Go with Elmo Lovano – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 64: Nathan East. One of the most recorded musicians of all time, and truly one of the greatest humans—that’s Nathan East. I had the best time hanging out with him, diving into his perspective and stories, and cracking up along the way. We talk about his 40-year relationship with Eric Clapton, recording some of the biggest songs ever, and co-writing one of my personal favorite records. His outlook on life is incredible, and I believe that’s a huge part of why he’s had nonstop opportunities since his teenage musician years. Nathan has played on over 2,000 recordings with legends like Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, George Harrison, Kenny Loggins, Daft Punk, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock…the list goes on and on. As a bassist, he’s been half of the groove behind a laundry list of the greatest drummers of all time: Vinnie Colaiuta, Ringo, Ndugu Chancler, Jeff Porcaro, Phil Collins, Harvey Mason, John JR Robinson, and more. I hope you enjoy this conversation with the one-and-only Nathan East! I tried my best to make it special from every other interview he’s done. Much love! ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. (0:00:00) INTRO (0:04:31) NATHAN’S BASS (0:06:31) PHIL COLLINS “EASY LOVER” (0:10:28) DAFT PUNK “GET LUCKY” SESSIONS (0:18:13) ERIC CLAPTON (0:19:10) TEARS FROM HEAVEN (0:24:12) GETTING THE GIG WITH ERIC CLAPTON (0:28:37) “CHANGE THE WORLD” SESSION (0:32:35) GREATEST LESSON FROM ERIC CLAPTON (0:36:01) PHIL COLLINS (0:37:21) SOLO ALBUMS (0:37:51) FIRST GIG AT MSG WITH BARRY WHITE (0:38:44) EARLY LIFE, GETTING NOTICED (0:42:16) RECORDING WITH BARRY WHITE (0:43:27) JUGGLING GIGS, FINANCES (0:45:56) QUINCY JONES SESSIONS (0:50:20) CALLS FROM QUINCY JONES (0:52:28) DRUMMERS (0:53:28) JOHN JR ROBINSON (0:54:31) HARVEY MASON SR., FOREPLAY (0:56:13) RINGO STARR (0:58:08) VINNIE COLAIUTA (0:58:57) JEFF PORCARO (0:59:32) RANDY NEWMAN “I LOVE LA” (0:59:45) GEORGE BENSON “LADY LOVE ME” (1:00:12) RICKY LAWSON, CARLOS VEGA, LA TALENT (1:01:17) “I LOVE LA” SESSION (1:03:13) BEING A DAD (1:05:43) HOW TO PRESENT MUSIC TO KIDS (1:07:42) AGING, HAPPINESS Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://elmolovano.komi.io/ Follow Nathan East: https://www.instagram.com/nathaneast/ Follow Go With Elmo: https://www.instagram.com/gowithelmo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@gowithelmo https://x.com/gowithelmopod Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://x.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 63: Don Was. Don Was is undeniably one of the most influential figures in music. For the past 31 years, he’s been producing The Rolling Stones, while also working with legends like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, The B-52’s, and John Mayer. Beyond that, he’s the President of Blue Note Records, plays bass with Bob Weir, and now fronts his own band. In this episode, Don sits down with Elmo to share how he balances running Blue Note Records, producing iconic albums, and touring. He opens up about the challenges of managing a record label in today’s rapidly changing industry and shares some gold on how he makes it all work. We also dive into how Blue Note has stayed relevant, from Robert Glasper’s game-changing projects to rising stars DOMi and JD Beck. One of the highlights is Don’s 30-year journey with The Rolling Stones. He breaks down what it’s like to produce for rock legends and how he’s maintained strong relationships with the band. Don also reflects on his friendship with jazz icon (and Elmo’s cousin) Joe Lovano, studio sessions with Bob Dylan, and his early days with Was (Not Was)—including how "Walk the Dinosaur" became a life-changing hit. Don shares how he introduced John Mayer to Bob Weir which led to Dead and Co. and tells us how he produced The B-52’s, including the making of “Love Shack.” This episode is packed with incredible stories and insights from a producer who’s helped shape the soundtrack of generations. Plus, Don’s about to hit the road with his Pan-Detroit Ensemble Tour—don’t miss it. Let’s go! ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Don Was: https://www.instagram.com/donwas/ Follow Go With Elmo: https://www.instagram.com/gowithelmo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@gowithelmo https://x.com/gowithelmopod Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://x.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 54 - Jason White is one of the greatest choir directors, vocal producers, and contractors in the world. He's best known as the leader of Kanye West's Sunday Service Choir, which took the world by storm in 2019, and he's worked with so many other legends as well. He worked with Beyoncé on her GRAMMY-winning "Break My Soul" (and we talk about that session in this episode), Will Smith on his first new music in years and re-emerging in the public eye (which we also talk about), Harry Styles, Elton John, T.I., Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston, Kurt Carr, and countless others. We talk about how Kanye's Sunday Service started, how he built it with Phil Cornish, Ye, and other key people; its rapid growth; employing hundreds of people; and the high-stakes preparation for their iconic Coachella performance, and so much more. Jason dives into what it takes to blend spiritual roots with mainstream appeal, sharing stories from Sunday Service's beginnings and growth, understanding Ye and his own language, his unique role in the industry as a vocal contractor and his experiences with high-profile artists, from behind-the-scenes studio sessions with Beyoncé to Elton John and Andrew Watt. Jason also reflects on the power of choirs in music production, what it means to be a true leader, and how faith influences his work in the mainstream music industry. We have a great time, share valuable insights, fun stories and more. We hope you love the show. Let's go!!! ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Jason: https://www.instagram.com/jasonwhiteco/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 53: Kris Pooley is one of the most successful musical directors in the game, known for his long relationship as MD for Katy Perry, music directing American Idol for the last 8 seasons (going on 9), and working with Gwen Stefani, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Pink, Smashing Pumpkins, Morrisey, Jane's Addiction and so much more. We dive deep into his career, how he landed these gigs, his creative process behind directing major performances like Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, and his unique perspective of balancing these live shows all while working as the music director for American Idol (which is an intense 7 day a week gig when in season). Kris gives advice on the importance of fostering strong relationships and reflects on the valuable lessons he’s learned while working in the industry. We talk about his future ambitions, what it’s like running his business day-to-day, and how he can stay home while still music directing these big acts. We also love that Kris is a fan of metal and listens to Meshuggah (daily). This was most important to Elmo. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. Let’s go with the incredible Kris Pooley! 0:00:00 - INTRO 0:03:29 - DETROIT 0:03:57 - WORKING WITH GWEN STEFANI, KATY PERRY, DEMI LOVATO, P!NK, KE$HA 0:05:38 - GETTING THE GWEN STEFANI GIG 0:10:05 - NIN - KRIS’ NINE INCH NAILS AUDITION 0:11:42 - GWEN STEFANI, BARRY SQUIRE, FILM COMPOSING 0:14:38 - BECOMING A MUSIC DIRECTOR 0:15:59 - GETTING THE GIG WITH KATY PERRY 0:17:51 - WORKING WITH CREATIVE DIRECTOR BAZ HALPIN, SILENT HOUSE 0:21:08 - CHANGING SETS FOR ONE-OFF SHOWS 0:22:02 - TOURING, GLEE TV SHOW 0:23:10 - PAUL MCCARTNEY STORIES 0:25:30 - MUSIC DIRECTING WITHOUT TOURING, KESHA 0:26:53 - SUPERBOWL WITH KATY PERRY 0:31:46 - GREATEST LESSON LEARNED FROM KATY PERRY 0:33:40 - TONY ROYSTER JR. 0:36:47 - ARRANGING FOR P!NK 0:38:12 - HOW HE GOT THE AMERICAN IDOL MD GIG 0:40:38 - WHAT IT’S LIKE TO MUSIC DIRECT AMERICAN IDOL 0:44:21 - AMERICAN IDOL BAND, RELATIONSHIP WITH CONTESTANTS 0:48:40 - FIGURING OUT WHAT TO PLAY WITH CONTESTANTS 0:49:53 - WORKING ON TV VS. ARENA TOURS 0:51:03 - CHALLENGING MOMENTS WORKING WITH OTHER DIRECTORS 0:52:12 - BUILDING A BUSINESS, KRIS POOLEY’S TEAM 0:56:22 - KRIS’ 5 YEAR PLAN 0:57:28 - SMASHING PUMPKINS, MEETING HIS WIFE GINGER POOLEY 1:00:21 - BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS 1:01:22 - KRIS AND KATY PERRY USING JAMMCARD FOR HIRING 1:02:58 - WHAT KRIS LOOKS FOR WHEN HIRING SOMEONE 1:04:06 - LESSONS LEARNED FROM WORKING WITH STARS 1:07:08 - METAL TALK…GOJIRA, MESHUGGAH, KNOCKED LOOSE, SLIPKNOT 1:10:01 - KRIS POOLEY’S UNRELEASED ALBUMS, RULE FOLLOWER PROJECT 1:11:48 - METAL MUSIC ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Kris: https://www.instagram.com/krispooley/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 52! Please welcome the incredible Dexter Hercules, drummer for Ed Sheeran, to discuss his career journey from coming up in London’s music scene to currently performing in stadiums around the world. Dexter shares his experiences playing for The Voice UK, how he got the gig with Ed Sheeran, what it’s like playing stadiums, navigating the world of drum clinics, left handed drumming, the big reason why he learned how to read music, his passion for community-building through music, and more. We dive into his unique drumming style, the role of versatility in the music industry, and how London's session scene has grown over the years. Let’s go with one of the top UK session drummers, Dexter Hercules! ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Dexter: https://www.instagram.com/dhercs/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 51 is with the legendary Adam Blackstone. Adam is one of the most successful musical directors of all time, and a multi-GRAMMY-nominated artist himself. He’s been the musical director for Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Eminem, Jill Scott, Dr. Dre, and countless others. Adam has musical directed four Super Bowl Halftime Shows in the last six years, including the 2022 performance with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar—where he took home the Emmy for Best Musical Direction. We go deep in this interview on how he got where he is, how he continues to grow, nurturing relationships, balancing his musical director life with his artist life and his family life, his relationships with Questlove, Jay-Z, and the music world. This interview is packed with information, knowledge, and insight, so sit down, soak it all in, and enjoy the wisdom from one of the music industry's true leaders. ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Adam: https://www.instagram.com/adamblackstone/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wooo it’s Episode 50 of Go With Elmo! Thank you for listening. We hope you’re enjoying it and finding value in the conversations! For this landmark episode we sit down with legendary drummer and musical director Teddy Campbell, whose impressive career spans performances with industry giants like Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Alicia Keys, 98 Degrees and as the house drummer for The Oscars, American Idol and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Teddy shares stories from in the studio with Stevie Wonder, playing as the house drummer for the biggest TV shows in the world, his long working relationship with Rickey Minor, mentoring young artists, and reflecting on his early days MD’ing for pop superstars. We also explore how the music industry is changing, his thoughts on social media, the importance of mentorship, and where live drumming is headed. Teddy’s journey is a true testament to his adaptability and passion for music. In this episode, he opens up about his family life, balancing relationships, and what he hopes to be remembered for. It’s a deep dive into a fascinating career, full of anecdotes, wisdom, and inspiration. Don't miss this special 50th episode! ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Teddy: https://www.instagram.com/teddycampbellband/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 49 is with the incredible composer, conductor, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Miguel Atwood Ferguson. We delve into Miguel's extensive career, having participated in over 600 recordings and 2,500 shows. He shares key insights from these experiences and his role in the next legendary LA movement alongside talents like Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus and Terrace Martin. Miguel recounts the artist's journey—meeting Thundercat for the first time, their collaboration, and the lessons learned along the way. We get a glimpse into his approach to blending classical music with hip-hop and working with icons such as Flying Lotus and Anderson .Paak. From arranging over Flying Lotus' music to performing with the Metropole Orkest and doing strings on Anderson .Paak & Smokey Robinson’s “Make It Better,” he reveals the intricacies of handling entrepreneurship as a musician, the process of becoming a "one-man orchestra," and how budgets impact the execution of creative ideas. We also touch on his personal life—being a dad, lessons from his solo album "Les Jardins Mystiques Vol.1," and his experiences performing alongside legends like Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, and John Williams. This enlightening conversation offers a deeper understanding of the role of a conductor, the importance of getting your work credited as a writer, and the transformative power of music across genres. Tune in to hear how Miguel continues to inspire and shape his musical world. ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow Miguel: https://www.instagram.com/miguelatwoodferguson/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're hyped to have our first repeat guest, the most recorded drummer in the history of time, the legendary John JR Robinson. We talk with the King of the Groove about his new book, more stories of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, embracing new technologies in music, and a super deep dive on entrepreneurship. Musicians and music lovers, this is a must listen and a dang good time. We hope you love it. ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo King of the Groove Book Page: https://www.johnjrrobinson.com/kingofthegroove Discounted Book for Go Listeners (United States): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDQX7LPJ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3PQ9R7D3APX2EAPBZ30X&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3PQ9R7D3APX2EAPBZ30X&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3PQ9R7D3APX2EAPBZ30X&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1 Discounted Book for Go Listeners (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DDQX7LPJ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JQSN5SWQ9E1S5M66XX5T_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JQSN5SWQ9E1S5M66XX5T_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JQSN5SWQ9E1S5M66XX5T_1&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1 Follow John: https://Instagram.com/johnjrrobinson1 https://www.tiktok.com/@kingofthegroove https://x.com/johnjrrobinson John’s Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75ZOgyJrj1OBLWwtemFrb6 Facebook Artist Page: https://www.facebook.com/JohnJRRobinsonNews Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alayna Rodgers and Alana Linsey have toured the world and performed on TV as background vocalists with artists such as Anderson .Paak, Steve Lacy, Raphael Saadiq, Harry Styles, Madonna, John Legend, The Masked Singer, and many more. They're the electric duo that's been on stage singing background vocals with Anderson .Paak, and now they're stepping to center stage with their own artist project, GAWD. They just dropped their album Cathedral City Supreme and are going on tour with Anderson .Paak, pulling double duty by both opening the show as GAWD and singing background vocals with Anderson. We talk about how the project came together, stepping out and taking the risk of focusing on their artist project, developing their sound, working with producer (and drummer) Stanley Randolph, and much more. We've loved Alayna and Alana for years, and now we love GAWD! Hope you enjoy this interview with them, and make sure to check them out everywhere. GAWD is awesome. ‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights. Please SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW this podcast to catch new episodes as soon as they drop! Your likes, comments and shares are much appreciated! Listen to the audio form of this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/gowithelmo Follow GAWD: https://www.instagram.com/gawdherself/ Follow Alana: https://www.instagram.com/lanadelpay_me/ Follow Alayna: https://www.instagram.com/thebiglayback/ Follow Elmo Lovano: https://Instagram.com/elmolovano https://Twitter.com/elmolovano Follow Go With Elmo: https://Instagram.com/gowithelmo https://twitter.com/gowithelmopod Go With Elmo Lovano on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gowithelmo Follow Jammcard: https://Instagram.com/Jammcard https://TikTok.com/Jammcard https://Twitter.com/Jammcard Jammcard is the Music Professionals Network - https://jammcard.com The Jammcard app is an invite only social network for vetted music professionals. You can apply to join at https://jammcard.typeform.com/to/g58t0g Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices