Producer/songwriter Greg Kurstin opened the 2021 ASCAP Experience today (5/12) with a virtual conversation with friend, collaborator and Foo Fighters’ frontman, Dave Grohl, after accepting the Golden Note Award.
In the nearly one-hour interview, Grohl and eight-time Grammy-winner Kurstin discussed his songwriting, inspiration, his big break and more. Diving into Kurstin’s history as a musician, Kurstin shared how he started music at the age of five playing piano and diving into rock music by eleven, and pursuing a Jazz career.
Kurstin recalls his transition from Jazz gigs to becoming a touring musician for Beck, signing his first publishing deal as well as meeting Inara George and forming their duo, the Bird and the Bee.
Having spent years playing different genres, Kurstin notes that his big break in pop came with Lily Allen, and how his background in Jazz helped the improvisational aspect of creating music, including working in rock. Grohl and Kurstin first worked together on the Foo Fighters’ Concrete and Gold record.
Kurstin also talked about the visual elements in music, his love for collaboration and advice for songwriters trying to break through, among other things. Watch the entire interview below.
Prior to the conversation, Kurstin accepted the ASCAP Golden Note Award, which was presented by Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and Beck—whose 2017’s album Colors was produced and co-written by Kurstin.
Congratulations were shared via video messages were shared from the likes of Halsey, SIA, Maren Morris, Nick Jonas, Maggie Rogers, P!nk, Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt, Stevie Nicks, Greta Van Fleet and Inara George. Previous Golden Note Award recipients include Blondie, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Trent Reznor, Alicia Keys, Tom Petty and more.
The ASCAP Experience is set to continue twice a month on Wednesdays through the end of 2021. The free virtual sessions will take place on platforms including YouTube, Instagram and on the ASCAP Experience website. Additional programming will be announced in the coming weeks for dates from 5/26-12/15.
