Podcast Summary: All Of It – Equalizers: Wendy & Lisa On Producing Prince and the Revolution

Episode Title: Equalizers: Wendy & Lisa On Producing Prince and the Revolution
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Susan Rogers
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the influential roles of Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman in the production of Prince and the Revolution’s seminal work, particularly focusing on the landmark album Purple Rain. As part of the Women's History Month series, "Women in Music Production," the conversation highlights the underrepresentation of women in technical fields within the music industry and celebrates the achievements of these trailblazing producers.

Women in Music Production: Setting the Stage

Alison Stewart introduces the series by emphasizing the importance of spotlighting women in music production, an area traditionally dominated by men. She acknowledges the first two women ever nominated for the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year—Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman—for their outstanding work with Prince and the Revolution.

Timestamp [00:37]:
Alison Stewart: "All throughout March, we'll be talking to women who work in the technical fields of the music industry, which they're severely underrepresented."

Wendy and Lisa: Pioneers in Production

Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman share their perspectives on their roles as producers during their time with Prince and the Revolution. Wendy discusses her innate interest in the technical aspects of music production, describing herself as an "autodidact kind of gearhead." She elaborates on how their partnership involved mutual producing, highlighting the collaborative nature of their work.

Timestamp [03:00]:
Lisa Coleman: "I never really thought of myself as a producer. I just thought I was a music maker."

Learning from Prince: Discipline and Technical Mastery

The conversation transitions to the lessons Wendy and Lisa learned while working with Prince. Wendy emphasizes the importance of thoughtful studio work and the invaluable knowledge gained from collaborating with skilled engineers like Susan Rogers.

Timestamp [04:39]:
Wendy Melvoin: "Prince was just, I mean, obviously he's a guy that could do it all himself. But there were some incredible lessons to be learned from his discipline and his thoughtfulness behind a board and how he ran a studio."

Lisa adds that Prince's fearless experimentation with studio technology inspired her to embrace and explore new tools without intimidation.

Timestamp [05:54]:
Lisa Coleman: "Just turn it on and start fiddling. If it sounds cool, you're on the right track."

Spotlight on Susan Rogers: The Engineer Behind the Magic

Susan Rogers, the esteemed engineer who worked closely with Wendy and Lisa, joins the conversation to reminisce about the Purple Rain sessions. She praises Wendy and Lisa's innate musicality and technical prowess, highlighting their ability to sculpt music with both "a gentle and firm hand."

Timestamp [12:12]:
Susan Rogers: "They are so deeply, innately musical... The way she coaxes music out of an instrument is astonishing."

Wendy and Lisa express their profound respect and admiration for Susan, acknowledging her technical expertise and heartfelt dedication to music production.

Timestamp [14:04]:
Lisa Coleman: "She just drilled a hole and somehow figured out how to do that. And you know, and, and so that's just amazing in itself."

Challenges and the Future of Women in Production

The discussion shifts to the broader topic of increasing female representation in music production. Susan Rogers candidly addresses the complexities of the issue, while Wendy and Lisa offer insightful perspectives on creating more opportunities for women.

Timestamp [17:23]:
Wendy Melvoin: "There are a lot of men that gotta make a little bit more room. There's, it's like, it's still, it's very similar to the cooking world and a lot of men chefs and women chefs."

Lisa emphasizes the need for education and changing default perceptions that associate production roles with men.

Timestamp [20:32]:
Lisa Coleman: "I think it's a matter of education and I think it's just going to take some time. And I think that for lots of people, women included, when you say who do you want to produce your record? In your mind, you automatically think a man producer."

Reflections on the Prince Documentary

Towards the end of the episode, Wendy and Lisa discuss their involvement in a documentary about Prince. They express mixed feelings about the project, acknowledging its complexities and the emotional challenges of revisiting their experiences with the iconic artist.

Timestamp [22:14]:
Wendy Melvoin: "I think it's a shame that it ended up being as complicated and fraught as it ended up being."

Lisa shares her motivations for participating, aiming to provide an honest perspective amidst widespread negativity surrounding Prince's legacy.

Timestamp [22:55]:
Lisa Coleman: "I wanted to share my point of view, you know, because there started to be a lot of negativity put out."

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude for Wendy and Lisa's contributions, highlighting their pioneering roles in music production and their ongoing influence in paving the way for future generations of women in the industry.

Timestamp [25:16]:
Alison Stewart: "It has been an honor to speak with you."

Notable Quotes

• Wendy Melvoin: "We're kind of always producing each other as well, which is an interesting anomaly between the two of us as music partners."
• Lisa Coleman: "If it sounds cool, you're on the right track."
• Susan Rogers: "Working with Wendy and Lisa, you learn so much about music and the art of sound."

Key Takeaways:

• Trailblazing Roles: Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman broke barriers as women in music production, earning Grammy nominations for their work with Prince and the Revolution.
• Collaborative Genius: Their partnership exemplifies mutual producing, combining technical expertise with deep musicality.
• Mentorship and Influence: Susan Rogers played a crucial role in shaping their production skills, highlighting the importance of mentorship in the industry.
• Challenges for Women: The episode underscores the ongoing challenges women face in music production and the need for systemic changes to foster greater inclusion.
• Legacy and Reflection: Wendy and Lisa’s reflections on their experiences with Prince provide invaluable insights into the dynamics of creative collaboration and the complexities of artistic legacies.

This episode not only celebrates the achievements of Wendy and Lisa but also serves as a call to action to support and amplify the voices of women in the technical realms of the music industry.