"Everyone when they first start out is way more confident than they need to be because they don't know how confident they need to be, right?" — John Mayer
"I've made a rule, I guess I always had a rule that I would never tell anyone. I don't write songs about people. I don't write them four people or about people. I might use a relationship that inspires me to write something." — John Mayer
"People who are the most vicious are the people who have yet to ask for grace because they don't need it yet. Because they still have this view of the world like they're in total control and they're going to make all the right decisions for the rest of their lives until they don't." — John Mayer
John Mayer discusses his initial meeting with Alex Cooper, explaining that his decision to appear on the show was an out-of-character choice he often makes at the end of the year. He elaborates on his evolving confidence, describing his younger self as more overtly assertive due to pushing against discouragement, whereas his current confidence is more relaxed. Mayer reflects on his high school years, noting he was somewhat invisible and focused on music, which provided an escape from the perceived rote plan of education. He touches upon experiencing bullying but credits his size for mitigating severe issues.
The conversation delves into the impact of fame on his interactions with women, acknowledging past public perceptions while explaining that his approach was often driven by a need for validation stemming from his upbringing. Mayer asserts that his music is now primarily about connecting with listeners' experiences rather than about specific individuals or past relationships, emphasizing the importance of the songs themselves as waypoints in people's lives. He discusses the challenges of fame, particularly the pressure to maintain a public persona and the difficulty of navigating misunderstandings, highlighting the power of "retreating" as a coping mechanism.
Mayer also shares insights into his songwriting process, noting that much of his work, particularly songs addressing anxiety and heartbreak, originated from deeply personal experiences. He explains that while creative breakthroughs can feel exhilarating, the consistent effort required to produce music is a continuous cycle of challenge and reward. The interview concludes with Mayer performing a few of his songs acoustically and discussing the profound impact of music on his life and his appreciation for the connection it fosters with his audience.