Ryan Tedder claims that all musicians “steal from each other.”
The OneRepublic frontman noted that because “there are only 12 notes in the scale,” there are “limits” to songwriters' complete creative freedom, which is why he wasn't bothered when “I Don't Want To Wait” collaborator David Guetta admitted to using his chord progressions in his songs.
Speaking in Metro's “60 Seconds” column, Ryan said: “I've known him for 10 to 15 years and every time I see him he reminds me that he loves to use my chord progressions in his songs.”
“That's nice, but the truth is, we all steal from each other! There are only 12 notes in the scale, so it's limited in a way.
“But he's an endless source of energy. He's over 10 years older than me, but he can push himself harder than I can, doing shows at 5am and playing afterparties.”
The 45-year-old singer, who has just released his sixth album, “Artificial Paradise,” the final release of his 2007 record deal, acknowledged that their songs are “too obvious,” but said he likes them.
He explained, “Sometimes you get a hit with a really cool record that kind of represents you.”
“There are a few records like that, but every once in a while there are records that are blatantly pop, but within the confines of my band I try to stay away from that because it’s a bit too cheesy and obvious.
“This was an exception and we thought, 'Look, this is obvious, but never mind!' We had a lot of fun hearing that record everywhere that summer.”
Ryan is extremely grateful for “I Ain't Worried,” which was featured on the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack in 2022 and gave them a “global smash hit” 17 years into their career.
But 2013 chart-topping single “Counting Stars” will always hold a special place in his heart, and he still remembers when the band found out about the news as Bruno Mars and pals were passing by “outside a pub near the Corinthia Hotel in London”.
Ryan recalls: “He was like, 'Hey Ryan, congratulations on getting number one! This record is amazing, it's amazing,' and I remember thinking that was so awesome.”