Today on LaunchLeft, Rain Phoenix hosts an insightful conversation with acclaimed music producer Don Was, who shares his journey through the music industry and his philosophy on creativity. Don reflects on his diverse career, emphasizing the importance of avoiding being pigeonholed and the value of one’s emotional connection in music. Don recounts his experiences working with iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and the Rolling Stones, highlighting the timeless nature of genuine artistry. The discussion also touches on Don's roots in Detroit's vibrant music scene and his latest project, the Pan Detroit Ensemble, which celebrates the city's rich musical heritage. Later, Don launches Maya Delilah, whose debut album, "The Long Way Round," is set to release with Blue Note Records. Maya shares her journey from social media sensation to recording artist, expressing gratitude for the creative freedom and support she received from the label. The episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of legacy and emerging talent, underscoring the enduring power of authenticity in music.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

RESOURCE LINKS: 

LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link

DON WAS LINKS:

https://donwas.com/

https://www.instagram.com/donwas/

MAYA DELILAH LINKS:

https://www.mayadelilah.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mayadelilahh/

https://www.facebook.com/mayadelilahh/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mayadelilahh

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHZBLbph9tL9e7LAfZm_pjg

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Don Was is one of music’s most significant artists and executives, excelling in multiple roles and serving as one of the industry’s beacons for integrity and forward-thinking. 

As an in-demand, highly acclaimed and commercially successful producer since the late 1980s, Was has been honored with Grammy Awards for his production work in each of the past four decades:   In 1989 for producing Bonnie Raitt’s breakthrough classic Nick Of Time, in 1994 as Producer Of The Year for his work with artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to Willie Nelson to Roy Orbison, in 2009 for his production work on Ziggy Marley’s Best Musical Album For Children, Family Time, in 2018 for helming The Rolling Stones’ Best Traditional Blues Album. Blue & Lonesome a, and in 2019 for producing Intocable’s Latin Grammy-winning  Best Norteño Album, percepción.  The artists Was has produced in this decade alone are a testament to his talents as a producer spanning a broad array of music genres:   The Rolling Stones’ aforementioned worldwide hit album (Blue & Lonesome) Gregg Allman’s final album (Southern Blood), John Mayer (two of his most recent albums, Born And Raised and Paradise Valley), Aaron Neville (My True Story, co-produced with Keith Richards), French superstar Johnny Hallyday (Rester Vivant) and Neil Diamond’s Melody Road.  Albums produced by Was have achieved dozens of multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications and have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide.

As the President of Blue Note Records since 2011, Was is both the company’s leader and an ambassador for its music, charged with bringing the label’s 21st Century jazz artists and its expanding pallet of contemporary musicians to larger audiences.

Maya Delilah is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. Maya Delilah has been signed to jazz record label Blue Note Records since 2022.