I am Philip Lassiter! I'm an 11x Grammy winning arranger and composer, who has worked with Ariana Grande, Timbaland, My Morning Jacket and countless others and was the trumpet player, section leader and horn section composer for Prince and The New...

Out of all the celebrities you have work with, who has been the most delightful and who has been the worst?

Prince was def the most delightful by a LONG shot. He had nothing to prove. A strong personality and intense, but a gentleman and quite confident but kind and so fun to be around.

I try not to talk about negative experiences. There are many unfortunately but I try to put them behind me and focus on what's ahead. You dig?

Honk honk, or toot toot?

Bebop

You’re gonna carry that weight.

for a long time

Was there ever a point you considered not pursuing music as a career?

I think everyone does at some point. It's an unstable profession and full of lows and disappointments. I didn't think about it for long tho. I'm not very good at much anything else but music. LOL I never had a fallback plan. I worked as a church music director and played in cover bands but it wasn't for me. That was the closest I've ever had (as an adult) to a regular job. However, I'm grateful for my dad making me work as a teenager. I was a janitor, mowed lawns, drove a tractor and lots of tough labor. It's funny, while earning my masters degree I remember cleaning bathrooms and, a few hours later, putting on a tux to perform as a soloist in front of 500+ people with my universities jazz band. I remember thinkin, "life is a trip". HAAA

that is actually insane! big ups to you though seems like it all paid off in the end.

OP was down-to-earth and mature enough understand that bills have to be paid, and until music pays those bills, a non-musical job is necessary. Unlike many artists who freeload off of others while awaiting that elusive "big break."

Yes, I don't dig those cats. LOL

When you write music what instrument do you write for first? Does it ever change or is it always the same? Do you go around with music for others or do they come to you?

It's different. I try to mix it up. I write at the piano a lot but I also produce tracks. Sometimes a song idea or hook comes to me while half asleep or in the shower, with no instrument at all. :)

Follow up if u plz. Do you dream the music?

A few times I think I have. I have gotten some great ideas while coming out of sleep. I've jumped out of bed to write songs at 3am. I wrote one of my best songs that way for my lady. It's called "Our Love Is Gold" and it's on my album Philthy - Party Crashers. :)

It's fascinating to me what the artist's process is and how it varies from artist to artist. Thanks for the answer!

I try to be open to inspiration in a variety of ways. I think the best ideas sometimes come while doing something other than music..like driving, showering, gardening...etc

Did you ever get to play basketball with or against Prince? What was the weirdest thing you experienced when working with him?

We rehearsed a lot in his basketball court. Even recorded in there once. Never played with him. Weirdest? hmmmmmm.... The whole experience was quite strange but amazing.

Did Prince make you all pancakes after rehearsal?

HAHAHHA Hell naw...but he got catering sometimes. :)

Are you able to stay motivated enough to keep making music? (Sorry to over simplify what you do) I'm a producer and I constantly find myself battling with well, my self. I love music its the only thing I've ever been okay at. I just struggle. Lets say one day I can make a start on 4 tracks and then I can't even make a good drum beat after that for 2 solid months. Like I just can't do it. What keeps you motivated on a personal level?

I think that's common. It's important to feed your creativity. Take a walk, read a book, watch a documentary or great film, listen to music that inspires. If you can't make a dope beat, copy a dope beat for the sake of practice. Sometimes ya just gotta begin. Just start. First few bars might suck, but usually we stumble into something good. Sometimes I find that I'll make a couple short ideas and the BAM....the 3rd or 4th idea is magic. Don't let yourself get stuck. Keep searching. Every idea isn't Grammy worthy. It's not even worthy of more than a quick thought. Let them come...let them go. They ain't sacred. Their just silly ideas. All of em. Some are profound. Most are not. It's the exercise that makes us great. Just focus on developing yourself. If you aren't happy with what you are creating, learn some new shit.

Looking forward to this QnA ya'lllll.....Will begin in 10 mins ;)

How involved were the artists with writing horn lines? Also... Did Prince ever try to play a horn when you were with him?

He knew what he wanted. He did dictate certain things but they were mostly supportive ideas. I.e. shots and stabs. Hook lines etc. He also liked to turn me loose and let me write arrangements and features for the horns. Sometimes we flushed out arrangements together while the 20 piece band waited in silence. That was fun but intimidating. But mostly fun. :)

Any artists you really want to work with who you haven't had the chance to work with yet?

OH HEEL YES. Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Max Martin, Harry Connick Jr, Wil.I.AM, GAGA, Adele, CeeLo, so many many more...

What’s the deal with only working with multi platinum/diamond pop stars? Is that a money seeking move or you genuinely think these people do what you’re passionate about in music and genre?

Speaking of which, what is it about pop music that drew you in to this industry?

Thank you for being so honest. I guess I was thinking in terms of artists who everyone here might know. Yes, these artists listed are people I really dig. Harry Connick isn't a pop artist tho. I love GOOD music. I don't care if it's pop or not. There are 2 types of music to me. Music I like and music I don't like. I love good pop. Most of it isn't. These artists are soulful and talented imo. They have deep roots in gospel, jazz and soul. I dig that. Now, I absolutely love to work with up and coming artists, indie and such. In fact, I am releasing an album in May featuring several new artists: Durand Bernarr, Josje (Josephine Rojer) Jonathon Hoard, Mackenzie, Mariah Meshae, Charles Jones, Munir Hossn and more! Be on the lookout. Philip Lassiter - Live In Love May 28

​

I

Harry Connick Jr... LOL

the baddest cat on the planet

The man doesn't get the respect he deserves.

He does with some

What's the most difficult part of the songwriting process for you? The easiest/most natural? And how do you push past the tough parts?

Hmmmm... I think the most difficult part is getting started. That and, verse 2. Sometimes it's best to set it aside and come back to it. The Beatles said "the best songs rewritten". That's a paraphrase. The key is to take it slow. Don't be in a rush and don't be so married or connected to your ideas that you can't change, improve them or hear them another way. It's best to have an open mind and always look for ways to improve everything.

Do you ever get tired or bored of your job?

Absolutely. Careers develop in phases. I'm still in the freelance phase. I'm grateful to be working but I would love to be able to focus primarily on my own compositions and recordings, under my name. I have a new record dropping in May. Philip Lassiter - Live In Love. I'm geeked about it. I would like to be able to devote all my creative energy into projects like this.

What was the most surprising thing you discovered working with certain artists? I don't mean negatively ofc, just something that made you go "damn alright I REALLY did not expect that".

Every time Prince picked up a guitar & sometimes his piano playing.

Prince also used to say things like, "let's make history". He said that to me personally a couple times. I remember thinking, "noone has ever said that to me. Am I in an episode of the Mighty Ducks or something?" HAHA

After he died I realized that we did, indeed make history. I wasn't considering the source when he said those words. Silly me.

What’s the last thing that inspired you to create? Or is currently inspiring you and why?

I love listening to Dilla and real hiphop. I also love world music, Fela Kuti etc..

I want to explore fusing African and Caribbean music with soul and funk. That really excites me atm.

what is your thought about streaming service? What's your source revenue? Is it concert or other? seems this topic always heat up between musician *I'm no musician and I want to know a side story from a musician

I'm pretty bummed out about streaming companies monopolizing everything and not paying artists and songwriters what they deserve for creating the content that they sell. I make a living as a freelance horn/string arranger and sometimes music producer and contractor. As an artist and bandleader, I make the most revenue from live shows like most everyone else.

What’s the piece of music that still haunts you to this day (for better, or for worse)?

yoooooooo.....Harry Connick's 2nd Christmas album. His arrangement of Silver Bells is the most eerie and hip thing I've ever heard. I still haven't dug into it but I will one day. If/when I meet him this will be the first thing I bring up.

What’s the one thing, from your perspective, most people misunderstand about music?

Hmmmmmm..... Maybe that, with the most intricate and beautiful music, one must have an open mind, free of judgement & expectation. Expectation being the key word here. Just receive it. Let it be whatever it is and try to let it melt into your spirit. Try listening to classical music & John Coltrane with that mindset. :)

Best question yet btw.

What notation software do you prefer & what's your composition setup like?

What's the songwriting process like when working with some of the big names - do you just write tunes & then send them out to people, see who wants it?

I know a lot of vocalists like to sing in very specific keys / ranges, so is there ever collaboration happening while you write?

With all the writing, do you still find time to play? Favorite daily embouchure maintenance exercises?

Well maybe this thing should be called "Ask me EVERYTHING". LOLOLOLOL

Just kidding....

Sibelius software but I compose in logic and protools.

My experience working with big names is mostly arranging horns and strings. That's my bread and butter. I'm still and aspiring songwriter. :)

I love to collab and yes it's important to find a singer's key.

I play everyday almost. I took a lesson with Bobby Shew and I use his warmup. Lip flaps, lip buzz, mouthpiece buzz, leadpipe long tone, pitchbends

then I practice.

​

I'm

What is Timbaland like as a person? Is he as talented a producer as he seems? What's he doing nowadays??

I only met him once actually, He is super nice. Oh yes, he is THAT talented. LOL

What are you currently listening to that may surprise folks?

ISLAND POP.

THANKS EVERYONE! I'M SIGNING OFF! IT WAS A PLEASURE. EVEN THE TROLLS WERE FUN! LOVE TO YOU ALL. PLEASE FOLLOW ME EVERYWHERE IG, FB, TT, TW ETC... LOOK FOR MY NEXT ALBUM LIVE IN LOVE IN MAY! WWW.PHILIPLASSITERMUSIC.COM

I can't think of anything to ask but as a prince fan since I was 4, so 40 years now, I want to say thank you for the music.

Omg. I just thought of one. I don't know if you were part of it but in the song Lolita on the recorded version he uses synthesizers on the hook which sounded dated but on the American Idol appearance he used horns which sounded far better. Do you know why he would do that? There's more examples of the live version sounding better than the recorded version and I always wondered why

I'm not hip to this song(Prince has so many) but, in the 80s), synthesizers were so popular that he used them a ton. This was industry standard at the time. He is a pure music lover and a purist in some ways. He got back to live horns in the 90s but he still preferred synths on the albums sometimes. Maybe because he could play them in the studio to get his ideas out and then just kept it cuz he was used to it. Then when it was time to play live, he had horns so he might as well use em. That's my guess....

How was your experience working with Prince? Any cool stories? Also, I know that he often did long sound checks, then played a full show, then would sometimes go to late night clubs for aftershows. How was it working those long hours daily for long periods at a time? And I take it rehearsals and recording sessions were just as intense?

It was epic. The time of my life. Sometimes? We ALWAYS played afterparties.

3 hour soundcheck. eat. 3 hour show. shower. 3 hour afterparty.

Rehearsals were 8-12 hours. sometimes we had 16 hr days.

What are your thoughts on the transition of the music industry to large streaming services? From your perspective how has it changed the industry for the better or for the worse?

So bummed out by it. It's highway robbery. It will hopefully change soon.

Is there a specific or multiple Ariana Grande songs you can point to that you've worked on?

Almost Is Never Enough and Better Left Unsaid I did string arrangements on.

Which artist (or group) who are no longer with us would you have liked to work with?

Jon Hendricks the jazz singer.

Will check him out! Edit: wow just listened to Moanin, what a piece!

CHeck out Cloudburst

& Lambert Hendricks and Ross!

Do you believe artists have a responsibility to make music that helps people during these times or can music making be selfish?

BOTH.

What track/cut/album somehow just never's gotten the attention it deserves?

So many....like, every great jazz record ever made. LOL

Ok, seriously tho.

Tommy Sims, "Peace & Love".

oh man, the title track is AWESOME. Tommy is a friend of a friend of mine. If you've never listened to Simon Grey, you should check some of his stuff out. It's generally incredible. Galactica Suite. Look up Rasmus Faber Presents Simon Grey

Word up!! Would love to know Simon.

Any wild stories about Prince like Charlie Murphy's story about BBall and pancakes?

Nothing too wild. We all have stories. Most of mine are music related because that was our relationship. I didn't try to get to close to him personally. I was happy with our musical friendship & didn't want to risk it by being buddy buddy. One time I called him "P", cuz some of us would refer to him as P in our email threads. He quickly corrected me and said, "Prince". I didn't miss a beat. I said, "Prince"...and then asked him the question I was intending.

Mr. Lassiter, can you share your music origins—did you start on trumpet, what led you to music, and do you have a preference between performing vs writing?

piano at a very early age. trumpet at 9. music led me to music. no preference. except writing pays more and you can't get tomatoes thrown at you.

When did you realize you were actually making it in the industry, how far along the path were you?

I'll let you know when I have this realization. :)

Are you ever cautious about listening to other performer's music because you might include parts of it in your own new music?

Nope

What do you think is the best song you've ever written? If you can't choose one, I'm curious what your top 3/favorites are.

Butterfly from Philip Lassiter - Dreamzzz

Die Fighting from Philip Lassiter - Dreamzzz

Diamond In The Rough from Philthy - Party Crashers

Live In Love from Philip Lassiter - Live In Love (drops May 28)

What is your favorite My Morning Jacket addition or alteration you made, or favorite song of there's?

I performed with them at Bonnoroo back around 09 or so. It was epic. 20k people standing in the rain. The show lasted 5 hours.

Did you ever get to work with Clare Fischer while with Prince? If so, any stories?

Also, apparently Prince never actually met Clare in person. He had the chance a couple times but he passed because he said he had an image of what Clare looked like and didn't want to be let down. (or something like that). LOL Like, he invisioned Clare as some renaissance Mozart looking dude. HAHAHAHA

No but I know his son Brent. I've been to Clare's house in LA and was able to sit in and listen to his big band rehearse. It was amazing. I love Clare. That's really cool that you asked about him. Prince loved him so much.

Is Ariana Grande really such a pain to work with? I have seen many people say that she's a real diva.

I only worked with her producer. We've never met so I wouldn't know. I will say, it's not easy being an artist. That's no excuse for diva behavior but you know they say it's lonely at the top. I prefer somewhere in the middle.

Favorite song?

Let's say "Because" by the Beatles.

What city in the world has the most interesting music scene?

That really depends on who you ask. LA has to be the largest and most diverse. NYC for jazz. Nashville for country. Miami for Latin. Paris is amazing. Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, DC, Chi & Philly are my other favs.

Where in Paris? I live in Greece and before COvid, visited quite often. Also, interesting that New Orleans was not mentioned. Is it not diverse enough? Too small?

Aww man I missed Nawlins. That's like a whole country outside of the US. One of the most amazing places. Austin is dope too. I just went to Paris for the first time last fall. I played at a couple jazz clubs there. Le Baisersailles.

Why the trumpet and how did you start your path towards a career in music?

I tried many instruments. I played the baritone but it was almost as big as me. The trumpet was easy to carry so...that reason.

Have you played live with Prince at First Avenue in Minneapolis?

Never. We played at the Dakota club in Minneapolis some tho.

I’m a church/bedroom recording guitarist. I’ve been playing for 17 years. What are some ways to get paid as a session guitarist? Like if someone needed a guitar part over a track or a guitar solo, how do I become that guy?

You become that guy by playing really well and be able to play multiple styles. You create amazing parts that help tell the story of a song. You develop your name by recording and networking. Also, check out Soundbetter.com

How did your career affect your love life?

While touring with Prince I met my wife. My career enhanced it I'd say!

Have you ever gotten to play trumpet on a ska piece?

Also, do you think ska is dead?

Yes! hmm not sure

we're you on stage during that "get off" at the mtv awards? still one of the wildest things i've seen on tv

I wasn't.

How important is it to feel emotionally connected to the music you are writing? When I write sometimes it feels like I’m just filling up space and yes it sounds good but it doesn’t necessarily make me feel a certain way.

Music is emotion. Without emotion, it ain't really music imo.

Which (non trumpeters) have had the biggest impact on how you approach music? And how have they impacted you?

Harry Connick, James Pankow horn arranger (bone player) from Chicago.

I have so many influences it's tough to pinpoint....but...

Count Basie, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Prince, Mahler, Debussy, Andre Crouch, Sammy Nestico, Mark Ronson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Kirk Franklin, God's Property, Erykah Badu, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles.....................................................................................on & on.......

What do you think of death and black metal genres that have thrived for 30+ years with zero support or recognition from the mainstream music industry?

I've only had 1 experience with black metal. I thought it was interesting. Last year I arranged & recorded horns on some death metal. It was so fun. I'm not a big fan of the devil tho. Jesus is just alright with me...

Hey Philip, what would be your second choice of music instrument after Trumpet?

I play piano. 3rd choice would be guitar.

What is Ernie Isley like? I’ve always considered him one of the most talented guitarists ever,and I get the impression that he’s a very chill dude.

I don't know him well, but we were introduced. I played in their band a handful of times. It was epic. He seems nice.

What is your opinion of Timbaland as a producer?

He doesn't need my opinion. He's Timbaland. He's a genius.

What did you do with Yelawolf,and how is he to work with? He seems like a very rounded underated artist.

He IS underated. I played trumpet on one of his albums a few years ago. I don't remember the name. lol He was cool.

Having been at this a long time, have you seen a difference in the talent of the artists you work with? Specifically are the big artists of today more geared toward just singing/dancing/their one instrument than a more broad talent & creativity of the past?

I've had the privilege of working with some really talented folks. So I'm grateful for that. Yes, it seems that pop artists today ain't what they used to be. There has been a shift with technology and autotuning/editing. I miss the great artists of the past tbh.

Hi Phil, How do you cope with being the ‘behind-the-scenes’ force supporting all these huge artists? I feel like a lot of people these days think that their favourite pop star is a musical genius when really there’s a team behind them doing most (possibly all) of the heaving lifting without mainstream recognition. Obviously this has been happening since the Tin Pan Alley days, but I feel it’s not as well known today that pop stars don’t write and produce their own music.

Edit: lots of the artists you’ve worked with write their own stuff, I’m referring more to pop in general at the moment.

I feel great about what I do. I'm super grateful to get to make music for a living. Most of the time I'm working with and for people who aren't famous. I just love the fact that I can do this as career.

Which of Prince's songs were your favorite to perform?

Musicology and 1999

Favourite Beatle?

George duh

Do you really always pay your debts?

REally always most of the time absolutely unless not totally

As a fellow trumpeter I have to ask, what are your favorite horns and mouthpieces?

Bach Mt Vernon

Yamaha Z

Greg Black mouthpieces

What sets apart a famous artist from an amateur/unknown? (other than the obvious disparity in studio quality)

Have you worked on any of the unreleased material Prince’s estate claims to have? (supposedly enough to release an album for the next century) If so, is it Purple Rain quality?

1st q.....amount of followers

2nd q.....Mutiny. It is epic. You can hear the live version on youtube. Search for Prince Arsenio. It's at the end of the show. My arrangement and you'll see me.

Pineapple on pizza? Yes or no?

All day.

Where does an arranger come in or where do you get started on a track as arranger? And in what state is that track when the arranger starts work on it?

Arranging seems like it could be a very difficult field!

Usually toward the end of production. They send me everything and I add horns/strings on top.

What's the most impressive thing you saw Prince do? (Musically)

Play guitar. Every time.

Hi Philip. What's your best tip to a budding music producer?

Surround yourself with producers who are better than you and ask questions.

What are you listening to while you commute/travel!?

EWF, Bob Marley, Damian Marley, Jazz, QTip, D'Angelo, Juan Luis Guerra, Fela Kuti...

Hey, I love your music! My question is how do you get the motivation to finish a song after you’ve started? And is being a producer as glamorous as it sounds?! And what’s timbaland like lol? Thanks!

Thanks! I'm motivated to finish it if it's good. HAA

Glamorous? Maybe for some. Not so much for me. Timbaland is a nice guy.

[deleted]

Stop having expectations for yourself and sing because you love it! Take voice lessons. I still take trumpet lessons and I have 11 Grammy nods. Fall in love with making music. Focus on your craft. Don't do it with any expectations. If you do it for the right reasons, fun opportunities will come! Honestly, you are focusing on the wrong things. It's ok tho! Most of us do this. You don't have to be famous to matter! I'm not famous but I matter. Life is happening right now. Enjoy every moment and bask in this beautiful magical musical wonderland. Use your voice to enhance your world and the world around you!!!!! DO IT !

Do you see the impact of music today through the new social media platform (TikTok for example) as a positive or negative as opposed to how music was perceived and interpreted 10 or 20 years ago?

Positive I believe because it gives everyone a chance to build a following.

I'm a musician and a huge Prince fan. I watched the 2013 Montreux festival performance like a hundred times.

​

What I always wanted to know is who wrote the arrangement for the "Days of wild/Big fun/Ain't nobody/..." medley. Did you do it? Did you write arrangements alongside him?

​

It's really hard to find the kind of musicianship shown in there.

Thank you and greetings from Argentina.

THat was an epic show. I wrote Days of Wild. It was one of my audition arrangements. I also did Big City. We did write some arrangements together. I miss him every day.

Have you discovered any new artists?

What do you mean?

Seen a new talent, recommended them to somebody who then gave them a record deal.

That's not really how it works anymore.

Will you ever consider film scoring?

Yes but would need to be the right project.

What’s your general process for pitching songs to artists?

I’ve been a songwriter since a teenager, and I’ve always liked the idea of pitching songs to different artists.

It's all based on relationships. There are other people to shop to as well. Not just artists.

Which records did you work on with prince and which was your favorite?

I'm on phase 2. The last song of the last record. We also recorded my arrangement of Mutiny and I played a solo. It wasn't released.

Is there a song you wrote but will never release or sell because it is just too good to be heard by others?

lol nope

Do you like Radiohead? And favourite song from them?

I do but I don't know their music well.

Thank you for doing this. What has been the biggest lesson you learned throughout you experiences in this industry?

You gotta know when to hold em. Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away....know when to run...

I started as a drummer, and am now mostly a guitar player that sings and writes songs for my indie rock band, but have recently gotten more into arranging and recording my band. So I'm interested in what thought processes you have around arranging a song. Are you thinking about separating instruments so each has their own sonic space defined? Is there a central focus to arrangements typically? Do you start with the vocals and build an arrangement around that? I'm assuming it depends highly on the style, song and other factors, but any insights you have into that would be much appreciated.

It all depends. More than 1 way to skin a cat. I'm a piano player so I like to write at the piano. I also like to start with a beat/groove sometimes. However, sometimes I start singing without an instrument. That's the most freeing sometimes.

As a trumpet player, what is your favorite genre of music? Getting into ska really grew my appreciation of trumpet. Also as a follow up question what do you think of ska? Final question: what song would you recommend to a stranger?

No fav genre. I love too many. Ska is ok. Not my fav. but I don't have a fav. lol

I digress.

Rocketlove by Stevie Wonder

Do you master entirely on your monitors, or do you listen in the car, on headphones, etc as well?

A variety of sources is good.

When do you know you're talented enough to make a living out of Music?
If you see a talented kid, say, 17 year old, would you encourage him/her to chase the dream? or dissuade him/her because the number of people who fell of the wagon penniless and depressed is just too high?

I say everyone should chase their dreams. Do it because you love it with no expectations. If ya have to do something else for money, that's ok and respectable actually. That doesn't mean you give up what you love the most. Manage your time and do it all. People get stuck on their idea of what success is or isn't. Just put time in doing what you love for the sake of refining your skills and the love of it. Opportunities will follow.

What was the one experience you didn't want to talk about on this AMA?

That one time....at band camp...

what does Ariana Grande smell like?

mint and bubble-yum