53. Kris Pooley: Music director for Katy Perry, American Idol, Arranging, Pink, Gwen Stefani, Super Bowl

Oct 24, 2024

01:17:43

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Episode 53: Kris Pooley is one of the most successful musical directors in the game, known for his long relationship as MD for Katy Perry, music directing American Idol for the last 8 seasons (going on 9), and working with Gwen Stefani, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Pink, Smashing Pumpkins, Morrisey, Jane's Addiction and so much more. We dive deep into his career, how he landed these gigs, his creative process behind directing major performances like Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, and his unique perspective of balancing these live shows all while working as the music director for American Idol (which is an intense 7 day a week gig when in season).

Kris gives advice on the importance of fostering strong relationships and reflects on the valuable lessons he’s learned while working in the industry. We talk about his future ambitions, what it’s like running his business day-to-day, and how he can stay home while still music directing these big acts. We also love that Kris is a fan of metal and listens to Meshuggah (daily). This was most important to Elmo. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. Let’s go with the incredible Kris Pooley!

0:00:00 - INTRO

0:03:29 - DETROIT

0:03:57 - WORKING WITH GWEN STEFANI, KATY PERRY, DEMI LOVATO, P!NK, KE$HA

0:05:38 - GETTING THE GWEN STEFANI GIG

0:10:05 - NIN - KRIS’ NINE INCH NAILS AUDITION

0:11:42 - GWEN STEFANI, BARRY SQUIRE, FILM COMPOSING

0:14:38 - BECOMING A MUSIC DIRECTOR

0:15:59 - GETTING THE GIG WITH KATY PERRY

0:17:51 - WORKING WITH CREATIVE DIRECTOR BAZ HALPIN, SILENT HOUSE

0:21:08 - CHANGING SETS FOR ONE-OFF SHOWS

0:22:02 - TOURING, GLEE TV SHOW

0:23:10 - PAUL MCCARTNEY STORIES

0:25:30 - MUSIC DIRECTING WITHOUT TOURING, KESHA

0:26:53 - SUPERBOWL WITH KATY PERRY

0:31:46 - GREATEST LESSON LEARNED FROM KATY PERRY

0:33:40 - TONY ROYSTER JR.

0:36:47 - ARRANGING FOR P!NK

0:38:12 - HOW HE GOT THE AMERICAN IDOL MD GIG

0:40:38 - WHAT IT’S LIKE TO MUSIC DIRECT AMERICAN IDOL

0:44:21 - AMERICAN IDOL BAND, RELATIONSHIP WITH CONTESTANTS

0:48:40 - FIGURING OUT WHAT TO PLAY WITH CONTESTANTS

0:49:53 - WORKING ON TV VS. ARENA TOURS

0:51:03 - CHALLENGING MOMENTS WORKING WITH OTHER DIRECTORS

0:52:12 - BUILDING A BUSINESS, KRIS POOLEY’S TEAM

0:56:22 - KRIS’ 5 YEAR PLAN

0:57:28 - SMASHING PUMPKINS, MEETING HIS WIFE GINGER POOLEY

1:00:21 - BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS

1:01:22 - KRIS AND KATY PERRY USING JAMMCARD FOR HIRING

1:02:58 - WHAT KRIS LOOKS FOR WHEN HIRING SOMEONE

1:04:06 - LESSONS LEARNED FROM WORKING WITH STARS

1:07:08 - METAL TALK…GOJIRA, MESHUGGAH, KNOCKED LOOSE, SLIPKNOT

1:10:01 - KRIS POOLEY’S UNRELEASED ALBUMS, RULE FOLLOWER PROJECT

1:11:48 - METAL MUSIC

‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights.

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