Podcast Summary: Sara Bareilles Talks with Rachel Syme
The New Yorker Radio Hour
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Host: David Remnick
Guests: Sara Bareilles and Rachel Syme

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, hosted by David Remnick, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles engages in a deep and insightful conversation with staff writer Rachel Syme. The discussion traverses Sara’s evolution from a pop music star to a Broadway composer, her creative processes, challenges in the music and theater industries, and her commitment to authentic artistry.

Songwriting Process

Sara Bareilles opens up about her approach to songwriting, emphasizing the importance of routine and ritual in her creative process.

Sara Bareilles [01:03]: “There are very few times I can think of where I sat down and something just sort of showed up. I really believe in this idea of kind of, you know, the muses visit the artist at work. They reward the person who creates ritual or routine around just showing up and writing.”

She reflects on how her rituals have evolved as she matured, highlighting that creativity is an ever-changing journey.

Early Career Challenges

Rachel Syme delves into Sara’s early career struggles, particularly with her first record deal where the label sought to pair her with various co-writers. Sara candidly shares her feelings of disconnect and the sacredness she attributes to songwriting.

Sara Bareilles [02:20]: “I can't think of anything more sacred. It's as intimate as it gets. And it is literally an illustration of my relationship with God. It's like that's as close as I get to, like, being naked spiritually for the world.”

Sara describes her disillusionment with the prescribed songwriting sessions, where her individuality felt suppressed in favor of marketable hits.

'Love Song' – From Despair to Empowerment

The conversation shifts to Sara’s iconic track, "Love Song," exploring its origins not as a product of despair but as a moment of personal discovery and defiance against commercial pressures.

Sara Bareilles [03:47]: “I think you're right. That wasn't a moment of despair. That was more a moment of discovery. I was listening to the radio, and I was just, like, trying to chip what I heard on the radio. I was trying to mimic.”

Sara explains that "Love Song" was born from her realization of staying true to herself amidst external expectations, serving as a declaration of her artistic autonomy.

Return to Theater and 'Waitress'

Sara discusses her lifelong passion for theater, inspired by her mother's involvement in community theater. Despite her initial foray into acting being challenging, her encounter with Diane Paulus, the director of Waitress, marked a pivotal moment in her career.

Sara Bareilles [06:30]: “I did productions of Little Shop of Horrors, I did Mystery of Edwin Drood, I did Charlotte's Web, and I really thought I would go into theater.”

Her perseverance led her to collaborate on the musical adaptation of Meg Wolitzer's novel The Interestings, blending her musical talents with her theatrical aspirations.

Collaboration and the Creative Process

Sara emphasizes the transformative power of collaboration in theater, contrasting it with her earlier fears stemming from competitive experiences in the music industry.

Sara Bareilles [07:50]: “In the right kind of collaboration, it can be incredible. You know, the phenomenon of something being bigger than the sum of its parts.”

She highlights the joy and unpredictability of the workshop process, appreciating the iterative nature of developing a new show.

Comparison of Theater and Music Industries

Sara reflects on her preference for the theater industry over the music industry, citing the former’s collaborative spirit and the genuine celebration of achievements.

Sara Bareilles [09:04]: “I just felt like I'd been at the wrong party my whole career.”

She contrasts the competitive, fast-paced environment of music with the supportive, communal atmosphere of theater, expressing a desire to be part of a community that values collective success over individual competition.

Music as Connection and Expression

Addressing her song "Gravity," Sara shares her intent to create music that resonates with others' experiences, fostering a sense of shared emotion and understanding.

Sara Bareilles [10:32]: “My hope is as a songwriter, I can work to articulate things that maybe you wouldn't quite know how to say. Or other people feel like I'm the only person who feels this. And then like, wait, she must feel it too, because it's right there in the song.”

She conveys the enduring relevance of her music, rooted in her past emotions but continuously connecting with listeners in new ways.

Balancing Art and Commerce

Rachel Syme references a poignant line from Sara’s book regarding the tension between art and business. Sara elaborates on maintaining artistic integrity amidst the pressures of commercial success.

Sara Bareilles [16:07]: “I think art doesn't have time for that. Because I think creation is a holy act. I think it's like ministry to take care of the world with making art.”

Sara advocates for prioritizing genuine creative expression over commercial motivations, emphasizing the sacredness of the artistic process.

Mentoring Younger Artists

In her forties, Sara feels a profound responsibility to mentor the next generation of artists by embodying authenticity and openness about her own journey.

Sara Bareilles [17:39]: “I feel like that's the thing I feel responsibility to, is to keep trying to show up authentically. And I'm not always gonna get it right. And it's gonna piss people off sometimes, but it really matters to me.”

She underscores the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in fostering a supportive environment for emerging artists.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Sara Bareilles reflecting on her journey, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and the transformative power of both music and theater. Her candid insights offer a compelling narrative of resilience, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sara Bareilles [01:03]: “There are very few times I can think of where I sat down and something just sort of showed up. I really believe in this idea of kind of, you know, the muses visit the artist at work.”

• Sara Bareilles [03:47]: “That wasn't a moment of despair. That was more a moment of discovery.”

• Sara Bareilles [07:50]: “In the right kind of collaboration, it can be incredible.”

• Sara Bareilles [09:04]: “I just felt like I'd been at the wrong party my whole career.”

• Sara Bareilles [10:32]: “My hope is as a songwriter, I can work to articulate things that maybe you wouldn't quite know how to say.”

• Sara Bareilles [16:07]: “I think art doesn't have time for that. Because I think creation is a holy act.”

• Sara Bareilles [17:39]: “I feel like that's the thing I feel responsibility to, is to keep trying to show up authentically.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Sara Bareilles's conversation on The New Yorker Radio Hour, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of her artistic journey, creative philosophies, and personal insights.