In an exclusive sneak peak from the album documentary (which will only be available on the Xscape Deluxe Edition), the producers behind the album talk about how they got involved in the project.
After music exec L.A. Reid commissioned entertainment lawyer John Branca to play him all of MJ’s songs left on the cutting room floor, Reid compiled a roster of producers he thought could "contemporize" the unreleased tracks, those producers being Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, and John McClain.
Being that MJ was a perfectionist, and one of the greatest entertainers ever, it's revealed the producers had reservations about being a part of this monumental project, which is vulnerable to criticism from critics and and fans alike.
“I felt like I had to dig into a place to where it’s deeper than just music. I have to dig into a place that he had to accept what I’m doing, without him telling me ‘this is right,’” Timbaland said.
Jerkins added, “At first I was a little hesitant. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust L.A., just that I worked with Michael before, and I knew what his expectations were, what his standards were.”
Check out Part 1 of the sneak peek of the Xscape album documentary, and pre-order above:
Are you curious about the creative process behind Michael Jackson’s posthumous album ‘Xscape’?
In this article, we will delve into the minds of the producers who worked tirelessly to preserve MJ’s artistic integrity while infusing their own creativity into the project.
Get ready to go behind-the-scenes as they reveal their hesitancy and challenges faced along the way.
From preserving Michael Jackson’s iconic sound to injecting a fresh perspective, these producers had quite the task at hand.
They were determined to honor his legacy while also bringing something new to the table.
In this article, you will learn about their hesitancy in taking on such a monumental project and how they overcame obstacles to create an album that both pays homage and pushes boundaries.
Get ready for an inside look at the making of ‘Xscape’ that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for MJ’s artistry and those who worked tirelessly to bring it back to life.
The Challenge of Preserving Michael Jackson’s Artistic Integrity
You might be wondering how we managed to preserve Michael Jackson’s artistic integrity while working on ‘Xscape’, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat.
As producers, our main goal was to honor MJ’s legacy and ensure that his unique style and essence were captured in every track. We knew that we had a huge responsibility on our shoulders, as fans all over the world hold Michael in such high regard.
To achieve this, we delved deep into the archives of unreleased recordings from different eras of Michael’s career. Our challenge was to find songs that showcased his unparalleled talent and reflected his vision for each era. We had to carefully select tracks that would resonate with fans and maintain the same level of quality they had come to expect from MJ. It required hours upon hours of listening, analyzing, and discussing the potential of each song.
In addition to selecting the right songs, we also wanted to ensure that the production stayed true to Michael’s original intentions. We aimed to modernize the sound without losing sight of what made his music so timeless and iconic. This meant striking a delicate balance between adding contemporary elements while staying faithful to MJ’s signature style.
Preserving Michael Jackson’s artistic integrity became both a daunting task and an incredible privilege for us as producers on ‘Xscape’. It demanded meticulous attention to detail, respect for his musical legacy, and a deep understanding of what made him one of the greatest artists in history. With every decision we made during the creative process, we constantly asked ourselves: ‘Would MJ have been proud?’
Ultimately, our aim was not just to create an album worthy of his name but also one that would continue inspiring generations of music lovers around the world.
Infusing Creativity into ‘Xscape’: The Producers’ Perspective
From the perspective of those involved, infusing creativity into ‘Xscape’ required a delicate balance of innovation and respect for Michael Jackson’s iconic sound. As producers, our main goal was to bring a fresh perspective to MJ’s unreleased tracks while staying true to his artistic vision.
We knew we had big shoes to fill, as we were tasked with taking unfinished songs and turning them into fully realized hits. One of the challenges we faced was finding the right balance between modern production techniques and maintaining the essence of Michael’s music. We wanted to update the sound without losing that unmistakable MJ touch. This meant carefully selecting which elements to enhance or modify while preserving the integrity of his original vocal recordings.
It was crucial for us to honor his legacy by creating something that felt authentic and true to who he was as an artist. Throughout the creative process, there were moments of hesitancy. We constantly questioned if we were doing justice to Michael’s work or if fans would embrace these new versions. However, this uncertainty also pushed us to think outside the box and take risks.
We experimented with different arrangements, instrumentation, and even brought in contemporary artists for collaborations. Our aim was not only to introduce new elements but also pay homage to MJ’s ability to adapt and evolve throughout his career. Overall, infusing creativity into ‘Xscape’ was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
It required us to walk a tightrope between honoring Michael Jackson’s musical legacy while bringing a fresh perspective that would resonate with today’s audience. The end result is an album that showcases his timeless talent while giving fans a glimpse into what could have been—a testament to his lasting impact on music history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as you’ve learned from the breakdown of the project ‘Xscape’, the producers faced a significant challenge in preserving Michael Jackson’s artistic integrity. They were hesitant about taking on such a monumental task, but ultimately decided to proceed with caution and respect for the late artist’s vision.
Through their creative process, they successfully infused new life into Jackson’s music, honoring his legacy while also adding a fresh touch.
The producers’ perspective provides valuable insight into the meticulous process of reviving and reimagining an artist’s work after their passing. It demonstrates the delicate balance between honoring their original intent and bringing something new to the table.
By staying true to Jackson’s essence and infusing creativity into ‘Xscape’, these producers have created a remarkable album that allows fans to experience his timeless talent in a whole new light.