Podcast Title: Video Rewind: Kamasi Washington: A Jazz Genius on Collaborative Lessons Learned from Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, and More

Host: Eli Woolery and Aaron Walter
Guest: Kamasi Washington
Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In this special Video Rewind episode of Design Better, hosts Eli Woolery and Aaron Walter revisit a captivating interview with jazz luminary Kamasi Washington. The discussion delves deep into Kamasi's creative journey, his collaborative experiences with iconic artists, and his philosophical approach to music and creativity.

Early Life and Musical Heritage

Kamasi Washington's musical journey is deeply rooted in his family background. Growing up in an artistic household, music was a central pillar of his upbringing.

• Musical Family:
  Kamasi shares, "My mom is a science teacher, but she actually plays flute, too. And my grandma played violin and great grandfather played saxophone." (04:05)

• Influence of His Father:
  His father, Ricky Washington, a professional saxophone and flute player, was instrumental in fostering Kamasi's early musical talents. Kamasi recalls, "My father... really believed in honing your creativity the way you were going to do it." (04:19)

• Sibling Dynamics:
  Growing up with an older brother considered a prodigy allowed Kamasi to explore music without the weight of expectations. He notes, "I kind of got to just be a kid that was playing music. Music was kind of just fun for me." (04:40)

Musical Education and High School Experience

Kamasi's formal education played a significant role in shaping his musical prowess.

• Academy of Music at Alexander Hamilton High School:
  Attending a specialized music high school in LA provided Kamasi with a comprehensive musical education. He describes, "There were all different types of ensembles... teaching you about etiquette, being on time, you learn how to read and be professional." (05:58)

• Exposure to Talented Peers:
  Post high school, Kamasi joined the Multi-School Jazz Band, where he interacted with budding talents like Terrace Martin and Stephen Bruner, which profoundly inspired him.
  Notable Quote:
  "When I went to multi school and I heard people like Isaac Smith and Terrace Martin... I was just completely blown away." (07:18)

Transition to Serious Music and Solo at Playboy Jazz Festival

A pivotal moment in Kamasi's early career was his unexpected solo performance at the Playboy Jazz Festival.

• The Solo Experience:
  During a performance of Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay," Kamasi was unexpectedly given a solo, which spurred his commitment to musical growth.
  Notable Quote:
  "I did my best but I just really wasn't happy with where I was because I loved music. And in that moment, I didn't like the way I felt." (08:05)

• Motivation Through Self-Reflection:
  This experience ignited a desire for continuous improvement, leading Kamasi to deeply invest in his musical development.
  Notable Quote:
  "Music is like, the better you get, the more you want to get better." (08:44)

Career as Sideman and Desire for Own Music

Before releasing his monumental works, Kamasi built his reputation by collaborating with renowned artists.

• Collaborations:
  Kamasi contributed to Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly," worked with Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, Chaka Khan, and more, gaining invaluable experience.
  Notable Quote:
  "I was playing with a lot of different people... the more you get out of the music, the more fun music becomes." (19:47)

• Community of Musicians:
  Alongside peers like Thundercat and Stephen Bruner, Kamasi fostered a brotherhood that emphasized mutual growth and the creation of original music.
  Notable Quote:
  "We had this feeling that... we should just document what we're doing right now." (21:10)

Creation of 'The Epic' Album

2015 marked a transformative year for Kamasi with the release of his acclaimed album, The Epic.

• Recording Process:
  Kamasi and his band dedicated a month in a studio, focusing intensively on crafting their music.
  Notable Quote:
  "We rented a studio together, and it was like a music sweatshop... we just wanted to be able to make some music." (20:16)

• Influence of Kendrick Lamar:
  Kendrick Lamar's innovative approach to music inspired Kamasi to bring his own unique sound to the forefront.
  Notable Quote:
  "When Kendrick turned that page, I just went ahead and slipped my name on." (25:40)

• Impact of 'The Epic':
  The album resonated deeply with audiences, establishing Kamasi as a force in contemporary jazz.
  Notable Quote:
  "The Epic came out, and it just felt like it was connecting with the people." (26:00)

Creative Process: Improvisation vs Orchestration

Kamasi elucidates his balanced approach to music creation, blending structured vision with spontaneous improvisation.

• Vision in Recording vs. Exploration Live:
  While studio recordings are guided by a clear vision, live performances are spaces for artistic exploration.
  Notable Quote:
  "When we play live, that's when we're exploring all the possibilities... We treat each song like trying everything on the menu." (28:57)

• Collaboration Without Ego:
  Kamasi emphasizes the importance of setting aside ego to foster a collective musical experience.
  Notable Quote:
  "I have a place that I want the music to go, but I have no ego involved in it." (30:10)

Collaborations and Influences

Kamasi's collaborations with legendary musicians have profoundly influenced his artistry.

• Working with Wayne Shorter:
  Kamasi describes Wayne Shorter as a guiding light, emphasizing authenticity and creative freedom.
  Notable Quote:
  "Wayne Shorter... is just like a guiding light into the endless possibilities of creativity." (54:28)

• Lessons from Herbie Hancock:
  From Herbie, Kamasi learned the importance of embracing all musical possibilities without fear of making mistakes.
  Notable Quote:
  "There is no wrong notes, there is no wrong place. There's just different places and music." (57:34)

Philosophy and Spirituality in Music

Music, for Kamasi, transcends mere notes and rhythms, acting as a medium for deeper connection and expression.

• Music as Communication:
  Kamasi believes music is a powerful tool for expressing the intangible aspects of the human spirit.
  Notable Quote:
  "Music is a great communication tool... connection to music is something a little bit more." (16:24)

• Spiritual Connection:
  He speaks of music tapping into a spiritual realm, creating profound emotional and spiritual experiences.
  Notable Quote:
  "I do feel like we have spirits and we're spiritual beings... music has the power it has over us because it's a medium that really kind of mixes those two levels of reality." (43:19)

Legacy and Family Influence

The culmination of Kamasi's journey is deeply intertwined with his family's support and legacy.

• Collaborating with His Father:
  Kamasi cherishes the opportunity to collaborate with his father, blending generational talents.
  Notable Quote:
  "Having the opportunity to then share my own music and have people understand it, relate to it, love it. It's a very big blessing." (51:59)

• Passing Down Musical Passion:
  Kamasi actively shares his love for music with his children, fostering the next generation of musicians.
  Notable Quote:
  "I listen to whatever she's into, and then I just offer up things that I feel like are adjacent to that." (60:33)

Conclusion

Kamasi Washington's journey is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to one's craft. Through his rich musical heritage, extensive education, and profound collaborations, he has carved a unique space in the modern jazz landscape. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of authenticity, spiritual connection, and community in the creative process, offering invaluable lessons for creators across all fields.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Kamasi Washington on Music and Connection:
   "It's hard to really explain what makes a good song, good song, but you can put a piece of that deeper self of who you are... if you put that into what you're doing, it speaks to people." (00:29)

2. On Overcoming Embarrassment and Growth:
   "Music is like, the better you get, the more you want to get better." (08:44)

3. Philosophy on Collaboration:
   "I have a place that I want the music to go, but I have no ego involved in it." (30:10)

4. Spirituality in Music:
   "Music has the power it has over us because it's a medium that really kind of mixes those two levels of reality." (43:19)

5. Legacy and Family:
   "Having the opportunity to then share my own music and have people understand it, relate to it, love it. It's a very big blessing." (51:59)

Recommendation for Listeners:

For those intrigued by Kamasi Washington's insights and musical philosophy, Design Better offers a profound exploration into the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and technological innovation in the arts. Whether you're a seasoned designer or simply design-curious, this episode provides valuable lessons and inspiration to elevate your creative endeavors.