I talked about Kanye West at my TED Talk

Dissect podcast host Cole Cuchna takes the TEDxBerkeley stage to share the transformative power of listening by dissecting the music of Kanye West, Dimitri Shostakovich, and Ariana Grande.
Listen to Dissect's full 16 episode analysis of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy: spoti.fi/3A886PF
Cole Cuchna is the creator and host of Dissect, a podcast that analyzes one iconic album per season, one song per episode. Past seasons have covered the music of Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Mac Miller, Tyler The Creator, Beyonce, Kanye West, Childish Gambino, and more.
Listen to Dissect on Spotify: spoti.fi/3A88qOn

[@leagolekganyane]

Cole dissecting silence, he unlocked a whole new level 🔥

[@ChozKetchum]

💯

[@bkvisuals7627]

Dude do you still get dissect in Africa? I use to be a big fan but it’s only on Spotify in USA and Europe and shit

[@leagolekganyane]

@@bkvisuals7627 I'm on Apple Podcasts, i dont have Spotify so i dont know about Spotify but he removed the episodes from Apple Podcast. I think Spotify has exclusive rights to the Dissect Podcast now, but i dont know about Dissect on Spotify Africa

[@backfloop]

Because it’s not just random silence

[@allahimsenicokseviyorum8812]

for real

[@benfinite]

It’s fitting he talked about Kanye while wearing the Yeezy 450s

[@chiuluv]

That’s so profound… how music isn’t whole on its own, it’s context is what makes it not only complete but the key to its ultimate power. Chills and tears by the end of the video… Cole, you are a modern day saint to give these gifts to the people. 🙏🏽

[@killua2190]

I think I’ve cried more this year to Cole’s voice than I have in my entire life.

[@chiuluv]

@@killua2190 listening to dissect = a swelling of emotions. Like, how could one NOT feel from the sheer gravity of his work? He should add a disclaimer: “this podcast will make you feel things and may produce tears”

[@zerois2801]

Shit making me feel 😥

[@jleezypd1445]

Pretty ridiculous actually if you think about it “music isn’t whole on its own and you need the context surrounding it to make it complete” and “it’s the key to its ultimate power”? Really? If I was you I’d really hope that wasn’t the case because if it was you could pretty much say your entire life you’ve never fully experienced any music set aside the 1 of 2 songs you were so interested in you looked up the artist/band and got lucky enough to find some information on what the recording process was like for that particular track, then continued further delving into the artist personal life during that time period to find anything you could on what was going on in their life to possibly influence them and then got lucky enough again that they decided to publish the lyrics to that song along with commentary on what they all mean,(something most artist refuse to do instead insisting they prefer not revealing the exact meaning and letting people listen and form their own opinions). I think for music the majority of the time the context is irrelevant.

[@zerois2801]

@@jleezypd1445 "I think for music the majority of the time the context is irrelevant." semi agree but context always helps build appreciation and helps understand the artist's head space way better

[@tracklib]

Excited for this one!

[@tasloimau]

So exiced

[@sobotica4173]

hi tracklib i like your sample breakdowns

[@malamazo2367]

@@tasloimau god damn it😭

[@potatoman7475]

@@tasloimau it's ok...it will be ok.

I had goosebumps the second time playing Shostakovich, knowing the context. Brilliant demonstration.

[@nicolerockwell2325]

I’ve gone back and listened several times with context 😮🤯 it’s powerful and I hear the terror.

[@ronniesnakehissiii9413]

YES!!!!! Second listen, all I hear is midrange and PSYCHO strings as if a knife's above him ready to stab unless he plays the right notes! Tears welled up my second listen of the 40 seconds.

[@charlesmcnamara4058]

Which movement in the symphony is he playing?

[@kwazirich8447]

​@@nicolerockwell2325Bro!

[@nicolerockwell2325]

huh? @@kwazirich8447

[@birocratic_]

Cole is genuinely one of the best listeners/commentators of popular music right now. Speaking as a music producer, this guy understands pop production choices on another level. Glad he’s able to communicate it all so well. and Peep Dissect Poscast if you haven’t!

[@chrxstt]

Oh hey I like some of your music

[@sapitamusic]

Hats off to Cole, I can honestly no single person has influenced me more musically than he has. Talk about someone with a talent for being able to bridge the gap between the elitist backdrop of "classical music" and the hidden beauty of our current pop/contemporary realm. Even after spending 4 years studying music at the college level, there was not a single teacher, student, or staff member who was able to breakthrough to me like he has. Coming from a similar background as him (starting by playing and writing my own, and having a general appreciation for all sorts of music) it wasn't until Dissect that I was able to find that next level of music's moving power that I was subconsciously craving. If you're reading this and haven't listened to the podcast, start today, and tell a friend tomorrow. In a world slated against the seductive power of playlists and algorithms, this is a voice that needs to be heard, over some of the greatest recorded albums in history. We have been tricked into thinking quick and accessible music is the final destination, when in reality the most profound artists find triumph in story, intention, experimentation, and context as described in the talk. Full albums have become a tough medium to conquer when everyone is strapped for time in the attention economy, but taking the time to understand their hidden gems creates a connection like no other. We all need to be better listeners, and that has further implications beyond music today as well. I'll never listen to music the same again, and I'm grateful for all of the learning that has brought to my life so far. I believe that 50 years from now, Cole will be remarked as one of the most important figures in the history of recorded music. Cheers

[@samelliott204]

Couldn’t agree more 👏

[@esmaelmaalej6998]

Average Kanye West fan

[@deantegroves6197]

@@samelliott204 do you own a Ford?🛻

[@Workingonmy]

Im still waiting for him to improve upon his style on college dropout it seems like hes been experimenting and searching for a certain sound since late registration...im sorta dissapointed personally

[@alandeutsch9987]

couldn't agree more

[@da.misterfister]

Since the past year, I've stopped listening to playlists and started to listen to music solely through albums because i realized it's not just listening to sounds but its also an "experience" especially with artists who make albums with stories or a meaning throughout it. I've always been a big fan of music and since then its changed my perspective about music a lot and creates a whole nother level of appreciation and understanding. I love watching videos that dissect albums and its deeper meanings within individual songs and the album as a whole. Songs Ive hear hella a lot abd there'll be so many things I didnt catch or realize how it connects altogether. It made me realize how much more of a genius these artists are

[@JesusLivesOfficial]

I listen to the album maybe a couple times over then just put it in a playlist

[@dace6]

listen to let’s start here by lil yachty, that one’s a great experience

[@sabenws8261]

brought me to being teary eyed by the end of the video god damn. cole has an amazing ability to make his speeches seem so magical. i’ve always thought this about him since his closing speech in the dissect episode about frank oceans song self control. it’s specifically the last five minutes of the episode. it brings me to being teary eyed every time just like this did. i return to it a lot and connect to it on a deep level. thank you cole

[@cremetangerine82]

I can't hear the angelic harmonies without crying; it's magical!

[@shreevz]

Thank you so much for this, Cole and the Dissect team. Y'all are the reason why I started my pop-culture podcast in 2018. Y'all are the reason why I'm now a full-time podcast and producer at a journalism org. Y'all make listening, worth it.

[@johnny-loves-me]

this man is a legend. crazy to see his face after listening to him for who knows how long.

[@RyanTford]

right? I never seen his face before!! but I know that voice

[@owenholland178]

Wow. This has always been my perspective on music, that the context behind the artist/song/album is what drives the music that you’re hearing. Kanye has been one of my favorite artists but it was only when I read into his backstory that I began to relate with what society deemed as an egotistical maniac. POWER specifically is one of my all time favorite songs and the section you dissected is monumental in his discography.

[@matthewb9981]

He has been the comforting voice for literally hundreds of hours of my commute but I had no idea what he looked like 😂

[@halloweenfan158]

I mean he is a egotistical maniac tho even with context

[@Joewaard]

Cole, I’m from Manchester myself and couldn’t be more thankful that you used your platform to not only celebrate Ariana (who was incredible during the aftermath of the Manchester Bombing) but also shed some light on that event. Thank you!

[@FDBK4REAL]

Cole, what you do is important. You’re educating multiple generations on thinking deeply about art, seeing it from a new angle, and what it really takes to create a master work. Thank you for all you do. 🙏🏼

[@gatman94]

Cole! Proud as hell you got yourself to do these sort of talks. I've always had an interest but your podcast has really changed how I listen and interact with music. I relisten to old eps just to remind myself of the context that went into making the music that still helps me navigate life. Thanks for your work.

[@dinolondyn3962]

Wow, that was so powerful. I was always confused on the silence at the end of Sweetener, but your explanation really brought context to it. Thank you. Also really obsessed with Dissect

[@elizabethryan1713]

I have ALWAYS noticed the word suicide in Power...I thought it was just me....so glad this was highlighted!!!

[@elizabethryan1713]

As a massive Kanye fan...I'm so glad this was highlighted

[@johnmartin795]

I am a massive kanye fan and alot of kanyes music is deep and has alot of layers under the surface, but this so exciting -> suicide connection is definitely a reach and likely just a coincidence

[@danmurphy980]

@@johnmartin795 not really since the rest of the song after the so exiting to suicide talks about jumping out a window to kill himself

[@chknrsandTBBTROX73]

@@johnmartin795 Look up Never See Me Again. Leaked Kanye song from that era discussing similar themes. He definitely contemplated suicide.

[@johnmartin795]

@@chknrsandTBBTROX73 I know about never see me again I said I’m a massive Kanye fan I didn’t mean that lightly lol. I am also aware he has suicidal thoughts he’s discussed it many times before, but I don’t think he intentionally made the so exciting delay to sound like suicide, he clearly just put a delay effect to help transition to the next segment of the song it’s a common effect in music.

[@nachoaldeguer]

Thank you for making all the choices that got you here today, and thanks for sharing all you do with us. The final moment of silence was very touching. 🙏🏾

[@SteveNatto]

Loved this!🔥 Thank you for all you do in helping your audience truly understand the power of listening and congrats on the talk!

[@pololee-james8347]

Wow. i really appreciate the way he constructed this talk. It feels heavy after watching but with a profound sense of empathy.

[@treymcd.5328]

Wow. That was great Cole. Thank you for this talk. Thank you for this podcast & thank you for shining light on great art. You are amazing.

[@saqib7965]

Kanye is the greatest artist of the 21st century & self made billionaire

[@loki9469]

true he the goat

[@itzhallows486]

Playing his old shit knowing he won’t top it False prophets- jcole

[@bEST.Dignity]

@@itzhallows486 He doesn’t claim to be a prophet or Messiah

[@yunidhkumar5571]

@@itzhallows486 who said he's a prophet??

[@itzhallows486]

@@yunidhkumar5571 didn’t he literally say I am god

[@Whodnl]

Already know this is amazing this is why Dissect podcast is the best

[@Fatinum]

Way to bring it full circle. Thanks for sharing your gift with us!

[@apocalypticsoul]

been following your work for a while now, what a great accomplishment. proud of you!

[@Bdrum22]

Cole's analysis at the end of the Self Control episode was so moving and powerful. Incredible how he can take one of the most emotional pieces of music and add context and analysis that is by itself equally as moving.

[@puuls]

Cole, I just marathon'd episode 1-4 of inside. Thank you so much for the detailed analysis. I always learn something new and your pod always sparks my own creativity and I'm forever grateful for that! Even if we are in a parasocial relationship ;) looking forward to the TED talk 🙏

[@codypelle]

Awesome job. Proud to have been a fan for years and look forward to all that’s ahead.

[@IMMINOSUS]

I am so proud of you bro love this podcast and that loop back to Grande's ending is so profound.

[@monjuexo]

I love hearing about music from him. It reminds you that there are people behind these songs. Amazing as always

[@yannickdasilva4130]

That’s the most profound Tedx Talk about music that I’ve watched. Thank you

[@copilot127]

I was skeptical at first when he said he wanted us to listen to the silence from a new perspective, but by the end I found chills going down my spine. Great speech!

[@madeleinedanes20]

absolutely amazing, incredibly proud of my favorite podcast host out there

[@king_colorblind]

I cried at the end… I love Cole and I’m a huge fan of Dissect. Bravo

[@nat-zq9wr]

What an incredible job you did Cole, forever thankful for changing my outlook on mac's music...

[@darkestalchemist357]

I recommend everyone your podcast to really learn how to enjoy the music! I tune in every season. Blond and BoTI are my favorites. I've played and listened to music my whole life and you really brought out a new level of enjoying it. Thank you for teaching us how to listen to music, cole!

[@milkiyasmusse5392]

You changed the whole way i listen to music. I hope you can inspire many other like the way you inspired me!

[@MsABee1]

I LOVE your podcast!! I am so happy I found it. You have helped me understand & listen to music in a different way! The recent breakdown of Inside was wonderful. I wouldn’t have even watched if it wasn’t for your podcast and I keep watching it over and over again because I really enjoyed it. I never listened to Kendrick Lamar and now have all of his albums because of your podcast… I’m telling you, keep up the great work. I already know this is going to be a terrific Ted talk. It was actually the first podcast of yours that i first found and listened to. I knew you were special at that moment! I LOVE KW nka Ye!! I totally hit the notification button to watch when it comes on.

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

Too me amazing host podcast favorite podcasts best year

[@callumpearce19]

Everything you do is done so phenomenally well, great presentation. Well done Cole

[@njper123]

Ariana about to sue this man for those 40 secs of silence

[@Jetblackhair1]

Exactly how I feel with Lorde. Her music has impacted me philosophically in so many ways. Her pure heroine album was a social commentary on society for me, like the song royals. How it mocks capitalism and avant-garde masks in elitism. Wow that changed me a lot to being more grounded in how I see the world and my self

[@phoebes2036]

May the Lorde be with you

[@thesluggard_17]

You can call her queen bee

[@Chinese_checkers]

Lol

[@JohnMushitu]

I'm super psyched for this

[@Hufftwoseven]

I remember when my friend put me on dissect for the Kendrick Lamar stuff, absolutely brilliant. I just wish it was on apple podcasts still lol

[@ChozKetchum]

Cole, you a legend man.

[@kriticos581]

Cole Cuchna, thank you so much for revolutionising the way I listen to and create music. Your work is transformative and important. Thank you.

[@phonecharger6789]

Kanye is a genius ,I hope they give him the true recognition he deserves for his work and influence,I remember artist before his music dropped,he made them sweat

[@kevinrosa5422]

Got mad love for you Cole! This was incredible my dude 🤜🤛

[@Itiswhatitis569]

This was so so so insightful and truly amazing!

[@ConorOG]

Congratulations on this achievement, much deserved!

[@TTYLIG]

The silence at the end the second time genuinely gave me goosebumps

[@NoHRodriguez]

Excellent talk cole! Thank you for this!

[@chillingFriend]

That was amazing, please do stuff like this more often!

[@mannysanjose]

Also this talk was so beyond!!! love Cole sm

[@BubyCat]

This guy is a genius, I love how he brings so much more meaning to the music.

[@gigachad6524]

Bro I just did my English speaking exam on Kanye 💪

[@adrith5722]

u need to tell us more about this

[@kip741]

Please give us context

[@gigachad6524]

I gotta a distinction so it was all good

[@adrith5722]

@@gigachad6524 nah but like what was it about

[@gigachad6524]

@@adrith5722 I had to argue that Kanye has the best discography of a generation

[@adinace]

I flipping love the Dissect podcast. It honestly had me take a different look at pop music and music in general. Dude's a genius.

[@TroublTurtle]

I really really love your shorts and im so happy i watched this. I will binge your podcast now!

[@psychii]

You're doing incredible work!

[@boraguven2245]

Incredible, powerful yet easy delivery. Straight to the point and also very well constructed. Loved this!

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

Thank you for your works Cole. That silence end was such a John Cage's moment.

[@cliftonjohnson1990]

Absolute crickets at the end there. Goated stuff here

[@urielsztar290]

I am so excited! Cole da 🐐 no 🧢

[@SamSlugg456]

You’re points are amazingly well thought out. I can tell you’re nervous and holy shit I would be too. You did an awesome job man. This is insanely good.

[@lifeinone6173]

You crushed it Cole

[@llxFuRiiOuSxll]

The part with Shostakovich just gave me so many goosebumps

[@PankeXavier]

Just Beautiful Cole. Thank you for all you do!

[@chioj36]

Cole you are a very special person in our generation🤌🏼

[@Ronjulio11]

Great job you did amazing! Thank you for all your work!

[@LearningNeverStopsEX]

Finding your channel today changed my life

[@kundaigotore992]

Thanks bro, this was beautiful.

[@chillingFriend]

Please more keynotes episodes, that was so good!! :)

[@peter-paulkutschlojenga7336]

There's a great series on youtube called ''the making off ...... album'' It has videos on the making of every Kanye album and knowing what Kanye was going through and the context for certain songs makes the albums much more enjoyable

[@arnimzola786]

I just got chills bro RIP young souls

[@xMXWLx]

We need an entire TED Talk dedicated to Kanye West.

[@dadude2319]

Hearing this it teaches me to appreciate music and understand music

[@zacharyferraro19]

This video came at the perfect time

[@Cappysveryown]

TED Talk! congrats man, that’s awesome

[@bp2000k]

Ok this will be amazing 🔥

[@damxn7303]

so crazy... i been watching you since the inception of your podcast ....was so excited to find someone who understood and taught me about ye's music... lol i was literally your first supporter over 10 years ago lol you blew my mind when you made the connection the cover art on Dark Fantasy was the "skinny bi*** with no shoulders" from Hold my liquor on Yeezus

[@daosina]

This really helped me. Thank You

[@abreese2631]

Ive listened to Dissect of Kayne West... You are so amazing at what you do... Ur a Professor! Huge Fan

[@38special_education]

Kayne west

[@jesperborgstrm3385]

Omg Cole 😃 you did it perfectly - thank you!

[@almightycs2]

I probably just found my new favorite channel

[@burgerwithoutonion]

CHILLS.

[@juarez4040]

DAYYYYUM you really did kill this one fr good job man.

[@zachcdy3249]

Nothing less than amazing, the world need this.

[@grayIox]

beyond perfect TED talk

[@RelaxedKoi]

This dude is the sole reason I appreciate music more than what I used to. I honestly can’t wait til he dissects The Weeknd when After Hours and Dawn FM is done. Those albums brought me more questions than answers.

[@NotAChanceTV]

amazing job!!!! 👏👏👏

[@dasblatt8628]

Alternative title: Talking about music, while walking a half-Marathon

[@mclama1139]

Re listening to that snippet from shostakovich s symphony with the context makes it so bone chilling to me

[@mustachemike4884]

hell yeah. i love this podcast

[@fzeekybaby]

Nailed it, Cole. Congrats

[@modestoestudio]

Thanks for saying who Stalin really was. In my college campus was kinda usual seeing people treating him as a misunderstood social leader/hero. Nowadays is not uncommon to hear people go easy when talking about him as well, sorta turning a blind eye to the massacres and shit. Thruth be told, Stalin and Hitler were two of the same. Great talk btw

[@antoniocuevas6855]

Kilt it man it really does feel like I'm goin to class whenever I listen to the podcast🙌

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

Lupe truly a GOAT lyricist

[@Sixty6ixmusic]

I started listening to music more since I found your podcasts

[@5433DD]

Holy shit that ‘So Exciting’ to ‘Suicide’ transition was amazing. Never noticed it before 😂

[@tamarrtolbert9562]

There's a similar one. On everything I am, the sample goes from "here we go again" to "wake up"

[@ooohlawrence]

One of the best TED talks ever

[@markkevnjflores]

so much knowledge in just 1 video. Thanks man!