"Alicia Keys"

Summary

SmartLess Podcast Episode Summary: "Alicia Keys"

Release Date: November 4, 2024
Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
Guest: Alicia Keys

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Introduction

In this episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome acclaimed artist Alicia Keys. The conversation seamlessly transitions from light-hearted banter about breakfast choices to an in-depth discussion about Alicia's multifaceted career in music, theater, entrepreneurship, and her passion for art.

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Alicia Keys on Her Broadway Musical "Hell's Kitchen"

Discussing the Inspiration and Development

The hosts delve into Alicia's Broadway venture, "Hell's Kitchen," exploring how her upbringing in New York influenced the musical's narrative.

• Alicia Keys (11:51): "Hell's Kitchen is definitely not autobiographical, but it is based on my experiences growing up in New York."

• Sean Hayes (11:14): "She did have this intangible sort of swagger and comfort in her skin and this presence that was just magnetic from the very start."

Challenges and Collaboration

Alicia shares the extensive process behind crafting the musical over 13 years and highlights the collaborative efforts with her mentor and grandmother's influence.

• Alicia Keys (12:23): "We workshopped this piece for 13 years, so it definitely took quite a long time. But finding those spirits and that energy was crucial."

Performance Highlights

The hosts express their admiration for Alicia's work, mentioning her performances at the Tonys and the World Series of the Yankees.

• Sean Hayes (13:59): "We performed it at the Tonys together. We performed it at the World Series of the Yankees..."

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Journey in Music and Songwriting

Early Beginnings and Influences

Alicia reflects on her introduction to music, starting piano lessons at a young age, influenced by her grandmother and the vibrant New York music scene.

• Alicia Keys (17:25): "I started playing piano around six or seven years old... My grandmother used to play piano when we visited her in Ohio."

Songwriting as Emotional Expression

She explains how personal experiences, such as the loss of her grandfather, propelled her into songwriting as a form of emotional expression.

• Alicia Keys (42:20): "My first song was written at 11 after losing my grandfather. It connected me with the idea of bringing emotions into real life."

Collaboration on "Empire State of Mind"

A significant part of the conversation centers around the creation of the iconic "Empire State of Mind," detailing the collaborative process with Jay-Z.

• Alicia Keys (35:09): "Jay had begun the song with a vibe, and when I heard it, I knew we had to do this asap."

• Jason Bateman (33:08): "It's an iconic song about New York. It's like, that's the new anthem."

Balancing Creativity and Performance

Alicia discusses the balance between creating new music and performing, highlighting the nervousness that accompanies both processes.

• Alicia Keys (62:28): "I definitely have felt like I don't deserve this. But I also talk to myself about becoming comfortable being great."

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Entrepreneurship: Soul Care Skincare Line

Launching a Lifestyle Brand

Beyond music and theater, Alicia has ventured into entrepreneurship with her skincare line, Soul Care, which emphasizes connecting with one's deeper self.

• Alicia Keys (46:08): "Soul Care is a lifestyle brand based on skincare and body care that connects you with a deeper part of yourself."

Philosophy and Products

She elaborates on the brand's philosophy, incorporating affirmations, crystals, and organic ingredients to enhance well-being.

• Alicia Keys (46:37): "Every bottle has affirmations, crystals, and ancient rituals to help you connect deeper."

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Passion for Art and Philanthropy

Art Collection and Exhibitions

Alicia and her husband have curated an impressive art collection showcased in exhibitions like "Giants" at the Brooklyn and High Museums. This initiative aims to make art accessible to the public and support emerging artists.

• Alicia Keys (56:18): "Giants is our touring exhibition that showcases oversized works from artists like Jordan Castile and Amy Sherald."

Philanthropic Efforts

The hosts commend Alicia's efforts in promoting diverse artists and making art more inclusive.

• Sean Hayes (61:40): "It's philanthropic in and of itself. That's very, very cool, you guys."

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Parenthood and Raising Art-Inspired Children

Teaching by Example

Alicia discusses the importance of modeling behavior for her children and fostering open communication without imposing her own expectations.

• Alicia Keys (51:14): "We have conversations and allow them to draw their own conclusions. Creating a safe space is essential."

Balancing Public and Private Life

She emphasizes balancing her public endeavors with her role as a parent, ensuring her children feel supported and understood.

• Alicia Keys (53:03): "They can share their thoughts, and it's a safe place for them to be themselves."

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Overcoming Performance Anxiety

Personal Experiences

Drawing parallels with Jason's experiences, Alicia shares her journey in managing nerves related to performing and creating new work.

• Alicia Keys (62:28): "I can feel nerves when I'm crafting something new or performing without anything to cover up."

Strategies for Confidence

She highlights the importance of self-talk and allowing oneself to make mistakes as part of the growth process.

• Alicia Keys (64:25): "It's okay to make mistakes. You're human."

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Final Thoughts and Inspirational Insights

Encouraging Creativity and Resilience

Alicia imparts wisdom on embracing one's greatness and the continuous journey of self-improvement and creativity.

• Alicia Keys (40:36): "I was talking to myself about being comfortable being great and not getting in my own way."

The Power of Emotional Connection

She underscores the significance of creating emotional connections through art, whether in music, theater, or visual arts.

• Alicia Keys (29:58): "If you're able to deliver a story emotionally, people are open to it."

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Notable Quotes

• Alicia Keys: "Just keep rolling. Just keep trying to find your way through." (22:24)

• Sean Hayes: "Living a good example is the best thing you can give your kid." (54:09)

• Will Arnett: "You can't really coach people up. You can only model it." (54:35)

• Alicia Keys: "I was talking to myself about being comfortable being great and not getting in my own way." (40:36)

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Conclusion

This episode of SmartLess offers a deep dive into Alicia Keys' diverse talents and passions. From her heartfelt performances and entrepreneurial ventures to her dedication to art philanthropy and thoughtful parenting, Alicia exemplifies a blend of creativity, resilience, and generosity. Her insights on overcoming anxiety, fostering emotional connections, and leading by example provide listeners with both inspiration and practical wisdom.

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For more episodes of SmartLess, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or SiriusXM Podcasts+.

Transcript

[Jason Bateman]

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[Will Arnett]

Sorry.

[Sean Hayes]

Really excited to see. Really excited to see him.

[Jason Bateman]

Does it not sound like I'm crying? Should it sound like I'm crying more?

[Will Arnett]

No, I like it. No, it's great.

[Jason Bateman]

Welcome to new Smart list.

[Will Arnett]

Smart. Smart.

[Sean Hayes]

Less.

[Will Arnett]

Smart Less.

[Sean Hayes]

What is that like peanut butter toast?

[Jason Bateman]

Rice Krispie treat.

[Sean Hayes]

So, dessert?

[Will Arnett]

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

[Sean Hayes]

It's 15 minutes shy of 10am and you're eating dessert?

[Jason Bateman]

Well, it's my breakfast. Really.

[Will Arnett]

Okay. I mean, Rs Krispies are a breakfast cereal, but when they're baked with marshmallows, I guess it kind of takes away.

[Sean Hayes]

And chase it with some cow pus.

[Jason Bateman]

That's what I.

[Will Arnett]

So walk me through just a little bit. Walk me through this morning. Cause you've been out of town for a minute and you came home and there was a fresh pan of Rice Krispie treats.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh my God. Yeah, there was actually.

[Sean Hayes]

Did you make it?

[Jason Bateman]

No, I didn't make it. Somebody else made it. Yeah, and.

[Will Arnett]

But it. Was it a request or did they. Did you say, hey, when I get home I want a full pan of Rice Krispies treats ready? No.

[Jason Bateman]

There is a person that I know that knows what I like.

[Sean Hayes]

And when you say no, do you Mean to say paid.

[Jason Bateman]

Maybe just a little bit.

[Will Arnett]

Is this a good friend who just does it out of the goodness of their heart?

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Do you doctor up the Rice Krispies? Some people like to drop M and Ms. In.

[Jason Bateman]

Ms. Be great. No, this is. This is done regular. It's like breakfast, though. It's just breakfast. It's the breakfast cereal.

[Sean Hayes]

The marshmallows. Will mentioned a really good point.

[Jason Bateman]

There's no difference between this, like this and a milk.

[Sean Hayes]

Except for the melted down marshmallows into a glue situation.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, a little bit.

[Sean Hayes]

All right.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah. Well, we got through that.

[Sean Hayes]

Will, should we start the recast process? I don't know how much longer we're going to have Sean with us.

[Jason Bateman]

You know, what a wonderful ride home we had together. What wonderful time spent we had in New York together.

[Will Arnett]

We did have a nice time in New York. We got so far. We got to see our friend Robert's play, which was amazing.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, McNeil.

[Sean Hayes]

It's called McNeil. Go see it at Lincoln Center.

[Will Arnett]

He was so. Robert was so good. Robert Downey was so good in that play.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

How cool was that to go there and see him do that? Just excel and be.

[Sean Hayes]

It was. It was. It was a lot of work. It was very admirable to see. Oh, anything on stage is just nuts. Sean, you should try. You really ought to be somewhere. I'm showing people what you can do.

[Jason Bateman]

I think you'd eat some Rice Krispies. If I go on.

[Sean Hayes]

If your colon lasts long enough to book some sort of a Broadway gig.

[Will Arnett]

Has anybody ever done a Broadway show wearing a diaper? Do you know? Hey, Sean, you know, I will say one of the things I enjoyed about going that night was before and afterwards with a very sort of New York theater crowd, seeing how many people you know in the community. Yeah, it was really fun.

[Jason Bateman]

Fun to see. Yeah, it was. It's good to see all those people. It's just like, you know, just like this coast. Everybody knows everybody, you know?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

I really want so badly to do that, to do something on stage. Will you?

[Jason Bateman]

Well, you better be careful, because they're gonna. Somebody's gonna hear that.

[Sean Hayes]

No, I'm screaming it. I just don't know when the. The time would be. The best time, the right time with the kid really carved out stuff that I'm working on, and it's a full.

[Will Arnett]

I almost, as you know, I almost pulled the trigger this fall to do something.

[Sean Hayes]

But you've done a bunch in the past, right?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, but not on. But not on Broadway.

[Jason Bateman]

Not on Broadway.

[Sean Hayes]

But some New York theater.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah. But I mean, goddamn is million goddamn years ago. But I really was like, I was. You know what, Sean? I was inspired by you and how great you were.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, you're very sweet.

[Will Arnett]

And it's true. And I thought, God, that really looks like a lot of fun. And seeing Robert do it looks like a lot of fun. But I. And so it's.

[Jason Bateman]

You have no life. You literally go from the apartment to your theater to the theater.

[Sean Hayes]

But that's part of the thing that appeals to me, too, is, like, you know, New York City is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I've always wanted to live there, but I worry that if I just picked up and moved there, I would be like, well, okay, what do I do all day? You know, because as an. As an actor or a director or whatever, you know, before you're working, you're not doing anything.

[Will Arnett]

Right.

[Sean Hayes]

You have to. And doing. Doing a play would give me rehearsals all day, and then once the rehearsals are done, now I've got something to do at night. And then filling a day is, you know, and I think a lot of.

[Will Arnett]

The day, Sean, it feels like a lot of the day, and correct me if I'm wrong, is taking care of your health.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. Is PT Physical therapy? Because you're like, what do you mean? I got it. But it's the repetitive motions day after day, every single day of, like, repetitive motions. That's why.

[Will Arnett]

And the plate from off the plate in the mouth, off the plate in demise, the shoulders.

[Jason Bateman]

In Robert's play, if you remember, there's this one moment where the guy playing his son pushes him on the couch, and the first thing I thought of was, oh, my God, his leg must be killing, because his leg hits the arm of the. Of the couch, and then he falls on the couch. Falling on the couch isn't horrible because you get cushion, but when his leg hits the couch, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, twice on Thursday, Friday, and then twice on Saturday, you have to go get that, like, PT A physical therapy to, like, figure out how to. Or wear, like, a. Do you think he's wearing a pad pad or something? Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

The people with incredibly admirable true labor situations in the world, they want to come through the microphone and blow your brains out.

[Will Arnett]

I know.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, is he banging his leg on a couch once a night? They're like these fucking clowns.

[Jason Bateman]

No, man.

[Sean Hayes]

These guys building buildings or fighting wars.

[Jason Bateman]

I know, Totally. I get it. I'm just. In our little privileged world.

[Will Arnett]

How many of our listeners do you Think are how many of our listeners are operating a jackhammer while they're listening to us, do you think? I don't know.

[Jason Bateman]

By the way, I got home from New York to our house here in LA and I forgot that I stopped using a sheet.

[Sean Hayes]

The comforter.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, under the comforter. And it's great.

[Sean Hayes]

Duvet. Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. So do you guys still sleep with a sheet and then a duve?

[Sean Hayes]

No.

[Jason Bateman]

Because. Yeah, gets in your legs and you get tired.

[Sean Hayes]

I go one better. I go one better. Amanda and I have two separate duvets so that there's no midnight. Midnight fighting over the duvet. Oh, that's right. I can cocoon myself. She can cocoon her. You can knock on the door and go and enter her cocoon if you're. If, you know, if it's a special day.

[Will Arnett]

That's how the kid. That's how the kids were made. When you entered her cocoon, you asked to enter her cocoon.

[Sean Hayes]

Not cocoon entertainment.

[Will Arnett]

You're very traditional that way.

[Sean Hayes]

Permission to board? Well, it's. Permission to board is the language she prefers. And then flutter in like a butterfly.

[Jason Bateman]

Permission to board. I'm sorry, you're. You're in the back tonight.

[Will Arnett]

Wow. Wow, that's really cool. I stole that trick from you, jb, with the separate duvets. And very, very works, right? Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, God, it's so.

[Jason Bateman]

But that. But don't you agree that the sheet. A sheet you get tangled up in at night.

[Sean Hayes]

I don't. I don't get it.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

I don't get a whole. All right, here we go.

[Will Arnett]

All right.

[Sean Hayes]

It's. It's not the classiest transition into our classy guest, but it's gonna have to do. Gang, what is an impressive number of Grammys to win? Okay, Sean, you go first.

[Jason Bateman]

Any more than one will?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, I would. I would say one is very impressive. One is amazing. It never happened. But two, like, more than one, right?

[Sean Hayes]

It wasn't a fluke.

[Will Arnett]

No, no, correct. Exactly.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, three would definitely.

[Jason Bateman]

Would definitely go higher.

[Sean Hayes]

I feel like you're going to go higher. What would eight do for you? Well, that would be impressive.

[Will Arnett]

That's a bounty, right?

[Sean Hayes]

If you doubled that, it'd be outrageous. Right. So that's what she's gone and done. She's won 16 Grammy awards. She's also a best selling author, New York Times list. She's a producer of film and television and Broadway. She's an entrepreneur, a force in the world of activism. She has sold over 60 million records and has had over 5 billion streams what we can talk about her music, her skincare line, her art collection, or her new Broadway hit which has received 13 Tony nominations. I've seen it. It's incredible. Please welcome the one and only Alicia Keys.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, my gosh.

[Alicia Keys]

That was good vibe.

[Jason Bateman]

This is amazing.

[Sean Hayes]

It's a very impressive intro.

[Jason Bateman]

Amazing.

[Sean Hayes]

I didn't embellish any of it.

[Alicia Keys]

Wow.

[Sean Hayes]

Hi.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, my God, it's so nice to meet you.

[Alicia Keys]

I'm so happy to see you.

[Jason Bateman]

Jason texted me or emailed me like a couple months ago or, I don't know, three or four months ago. He's like, you're the Broadway king or queen?

[Sean Hayes]

No, I think I said queen.

[Jason Bateman]

Tell me what show to see. And I told him to see your show.

[Alicia Keys]

Hey, is there something to see? Hell's Kitchen.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, my God, Was it good? My goodness. I went with my 17 year old daughter and we lost our mind.

[Alicia Keys]

That's the vibe right there.

[Sean Hayes]

So damn good. Remind me. I apologize, I should know this. The actor that plays you or the version of you, she's just stunning.

[Alicia Keys]

She's amazing. Her name is Malia Joy Moon. She's.

[Jason Bateman]

Yes, she's incredible.

[Alicia Keys]

She's turned 22. Like, she's. This is her very first kind of foray into this world. And she's the protagonist of Hell's Kitchen named Allie. So it's awesome.

[Jason Bateman]

What is that like, what is that? I mean, the most obvious dumb answer opener. Yeah, I mean, dumb question, sorry, is what is that like to have gone through that process to go, wow, this phenomenal talent is singing my songs and like, playing a version of me. Ish, kind of. But what was that like? That must be crazy, right?

[Alicia Keys]

So Hell's Kitchen is definitely. It's not autobiographical, but it is based on my experiences growing up in New York.

[Jason Bateman]

Right.

[Alicia Keys]

And so finding that path, that girl, that young woman who's on the precipice of kind of, you know, finding who she is and rebelling against all the people that wanna confine her and keep her safe in a box and all those things. And especially based in New York in the 90s, it definitely required a certain energy. And that was actually really tricky to find. Cause, you know, you can't act certain things, you know.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah. She did have like this intangible sort of swagger and comfort in her skin and this presence that was just magnetic from the very start, you know. And she just took you the whole way through it, as did the rest of the cast. It was.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, it's gonna be hard to find that person.

[Alicia Keys]

I mean, yeah, you know, it definitely. You know, we workshopped. We developed this piece for 13 years, so. Wow. It definitely took quite a long time. But I think that the. The coolest part is really, you know, when you do find those spirits and that energy. Same with the mom who plays Jersey, Shoshana Bean, who is just like. She's exploding your brain. You can't even. So it's thrilling.

[Sean Hayes]

I would imagine that maybe at the beginning, 13 years ago, you might humbly say that you're not young enough to play that part right now, but I would disagree with you. But certainly 13 years ago, it must have been a conversation at some point that you might play that part.

[Alicia Keys]

Maybe, you know, I really. I didn't plan to play the part. I mean, maybe there was conversations at times, or maybe it would be like we could do some fun, limited moment of it or something. But I realized that it really is so. It's so cool to be able to just come to the theater, watch the show. You know what I mean? Like, I have to deliver.

[Jason Bateman]

It's a lot less work to watch it than to be in it.

[Sean Hayes]

Am I remembering correctly that you. That you did perform with them at the Tonys?

[Alicia Keys]

I did. I did. I did. You know, just. Just harvest the New York energy for them.

[Sean Hayes]

That must have been exciting to like, to be on stage with them and do some of that stuff.

[Alicia Keys]

Yeah, and that was my first. That was my first Tonys ever, you know, so that was a unique experience. Super cool.

[Jason Bateman]

That's great.

[Sean Hayes]

Have you done a musical or a play or anything? As an actor?

[Alicia Keys]

As an actor, I have. Not as a producer. I did a play called Stick Fly, which was one of the most written by Lydia Diamond. It was one of the most, like, unique, incredible pieces about a family, a black family in Martha's Vineyard. And it was, like, stunning. It was really, really unique. That was one of the first ones, but this would be my first musical.

[Sean Hayes]

Do you have any desire, like what we were talking about earlier, to go on stage and do a play, either as an actor or a dancer, singer in a musical?

[Alicia Keys]

You know, I have to say that I have the utmost respect for these artists. I think that artists and musicals are by far the most talented. You have to be a triple threat at all times. You have to deliver every single part of it. I don't know if I would have that stamina and that capacity.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, you seem kind of limited in what you can do in this life.

[Will Arnett]

No, for you.

[Sean Hayes]

For knowing your ceiling.

[Will Arnett]

No. But I was just talking about, like, we were talking about it before you came on, Alicia, the stamina of it, you hit it, which is the stamina of it. Not just going and being amazing, performing and singing and doing all that, but doing it night after night. It's mind blowing.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, but you do it, Alicia, when you go on tour.

[Will Arnett]

We do a tour.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, it's kind of like a.

[Alicia Keys]

It's totally like tour for sure. And tour is. Tour is hard. Tour is not eight nights a week, eight shows a week or nine shows a week. It's not, you know, I'm probably doing five shows a week maximum still. And. But I definitely. And I think that's what, as the lead producer of the show and also just, I think me having that experience is definitely different for them because they know that I do understand the rigor and the power and the energy it takes to harness to bring that together. So they definitely feel like understood by me, and I totally understand it. So. But it's incredible watching them work. And so, yes. Could I do it? Yes, I could do it, but I actually haven't done it yet.

[Sean Hayes]

Right, well, maybe you and I will do a two hander. I'll find something we can work together.

[Will Arnett]

This is great. This is. We're making. Yeah, we're making news today.

[Sean Hayes]

We're going to do it together. All right. So, Alicia, so now speaking of that of Hell's Kitchen is the part you say it's loosely based on your upbringing or inspired by the. Tell me about the early part of that story with the influence of the mentor and the piano playing. How did that. How did you find the piano? Is that true to story there? How did. Take me through that start of the musical sort of fascination for you? Music fascination. Sorry.

[Alicia Keys]

Okay. The just music fascination for me separate of the musical.

[Sean Hayes]

Correct, Correct.

[Alicia Keys]

Okay.

[Will Arnett]

How'd you start playing music?

[Alicia Keys]

Right, how did I start. Thank you for a direct question.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, I do tend to flower.

[Jason Bateman]

How'd you do music?

[Alicia Keys]

Yeah, yeah, so well, I guess I started playing. I started playing piano around six or seven years old.

[Will Arnett]

Were people playing piano at home? Like, were your mom and dad super.

[Alicia Keys]

Into it or, you know, they weren't. I was raised by my mother. She was definitely an artist, but not necessarily a musician. My grandmother, her mother did play piano. So I do remember when we would. She would come watch me when my mother would have to go out of town for work or whatever and she would play the piano or if we visited her and they grew up in Toledo, Ohio, so if we went to Ohio to visit grandma, she definitely would play piano. So she was a person who played piano in my life, but the obsession with piano felt kind of natural. I was drawn to it in this very natural way. I would pass the steinway store on 57th street and I would just nose to the window.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, really? I love that story, too. And I don't even play piano, and I've always been fascinated with that story.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, I love it, too.

[Will Arnett]

But did you. Did you sit down and so you started taking lessons? You were. How long did you say you were? Like, you were little?

[Alicia Keys]

Seven. Six. Seven.

[Will Arnett]

So did you sit down and were you like. Yeah, I get this. Like, they're like, this is this. And you're like, yeah, I kind of got this.

[Alicia Keys]

It was definitely not as. Learning an instrument is not natural. It's difficult. You know, it's not. And especially as a young person, and you're kind of trying to find your focus and how do you, like, put it all together? And then the ambidextrous, you know, using both hands at the same time, two different things. I remember when I first started playing Bach. Who's one of my favorite composers, Bach. I just. I love the way, like, the right hand will take it and then the left hand will grab it. But your left hand. I'm a right. I'm righty. So my left hand is not as strong as my right hand. So the practice that it would take to kind of be able to find the fluidity was really, really hard. So I definitely didn't remember being just like, oh, poof, I can play.

[Jason Bateman]

Right, right, right. But how about the Bach, like, impromptus and the fugues, where, like, you're saying, like, you have to. All cylinders have to be firing with the left. But the right is trained. It's easier to play the right because the right always plays the melody, and the left is the foundation, the bass. So there's very few composers that write as intricately as Bach for the left hand. So it's kind of screws with your mind. That's why I look at a drummer and I'm like, okay, I thought playing piano was hard. Drummer. You gotta have all limbs going all the time. Like, I don't understand that.

[Sean Hayes]

And independent of one another, independent.

[Will Arnett]

There's a drummer. I don't want to just sidebar. There's this drummer. I swear to God, he's a Spanish drummer and his name is, like, Estapio or something. He's made his name for himself. He's become quite big on Instagram. This guy.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, I know this guy.

[Will Arnett]

Do you know that guy?

[Jason Bateman]

Yes. Yes.

[Will Arnett]

He's the most incredible drummer. Alicia, you can't believe this guy. What he can do. It's.

[Sean Hayes]

Send me one of those. Cause I love drumming.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, I will be a drummer. And there are people out there who have Instagram accounts that are almost based solely on watching him play on his Instagram account. And then they just spend. There are drummers who are going, like, what the hell is he doing?

[Alicia Keys]

How did he do this? And how did he do this?

[Will Arnett]

And he's like, no, it's really easy, everybody. And he does this. And then all of a sudden, the left leg. And then he's got. And he's got like a triple bass pedal sometimes going at the same time. Like, it's not easy, but so you learn. So you're learning that stuff. Like you're. And it. And then. But there's a moment where what. It just, like, it just hits you.

[Jason Bateman]

Like, how did the crossover from classical, like, when we were kids, we all kind of took those classical piano lessons, right? That's true. I stayed on that path for many, many years. And you went, wait a minute, what's this? This isn't classical. This is much cooler.

[Alicia Keys]

I think that. Well, at first, I started to really discover. I discovered jazz and, like, unique. I really discovered stride piano, and that was actually really cool for me.

[Jason Bateman]

Scott Joplin, what's that stride?

[Alicia Keys]

It's like bong bonga ba da da ba ba ba da da ba ba.

[Jason Bateman]

Da da da da da da.

[Alicia Keys]

And so the way you play is like, it's a lot of jumping, striding, and you're doing. So it's a whole nother way.

[Will Arnett]

It almost sounds like boogie woogie, like a little bit. You know what I mean?

[Alicia Keys]

It's the beginnings of it, for sure. Cause it was like the 20s and, you know, how interesting. And so it's really. And I remember my piano teacher used to make me play it blindfolded. And she was really trying to make sure that I could get out of, like, trying to look and just try to find. And it was terrifying. I was like, I can't. How can I?

[Will Arnett]

Like Luke Skywalker, right?

[Alicia Keys]

How can I. And she was big on. She was big on, like, never apologize. Oh, I'm sorry. I messed up. Don't apologize. Do not apologize.

[Jason Bateman]

And if I made a mistake, she's like, I would go back. She's like, never go back. Just keep going forward, right? Don't acknowledge the.

[Alicia Keys]

The mistake. Just go. And I think that taught me a lot. I think that taught me a lot to just like, Just keep rolling. Just keep trying to find your way through.

[Sean Hayes]

Life lesson didn't always work, but just.

[Alicia Keys]

Try to keep going.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, we'll be right back. You know, my lifetime I worked in a lot of offices. I used to work at a box office for a dinner theater which also doubled as a ticket printing company place. I think you know the one. And then when I got older, I worked in more offices. I used to work at an interior design office. I know a little too on the nose, but while there are many different types of offices out there, one thing's for certain. Choosing the right candidate for any office is a huge responsibility. Well, if you're hiring and want to find the best candidates for your office, you need ZipRecruiter. And right now you can try it for [e-mail] Smart ZipRecruiter is the hiring site employers prefer the Most based on G2 how fast does ZipRecruiter smart technology start showing your job to qualified candidates immediately. ZipRecruiter's powerful matching technology works fast to find top talent so you don't waste time or money. You can invite top candidates for your job to apply to encourage them to apply sooner. Remember, if you want to find the right candidates for your office, you need ZipRecruiter. See why 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Just go to this exclusive web address right now to try ZipRecruiter for free. Ziprecruiter.com smartless Again, that's ZipRecruiter.com smartless ZipRecruiter the smartest way to hire. You know guys, life is full of reasons to celebrate, right? Like saying yes to your new home, getting the keys to the dream car, or finally taking that vacation you deserve. With the State Farm personal Price Plan, you can keep celebrating when you create an affordable price just for you by bundling home and auto. So bring out the confetti and break out those happy dance moves. Bundling Just another way to save with the personal price plan. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can bundle and save with a personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligible vary by state. Smart list fans, your favorite podcast has some must have merch waiting for you at the SiriusXM online store. And here's the best part. The store is powered by Shopify. So grabbing your gear is as easy as pressing play on a new episode. We're grateful Shopify makes it easy for our corporate daddy to make smart list goodies available to all of you, our listeners. Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. From the launch your online shop stage all the way to the did we just hit a million orders? Stage. Shopify is there to help you grow. Whether you're selling scented soap or smartless sweatshirts, trucker hats and coffee mugs. Shameless plug. Sorry. Shopify helps you sell everywhere from their all in 1e commerce platform to their in person POS system. Shopify's got you covered. Plus sell more with less effort thanks to Shopify Magic, your AI powered all star. Sign up for a $1 per month trial [e-mail] smartless all lowercase go to shopify.com smartless now to grow your business no matter what stage you're in. And back to the show.

[Will Arnett]

So you end up going through high school. Did you go to like a performance arts type school?

[Alicia Keys]

I did. I went to a performing arts junior high school, like 7, 8, 9. And then all the way through high school, professional performing arts school. It was like a small version of the Fame school. So that was cool, nice. But there it was more music, it was more vocal, singing, arranging. And that's where I met my teacher, Ms. Aziza, who actually the character of Ms. Liza Jane in Hell's Kitchen is based, is inspired by Ms. Aziza, that teacher, and my grandmother, kind of of a mixture of the two of them. And I met her there and she was a big influence just on kind of like arranging and singing and harmonizing and creating and producing and as a woman. And also when I put my eyes on Nina Simone, she was a woman that truly, like, just blew my mind. I was like, oh, she's great. Oh, this is crazy. And that was the mixture of classical and R and B and soul and blues. And that's where I started realizing and, oh, you can merge and fuse these sounds. And then hip hop was a big inspiration for me just on the streets of New York. So it all kind of came together.

[Sean Hayes]

It's such an exciting.

[Jason Bateman]

We hope it works out for you.

[Alicia Keys]

Thank you.

[Sean Hayes]

Is that woman that was your mentor there at the performing arts school, Is she still with us?

[Alicia Keys]

Yes. And believe it or not, she plays piano for the Miss Liza Jane character in Hell's Kitchen.

[Jason Bateman]

Like, oh my God, no way.

[Alicia Keys]

For real? That's amazing.

[Sean Hayes]

It's so cool because that was gonna be my question, like, did she get to see any of your success? So she's still here with us and is a part of it.

[Alicia Keys]

It's a blessing.

[Will Arnett]

How rewarding is that?

[Alicia Keys]

Very, very. I mean, when that was a conversation and you know how on Broadway, it's like quite. Like all industries, it's quite institutionalized, and there's like, kind of a way that things go with the thing and you hire the people that are always hired in the thing, and you do the thing that's always done in the thing. And so it was really a big. Really a big part of it. And I think everything is evolving now to really start to break through those traditions that are now ready to evolve. And so to really bring people into the mix that maybe aren't normally in it really creates just another energy. And I think you feel it.

[Sean Hayes]

It is an interesting medium. Right. Talking more about theater and Broadway, specifically. The backbone of it is supported by the folks that have been going there for years and years and years, the subscription audience. And I'll bet that it's a very complicated and disciplined process to try to transition that with somewhat conservative audience into the more modern takes on art and what qualifies as entertainment nowadays. And all this sort of atmosphere, typical stuff. It's a really. A lot of interesting things going on there right now.

[Will Arnett]

Well, I would imagine. But what do you think? I wonder if a lot of those people also. What percentage of them, when you do sign up for that, when that's your thing, you're kind of saying to a group of artists or a group saying, take me on a journey, like, open my mind to new stuff. I'm here. I want to see what is new. It's a little bit of both. Do you know what I mean?

[Sean Hayes]

Probably, yeah. You hope.

[Alicia Keys]

I think people. I think people want a great story. And I think that what happens is when you're able to deliver a story, if it's a song, if it's a play, if it's a musical, if it's theater, if it's a film, if it's a piece of art, like, if you're able to create this emotional connection, I do think that if you do it in a slightly different way, but they can follow the emotional arc of it, then people are open. I think that's at the heart of a lot of things. Even with a great song, you might completely create a new genre. But when you have that song that you know you can sing and you feel it emotionally, it really doesn't actually matter. Ultimately, So I think there's something that people are looking for that connects to them.

[Sean Hayes]

Can I ask you.

[Will Arnett]

Jason's a real storyteller. I think he was about to say that.

[Sean Hayes]

Can I ask you about that? Because this is a little off topic, but, like, speaking of drums, I always listen to just the drums in a song. Most people listen to the lyrics. I've tried to listen to the lyrics and train myself to be that kind of music, enjoy music in that way, but so often I can't hear what they're saying. And so to go to your point about if it's, you know, you're telling a story through lyrics and through a song, do you ever battle with that when you're recording and it just sounds better to kind of not enunciate a line, but then do you battle yourself going, yeah, but if they miss that line, they kind of miss a part of the story. Do you ever have that struggle as a singer?

[Alicia Keys]

That's a good point. I mean, there's definitely lines that just because of the emotion of it or the way that you wanted to deliver it, it might not be as clear as ever. And definitely that's more even now. Like, there is like this. This way of delivering that. Not necessarily clear. But as the songwriter, because I am the songwriter, I do feel connected to wanting the lyrics to connect to each other. You know, I want to be clear.

[Will Arnett]

So that people can kind of follow Jason. You used to always think that song was. I want to know who Doug is. Right.

[Sean Hayes]

We'll be honest about that. The last time, one of the last times I looked up lyrics because I was a part of a song I just couldn't understand and now feel like of an idiot that I didn't. Was concrete jungle where dreams are made of. I was just like, oh, yeah.

[Alicia Keys]

No, no, no. People have all types of. They say concrete jungle, wet dreams, tomatoes. They have all kinds of crazy.

[Jason Bateman]

I have one. I have one. It. There was an old song from the 80s from a group called Til Tuesday Amy Mayer. And she. It was Hush, Hush, Hush. It was Hush, Hush. Voices Carrie. Yes. And the lyrics are hush, hush. Keep it down now. Voices Carrie. And all through high school, I was like, hush, hush, we go downtown. It's so scary.

[Will Arnett]

Wait. Wait a second.

[Jason Bateman]

It's awful.

[Will Arnett]

Wait a second. I want to say, because, jb, you brought it up. Empire State of Mind. I mean, that song is. It must be kind of an anthem. Yeah, it is an anthem. It's such an iconic song, an iconic song about New York. It's so emblematic of a time. There is part. I love that I don't think that there's anybody who hears that song who doesn't turn it up and feel good. And even those sort of like, you know, millennial white chicks who are like, that's my fucking jam.

[Sean Hayes]

You know, I think it's replaced. It's the modern day Frank Sinatra version of New York, New York. Like, it's like, that's the new anthem.

[Will Arnett]

Alicia. It's incredible. Do you feel a. Not even. Not a burden? I don't want to say a burden, but, like, just not a burden because that has a negative connotation. But do you. Are you able to appreciate or understand how meaningful that song is?

[Alicia Keys]

I feel so, like, stunned by many of the songs that, like, become a soundtrack to people's life. It's, like, crazy. And for it to just live and evolve and continue to be, like, a staple like that, but particularly for my hometown, I mean, that is my home town. And the craziest part is there was a moment where that song wasn't even gonna happen, really. Or it wasn't gonna happen with me. Because there was at the time, and Jay was kind of trying to get in touch with me about doing the song. And at the time, the people that I was working with, whatever happened, it just didn't get to me. And he was gonna have to move on. Cause he was like, I don't know. It's not working out. I can't get a response. It's not gonna happen, literally, just.

[Will Arnett]

Cause he couldn't get in touch. I find it so hard to believe that Jay Z couldn't get in touch with Alicia Keys. You know what I mean?

[Sean Hayes]

Your reps were putting up too high a wall.

[Alicia Keys]

It wasn't progressing in the way that needed to happen to make it happen. And I wasn't aware of that. Fortunately, he was friends with a friend of mine, and, you know, that was kind of how we got a chance to connect. And I was like, what? What do you mean? You haven't heard from me? Here I am.

[Sean Hayes]

What do you mean?

[Jason Bateman]

Isn't that funny? Everybody from the outside, like, my idea is like, oh, everybody in the music world must know each other. Everybody.

[Alicia Keys]

Yeah, you know, we know. We definitely, you know a lot of people. And you connect in a lot of ways, and then sometimes you don't, you know.

[Sean Hayes]

So, yeah, there's no hotline, right?

[Will Arnett]

Let me call these.

[Alicia Keys]

So thank goodness that happened because, man, it was. It would have been crazy for it to not happen. And so that. And hearing the Way that song has taken, you know, just its own place in the universe.

[Will Arnett]

What was that process like, recording that song? As much as you're comfortable talking about, like, how did that sort of. So he gets in touch with you and he's like, what? How was Tuesday at 11?

[Sean Hayes]

So was it his song that he brought you into, or vice versa?

[Alicia Keys]

He had begun the song, so he was like, here's the vibe of it, here's the beginning of it.

[Will Arnett]

Because you're a songwriter on it as well.

[Alicia Keys]

Yeah, correct. And there are also other tremendous songwriters on it. So it's like, it's one of those songs that had that right collaboration of all the right people together. And so it had the beginnings of it and it was starting to really take shape. And when I heard it, I was like, his lyrics weren't even completely finished. He maybe had, like, a beginning of a verse, but you could tell, you could just feel it. All the parts were just incredible. And so I was like, man, we gotta do this asap. And I remember the soonest I could do it, I was in la. And so I was like, all right, I'll cut it while I'm in la. And I was there and I wasn't feeling the best. I was a little bit sick. I was on tour. I was a little bit run down. So I sing the song, I gave it my all. I sing it, I send it back. And he's like, yeah, we'll be in touch.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Alicia Keys]

Do you think you could sing it one more time? And I was like, what? Like, what do you mean, sing it one more time? What do you mean? Why do I have to sing it one more time? But I was sick. I mean, we can't sing a New York song in la. It's just like, you gotta be in the space.

[Will Arnett]

I've said that to Sean so many times.

[Alicia Keys]

So many. So we were able to take it back again. He was like, could you put some of that, like, when you go, uh, yeah. Can you do something like all that and then do it one more time? He said that he had to, like, he had to think about how he was going to call me and tell me this for, like, a decent amount of time. He's like, how do I say this in a way that feels encouraging, right? But sure enough, I got back to my studio in New York. It was the right time. I felt much better. We delivered the whole thing, and that's when it, like, really got that magic. And that's the version that you hear when we. When we read it again. It's pretty funny, but it was great.

[Sean Hayes]

Have you guys, have you guys performed it together? I think even at the Tonys, like, I feel like he was like on a different stage maybe, or uh huh.

[Alicia Keys]

We performed it at the Tonys together. We performed it at the World Series of the Yankees World Series. That was one of the first plays. We performed it.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh my God, I gotta.

[Alicia Keys]

And then we did another one. Maybe it was like the AMAs or something like that. So we. Maybe three times, like three or four times we've done. We did one where I took over Times Square and the whole Times Square and every like building had.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, I'm gonna look that up too. Was that shot. That must be on YouTube.

[Alicia Keys]

That was insane.

[Will Arnett]

That must have been. I mean, by the way, also, not just in New York. If you're in Times Square, you're blocks away from where you grew up. Like you're right there now.

[Alicia Keys]

I remember getting off the stage that night. I was like, if I. If this is my last day, yeah, I'm good. Like I'm good. I feel like I'm good.

[Will Arnett]

Well, like that's what Sean said. Walked out. When he walked out of an Arby's.

[Sean Hayes]

Once and they had all the horsey sauce he could handle. So. Did you ever allow yourself to even dream of things like that when you were. And is this true? When you signed your first record with your first record label at 15?

[Jason Bateman]

That's amazing.

[Sean Hayes]

Did you think, well, I am starting nice and young here. Things are looking good. Something like performing in Times Square, getting Tony's Grammys, all that stuff that is possible. Did you allow yourself to dream that big?

[Alicia Keys]

I feel like there's things that you definitely dream of. And I do feel like the big stage, singing in front of the mirror, like one day they'll all sing my songs. I do remember having those moments. Cause you were, you know, you're looking at a Whitney Houston or a Michael Jackson and you're like, man, maybe one day would it be like that? I remember feeling like that. I do recall that when we, you know, speaking of the Times Square, when we did take over Times Square, I remember feeling like I never dreamed this big before. Like I never even thought that something like this.

[Jason Bateman]

So what does that do? Does it make you nervous when it hits you like that? Does it. Do you get like, are you like, gosh, I don't know if I'm deserving of this. This is weird. This is freaky. Or did you like, you know what? I worked hard. I deserve to be here like, what was the emotion behind that when you first felt that?

[Alicia Keys]

I definitely have gone through my. I don't deserve this phase. For sure. Had plenty of that.

[Jason Bateman]

I wake up that way.

[Will Arnett]

All of us get in line. Yeah.

[Alicia Keys]

But I think that in that moment, I felt like, this adrenaline. This, like, unbelievable adrenaline. I'm like, we shut down the entire Times Square. There's 2,000 cops out here. Making sure that all the people have their place to be. We have every screen. We meticulously chose how each screen is going to reflect the songs we're singing. I was like this. John Mayer's coming out. Jay Z's coming out. Questlove is playing drums. I'm like, this shit is out of control. I more felt like a disbelief, like a adrenaline excitement. Pinch me. How did this happen?

[Sean Hayes]

So you were there. You were present.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah. And I bet if you're. I bet because, like, you said, like, having that moment of saying, like, I never dreamed this big. This is beyond what I thought. You almost don't have a chance maybe to be nervous because you have no preconceived notion of being in this situation.

[Alicia Keys]

Wow, that's a good one.

[Will Arnett]

Do you know what I mean?

[Alicia Keys]

That's a good one. I mean, you feel nervous because I feel like that's a healthy emotion. Like, you know, you feel those. That's why, I guess it's adrenaline more. Cause you feel like that energy, and you feel like, whoa, let me, Let me. And I think what I do remember, though, especially during this time, I remember feeling like I was starting to talk to myself about being comfortable being great. I wanted to become comfortable being great and not somehow kind of getting in my own way for it, you know? And that's actually a conversation that I have to have often with myself. Like, you're going to take this moment and you're allowed to execute this moment to the highest capacity, as opposed to, like, I'm a fuck this up. This ain't gonna go right. You know, all these things that we allow in our defense. So I just, like. I remember I was talking to myself in that way. So I was like, go. Like, go. Go. Just go. And I felt it.

[Will Arnett]

That is so evolved. That is.

[Jason Bateman]

I just felt.

[Will Arnett]

I'm gonna write that too. I don't need to write it down because I never.

[Sean Hayes]

I wanna tattoo that somewhere.

[Will Arnett]

I never have to worry about getting. Being great, so I don't have to worry about.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, don't you say that, Will.

[Will Arnett]

No, it's okay.

[Jason Bateman]

Will. Jamiliam, get over here. Right. Wait.

[Alicia Keys]

Is that a Double negative or like a double positive?

[Will Arnett]

No, I know. I'm just. I'm leaving the door open for all you guys to go.

[Sean Hayes]

Compliments and stuff like that.

[Will Arnett]

Alicia, where did. You know. I mean, we're talking about that sort of. God, writing this song and all the. Right. When did you start. When's the moment. I'm always interested when you're playing and you're learning how to play and you're going through and you're developing your skill and all that and your artistry. And then when do you start writing a song? When do you have the audacity to write a song? Like, I wouldn't have the guts to.

[Alicia Keys]

You know, I love that question. My first. The first time I had the audacity to write a song was 11. And it was. It was actually a really important moment because I had lost my grandfather, and that was the first kind of big loss in my life in that way that just felt so, like, whoa, I didn't know what to do with it. And it was the first time that I was moved to write because I felt something that was so genuine that I had to write the thing. And that was that. That was the basis of how I learned how to songwrite. And so that's actually my style of writing. I write because I feel the thing to write. And so. And so even though it was a, you know, a sad time for me, I do feel like it connected me with the idea of how do you bring out whatever that emotion is into real life? And so that was when I first wrote. That was my first song. My second song I wrote at 14. And that was. That actually made it on my first album. And that was kind of like. Because it was my first love. And I just had this feeling, and I never felt that feeling before. And so I wrote that type of feeling down. And that song is called Butterflies. And that's on the first. That's on the first album. And that was kind of my first other one. And then from there, you know, other things kind of flew well.

[Sean Hayes]

So that first album was Songs in A Minor.

[Alicia Keys]

Yes.

[Sean Hayes]

And was a big hit. Massive success. Yeah. And so when you walk into your second album, did you allow yourself to be great or were you playing defense? How early on did you start to kind of lean forward and go, okay, let's get going, and let's have a long career here?

[Alicia Keys]

I mean, it was definitely always the talk of the sophomore jinx. I mean, people always say, like, that's when it. Yeah, you get your whole life to write your first album and then you. You get like two months to write the next one or whatever it is. But I remember feeling pretty supported to be able to go in and just start to craft and play. It was my. I had just come off my first tour that was like a mind bender because I was just like, what are all these people doing here? Why are they here? And. And when I was able to kind of let release that and be back into a quiet space back in New York, it felt really nice just to be like, in that. In that universe. I didn't. At the time, I thought I had to work every hour of every day of every minute of every second because I had to, like, deliver this thing. So I didn't understand the balance yet of, like, how do you actually enjoy and then create? And I didn't have that down yet, but I felt like I had time to create and then all of a sudden, once we found the first song, then time kind of got cut short and they were like, now we're moving, let's go. So. But I didn't. So that was actually a very difficult process because I was continuing to write and promoting the record before the record was finished. And that was, that was. That was hard for me as like 22 or 21 or whatever I was at that time. And I remember just asking because I was in Europe and we started in Europe and I asked them to please sit me in a. In a restaurant for whatever 800 hours of interviews that we were doing so I could see the Eiffel Tower. We were in Paris. I said, I just want to see the Eiffel Tower.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, that's hysterical.

[Will Arnett]

That's a really. Actually, that's a really great move. I really like that. Because you're like, hey, if I'm going to be stuck here doing this, I'm.

[Jason Bateman]

Going to look at something nice.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah. I want my experience to be kind of, you know, good in the place, in the space. That's great. That's. You know what, that's a really good sign of self care. You've got like a healthy dose of self care on you. I love it.

[Sean Hayes]

Speaking of self care, you've got. You've got it. You've branched out into. How would you qualify a skincare line?

[Alicia Keys]

No, I would call it a lifestyle. I would call it a lifestyle brand, but it is based in. It's called soul care. And it is based in these offerings of skin care or body care that really give you the opportunity to connect with a deeper part of yourself. And so we have Affirmations on every bottle. And everything is kind of, you know, there's crystals and ancient rituals and all these beautiful organic ingredients. That really helps.

[Jason Bateman]

Well, yeah, let me tell you. Let me tell you that the skin thing is working because your skin is like perfect.

[Alicia Keys]

Listen, I'm just happy that we're not going to use this recording because I'm like, great. I could just jump out the shower.

[Sean Hayes]

That's why we do it. That's why we don't release the video. Exactly. Thank you. Yeah, yeah. They don't have to worry about what they're gonna wear, what their hair's looking like, what, the exact hair.

[Jason Bateman]

Perfect.

[Alicia Keys]

So thank you. Thank you.

[Will Arnett]

It's the best.

[Sean Hayes]

And we will be right back. Hey, gang. Jason here. I don't know how you're feeling right now, but I'm feeling real energized. You want to know why I'm feeling energized? I started my day, yes, with coffee, but I started with Rise mushroom coffee. Now this stuff, it doesn't get me jittery. It just gives me that energy that I need. That need that little lift, that little hand that helps pull you up out of the bed, props you up and gets you walking one foot in front of the other, right? Because nobody likes that jittery feeling from drinking too much regular coffee or experiencing that mid afternoon crash. Unlike regular coffee, Rise mushroom Mushroom coffee helps you stay energized and focused while supporting your overall well being so you can more fully embrace the day. It's. It's unique. It's a powerful blend of six functional mushrooms that help with all day energy, sharper focus, healthy digestion, and immune support. Try it for yourself. You'll see that little mushrooms go a long way. And with over 150,000 five star reviews, odds are you won't be disappointed. And hey, if your golf game gets better after drinking Rise mushroom coffee, well, we can't say that's from the mushrooms, but who, who really knows, right? Try Rise mushroom coffee with 15% off your first order at risesuperfoods.com smartless that's R Y Z E superfoods.com don't just wake up. Awaken with Rise.

[Jason Bateman]

This podcast is supported by the film. Emilia Perez, Zoe Saldana, Carlos Sofia Gascon and Selena Gomez star in director Jacques Odiard's audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations through liberating song and dance and bold visuals. Cartel leader Amelia enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so that she can finally, live authentically as her true self. Vanity Fair raves there is no other movie like Amelia Perez. And Awards Watch declares it's the best picture of the year. Now playing in select theaters and on Netflix. Our show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Ever hear people say that something is like therapy for them? Playing tennis is therapy for me. Listening to music is my therapy. Cooking is like therapy. Well, you know what's therapy for me? You guessed it. Therapy. Because when it comes to sorting out issues, figuring stuff out, and just making you feel better about yourself, you can't beat the real thing. BetterHelp Online therapy is the easiest way for you to try out therapy for yourself. BetterHelp is convenient, flexible, and built around your schedule. Start by filling out a simple questionnaire to be matched with a licensed therapist who fits your needs and preferences. Connect with them via phone, video, text or chat. Whatever works for you at a time and place that works for you. It's surprisingly affordable too. So if you ever struggle with depression, relationship problems, social anxiety, or family conflicts, give BetterHelp a try. It's not a substitute for therapy. It is therapy. I talk about it all the time. I've benefited from therapy myself, as you all know. I've been in New York for almost three months now. Three months is a long time to be away from home and Ricky and all my familiar surroundings and stuff like that. So, so I talked about it in therapy last week. Not that earth shattering end of the world, but it just helped to talk it through and that's what therapy does for me. You can visit betterhelp.com smartless today to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp. H E L p.com smartless and now back to the show.

[Sean Hayes]

Now going back to allow yourself to be great. I would imagine the roots of that, if not verbatim, was given to you by an adult in your life when you were younger. And if that was your mom, do you, have, you had that? You have, you have children now? Are they, have you had that yet? Do you enjoy sharing that and helping, you know, these, these little birds jump out of the nest?

[Alicia Keys]

I do. I mean, it's really, it's really incredible the conversations that we have and also just like, like observing them and seeing what they're feeling and what they're experiencing and also allowing them to draw their own conclusions too, which is a, which is, you know, unique because I think sometimes as parents or as people who have more experience, you always want to kind of lay your whole thing on a person.

[Sean Hayes]

And sometimes cut some corners for them.

[Alicia Keys]

Yeah, you do. Like, if you just listen to me, I swear.

[Jason Bateman]

But kids, home and parents are the last place kids and people kids listen to. Right. It seems like the older they get, especially in teenage years, you guys tell me I don't have kids. But it always seems like their lessons and the inspiration and the motivation always come from outside sources. Which is so weird because as a parent, like Jason, like you're saying, you're just like, no, but listen to what I'm telling you.

[Sean Hayes]

Right. But they need to, like, make their own scars too.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. Because it's just noise, I guess, after all.

[Will Arnett]

But they do have. They do have eye opening. All boys. And my teenage boys, I'm always like, well, don't take my word for it. I mean, I only got this far. And they're like, whatever.

[Jason Bateman]

But they don't. Yeah, they don't. Can't. They're like, sure, whatever. Yeah, exactly.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, right.

[Alicia Keys]

You know, I think that. I do think they definitely get a lot from outside. And especially now, like, all of the phones, the social medias, like, crazy, the amount of information that they're getting, which some of it is like, you know, incredible. Like, there are actually leaps and bounds ahead of us in so many ways. And some of it is just like, man, there's so much to figure out, what's real and what's not real. And, you know, what do you learn from that or what do you take from that? So I think although they are getting a lot of information from outside, they do know if you open a door, they do know that they can trust when they speak with you that, you know, they can kind of share their thoughts and it is a safe place.

[Jason Bateman]

And I'm always surprised. That's a good point. I'm always surprised. Now I'm going back on what I just said. I'm always surprised when there are kids, there are parents who've done. Who've done it correctly, where the kids do listen to what their parents say, they do listen. And there's a respect there that the parents have taught the kids so that as they get older, they actually listen to what their parents say. I've witnessed this, both sides, both versions.

[Alicia Keys]

I think they hear you sometimes. They might not do exactly what you want them to do or you're hoping they do, but they. They do internalize what you're saying.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alicia Keys]

And it comes out in different points.

[Sean Hayes]

And what I've started hearing more and more lately, and I think I'm a believer in it, is that as articulate as you can be, as profound as you can be with the shit you tell your kid, really, the thing that penetrates and holds with them is example. Like, they watch you. They watch you do what you do and not what you do. And, yeah, living a good example, I think, is the best thing you can give your kid.

[Will Arnett]

I think that's true. And I think that goes for kind of all relationships, too, I think, just with people in general. And I have a good friend, we talk about this all the time, which is you can't really coach people up. You can only model it. And, yeah, especially people that you're really close with. It's really tough in an interpersonal relationship to coach them up to say, like, hey, you need to be doing this, or, hey, this is how. And all you can do. And certainly it goes, jb, to what you were saying. Like, it goes like that for your kids. You just model it, and you just behave a certain way. And your kids. What I know, again, I'm no expert, but my kids. My reaction to stuff gives them a lot of information.

[Alicia Keys]

That's right.

[Will Arnett]

So if they get a bad grade or if they get a thing like that, how I react to it is really important in informing them on how they show.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, that's interesting.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah. I want to talk about. We're almost out of time here. We will let you get back in your busy life. But your passion for. For art and your considerable collection with your husband. Talk to me about that. I know that you enjoy discovering and supporting new and emerging artists. And did it start with that, your fascination with art, your passion for art? Or was that just a part that became sort of the philanthropy of it all?

[Alicia Keys]

Man. No. I mean, my husband really is an incredible lover of art, and he has an uncanny ability to really identify artists that are going to be, you know, the next, next and the next. And so it's unreal. And that's because he actually. He actually, we are artists, obviously. He also is an artist who draws and paints. And so there's this real, genuine love for. For the art that I think comes from being artists and connecting with artists and also, you know, being in position of owning our art and being the custodians of art in a way that, like, is protecting it, you know, and exploiting it. And so.

[Sean Hayes]

But you're displaying it, too, right? Isn't your collection a portion of it on tour right now?

[Alicia Keys]

It is. It started at the Brooklyn Museum. It's called Giants. We called it Giants because. Because it's all these oversized Works of artists. And it is also. We consider the artists in the exhibition giants of their craft, their masterpieces.

[Sean Hayes]

And you hate the jets and what? And you hate the jets because the jets, right? And the Dodgers might.

[Alicia Keys]

I was like, wait, wait, what?

[Will Arnett]

Who are the artists, Alicia? Who are the artists? I'm really interested. I'm so jealous of you. Who are the artists that you really. That are exciting you right now? And they don't have to be new. Like, what are the things.

[Alicia Keys]

There's so many incredible, unbelievable artists. I mean, in Giants. We actually just opened it at the High Museum, so it's touring now in Atlanta at the High Museum. And man, all of the artists in this exhibition are completely tremendous. Jordan Castile is a beautiful young artist, artists that we adore. Amy Sherald is super incredible. And when you. When you see these works of art, it's unbelievable. Jamel Shabazz is paired with Gordon Parks. So you see the photography side of the lens from the 30s, the 40s and the 50s and 60s up to Jamel Shabazz starting in the 80s. And it just really shows the pass off of the inspiration.

[Jason Bateman]

I'm the super, super dummy asshole who doesn't. Who wished they understood it.

[Will Arnett]

But, you know, But Sean, we talked about this this summer, which is. I'm so new to it. I realized about five. Not. I've always known this, but I said to some. I met a bunch of artists this summer. And I kept saying, I have this crazy blind spot in my life, which is I never appreciated art in a way or I never understood it. I never spent the time.

[Sean Hayes]

And I feel like we don't go to museums.

[Will Arnett]

I felt really delinquent or galleries or go to shows.

[Jason Bateman]

Because I'll go to a museum and there'll be a canvas, a painting that is from the floor to the ceiling that is messed. That takes up the whole wall. And it's just painted one color. Just painted black. Let's just paint it red or whatever it is. And I'll go, I could have done that. That's dumb. And then somebody will go, no, that's brilliant because. And then I'll go, oh, wow. It's kind of nice.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Well, I went into. I met this. I met. And he was there the other night I met. So this summer I met and hung out a couple times. I went to his house because he was a friend of a friend to Rashid Johnson's house. And he's got all this art in his. Rashid's got all this and a bunch of his own art. And I'M like. And he was the guy. And I said, I go, rasheed, I gotta be honest with you. I don't know anything about art. And literally, he was so kind. And he goes, I got you.

[Alicia Keys]

Right. I get it.

[Will Arnett]

And so we started talking, and he started kind of, like, educating me and saying, I really want to learn.

[Jason Bateman]

I actually want to learn.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, dude. And what's really, what I found, as you know, I started reading biographies on artists, and it gives you such a sense of who they are.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

And then when you do that, then you start to appreciate their process.

[Sean Hayes]

Kind of like how you found soccer. Right, Will, like, you start learning about kind of the players and the whole drama behind the team. Yeah. Just like anything.

[Will Arnett]

That's exactly how I got into it.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. And when I discovered the blend of Rice Krispies and marshmallows, I was like.

[Alicia Keys]

Oh, you were the one eating the marshmallows and the Rice Krispie treats. I was trying to figure out who.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, listen, I couldn't. He's a test kitchen for the Kraft Food Corporation.

[Sean Hayes]

He does it while we record. Let me ask you a super dumb, practical question. You say all these pieces of art are. These works are large scale. How do you. You live in New York City. You can't have the wall space to house all these things. Where do a lot of them live? Or do they just kind of. Do you lend them to Muse? Do you. Are they always on tour? Like, how do you go about buying large pieces?

[Alicia Keys]

Well, this is the first time that the exhibition. This particular version of our collection, because this Maybe represents about 30% of the collection. So this particular part of the collection is touring for the first time, and it is actually the first. The first touring exhibition of color ever in any of these museums of a private collection. So this is really a very, very important and special thing. And one of the things we did realize is not only is it really giving so much exposure to so many brilliant, brilliant artists. Ebony G. Patterson, Mickalene Thomas, Titus Kaphar. I mean, when you see this exhibition, you do have to see it. It is stunning. There's also a book that goes along with it. The Giants book is spectacular, but. But otherwise, it would be in storage. And as much as it has to be kept safe and stored properly, but how beautiful it is that people from all walks of life can go see this art and to your point, feel actually connected to it. Not just like they're seeing something that they don't really connect to. And when you see these works, you see things in your life. You're emotional. It. It really brings you to beautiful spaces. And for everybody, not just certain walks of life or certain people to be exposed is really the point.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah. And it's so generous of you guys to do that, to let the public see. Cause these are all one off.

[Jason Bateman]

It's like someone coming over to your house or something.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, exactly.

[Alicia Keys]

It is like that, actually.

[Sean Hayes]

So for you to. Otherwise, people would have no chance to see all this stuff. If you did have all the wall space, you know, some big, huge. The fact that you're touring, it is philanthropic in and of itself. So that's very, very cool, you guys.

[Will Arnett]

It's a public service. I'm just. I'm just looking it up. It's. It's so cool. So it's. It's right now at Atlanta's High Museum, right? Is that what it is?

[Jason Bateman]

It is, yeah.

[Will Arnett]

And then. And it was at the Brooklyn Museum. That's so cool.

[Jason Bateman]

I want to go back to one question, because I just want to know, do you still know I want to.

[Will Arnett]

Go to Atlanta and see it. Sorry.

[Jason Bateman]

I do, too.

[Alicia Keys]

Yes.

[Jason Bateman]

Do you still get nervous performing at all? Because we were. Before, we were talking about adrenaline versus nerves. So do you get, like, before you perform, do you get at all nervous anymore? You're just like, no, I got this. I've done this. I know this. It's in me.

[Alicia Keys]

It kind of depends, you know, it's like when I've been on tour for six months, I'm good. I'm like, okay, I know what I'm doing. I'm gonna go out there, and I'm at the beginning. I think of everything. There's. There is such a beautiful feeling of, like, do I have this? Is this gonna go right?

[Jason Bateman]

Scary, isn't it?

[Alicia Keys]

You know, are they gonna get me necessary fuel?

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah.

[Alicia Keys]

Yeah. But I think it's really cool because you do get a chance to kind of like you. You just give it a shot. So I definitely can feel nerves when I'm. When I'm crafting something new or, you know, even just, you know, I'll start creating new music soon. And even that, I'm like, how do I want to start that? Like, how do I want to create the space for that? What does it want to feel like? So I even think about, like, what do I want to do? And there's this beautiful book called the Sage Warrior by a woman named Valerie Carr, who's this incredible. She's a. She's a. You know, she's a lawyer. She's an activist. She's a woman who just. She's a writer. She does all this incredible stuff. And she paired this book with this album of music that represents the theme of the book.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, that's great.

[Alicia Keys]

And I said, you know, when I start to create, I just want to sit in a room and I want to read the book and hear the music, and I want to, like, what does that make me feel? And so just creating space for, like, how do you create or what do you want to bring out of yourself? It's scary, but just allow the space for you to do it is the first step. So.

[Jason Bateman]

Yes.

[Alicia Keys]

Do I even get nervous? So to your point, I even get nervous kind of writing songs, writing new songs more than performing or performing for the first time. An idea that. Or a lot of times when it's just me, if I'm doing a piano show only, I feel the most nervous because I'm like, man, I don't have anything to cover up or hide behind.

[Jason Bateman]

There's no safe nets. Yeah, yeah, right.

[Alicia Keys]

Like, this is. This is it. But I've learned that, you know, it's also okay to just make mistakes and, like, you're human.

[Jason Bateman]

Yes, I know. And that's the thing that got me out of being a classical music pianist, like, to perform live, because I did it for, like, you know, 15 years or 20 years, and every single time I would go out, like, to compete in competitions or whatever it was, so I just wanted to shit my pants. Every single time. I'm like, what's the joy? And. Because if you're playing Beethoven or Chopin or Mozart or whoever it is, the notes are the notes. Like, those are the notes. And if you miss them, everybody hears it. At least the people judging you hear it, right? And so you can miss it and go on, but in it breaks you down the second you start missing a passage. And, you know, I was performing in college once with this Mozart concerto in the orchestra behind me, and I blanked on, like, for half a page. I stopped playing, and the orchestra kept going. And I was like, oh, my God, I'm sweating. I'm like, how am I? It's just me on stage, terrifying 2,000 people. And I'm like. And then you finally. I don't know how I got back in, but you just get back in. I'm like, you know what? I'm out. I'm not doing. This is not a career.

[Alicia Keys]

No, it's psychologically, really.

[Sean Hayes]

And then you won a Tony for playing Gershwin all by yourself on stage.

[Jason Bateman]

Which was a challenge that I Wanted to overcome Jay. That's such a great point, because I was like, if I'm ever going to live my life and get over this incredible nerves I have about performing the piano for you, man, I just have to tackle it.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, go right through it.

[Alicia Keys]

Did you play on stage? Did you play?

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Every night.

[Will Arnett]

Every night.

[Sean Hayes]

All by himself with a big grand piano. Rhapsody in Blue, Start to finish. Rhapsody in Blue, Start to finish, to end the show. It was incredible.

[Jason Bateman]

Section of it.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, it was very moving.

[Jason Bateman]

Well, that's very nice. Not why I told the story, but thank you.

[Will Arnett]

No, it does seem like we backed into it, though, a little bit.

[Sean Hayes]

Pretty good.

[Will Arnett]

Sean, go ahead. Go ahead, Sean.

[Jason Bateman]

I was gonna say Alicia. You know, all three of us have either lived or stayed in different parts of New York City. Is there a favorite of yours?

[Alicia Keys]

A favorite part?

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, because we all kind of.

[Will Arnett]

We all just got back from there. We all just got back from there. What? Yesterday we came back together.

[Alicia Keys]

Oh, amazing.

[Will Arnett]

Was it yesterday?

[Alicia Keys]

I mean, somewhere between Harlem and Hell's Kitchen is definitely my spot on the west side. Yep. I feel like I've always been a West side girl. I really like it there. It has the energy. Obviously, Hell's Kitchen is where I was raised, and then Harlem. I did a lot of growing up in my teenage years, and there was. And obviously, Harlem was also a different place then. It was. It was just so unique, and the culture was just so clearly its own universe. And so there was so much that I received from being able to be exposed to that. So I say somewhere between Harlem and Hell's Kitchen, even now, you know, I spent a lot of time uptown, and I just really like it. So I'm kind of uptown west, somewhere in that universe. Midtown, Harlem and Hell's Kitchen. That's my vibe.

[Will Arnett]

I'm a West side guy.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, we're gonna let you get back into that incredible city and your life, and you're just an absolute delight. I'm so, so happy.

[Will Arnett]

I was gonna say. I kept wanting to say I could listen to you, Todd. You're so unbelievably in touch with yourself, and you're able to articulate so well your connection yourself. It's unbelievable. Honestly, it's so cool.

[Alicia Keys]

Thank you, guys. I'm really glad to be able to be a part of your crew today. Thank you for having me.

[Will Arnett]

We're so lucky.

[Alicia Keys]

So excited to just build with you guys. This was awesome.

[Jason Bateman]

Thanks. Likewise.

[Sean Hayes]

Thanks for doing it and keep putting out all this incredible stuff. I can't wait to see what you do next.

[Jason Bateman]

Yes. And I'll look you up on the west side.

[Alicia Keys]

Yes. Thank you, guys.

[Sean Hayes]

Thanks, Alicia.

[Jason Bateman]

Thanks for the rest of your day.

[Sean Hayes]

All right, bye.

[Jason Bateman]

Soon.

[Sean Hayes]

Thank.

[Will Arnett]

Bye. Bye. Bye.

[Jason Bateman]

Bye.

[Sean Hayes]

She's just like.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

I mean, a listener. I wish you could have seen the sunshine on her face. She had a grin on her face the whole time.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

She has such a.

[Jason Bateman]

Like, that's somebody who's like, this is what I'm gonna do. This is fulfilling to me, and I'm not gonna stop for the rest of my life.

[Will Arnett]

And the way she's able to deliver how she's feeling and talk about her experience, her past experience, where she's at now, like, the facility that she has.

[Jason Bateman]

Facility.

[Will Arnett]

The facility that I obviously don't have is pretty. I found it remarkable.

[Jason Bateman]

Do you find me as eloquent? Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, boy, I'm losing you. Are you going through a canyon?

[Will Arnett]

I try not to find you. Put it that way. How about that?

[Jason Bateman]

You know what? There is one song that I love by hers, but we're going to get to it later. It's called Goodbye. She actually wrote a song called Good. But before I say that, are you.

[Sean Hayes]

Going to save that for your buy?

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, sorry. You putting a steak in your.

[Sean Hayes]

Thanks for previewing that for us. We're ready.

[Will Arnett]

What are you doing? You're a disaster.

[Jason Bateman]

Listen, listen.

[Will Arnett]

You're crashing from that Rice Krispie treat now.

[Jason Bateman]

I am.

[Sean Hayes]

Sure.

[Jason Bateman]

Wait, can you hear it if I play it on here or.

[Sean Hayes]

No, no, probably not. Then we'll have to pay for it. What's your question, caller?

[Jason Bateman]

My question was. Well, first. Oh, the art thing. Like, I wish I'd give anything to.

[Sean Hayes]

In Atlanta right now to see that show.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, well, that. Yeah. And also just to, like, learn about art. I just don't.

[Will Arnett]

Well, you don't have to. You don't have to be. And there are a ton of. As. She was saying that her husband is good at identifying emerging artists. There are, as you can imagine, every day, tons of great young artists that you can go and you can kind of. And what you do is you. I know people who know about it. So I start asking them questions. And you just go, I'm going to ask you the dumbest question. Question. You know what? Who do you like? Shit like that.

[Sean Hayes]

Help me understand.

[Will Arnett]

Where are they?

[Sean Hayes]

Good.

[Will Arnett]

So. But you don't even. It's. But not even what's good, because the good is different for everybody. You know what I mean? Just who do you like? And then you start identifying with other people. And you have to be the ultimate arbiter of what's good, developing your taste. Yeah. Because you can't rely on other people's opinion on art. I mean, and that sure drives the commerce of it.

[Sean Hayes]

What we're all saying, too, is that, like you said earlier, we are missing that in our lives. Like, that's an entire modular. You know, there's a section of life that we can easily go by. And we have gone by up and down.

[Will Arnett]

Put it this way. I put it this way. I don't know about you guys. I would. I would look at, like, a Jackson Pollock my entire life, and I'd be like, do that thing which, you know, Heathens do. Like me, is go. I could do that. I could just drop some fucking paint splat on the thing. And then you start reading about his life, and then you start reading about where he was when he was doing those particular paintings and what was going on. And you have a different appreciation for what he did. And when you start to factor that in, it changes the way you look at it and appreciate it.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, totally. Did you see this yesterday? This story came out yesterday where this kid, this guy found a Picasso in a Picasso painting in a basement somewhere. And this is years and years and years and years and years ago. And the mom, you know, didn't know it was a Picasso, brought it over to the kitchen sink, used just soap and water to clean it off, and then hung up on. Hung it up on their wall. Look, it's in the background there. You see it in the background?

[Will Arnett]

No way.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Of their house. And they didn't know it was a Picasso. She's like, well, I'll just put this painting up. And they just found out, like, this week that it's a real Picasso.

[Will Arnett]

This week?

[Jason Bateman]

Yes. The whole fucking time their family is.

[Sean Hayes]

In the background of their family photo.

[Jason Bateman]

So. No, no. Yeah. And then they did the chat. You know, the people looked at it.

[Will Arnett]

That's pretty cool.

[Jason Bateman]

Isn't that wild?

[Will Arnett]

Well, there's all sorts of stories. There's. The guy in. There was that guy who lived in Munich, and he kept taking the train to Switzerland. And they're like, what's up with this dude? And then he had a bunch of dough on him, and they go back to his apartment and they bust through the wall, and they realize he's got billions of dollars worth of art behind drywall in his house, in this apartment.

[Sean Hayes]

It's like, stolen from World War II.

[Will Arnett]

Probably a bunch of it unaccounted for, but quite literally billions of dollars worth of art. So there's all sorts of things about the art world that's kind of dubious when you start to get into the commerce of it too. Like you go like, where do you store the art? Do you know about the whole system of duty free sort of art storage that exists at airports in the world? A few different places.

[Jason Bateman]

Wow.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah. So they have these big, huge lockers, warehouses that are like the utmost security and they stay there. And because they're not technically in that particular country, they can store them there tax free.

[Jason Bateman]

Is this our art? Is this art?

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, it is. Look at Sean and Scotty.

[Will Arnett]

Can I, can I say this? And this is going to seem like a cheap joke, but when it looked like that, it's not art, it's fart. That is fart. Because it looks like you're both farting.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, God. All right, what's your favorite Alicia, what's your favorite Alicia Key song?

[Sean Hayes]

I'm not sure. Sean, what's yours? Goodbye. Smart.

[Will Arnett]

Smart, less Smartless is 100% organic and artisanally handcrafted by Bennett Barbico, Michael Grant, Terry and Rob Armjarf. Smart.

[Jason Bateman]

Have you met all Modern? Whether your style is Scandinavian inspired, iconic mid century modern, or pared down minimalism, All Modern has the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place. Every design is hand vetted for quality by their team of experts and upgrade your space in days, not weeks with fast and free shipping. Plus right now you'll save big on every style of model with Black Friday deals all month long on holiday hosting must haves and more that's modern made simple. Shop [e-mail] or visit them in store at Linfield and Dedham, Massachusetts or in Austin, Texas.