Podcast Summary: "Justin Tranter Wakes Up Applauding"

Title: Justin Tranter Wakes Up Applauding
Host: Caleb Herron
Guest: Justin Tranter
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Podcast: So True with Caleb Herron, Headgum

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "So True with Caleb Herron," host Caleb Herron sits down with acclaimed songwriter and former frontman of Semi Precious Weapons, Justin Tranter. The conversation delves deep into Justin's journey from performing in a glam rock band to becoming a powerhouse songwriter in the pop music industry. They explore themes of creativity, overcoming adversity, the impact of technology on the arts, and personal growth.

Early Life and Coming Out

Justin's Childhood Challenges

Justin opens up about his tumultuous early years, sharing experiences of being bullied due to his sexuality. He recounts:

"There was a moment. I think this is funny. Please feel free to laugh. There was, like, five girls who decided they hated me, and they, like, circled me on the playground and pushed me to the ground and all started kicking me."
[05:08] Justin Tranter

Despite the daily hardships, Justin maintained a resilient and fierce attitude, frequently fantasizing about future success even amidst adversity.

Moving to the Chicago Academy for the Arts

Justin discusses his transition from a struggling public high school in Lake Zurich to the prestigious Chicago Academy for the Arts, highlighting his parents' unwavering support:

"My parents are unbelievable. They live down the street. They moved here in Covid, and they are the funniest people. They're like a comedy duo. They're not professionally. They're tennis coaches. Professionally. But they are like a full-time comedy duo. And I was really lucky to be born to them."
[08:24] Justin Tranter

This move marked a pivotal moment in his life, providing a safer and more nurturing environment to pursue his artistic passions.

Music Career: Semi Precious Weapons to Songwriting

Formation and Life with Semi Precious Weapons

Justin narrates the creation and life of Semi Precious Weapons, a glam rock band known for its outrageous performances:

"And started a crazy glam band where I wore no pants and six-inch heels and would do cartwheels and barely sing. But it changed my life. Yeah. A lyric. I can't pay my rent, but I'm fucking gorgeous is how I paid my rent for, like, a good seven years."
[14:35] Justin Tranter

Despite not achieving mainstream fame, the band played a crucial role in Justin's development within the music industry.

Transitioning to Songwriting

Facing multiple rejections from musical theater schools, Justin pivoted to songwriting, a decision driven by necessity rather than defeat:

"And I just said yes to any session that they offered. And I was broke as had just moved to LA. Didn't still don't know how to drive. So, like, getting to sessions all over the city. If you don't know LA, it's really hard to navigate the city without a car."
[47:07] Justin Tranter

This transition proved fruitful as Justin secured his first major cut with Kelly Clarkson, setting the stage for his prolific songwriting career.

Success and Overcoming Rejections

First Major Success with Kelly Clarkson

Justin shares the elation of having his first song picked up by a major artist:

"Kelly Clarkson cut a song, and then it was like, oh, okay. Maybe this is happening. This is going now."
[47:07] Justin Tranter

This breakthrough validated his efforts and propelled him further into the realm of hit songwriting.

Fall Out Boy's "Centuries"

Another milestone in Justin's career was co-writing Fall Out Boy's "Centuries," which gained massive popularity as a college football anthem:

"So, like, the Kelly Clarkson cut changed my life privately. And the Fall Out Boy 'Centuries,' the football song changed it publicly."
[52:50] Justin Tranter

This dual impact underscored Justin's versatility and ability to craft songs that resonate across diverse audiences.

Process vs. Technology: Thoughts on AI

Concerns About AI in Music

Caleb and Justin engage in a thoughtful discussion about the rise of artificial intelligence in the music industry. Justin expresses skepticism about AI replacing human creativity:

"I could see ways that it could be a helpful tool, but it has no taste. And so it didn't scare me as much as the first day."
[73:57] Justin Tranter

He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human emotion and experience in the creative process.

Collaborating with AI

Justin recounts his uneasy experience collaborating with AI technologies:

"But there was no taste at all. So I just wasn't. It didn't scare me in the least bit."
[75:00] Justin Tranter

Despite initial reservations, he acknowledges potential benefits but remains cautious about the overreliance on technology in songwriting.

The Importance of Process in Creativity

Valuing the Creative Journey

Caleb shares his disdain for AI-driven shortcuts in creativity, advocating for an obsession with the creative process:

"I've just been thinking a lot about process and the fact that even if AI could make a perfect comedy script or a perfect song, the antidote to that is people who give a fuck about how it came about and we have to be obsessed with how things come to be and not just how they turn out."
[68:26] Caleb Herron

Justin concurs, highlighting the fulfillment derived from the meticulous crafting of music:

"It is a muscle. I took the first year and a half off of COVID because my parents moved in with me... I just like the process is so important. And if you can't, doesn't matter how naturally good you are at something, if you're not in the process, you're just gonna be rusty."
[70:37] Justin Tranter

This mutual appreciation underscores the podcast's central theme of authenticity in artistic endeavors.

Personal Insights and Relationship Dynamics

Navigating Fame and Relationships

The duo touches upon the complexities of maintaining personal relationships amidst professional success. Justin candidly discusses his decision to prioritize his career over romantic relationships:

"I just can't do this anymore. I just can't do that to him, you know, I just couldn't do that to him... I have to establish for myself in the last couple of years is if you don't have a warm, lovely life that you're happy with on your own, you cannot join mine."
[40:27] Justin Tranter & Caleb Herron

This decision reflects a deeper understanding of personal boundaries and the importance of mutual fulfillment in relationships.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Justin's reflections on success, the enduring value of authentic creativity, and the challenges posed by evolving technologies. Both Caleb and Justin emphasize the necessity of maintaining integrity and passion in one's artistic journey, advocating for a balance between embracing new tools and preserving the essence of human creativity.

Notable Quote:

"What's so true to you today? I think... the ability to listen to three songs on a cassette that maybe weren't that good and go, no, this person has something and we could actually make them good at it. I think that's getting lost a little bit."
[11:13] Caleb Herron

This statement encapsulates the show's overarching message: valuing the transformative power of genuine passion and dedication in the face of an increasingly automated world.

Featured Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I can't pay my rent, but I'm fucking gorgeous is how I paid my rent for, like, a good seven years."
  [14:35] Justin Tranter

• "People who never thought I was cool think I'm cool."
  [03:11] Justin Tranter

• "If you can only get turned on if I'm saving someone who didn't ask to be saved. That's bad."
  [39:43] Justin Tranter

• "Things that come about and not just how they turn out."
  [68:26] Caleb Herron

• "What's so true to you today? I think..."
  [11:13] Caleb Herron

This episode of "So True with Caleb Herron" offers a profound exploration of creativity, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to adapt and thrive amidst changing landscapes. Justin Tranter's candid revelations and insightful perspectives provide listeners with both inspiration and food for thought.