Super-producer Mark Ronson has joked that his career might be drying up as his fiancée Grace Gummer's fame rises, but the 45-year-old is actually embarking on a new phase with an Apple TV+ documentary series.
Ronson, known for hits with Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars, admitted he considered quitting DJing during lockdown. 'I really did think for a minute: OK, maybe I'm never going to go back to DJing again,' he said. 'Like, what's the elegant evolution here, without looking like an idiot who just tried to stay at the party too long?'
The New York-based producer has been a DJ for 27 years, but the pandemic forced him to reassess. After three months alone in a London Airbnb, his creative output suffered. However, hosting the TV show 'Watch the Sound' and a new podcast have signalled a shift. 'I had a really wonderful run and I enjoyed the shit out of it. But maybe now I am going to just be the guy who talks about music instead of making it – and that's OK as well,' he said.
Ronson, who recently became engaged to actress Grace Gummer, daughter of Meryl Streep, has been open about his therapy journey. He recommends David D Burns' book 'The Feeling Good Handbook' to combat negative thoughts. 'You play out the realistic scenarios of what happens: if your song does not become a hit, your life is not over,' he explained.
Despite his doubts, Ronson's legacy includes the Oscar-winning 'Shallow' with Lady Gaga and the global smash 'Uptown Funk' with Bruno Mars. He also worked closely with Amy Winehouse on her album 'Back to Black', recalling her humour fondly. 'I loved being in her company. She was so funny,' he said.
