The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)

Episode: Vault: Interview With Babyface
Date: October 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special "Vault" episode, The Bert Show welcomes legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Babyface for a relaxed, candid conversation. Known for shaping the sound of R&B and pop through the '80s, '90s, and beyond, Babyface shares stories about his creative process, discovering new talent, and his recent projects—while also being charmed by the hosts’ signature playful banter. The episode stands out for its informal tone, spontaneous humor, and unique behind-the-scenes insights into the music business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Unscripted Beginnings & Babyface’s Demeanor

• The interview begins unexpectedly, with Babyface arriving early and sitting down before any formal introductions, setting a relaxed, organic tone.
  • “There was no formal beginning to the interview.” — Bert (01:46)
  • “He was so unassuming.” — Co-host (02:06)
  • “That's probably one of the nicest things you can say about somebody… especially a big star like that.” — Co-host (02:08)

2. An Unusual Icebreaker: The Tick Story

• Conversation veers into a humorous, unplanned story about a Real World cast member's experience with Lyme disease and an embedded tick, prompting laughter and breaking the ice.
  • “When's the last time you started an interview off talking about a tick on a woman's boob?” — Bert (03:14)
  • “That's never happened. Probably never will happen again.” — Babyface (03:19)
  • Memorable Moment: Babyface declares he’ll remember this interview thanks to the quirky tick story (10:02).

3. Babyface’s Views on Producing & Artist Development

• Bert quizzes Babyface on what it means to “produce” a single.
  • “There's different kinds of producers. I'm a producer, musician. So I'll cut the music as well as kind of guide the singer… you're really there for the artist.” — Babyface (04:11)
  • Babyface distinguishes between musical skills, personality, and star quality when evaluating talent.
    • “If they've got personality... charisma... if they look good… or if they don't look good, but they have something unique… There's gotta be something special.” — Babyface (05:03)
  • He emphasizes that being good-looking isn’t enough; it’s about “star quality”.
    • “Good looking is not enough. It's having the star quality.” — Babyface (05:35)
  • On artists with less-than-stellar talent but a magnetic presence:
    • “But what they did have is this star quality. Once you get past the music, we're in the star business.” — Babyface (05:56)

4. Reflections on His Own Career

• When asked if he’d produce himself if he were just starting out, Babyface is self-effacing:
  • “Probably not, really. ... I don't look at myself as a star.” — Babyface (06:27-06:29)
  • “But I bet you'd say, damn, he's good looking.” — Co-host (06:37)
  • “I'm glad you think so. I wouldn't say that myself.” — Babyface (06:42)

5. Why Atlanta? The Origins of LaFace Records

• Babyface recounts moving from LA to Atlanta to create LaFace Records and foster a new music scene.
  • “We wanted to create our own town... We didn't think that we could do it in LA. We needed our own backyard. ... every big act that we found that, you know, went on to do great things, basically, you know, we're here in Atlanta.” — Babyface (06:54–07:49)
  • Credited Atlanta for discovering Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Outkast, and more.

6. New Music and Songwriting Inspiration

• The conversation shifts to Babyface’s new album Face to Face and its lead single, “What If,” which imagines what might have happened with a love that didn’t work out.
  • “Everybody's had a boyfriend or girlfriend... you decided not to go any further with... What if we were wrong about each other? What if that house she's living in is supposed to be my house?” — Babyface (07:51)
• On whether personal life affects his emotional songwriting:
  • “I write all kind of songs that [my wife] could go, wait a minute, what are you saying? I make my living off of people and their emotions.” — Babyface (08:28)

7. Collaborations and Album Highlights

• Babyface describes working with Snoop Dogg on the song “Baby’s Mama.”
  • “That was fun.” — Babyface (09:14)
  • Hosts joke about Snoop’s perpetually red eyes:
    • “I just read about that... every time I see him live on MTV, his eyes are always red.” — Bert (09:29)
    • “That’s what you call enjoying life.” — Babyface (09:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Tick Story:
  “That's never happened. Probably never will happen again.” — Babyface (03:19)
  “And I always remember the Tick story.” — Babyface (10:02)
• On Star Quality:
  “Once you get past the music, we're in the star business.” — Babyface (05:56)
• On Self-Reflection:
  “I don't look at myself as a star.” — Babyface (06:29)
• On Songwriting Inspiration:
  “I make my living off of people and their emotions.” — Babyface (08:28)
• On Atlanta's Role in Music:
  “It was a very good move.”— Babyface, on starting LaFace Records in Atlanta (07:49)
• On Cross-Genre Collaborations:
  “Most people like what? Babyface and Snoop. That don't make sense.” — Babyface (09:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:46 | Babyface enters; spontaneous start to the interview | | 02:40 | Humorous story about Lyme disease and “the tick” | | 03:25 | Discussion of Babyface's legendary collaborations | | 04:11 | Babyface’s explanation of a producer’s role | | 05:03 | How he identifies “star quality” in unknown artists | | 06:23 | Babyface on whether he’d produce himself as a new artist | | 06:54 | Why Babyface moved to Atlanta to start LaFace Records | | 07:51 | Details about the new single “What If” and its inspiration | | 09:14 | Talking about the Snoop Dogg collaboration “Baby’s Mama” | | 10:02 | Babyface says he’ll remember the “tick story” |

Closing Tone

This episode is a vibrant mix of offbeat humor, industry insights, and Babyface’s reflective wisdom, making it as entertaining as it is enlightening for music lovers and pop culture fans alike. The informal, personal feel brings fresh perspective to Babyface’s monumental career—underscored by genuine moments, such as his humility about his own stardom and memorable guest-host exchanges.