In this lively and engaging DLD25 session, legendary songwriter, producer and guitarist Nile Rodgers reflects on his six decades in the music industry and his creative process of hit-making, offering insights into some of the most iconic songs in music history.
In conversation with moderator Ralph Simon (Mobilium), Rodgers offers a masterclass in creativity and storytelling as he shares the origins and philosophy behind his work, which includes injecting DHM into every track he writes.
“Basically, it’s the DNA of a song. DHM stands for the deep, hidden meaning”, Rodgers explains. “I always think that the essence of the story is important, and that’s what the DHM is.”
Even his disco anthem “Le Freak” was rooted in a real, frustrating night at Studio 54. The original chorus, he reveals with a grin, was inspired by a doorman who told him and his bandmate, “Oh, F*** Off!”, which turned into the more radio-friendly “Freak Out!”
Rodgers also emphasizes the emotional impact of his music, as he recounts how his own mother misheard the lyrics to “Le Freak” for years, singing “Come on down to the fifth floor” instead of “Come on down to 54.” Laughing, he notes, “Well, that’s what art is. It’s in the ears and the eyes and the touch and the feel of the people who appreciate it and experience it.”
Simon praises Rodgers’ ability to “touch the souls of millions you’ll never meet” – a sentiment Rodgers humbly attributes to his approach of always writing from an authentic place. “It’s not just about, yes, got a groove; yeah, you could really feel the beat and all that stuff. But how does it affect people’s lives? Does it give them a sense of optimism?”
Watch the video of this inspiring conversation for details about Rodgers’ collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, from Diana Ross to Daft Punk.
