The Self-Determination Of Prince And His Audio Engineer: The Susan Rogers Story

"You can move mountains when you're happy and you're motivated and you're getting rewarded for your actions." – Susan Rogers

In this episode of "What's Your Why?" hosted by Emy Digrappa, you'll dive into the captivating journey of Susan Rogers, a former record producer renowned for her work with music icon Prince. Susan shares her transition from the music industry to pursuing a doctoral degree in behavioral neuroscience, emphasizing the transformative power of passion and continuous learning. She reflects on her experiences working closely with Prince, shedding light on his private nature and the challenges of superstardom. Susan's deep love for music and her profound connection to the process of making music are evident throughout the conversation, offering valuable insights into the intersection of science, art, and personal identity. By delving into themes of self-discovery, music appreciation, and the significance of personal resonance in relationships and art, Susan's story serves as a testament to the power of following one's true calling and embracing new opportunities. 

She recounts her early days repairing equipment for Crosby, Stills & Nash, and how her love for music and technical expertise led her to the opportunity of a lifetime - working with her musical idol, Prince. Susan's story is a testament to the power of passion and the impact of seizing opportunities, even when they seem beyond reach. As she candidly discusses her experiences, listeners will be captivated by her unwavering dedication and the profound impact that this journey had on her life. Through Susan's narrative, listeners gain insight into the remarkable intersection of talent, dedication, and the transformative power of music. 

My special guest is Susan Rogers

Susan Rogers holds a doctoral degree in behavioral neuroscience from McGill University. Prior to her science career, Susan was a multi-platinum earning record producer, engineer, mixer, and audio technician. She is best known for her work with Prince (1983-1987) but production/engineering credits also include David Byrne, Barenaked Ladies, Geggy Tah, Nil Lara, Robben Ford, Tricky, Michael Penn, and Jeff Black. In 2021 she became the first female recipient of the Music Producer’s Guild Award for Outstanding Contributions to U.K. Music. She teaches psychoacoustics and neuroscience for Berklee College of Music, Boston. Her book on music listening for W. W. Norton is titled This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You.

Key Takeaways

• Explore Susan Rogers' inspiring journey in the music industry and gain insights into her unique experiences working with Prince.
• Discover the transition from music to neuroscience and its impact on Susan's career, offering valuable lessons on self-determination and career evolution.
• Uncover the importance of self-determination in pursuing a career in the music industry and beyond and learn from Susan's experiences in navigating this path.
• Gain insights into the "Love at First Listen" concept, understanding its significance in the music industry and how it shapes the creative process.

Resources

• This is What It Sounds Like - Susan Rogers' book, which delves into the neuroscience of music and the listener's experience. Available for purchase on major online book retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
• Berkeley Online - Susan Rogers is writing a course on music and neuroscience for Berkeley Online, a successful online education program for musicians. 
• Wyoming Humanities - The podcast What's Your Why? is brought to you by Wyoming Humanities. Visit their website to learn more about their initiatives and how you can support their work.
• The life and music of Prince.

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