Podcast Summary: All Of It – Rachael & Vilray Live in Studio

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart, 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 fosters a diverse community, reflecting the rich tapestry of New York City culture.

Episode Details:

• Title: Rachael & Vilray Live in Studio
• Release Date: August 6, 2025
• Guests: Rachel Price (Lead singer of Lake Street Dive) and Vilre (Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter)

1. Introduction to Rachel & Vilre

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing Rachel Price and Vilre, highlighting their collaborative effort in producing a fresh album titled "West of Broadway." The duo is celebrated for their original tunes that blend a retro aesthetic with modern flair, drawing comparisons to legendary composers like Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart.

• Quote:
  Alison Stewart [00:08]:
  “Rachel Price, the lead singer of Lake Street Dive, but with guitarist, singer and songwriter Vilre. The two of them put out songs that could fit right alongside the best of Cole Porter or Rodgers and Hart.”

2. Performance: "Love Comes Around"

The episode features a live performance of their song "Love Comes Around." The audience is captivated by the nostalgic yet fresh sound, seamlessly blending elements of jazz and Broadway-inspired melodies.

• Transcript Excerpt:
  Audience Member [01:04]:
  “I never thought that love would come around again... I have found when the love comes around.”

3. The Art of Scatting

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Rachel's proficiency in scatting. Rachel shares her journey of learning scatting from Ella Fitzgerald, emphasizing the importance of memorizing solos to understand jazz vocabulary. She also recounts her studies at the New England Conservatory under trumpet player John McNeil, which honed her improvisational skills.

• Quotes:
  Rachel Price [04:04]:
  “I started learning how to scat from Ella Fitzgerald... It’s like still, I still feel like a little kid when I’m scatting.”
  Alison Stewart [05:38]:
  “It’s so interesting to watch you do it because you have great hand movements and this great motion and, like, you’re not saying anything, but I know what you’re saying.”

4. Musical Influences and Styles

Vilre delves into the inspirations behind "West of Broadway," explaining the fusion of Broadway melodies with West Coast cool jazz. He cites "Birth of the Cool" as a pivotal influence, highlighting its dense melodic approach and emotional depth.

• Quotes:
  Vilre [06:22]:
  “Broadway music is just music. So it can be rock and roll, or it can be jazz inflected or even opera inflected... If you listen to the Birth of the Cool and you’ll hear a big chunk of what inspired me for this record.”
  Vilre [08:12]:
  “I’ve really gotten into Sondheim. That’s sort of been my principal influence... It’s really a rich, rich world.”

5. Character-Driven Songwriting

Rachel explains that each song on the album serves as a character study, requiring her to embody diverse personas. This approach adds depth and variety to their music, ensuring each track tells a unique story.

• Quotes:
  Rachel Price [09:36]:
  “All of the songs are like a character study. You really have to embody the person who’s singing them in a really particular way.”
  Rachel Price [10:48]:
  “I was thinking a lot about Sarah Vaughn, specifically when I was singing these songs, because I feel like that’s who I really think about when I think about that time.”

6. Collaboration and Chemistry

The chemistry between Rachel and Vilre is palpable. They discuss their arranger, Jacob Zimmerman, who masterfully captures the essence of their influences. The duo also touches on their intimate working relationship, likening it to an "actor, director" dynamic that enriches their creative process.

• Quotes:
  Rachel Price [21:20]:
  “We have such a close working relationship right now... It’s a very intimate experience.”
  Rachel Price [22:41]:
  “There’s like this kind of like actor, director relationship that I really enjoy.”

7. Overcoming Initial Challenges

The hosts recount the duo's initial attempts to collaborate, which were met with challenges due to Vilre's hiatus from music. However, a pivotal moment at one of Vilre's solo shows reignited their partnership, leading to the successful creation of their current body of work.

• Quotes:
  Vilre [16:13]:
  “I had one sort of embarrassing afternoon in which I tried to read charts and didn’t really succeed.”
  Rachel Price [17:38]:
  “She’s the best friend... What Vilre didn’t mention is that he did the grunt work in the subway.”

8. Diversifying Musical Genres

Vilre discusses his exploration of various musical genres, including country music, and how these influences inform his songwriting. He appreciates the structure and conventions of different styles, which allows him to experiment while maintaining a unique sound.

• Quotes:
  Vilre [20:00]:
  “I write country songs every once in a while... It’d be interesting to experiment in a world that was a little less easy to identify.”

9. Special Feature: "Off Broadway" with Stephen Colbert

One of the highlights of the episode is the performance of "Off Broadway," featuring Stephen Colbert. The collaboration originated from a casual interaction at Colbert’s birthday party, demonstrating the duo's creative spontaneity and camaraderie.

• Quotes:
  Vilre [22:55]:
  “We were at his birthday party... He was very generous to say yes a second time and come in and spend a few hours with us and record it with us.”
  Alison Stewart [24:33]:
  “He might be a little grumpier next time when you come back to town.”

• Performance Excerpt:
  "Off Broadway":
  “Broadway is the dream of a lifetime for kids of every age... Off off Broadway is best.”

10. Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks

Alison announces an upcoming show by Rachel and Vilre scheduled for November at Town Hall, encouraging listeners to attend and experience their intimate performances live.

• Quotes:
  Alison Stewart [28:00]:
  “They’ll have a show in November at the Town Hall. Thank you so much for joining us.”

Conclusion:

This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth look into the creative journey of Rachel Price and Vilre as they navigate their collaboration to produce "West of Broadway." From exploring the intricacies of scatting and character-driven songwriting to overcoming early collaboration challenges and engaging in unique musical partnerships, the duo exemplifies the vibrant and dynamic cultural scene celebrated by WNYC. Their blend of Broadway influences with cool jazz elements not only pays homage to classic sounds but also carves out a fresh niche in contemporary music. Listeners are left with an anticipation for their upcoming performances and a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind their work.