Podcast Summary: The Interview with Lady Gaga on “Mayhem”
Episode: Lady Gaga's Latest Experiment? Happiness
Release Date: March 8, 2025
Host: David Marchese
Podcast: The Interview by The New York Times
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Interview, hosts David Marchese and Lulu Garcia-Navarro engage in an in-depth conversation with pop icon Lady Gaga. Known for her unparalleled ability to reinvent herself across various musical genres, Gaga delves into her latest album, Mayhem, exploring its creation, her personal growth, and the intricate balance between fame and authenticity.
Mayhem: A Return to Pop Roots
Lady Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, marks a deliberate return to the pop sounds that first endeared her to fans. Gaga discusses her motivations behind this shift, addressing fears of regressing to earlier styles and the risk of recycling past successes.
“I was afraid to return to something that my fans fell in love with early because it felt very far away and because it also felt like maybe I would be just, like, recycling something that I'd done before.”
— Lady Gaga, [02:41]
Gaga characterizes the album's sound as an amalgamation of her musical influences, blending classic rock, disco, electronic music, and 80s synths. This fusion creates a nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic that remains true to her artistic roots.
“It's like picking and choosing my favorite fragments of songs that I loved throughout my childhood. And so many different kinds of artists with so many different genres. And to me, that is my music.”
— Lady Gaga, [04:10]
Artistic Authenticity and Evolution
Gaga reflects on her journey with authenticity, emphasizing that true authenticity comes from her own understanding rather than external validation. She highlights her collaboration with Tony Bennett and how mentorship has shaped her commitment to quality over trends.
“Tony always used to tell me, he used to say, just stick with quality, kid. And that made me feel so happy and safe, that if I leaned into my artistry, I didn't have to be afraid.”
— Lady Gaga, [21:25]
This perspective underscores her belief that authenticity is a personal consensus, aligning with her artistic integrity rather than conforming to industry pressures.
Collaborative Support: Michael Polanski’s Role
Lady Gaga credits her partner, Michael Polanski, as a pivotal support system in her creative process. As an executive producer on Mayhem, Polanski offers daily oversight, helping to shape the album's sound and encouraging Gaga to trust her instincts.
“Michael was in the studio, like, every single day with me while I was working. He oversaw the whole process of making the record, completing it, you know, helping me to shape the sound of the record creatively, to trust myself.”
— Lady Gaga, [11:27]
Their partnership not only enhances her music but also provides emotional stability, allowing Gaga to navigate the complexities of fame and artistic creation.
Navigating Fame and Loneliness
Gaga opens up about the isolating aspects of fame, describing how her early years in the music industry distanced her from her supportive community in New York. She discusses the challenges of maintaining friendships and the struggle to balance her public persona with her private self.
“But being in the music industry since I was a teenager, like, some of it is what you can. Like how much you can stand. It's like how much you are willing to give away of yourself.”
— Lady Gaga, [07:45]
This candid reflection highlights the emotional toll of her career and her journey toward becoming the "boss" of her own life and art.
Mental Health and Physical Wellness
Lady Gaga addresses her battle with fibromyalgia, detailing how it has impacted her performances and daily life. She emphasizes her ongoing efforts to manage the condition, allowing her to continue performing energetically in projects like the music video for "Abracadabra."
“I've just gotten a lot healthier and... I feel good.”
— Lady Gaga, [31:00]
Additionally, Gaga discusses the broader implications of mental health in the music industry, advocating for greater openness and support for artists facing similar struggles.
Political and Social Advocacy
Gaga reiterates her commitment to social issues, particularly within the LGBTQ community. She underscores the importance of using her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote kindness and inclusivity.
“I'm in awe of the trans community, and I'm in awe of the LGBTQ community, and I have been since I was really young.”
— Lady Gaga, [25:13]
Her remarks at the Grammys, supporting trans rights, exemplify her dedication to leveraging her visibility for meaningful advocacy.
Musical Influences and Creative Process
Gaga shares insights into her creative process, describing how she envisions music through a visual lens of colors and how her inspirations range from classic artists like Prince and David Bowie to contemporary musicians like Beck and Billie Eilish.
“I see music in my head when I'm working. It looks like a wall of colors.”
— Lady Gaga, [27:52]
This synesthetic approach to music composition allows her to craft layered and emotionally resonant tracks that resonate with diverse audiences.
Future Aspirations and Motherhood
Looking ahead, Gaga contemplates the balance between her artistic endeavors and potential motherhood. She expresses a desire to not impose her fame on future children, aiming instead to provide them with a grounded and authentic upbringing.
“The most important to me is to not force my children to live a life that they are not choosing.”
— Lady Gaga, [36:58]
This perspective reflects her ongoing commitment to personal growth and her dedication to fostering genuine relationships beyond the public eye.
Conclusion
In this enriching episode, Lady Gaga offers an unfiltered glimpse into her artistic evolution, personal challenges, and unwavering commitment to authenticity and social advocacy. Mayhem stands as a testament to her enduring creativity and resilience, encapsulating her journey toward happiness and self-empowerment.
“Being supportive, being kind, and we can't just whisper about these things. We have to say them out loud.”
— Lady Gaga, [25:13]
Listeners are left inspired by Gaga's introspective dialogue and her unwavering dedication to her craft and causes.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Lady Gaga (02:41): “I was afraid to return to something that my fans fell in love with early because it felt very far away and because it also felt like maybe I would be just, like, recycling something that I'd done before.”
- Lady Gaga (04:10): “It's like picking and choosing my favorite fragments of songs that I loved throughout my childhood. And so many different kinds of artists with so many different genres. And to me, that is my music.”
- Lady Gaga (21:25): “Tony always used to tell me, he used to say, just stick with quality, kid. And that made me feel so happy and safe, that if I leaned into my artistry, I didn't have to be afraid.”
- Lady Gaga (11:27): “Michael was in the studio, like, every single day with me while I was working. He oversaw the whole process of making the record, completing it, you know, helping me to shape the sound of the record creatively, to trust myself.”
- Lady Gaga (07:45): “But being in the music industry since I was a teenager, like, some of it is what you can. Like how much you can stand. It's like how much you are willing to give away of yourself.”
- Lady Gaga (25:13): “I'm in awe of the trans community, and I'm in awe of the LGBTQ community, and I have been since I was really young.”
- Lady Gaga (27:52): “I see music in my head when I'm working. It looks like a wall of colors.”
- Lady Gaga (36:58): “The most important to me is to not force my children to live a life that they are not choosing.”
- Lady Gaga (31:00): “I've just gotten a lot healthier and... I feel good.”
This summary encapsulates the essence of Lady Gaga’s candid conversation on The Interview, highlighting her artistic journey, personal struggles, and steadfast advocacy for authenticity and social justice.