Uncapped with Jack Altman

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The Chainsmokers: Stories Behind the Songs, AI’s Impact on Music, and Venture Investing | Ep. 30

Video Overview & Insights

Alex Pall is half of the Grammy Award-winning duo The Chainsmokers.

“

cool

— @StopSmokingDinu

Beyond music, Alex is entrepreneur and co-founder of Mantis VC, a venture firm that invests opportunistically in early stage tech-enabled startups. Some of their investments include Alchemy, Chainguard, Kalshi, Roblox, and Rogo.

We had a wide ranging conversation that broke down the creative stories behind a few of their top hits including “Closer,” “Something Just Like This,” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” We also explored the creative process at the highest level and how Alex’s experience in music influences the way he approaches venture investing.

“

This pod was awesome! I love how coherent Alex is with his explanations.

— @tsp57

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

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Production to competitive business and the ADHD as superpower hit. Good conversation.
GC next?

— @Asfi-k

(1:04) Stories behind the songs

(4:58) Coldplay collaboration

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24:00 Really cool conversations about knowing if a song is ever really done and having different versions of that song

3 Chainsmokers songs where I like a performed version better than the released

1) In Too Deep (Acoustic From Alex’s Kitchen)…this performance is so unique

2) Think Of Us (Winter Version)

3) Summertime Friends (Winter Version)

There’s something really special about Alex and Drew performing songs in their homes

— @Hirsch14

(9:57) Creating Closer

(13:25) Dependencies vs creative fuel

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Wow, the visuals and audio are beautifully done. Can I ask how you recorded the audio? What mic do you use? Thank you!

— @WalkInStudio-tw

(18:09) Letting songs be promiscuous

(19:45) How “Don’t Let Me Down” happened

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Businesses die. Art lives forever.

— @vp0029

(22:57) Art vs playing the favorites

(26:18) Balancing music and business

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Jack seems genuinely happy to be with Alex

— @vp0029

(29:49) Albums telling stories

(35:42) Tension behind growth as an artist

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GOAT 🐐

— @rajkene734

(39:28) Inspiration drives creativity

(41:20) AIs impact on music

(44:34) Outlier talent

(47:22) Building a venture firm

(54:46) Experiencing elite circles

(1:01:17) Importance of momentum