Todd Rundgren on Songwriting, Meat Loaf, and Utopia | Red Bull Music Academy

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Starting out in garage-rock band The Nazz, Todd Rundgren moved seamlessly through prog, power pop, and hard rock and became a heavyweight record producer, with the massive multiplatinum Bat Out Of Hell to his credit.
In his 2013 Red Bull Music Academy lecture, the ’70s renaissance man discussed growing up in Philadelphia, producing, songwriting, and more.
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#ToddRundgren #MusicProduction #RedBullMusicAcademy
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Despite this he’s always championed new technology, experimenting with synthesizers and becoming one of the first rock artists to explore the possibilities of video production and Internet distribution. Despite early solo success with 1972’s _Something/Anything?_, he deliberately sought his own path. Inevitably that meant trading success for cult appeal, but even then, Utopia, the prog and electronic group he formed as an experimental sideline, became popular in its own right.
Alongside his prodigious work rate as an artist, he maintained a successful production career-for artists like Meat Loaf, Badfinger, The Band, and XTC.
TOPICS:
1:22 - Philly youth
15:59 - Songwriting
29:11 - Breaking formula
47:02 - Contemporaries
1:03:40 - The industry
1:20:00 - Production
MUSIC:
16: 05 - The Nazz - “Hello It’s Me” • Hello It's Me by The Nazz
20:58 - Todd Rundgren - “We Gotta Get You A Woman” • TODD RUNDGREN "We Gott...
46:57 - Todd Rundgren - “Future” • FUTURE by Todd Rundgren
57:12 - Todd Rundgren - “Something To Fall Back
On”
1:01:52 - Todd Rundgren - “Good Vibrations” • Video
1:14:39 - Todd Rundgren - “Healing, Part III” • Todd Rundgren - Healin...
The Red Bull Music Academy is a global music institution committed to fostering creativity in music. We celebrate music, its culture, and the transformative minds behind it. Begun in 1998, the Academy has taken the core principles that underlie its annual workshop for selected participants and applied this curatorial approach to events, lectures, and city-wide festivals throughout the year.
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[@RBMA]

To learn more about Todd Rundgren, producing, and songwriting... ► www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/todd-rundgren

[@TaylorMade3906]

Healer is one of the most beautiful musical recordings ever made.

[@danielstoddart]

Todd Rundgren is a genius. He innovated a lot of things we take for granted in pop music today, like MIDI, synthesizers, and DAWs. If you are ever fortunate enough to meet him, get him to talk about the evolution of the music business from the 1960's until today. He talks about it somewhat in the middle of this interview. As a budding recording engineer, I would love to apprentice with Mr Rundgren. I'm sure a lot could be learned just by watching him work in the control room.

[@cziprick]

The first time I saw Mr. Rundgren was on The Midnight Special around 1972 and I thought, "What a Freak". Then I listened to his music and came to realize what an incredible artist he is. And on top of that, he's also a good decent person. Still listening to him after 50 years.

[@joelhoulette3244]

He did look pretty freaky with the outfit and the crazy makeup. Never understood it myself as i never understood derringers look on all american boy cover. But they are both excellent musicians.

[@fredricclack7137]

in Todd we Trust

[@harvemann5199]

Todd is the coolest! And of course one of the greatest artists of his generation. Wonderful interview.

[@dugknndy]

Great interview, I love how he is letting Todd talk freely with no interruptions, good questions as well …

[@greglarry11]

Agree... very good interviewer

[@viggycat8592]

I HATE when the interviewers constantly interrupt.

[@Chudley716]

Brilliant and humble

[@cemegonuts]

Todd is Godd... Clearly. I've always thought he was a great interview/talker. I like how the host just set him loose. That's what we are here for. Unfettered Todd. This was a wonderful watch.

[@seabertotter4325]

Todd is Godd is ddoG.

[@davelewis3740]

Agreed. Who else can give you so many different types of musical insights in one interview? The guy is brilliant

[@paulschilling2996]

Totally agree. Torsten was wise to let Todd ramble on..there is just no way to cover this man’s career chronologically anyway, in less than 10 hours

[@fredricclack7137]

in Todd we Trust

[@dhollerbach1]

A wizard, a true star!

[@elimooremusic]

Todd is honestly one of my top 10 musical heroes..and I'm 31. Since discovering him through 'Dumb and Dumber' of ALL things, I collected as many CD's I could. About lost my mind when I got the one he produced with Hall and Oates, other heroes of mine!! This interview is treasure, and FREEEEE

[@curtis8516]

That's exactly how I got into him haha

[@mattmcnulty8363]

No shame in learning from Todd that way! Great movie and Todd killed the score/soundtrack. I implore you to listen to utopia, Todd’s band in the 70s-80s.

[@apseudonym]

this and his '88 speech about the music industry, so informative. I could listen to todd talk forever

[@LastTree]

This was most fascinating interview I ever watched about Todd. Thanks for posting.

[@kenamasunsmith3976]

I hope young ppl observe the insight of elders - he doesn't even need to be asked because at this age you know what people need to or desire to hear.

[@hieronymusbosch693]

Best Todd interview ever...bar none.

[@viralbuthow000]

And he's done some really good ones, too!

[@johnunderwood3132]

I live 10 min from Philly. I am so proud that Todd is from the area. He truly has a gift. Thanks Todd

[@20cenctstyle]

I still have my Nazz Nazz 8 track ❤️ I love Todd he was my second concert in 1970, he walked out into the audience when he sang Hello it’s Me. Very groovy Utopia’s the 1979 era was my favorite of his bands. I live in LA I wish I had gone to see him do the 1977 show at the Roxy (the double LP) Todd really is a “Wizard and a 0:03 true Star” Love U Todd

[@samdill36]

i grew up in pittsburgh....lots of black music, especially r n b and jazz. they had a great black radio station called wamo which changed my musical life....incredible dj's and authentic black r n b.

[@JohnMasino]

Fantastic interview!

[@RickNowels1]

We all love Todd.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

I love Todd's production style, "if we don't get in 1 or 2 takes we'll move on to something else." - as told by pianist Jim Steinman, pianist - Bat Out A Hell.

[@jeffdawson2786]

One of the best interviews with Todd.

[@PeterAlanA1234567890]

Why am I fascinated by him?

[@h.m.7218]

Because he's a genius, I guess. Are you new to him ?

[@PeterAlanA1234567890]

@@h.m.7218 I remember him from the 70’s actually: Smokey Robinson, WAR & him are probably my first memories on the AM radio.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Why ask us.. why would we know inside your head?

[@victoriagrove5344]

Todd is truly a musical genius!

[@TheJollycoppers]

Excellent interview. Largely because the interviewer lets Todd tell his story without interrupting. Too often, the interviewer wants to be the star of the damn show. When that's not the case, you can see how awesome things turn out. On top of which, Todd's background, history and insight are incredible and he has a matter-of-fact style, bringing it to our level. None of that pompous arrogant b.s. of many superstar types.

[@guitorb]

I'm here because of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf. TR struck gold with that production!

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

1:40 Brilliant overview of music industry. EVERYONE should hear this. 👍👍👍👍

[@michaeldunne3379]

What an interesting guy he is to listen to, never mind all the great music! I love the interviewer - he’s some kind of Zen robot, isn’t he?

[@RachelSDay1982]

Hello, it's me!! 😁💕 You are a true star, Todd...such a versatile musician!! 👍🎶

[@s.s.athome7982]

Just found this. Thank you. Plenty of insight here. Thoroughly enjoyable interview.

[@h.m.7218]

Not only a great musician but also a great mind. Guy's a genius.

[@Marolinavine]

“I’ve cooked it so long up here.” Thats really important!

[@h.m.7218]

Fascinating stuff. This is the best ever TR lecture or interview on the internet.

[@superfuzzymomma]

Outstanding! Brilliant Artist, Brilliant man, Todd.

[@erwinwoodedge4885]

Love Todd - love his WAITING GAME.

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

Probably the most educational discussion of the evolution of the music industry, and music making, you will find anywhere. If you don’t have time to listen to all of it, start in at about the 1:40 minute mark. 👍👍

[@rickhorvath]

I do the same as far as keeping a certain pattern and moving it around.

[@christoroppolo8742]

Todd is a great player 👽

[@Wedontwantnowarnomore]

WOW! Every time I hear this guy it’s like hearing my own voice. Still I’m not him. I’m myself and I like my own thing. But still, this guy is who’s the most sane explaining the addiction. Good interviewer. So excluding. Thnx 🙏🎶

[@poobum9857]

hes a dream .. ask him one question and history lesson .. very interesting !!

[@valerievanetten3183]

Todd was one of my favorite artists in the 70s. "Hello It's Me" is my favorite song. I saw him in concert several times in my teens and early 20s. Hope to get to see him again if he does his 70s and early Utopia stuff before he stops touring. As for the nose touching, maybe he has allergies or a nervous tic? From what I understand, Todd isn't a big druggie, but maybe smokes a little weed.

[@KenNickels]

Very eye opening, glad I stuck around.

[@jordythefilmmaker317]

I LOVE this!!!

[@peteriuliano5846]

HERMIT OF Was My First TRG Album: It Was Great - ALL THE CHILDREN SING With That Tiny Bell Inside Your Head Everybody Sing.

[@whatcher8151]

I know what your speaking about. A new sone just comes from center field. Boom a hit, great guitar parts. Boom gone. Dream songs , ahhhh.

[@Chachoes]

I find it funny how he talks about stuff that happened YEARS ago like it was just yesterday

[@bradbryant3482]

Todd/...Remember me one night backstage,...Roberta's BF before she hooked-up with Willie Wilcox..... Dude we have so many things we could talk about. Anyway a really generous Todd letting out great info selflessly. Brilliant observations about what the kids want now....What an artist....we share ADD childhoods...torture at home...hating school. Peace Brother

[@LarsPop-Tartus]

Great Todd anti-protools god bless you

[@morbidmanmusic]

No, he uses other Daws and plenty of technology to create unrealistic environments

[@Marolinavine]

Like to see that video and hear that version with the video. I’ve heard that version but on the video would be better. But great interview!

[@kennethlatham3133]

New drinking game! Every time Todd plucks his schnozz.......

[@bungalowmo]

Why was all the music cut out??

[@russell_szabados]

To avoid the video being flagged for copyright violations by Todd’s old record companies. His career has spanned such a long time, he’s worked with many different labels, some of whom are not “KZbin friendly”!

[@adelebiancarelli8719]

Diggin this.....

[@rosskstar]

Insightful! but... whatever happened to Intermissions? Long interviews should have one near the 1 hour mark... Todd was making MY nose itch.

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

You noticed that too? I was gonna suggest a drinking game- A shot every time he rubs his nose- But my liver said HELL NO!!

[@rosskstar]

@@TheEDZEPPELINBAND I bet that's partly why he takes so much Benadryl before a concert - singing must really make it itch. Read your bible and pray ~ it's all coming down now.

[@michaeldunne3379]

...I like his questions, though, not too long and very much the questions fans would ask.

[@guitarpenter3357]

Great interview, how many times did Todd touch his nose?

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

I just looked at the comments to see if anyone else noticed the can't-miss nose scratching...lol

[@remoskins1437]

I noticed that on another interview.

[@btdtagain]

C O K E

[@btdtagain]

ok why did you say nope? he is a rock star on a interview.. he is talkative, he speaks very very well. he is really on his game which is no game in a toyish way. i think and know he is simply brilliant.. his personal life is one of honor. he raised steven tylers daughter .. bravo to him.. yes a believe i know that check your nose because you think the white ring is around his nose.. i could be wrong of course but i have seen this before

[@dianequinn8426]

L8sten fukker i have allergies i scratch my nose all the time, so settle the fukk down@ just appreciate who you're hearing.

[@h.m.7218]

Very good.

[@RogerHeathers]

Really interesting

[@peteriuliano5846]

And I Didn't Know About His Song Writing Performing Prior To That Like All His Early Seventies Songs And Hits And SOMETHING/ANYTHING Etc.

[@dylanthomaswalter]

Hah well didn't know TR was influenced by another personal favorite, experimental UK electronic artist Tipper kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jJmKeoit-CoZI Also worth nothing his recent collaboration with Norwegian electronic producer Lindstrom. I credit TR with continuing to reinvent himself artistically, and remaining open to new influences and ideas, to a degree achieved by few other artists. Insightful that he mentioned growing up with his father's contemporary classical records*, which may contributed to his serious interest, while still an adolescent, in electronic music, which in its early incarnations was almost invariably of a highly abstract, experimental nature (like in the interview, when he talks about using test equipment to generate tones in the days before mass-market synthesizers.) Also I liked hearing him discuss his use of advanced harmony and "cluster chords," it's one of those signature things that consistently stands out in all his music. Would be great to have a whole lecture with him just discussing his approach to music theory. *Many post-WWII "classical" composers became pioneers of electronic music through university-funded research projects

[@donthoburn8050]

It is really amazing does no one understands I have listened to Todd since he started Nazz Runt and then eventually A WIZARD A TRUE STAR. WOW.He reckons that lost him listeners .It was an amazing album the same as some of his other albums like TODD. Anyway I find it interesting but I don't understand why he doesn't answer his telegram service.DON.T

[@MemphisMuse]

I didn't know he worked with The Band.

[@champ1061]

Wow.

[@Guidotoons101]

The late, great Moog Klingman owned that loft space and it became Secret Sound. And somebody get Todd a tissue.

[@SusanGilligan]

Hi todd run green I seen you in some movies but not a lot of then but in the movies you had blonde hair and I thought you had blue eyes did you play in the movie maximum risk with Claude van dam ?did Know hall and oats personally ? I always thought you were either Swedish or German are you originally from country ?

[@viggycat8592]

I too left home when I was 18 because I couldn’t stand being there! 😅

[@cellulosefdr]

Thank you Todd hopefully one day we can work together

[@MarcusN-kp1jn]

The interviewer seems depressed, other than that this interview is fantastic.

[@seabertotter4325]

I didn't know that Todd knew Mr. Loaf.

[@h.m.7218]

He produced, arranged and played guitar on Bat Out of Hell.

[@TI_Ted]

if i had a secret society

[@gregoryhaywood3264]

'Meatloaf'

[@lisaprendergast9716]

Commercially , I also remember with outrage as Todd describes when the Coca Cola Co used I like to give the world a coke, in peace and harmony .📻🔊⁉️

[@carljacobson7156]

Hate to contradict Todd, but the Mason-Dixon Line was between Virginia and Maryland. Maryland is a strange US State - Maryland was a Legal Slavery State that stayed in the Union during the Civil War. And culturally, western and northern Maryland were Pro-Union, Pro-North areas, but eastern and southern Maryland were very Pro-South, Pro-Confederacy, Pro-Slavery areas.

[@LyleGoldberg]

Nope - it’s that straight line along the PA-MD border around 39°N latitude. It also divides the DelMarVa peninsula between MD and DE. No part of the Mason-Dixon line touches the current state of VA, but one point of it touches WV, which was part of VA at the time. The border between MD and VA is essentially the Potomac River, although the creation of Washington, DC and its change during the Civil War affected that.

[@SusanGilligan]

Wait I might be thinking of a actor with the same last name I’m not sure

[@ethanjohnson9091]

ive always felt the same way about radiohead! love the hits though

[@patrickthometz6365]

Reason and Riffworks blow Protools away.

[@morbidmanmusic]

They are all just daws. I can do the same work on most of them. Stop being a fanboy.

[@vimfuego8827]

19:20 The truth

[@johnnyk4551]

Thank godd Todd did all the talking. This is a must watch - however this interviewer was not at his best or is the worst Interviewer I’ve ever seen. How is it Red Bull puts together a winning F1 racing team..and on this end of the entertainment spectrum hired this guy? I want his job! 😂

[@caroldunlevy8033]

I would love for Taylor Swift to hear. Love her talent. Had she tapped out on relationship/pop songs? Should she maybe?

[@RobertfSullivan]

RFS

[@SusanGilligan]

I think his last name is ringren

[@h.m.7218]

Would be Lundgren. Nothing to do with Rundgren.

[@bobmerc3312]

The interviewer seems at times to be disinterested....watch his eyes when Todd is talking.

[@wildrosesfortheexit]

yes!!

[@Damaraja]

And coughs repeatedly into his mic. Surely someone more qualified could have conducted the session. Oh well. Todd’s a pro. Easy peasy 🤙

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

I would guess that Todd was doing a bit of powder that day...ergo the non-stop nervous tics and scratching.

[@keithwoods7724]

He always does that, has for years. He doesn't do coke. Just pot and (used to do, anyway ) psychedelics.

[@WilRockQ]

That was hard to watch after a while. Goodness, I just started watching again, and had to stop.

[@thebarf9235]

36:05 A stifled yawn??

[@rickhorvath]

Protools is aweful yes.

[@michaelhaniotes36]

Todd is a genius Not god

[@mintdragon9548]

Funny how coke makes your nose more sensitive and less sensitive at the same time. Holy crap. Love Todd, but needs to use a tissue to mask for the general public. Hermit of Mink Hollow and Adventures in Utopia are two albums that I appreciate the most from him on an artist level. His 'Bar Tours' in the 80's were amazing.

[@fredhoss1662]

Todd doesn't do coke

[@markbo1957]

Interviewer missed his calling ….. AS A WALLFLOWER

[@wildrosesfortheexit]

the interviewer could try and look interested maybe? You had one job to do!

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

For a guy who’s bashed capitalism all his adult life, he seems to talk about music as “product”. Kind of surprising in this interview.

[@kennethlatham3133]

I'm a lifelong Todd Rundgren fan, I've seen him twice, his music has been my spiritual guide in many ways, but....yeah; he's politically goofy, to put it kindly.

[@FantomKat]

The concept of product is not disavowed by socialism, indeed "product" never goes away. Someone makes the food, the car, the painting, the music etc....society has always had "product" as long as people have been creating things. IMO

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

@@FantomKat People have starved to death en masse, as long as socialism has existed.

[@FantomKat]

@@JohnnyBeeDawg ppl have starved en masse since the dawn of time. Famine isn't something we worry about as much anymore fur to modern storage, production, distribution etc

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

@@FantomKat All those things exist because of capitalism. Profit motive and competition is literally why we have them.

[@keith1732]

What is wrong with Todd's nose ? He touches it every 10 seconds.

[@WinstonTexas829]

It’s his tick. He’s done it for decades. I have long wondered the same though!

[@btdtagain]

i know that is a itchy nose full of cola.. its that high of i know theres powder donut around my nose.

[@kennethlatham3133]

No sh*t. If I had put one dollar in the bank for every time Todd touches his nose during this interview, I'd be able to retire comfortably for the rest of my life.

[@teagrrlll1749]

Staahhp that! Don't start rumors you know nothing of. Here's the #facts, believe it or not, as accomplished as Todd is he suffers from social anxiety. Unfortunately this manifests for him in the form of touching his face, mostly his nose. If you look at interviews of him, say in the 70's & 80's when he was bound by record companies he would be seen tightly clasping his hands together. As he started freeing himself of corporate entanglements you start seeing the beginnings of his compulsive face touching. Long story short, its a form of self soothing for him. You guys think you're the first ones to ever notice or say something about it? At this point Todd has heard this a million times & I guess now, in his 70's he don't really gaf anymore! Lol

[@btdtagain]

Okay yes i admit that saying he was on cola was wrong.. Its kayfabe after all we all know that he is the real deal.. I loved the episode of live from todds house . hawaii with daryl hall.. I feel i owe mr. R an apology.. No harm no foul

[@btdtagain]

Also was into Utopia

[@morbidmanmusic]

He has never and does not do Coke get over it dr Phil.

[@brooklynboy1000]

todd is gonna rub his nose right off.. whats up with that?

[@h.m.7218]

He doesn't do coke. He never did.

[@sophiafakevirus]

What is up his nose?

[@jacobwynia6875]

He's got a pretty itchy nose

[@morbidmanmusic]

Look..a squirrel...

[@stacyyoust]

I'm bored 2 minutes in. Hmmm.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Just means you are boring.