Michael Bublé (CHRISTMAS SPECIAL): "I Will NEVER Be Carefree Again!", Rejection, Cancer & Stealing!

Michael Bublé (CHRISTMAS SPECIAL): "I Will NEVER Be Carefree Again!", Rejection, Cancer & Stealing! thumbnail

Added: Dec 21, 2023

In this podcast episode, renowned singer Michael Bublé shares his journey to success. He talks about his early influences, family support, and the challenges he faced in the music industry. Bublé's passion for music was evident from a young age, and he credits his family, especially his grandfather, for nurturing his talent and instilling a love for music in him.

Influences and Early Beginnings

Bublé recalls being influenced by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Dean Martin. He emulated their styles and learned from their music, incorporating their techniques into his own performances. His grandfather played a significant role in his musical development, exposing him to the Great American Songbook and encouraging his passion for singing. Bublé's early experiences with music and his family's unwavering support laid the foundation for his future success.

Challenges and Persistence

Despite his talent and passion for music, Bublé faced numerous challenges in the music industry. He recounts a period of 10 years where he struggled to gain recognition and secure a record deal. He performed in clubs, approached record companies, and faced rejection from agents and managers. Despite the setbacks, Bublé remained determined and believed in his abilities as an entertainer. His persistence and unwavering confidence in his talent kept him going, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.

Family Support and Sacrifices

Bublé's family played a crucial role in his journey to success. His grandfather, in particular, went to great lengths to support his musical aspirations. He traded plumbing work for singing lessons, accompanied Bublé to auditions, and provided unwavering encouragement. Bublé's father, who was a commercial salmon fisherman, also made sacrifices to support his family. Bublé reflects on the impact of his father's absence due to work and how it influenced his own career choices and the sacrifices he makes as a father.

Humility and Appreciation

Bublé attributes his humility and appreciation for his success to the challenges he faced early in his career. He acknowledges the importance of the 10-year period of struggle, which gave him a deeper understanding of the value of success. His experiences taught him to appreciate every opportunity and to remain humble, even as he achieved fame and recognition in the music industry.

Persistence and Belief in Talent

Bublé's unwavering belief in his talent and his persistence in pursuing his passion are evident throughout his journey. Despite facing rejection and setbacks, he remained confident in his abilities as an entertainer. His determination to succeed and his refusal to give up, even when the odds seemed insurmountable, ultimately led to his breakthrough in the music industry.

Early Career and Mentorship

Bublé recalls his early days in the music industry, mentioning his mentor, Umberto Gatica, who played a significant role in his career. Gatica provided guidance and advice, helping Bublé navigate the industry and secure opportunities. Bublé also discusses his pivotal meeting with David Foster, who hired him for a project and later supported him in getting signed to Warner Brothers Records.

Challenges and Triumphs

Bublé reflects on the challenges he faced in the music industry, including the pressure to succeed and the fear of losing his career. He shares his experience of debuting at 198 on the Billboard charts and the subsequent decision to explore international markets, which ultimately led to his success in Southeast Asia and Africa. He also discusses the impact of his son's cancer diagnosis on his perspective and priorities, emphasizing the importance of faith and family in his life.

Authenticity and Self-Discovery

Bublé delves into the concept of authenticity and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and acknowledging personal strengths and weaknesses. He shares his desire to explore new opportunities and challenges outside of his comfort zone, expressing a need to pursue different creative endeavors beyond music. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and finding fulfillment in various aspects of life.

Support and Healing

Bublé discusses the role of support and healing in his life, mentioning his experience with therapy and the impact of his relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of open communication with his wife and the value of having honest and supportive relationships. He also touches on the topic of mental health and the need for more open discussions about grief and trauma, highlighting the importance of seeking support and finding ways to cope with life's challenges.

Fraser and Thompson Whiskey

Bublé shares his involvement in the creation of Fraser and Thompson whiskey, discussing the inspiration behind the name and the collaborative process with whiskey expert Paul Cirka. He emphasizes the goal of creating an approachable and enjoyable whiskey for a wide audience, reflecting his passion for the project and his pride in the final product.

Branding and Approachability

The conversation delves into the branding of Bublé's whiskey and the approachability of the product. He emphasizes the importance of providing value to consumers and creating a product that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Bublé also shares his process of creating a signature cocktail using the whiskey, highlighting the personal touch and attention to detail that went into the development of the brand.

Success and Authenticity

Bublé reflects on the concept of success and the impact of his Christmas album, acknowledging the role it has played in his career. He discusses the challenges of being a successful artist and the pressure to conform to certain expectations. Despite this, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself, even in the face of external pressures.

Perseverance and Belonging

The conversation touches on the theme of perseverance and the sense of belonging in the music industry. Bublé shares his experiences of feeling like an outsider in certain circles and the struggle to find his place. He also discusses the changing landscape of the industry, particularly with the rise of platforms like TikTok, which have democratized access to audiences and removed traditional gatekeepers.

Life Lessons and Legacy

Bublé offers valuable life lessons, emphasizing the importance of faith, family, and friendships over material wealth. He shares his perspective on living a fulfilling life and the realization that true richness comes from meaningful connections and experiences. He also reflects on the impact of his music and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has had and the ability to connect with people through his art.

Closing Question and Future Plans

As the conversation comes to a close, Bublé reflects on the last big fork in the road decision he made and how he approached it. He discusses the importance of seeking advice from trusted individuals and weighing different perspectives before making a decision. He also hints at future plans and the excitement of what's to come, leaving a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

Videos

Full episode

Episode summary