The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – PEL Presents NEM#201: Ivan Neville Gets Personal (but Still Funky)

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts interview Ivan Neville, a keyboardist and singer known for his work with various famous musicians. Neville discusses his new solo album, Touch My Soul, and the inspiration behind some of its songs. He also shares insights into his creative process and the importance of remaining teachable and open to new ideas.

Main Takeaways

Ivan Neville’s Musical Background

• Ivan Neville is a keyboardist and singer who has played with many famous musicians and released eight albums since 1988.
• His main gigging band is Dumpstafunk, which is a funkier version of his solo work.

Ivan Neville’s New Solo Album

• His new solo album, Touch My Soul, has funk elements but is more personal than his Dumpstafunk songs.
• The songs on his solo albums usually start at the piano, while Dumpstafunk songs start with the groove first.
• The songs on Touch My Soul were written over the last three or four years, with “Hey Altogether” being inspired by the political and social divide in the country during the pandemic.

The Collaborations and Meaning Behind “Hey Altogether”

• The speaker collaborated with recognizable voices like his dad, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, and Michael McDonald on the song “Hey Altogether,” which gained buzz and led to the opportunity to create a full album.
• “Hey Altogether” serves as the inspiration behind the album, Touch My Soul.
• The song encourages listeners to find similarities and camaraderie amidst social and political divides.

The Significance of “Pass It Around”

• The album’s closing ballad, “Pass It Around,” is a must-listen and a great way to end the episode.
• The song is about remaining teachable and open to new ideas.
• It encourages listeners to make the most of each day by being of help to someone else and accepting the ups and downs of life.

Summary

Ivan Neville’s Musical Journey and Touch My Soul

Ivan Neville, a renowned keyboardist and singer, has had a successful career playing with various famous musicians and releasing multiple albums. His main gigging band, Dumpstafunk, offers a funkier version of his solo work. However, his new solo album, Touch My Soul, delves into more personal themes while still incorporating funk elements. The songs on Touch My Soul were written over the past few years, with “Hey Altogether” being inspired by the social and political divide during the pandemic.

The Collaborations and Message of “Hey Altogether”

“Hey Altogether” features collaborations with notable voices such as Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, and Michael McDonald. This collaboration gained significant attention and led to the opportunity to create a full album. The song serves as the inspiration behind Touch My Soul, encouraging listeners to find common ground and unity amidst societal divisions.

The Significance of “Pass It Around”

One standout track on the album is “Pass It Around,” a closing ballad that conveys the importance of remaining open to learning and embracing new ideas. The song encourages listeners to make the most of each day by helping others and accepting the inevitable highs and lows of life.

Conclusion

Ivan Neville’s interview on “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast” offers fascinating insights into his musical journey, his new solo album Touch My Soul, and the messages behind some of its key songs. Neville’s ability to combine personal experiences with funky musical elements creates a unique and engaging listening experience for fans of his work.