11:59] Lauren announces her upcoming album, "Their Hits My Way," slated for release in 2025. The project features her renditions of songs she originally wrote and produced, showcasing their versatility. "It's just... I wanted to just do reimagined versions of the song so you could hear them kind of pared down," she explains ([12:11]). This endeavor aims to inspire future generations, demonstrating the enduring nature of creativity.

Personal Reflections and Inspirations

In a segment dedicated to personal questions, Lauren shares her favorite album, a song she wishes she produced, and a woman in music she admires.

• Favorite Album: Blue by Joni Mitchell
• Song She Wishes She Produced: "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" by Sabrina Carpenter
• Woman in Music She Admires: Stevie Nicks

[13:18] "My favorite album, it's gotta be Joni Mitchell Blue," Lauren reflects ([13:31]). She expresses admiration for Stevie Nicks, highlighting her influence and legacy in the music world ([13:52]).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[14:03] Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by thanking Lauren Christie for her insights and contributions to the music industry. Lauren invites listeners to join her masterclass, providing her website for more information ([14:11]).

Notable Quotes

• Laurent Christie on Starting Out:

  "I started off writing songs when I was 12 years old... pretty soon I moved on to an eight track and I would just do all my own demos and that's when my production skills started." ([02:20])

• On Faith Influencing Her Work:

  "Now it just makes everything so much easier... I just walk into sessions with literally On a wing and a prayer and with an open heart." ([06:54])

• On the Role of Songwriters as Producers:

  "I do think that a lot of songwriters today who are just working as songwriters actually are crossing over into being the producers." ([09:20])

• On Gender Dynamics:

  "I never felt that thing of being kind of put down as a woman... I never got anything but respect." ([11:23])

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It provides a comprehensive look into Lauren Christie's illustrious career in music production and songwriting. From her early days as a teenage songwriter to her impactful role in The Matrix and her recent endeavors, Lauren offers valuable insights into the creative process, the importance of versatility in the music industry, and navigating gender dynamics. Her personal reflections on faith and inspiration add depth to her professional narrative, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring music producers and enthusiasts alike.