17. Jason Mraz

2020-12-04

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Jason Mraz perfectly embodies the balance of artist and humanitarian. He's not only chalked up eight Billboard Top 20 hits, won a couple of Grammys, and brought tons of joy to millions of fans around the globe but he also tends his farming operation and record label. His latest album Look For The Good embodies the positivity and light we collectively need as we shove this year out the door. Nick has known Jason for a couple of decades now so this conversation covers a lot of ground. Strap in for a deep dive in music, organic farming,...

Jason Mraz perfectly embodies the balance of artist and humanitarian. He's not only chalked up eight Billboard Top 20 hits, won a couple of Grammys, and brought tons of joy to millions of fans around the globe but he also tends his farming operation and record label. His latest album Look For The Good embodies the positivity and light we collectively need as we shove this year out the door.

Nick has known Jason for a couple of decades now so this conversation covers a lot of ground. Strap in for a deep dive in music, organic farming, philanthropy, and launching a new record label model.

Key Takeaways

[1:34] Nick welcomes Jason Mraz and asks him to talk about the ebb and flow of time and light at Mraz Family Farms, as he enjoys the fruits of his many years of labor for the first time this year.

[4:20] Jason also speaks about having inherited the avocado orchard as he purchased the house and his realization that he was now its steward and that their proper care was his responsibility.

[7:45] Jason shares how he filled up his pool with fish emulsion, an organic nutrient-rich pond scum that no one wanted to swim in — farming mishaps!

[8:30] The Interrabang record label Jason started as a way for him to explore different music genres — out of the pop lane, which he will forever love — as well as to help people out in the forever-changing music industry. He shares some of the projects he's been working on.

[13:44] Jason talks about the profound significance of Juneteenth as well as his decision to put all of the profits from his latest album — which sings about the advancement of equality — into organizations and movements that work for continuing building equality.

[17:59] On the air pockets and intricacies of Reggae — Jason has always had some measure of slow-motion funk but he characterized himself mostly as a rootsy coffee shop or campfire singer/songwriter.

[19:35] Nick and Jason touch on the process of recording the song (and the practice of) Gratitude which was ten years in the making… Jason also talks about the process of recording this song.

[24:00] You Do You with Tiffany Haddish was serendipitous in a way and she surprised Jason when her "yes" actually meant yes.

[27:10] Before the election, the almost otherworldly "Bad Wolves," which Jason co-wrote with Veronica May came out. It was meant to be the musical version of a protest sign.

[32:48] Nick underscores Jason's impressive work ethic. He and Jason discuss how he has managed to find balance — Yoga — as the years passed and after getting burnt out in 2006.

[36:10] Jason on his possible huge/wonderful mistake… He has been self-managing for a little while now, "coasting on the fumes of great management for the past 18 years," as he puts it. He also gushes over his wonderful touring team and talks about his overall thankfulness at having had the chance to tour so far and wide as to be known in very remote places.

[42:28] Broadway was a perfect experience and one to be repeated, in the right circumstances. Jason talks about how wonderful and surprisingly thrilling it all was.

[45:22] Jason talks about all of the people he never thought he'd meet, but then did! Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Neil Young. Jason "Jacob" shares his supergroup anecdote with James Taylor.

[47:45] What is Jason listening to these days? Gregory Page, Emily Kind, Portishead and all kinds of Gospel: Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Pastor T.L. Barret, etc.

[50:55] Nick thanks Jason for sharing so much of himself and for being such an incredible human being.

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Find out more about today's guests, Jason Mraz

Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo

Mentioned in this episode:

BMG

Black Lives Matter

Equal Justice Initiative

Grass Roots Law Project

Center for Policy Initiatives

Rise San Diego

San Diego Young Artists Academy

Emily King