#sparkchamber 083120 — Fred Mollin
Music connects, music inspires, music delights, and today, music fills the #sparkchamber as we welcome record producer, film-and-television composer, musician, singer, and songwriter Fred Mollin. His long story short, “Life in music that started early. Left school at 16 to pursue it. It has been an amazing ride ever since.” I should say so!
Born on the south shore of Long Island, Fred learned to play the drums at age six, the guitar at 11, and started his first band at age 13. His life path was set in his heart and soul when he saw the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
He left high school at 16 to pursue music, moving to Toronto at 18 … and never looked back. He first came to international prominence as a record producer in the late 70’s, producing numerous albums and singles, including the Grammy-nominated Sometimes When We Touch by Dan Hill.
He has produced records for Jimmy Webb — including the remarkable Ten Easy Pieces — Johnny Mathis, Kris Kristofferson, and America [to name a few] as well as composing music for Beverly Hills 90210, Friday the 13th — both for the movies and television — Hard Copy and many more. He has a reputation as a duet producer, with wonderful work with Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Jackson Browne, Gloria Estefan, Lyle Lovett, and the father-daughter duo of Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus singing Ready, Set, Don’t Go.
There’s plenty left out of the story, and you can fill in the blanks at his website. But the exciting next chapter, unfolding now, is the start of the boutique powerhouse label Melody Place, specializing in new concepts for the great legacy artists. We will keep track, and let you know any updates as they happen.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
Generally they come in the early morning. When I’m just waking. The critic inside of you isn’t quite awake yet.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I want to make the most of this round of living. I think that’s what makes me so motivated.
3.] Early bird or night owl, tortoise or hare?
Over the years it’s changed. Over the years, I get more work done in the early part of the day, by the end of the evening I’m asleep, and I find that after dinner it’s just time to unwind.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
You just have to know. Great art is knowing when to stop.