JASON MRAZ is a two-time Grammy ® winner for songs that include “ Make It Mine ” and his heartwarming collaboration with Colbie Caillat , “ Lucky .” In the weeks leading up to his July 2 performance at Tanglewood , Mraz talked with me about his new album , his early experiences with musical theater , and his multiple avenues of creative expression .
B y D r . J o s h u a S h e r m a n
A Radical
Ride
JASON MRAZ DEBUTS AT TANGLEWOOD WITH THE BOSTON POPS
JASON MRAZ is a two-time Grammy ® winner for songs that include “ Make It Mine ” and his heartwarming collaboration with Colbie Caillat , “ Lucky .” In the weeks leading up to his July 2 performance at Tanglewood , Mraz talked with me about his new album , his early experiences with musical theater , and his multiple avenues of creative expression .
Sherman : Your new album , Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride , isn ’ t only fun to say , it ’ s also a departure from the sound of your previous albums , as it incorporates more pop elements . Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind this shift in your musical style ?
Mraz : There were a lot of contributing factors to the inspiration . The standout one for me was my mom , who said , “ I think you need to make a pop album before it ' s too late .” That really stuck with me . We really focused our attention on creating the kind of music that can get people on a dance floor and feeling fully expressed in their bodies . It led to a world of dance-themed songs — songs about finding yourself , and songs about realizing that you can be anything you want to be and live any dream at any point in your life .
May Holiday / June 2024 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 23