Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The StageLeft Podcast

In this bonus episode, Russ Pritchard shares his journey from early struggles to playing stadiums with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, offering insights into success, songwriting, and the music industry.

• Russ Pritchard's early struggles and side jobs
• The definition of success for musicians
• The co-writing and popularity of Valerie
• Deciding when a song is finished
• Evolution of bass playing in different bands
• Choosing and switching bass guitars on tour
• Qualities sought by Noel Gallagher in band members
• The importance of personality and humility in musicians
• Locking in with drummers for tight rhythm
• The impact of songwriting on career success

Produced by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles
With thanks to Annabel Kiddals.

Support us to support emerging musicians by buying our merch from here > https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Join us for a recorded live episode with Clive Deamer of Portishead, who analyses and reflects on the iconic Roseland NYC 1997 show, which is regarded as one of the greatest live albums of its era. 

A surprisingly emotional experience, we dive deep into the show itself, the period around the rehearsals and Portishead’s legacy. 

Thank you to Steve Baker from The LongPlay Sessions for putting on the event, we may well do more. If you’d like to do a similar event with us - contact us at chris@thestageleftpodcast.com 

Please support us to help enable young musicians to access educational content for free by buying some merch!

https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Recording by Steve Baker

Produced by Darcy Dewar

YouTube Channel by Beth Iles

Socials by Alex Fordham

Hosted by Chris Simpson

www.thestageleftpodcast.com

Join us as Colin MacIntyre of Mull Historical Society shares insights into the psychology of songwriting, album creation, collaboration with authors, and the importance of storytelling in music and literature.

Key Topics:

- The emotional journey of album release
- The process of songwriting and knowing when a song is finished
- Collaboration with authors and visual storytelling
- The importance of human stories in songwriting
- Balancing control and collaboration in music production
- The influence of personal history and environment on creativity

We exist to provide free educational content, so p lease support us by tapping into our merch range here... the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles.

They say never meet your heroes. How about interviewing them? Having travelled up and down the UK with mates, skipping train barriers and the like to get to the majestic Secret Guerrilla style Gigs in his late teens, Chris gets to interview the man who wrote one of his favourite albums of all time. 

Recorded the day Embrace released their newest top-ten album 'Avalanche', Chris explores Danny's relationship with avoiding choruses, songwriting camps, the role of a song for the listener and Danny himself and when a song feels complete.

We exist to provide free educational content, so p lease support us by tapping into our merch range here... the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles.

On this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Chris Simpson sits down with Jack Bates — bassist for Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Hook & The Light — to discuss the reality of stepping into one of music’s most iconic musical legacies.

From balancing tours between Billy Corgan and Peter Hook, to playing alongside Jimmy Chamberlin, to recording with the late Mark Lanegan, this is a deep dive into musicianship, identity, touring life, pressure, and what it really means to become a “stage left” musician at the highest level.

Jack opens up about:
• Growing up with Peter Hook as a father
• The emotional reality of performing Joy Division and New Order songs nightly
• How Smashing Pumpkins rehearsals actually work
• Locking in musically with Jimmy Chamberlin
• Why being “easy to be around” matters more than technical ability
• Touring life, introversion, and handling pressure on stage
• Recording Mark Lanegan’s final album
• Choosing setlists for Peter Hook & The Light
• Fan culture, validation, and identity in music
• Why some songs change every night on stage

A fascinating conversation about musicianship, legacy, pressure, creativity and life inside some of alternative music’s most influential worlds.

Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles

Merch:
The StageLeft Podcast Merch Store

“We stepped onto the Pyramid Stage and realised… they were just people doing the same thing as us.”

If Amber from The Japanese House hadn't shut her fingers in a door, would Willy Bish be where he is now? 

Multi-instrumentalist Willy Bishop joins The Stage Left Podcast to share his journey from maths student to a deep dive into CMATs iconic performance on the Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage. 

We hear about his pivotal role in The Japanese House and Declan McKenna, including exploring Matty Healy and George Daniel's production techniques, Willie offers an honest look at touring, studio life, and what it really takes to succeed as a modern musician.

A practical, behind-the-scenes conversation covering creativity, chaos, and staying grounded in the music industry.

“A better performance comes when you stop chasing perfection and just accept what you’ve got.”
 
You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.

Host: Chris Simpson
Editor: Darcy Dewar

Join us as Silke Blansjaar, bassist for Yungblud, shares her journey from local bands to arena stages, the realities of touring, and insights into navigating the music industry as a woman. Discover practical advice on performance, mental health, and industry challenges.

• "Touring can really batter you"
• "Guest list stress is real"
• "Support systems are vital"

You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.

Host: Chris Simpson
Editor: Darcy Dewar

Russ Pritchard — of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Zutons — returns to the podcast for a brilliant deep-dive into some of the most surreal and career-defining moments of his life in music.

We talk about one of the greatest slots a Glastonbury— playing just before Sir Paul McCartney’s headline set — and what it feels like to walk off stage knowing a Beatle is about to take over. Russ shares behind-the-scenes stories from joining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, what it’s really like in the studio with Noel, and the responsibility (and joy) of playing Oasis classics like “Live Forever,” “Half The World Away,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”

There’s a deep dive into the writing of “Valerie” — how the song came together, what it meant at the time, and how it took on a life of its own — plus an incredible story about supporting James Brown at what turned out to be one of the final gigs of his legendary career with The Zutons.

It’s nostalgic, funny, reflective — and packed with proper musical detail.

Sponsored by Frangianpani.

Edited by Darcy Dewar. 

Socials - Alex Fordham

Host - Chris Simpson

Our own range of merch is now out. Please support us - https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Days after selling out The O2 Arena, Woody from Bastille joins us live to break down the realities of arena touring in front of a live audience, the writing and recording of Save My Soul, lessons from Bob Armstrong, and what it takes to run an independent record label!

Editing by Darcy Dewar.
Socials by Alex Fordham.
Hosted by Chris Simpson.

Get 25% off everything at frangipani-style.com — including their January Sale — with the code STAGELEFT.

Sad news reached us in December that Booker T and the M.G.'s legend Steve Cropper had passed away. It was a tremendous honour to have had Steve as a guest on StageLeft soon after we began. In truth, we probably wouldn't still exist if he hasn't appeared, as just naming him has a past guest has secured many further guests, including Gem Archer. Please enjoy the interview, and our update from the past 6 months. New episode coming monthly from next week, with Woody from Bastille, Russ from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Shaun Ryder and Steve Hamilton on the Oasis 25 Reunion Tour all confirmed.

We now have a new range of merch to mark out 10 year anniversary - please support us whilst looking like the coolest cat in the class.

https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Hey all! Please have a quick listen to Tymon (our Social Media intern) who is asking for your help to complete a survey below to support the podcast growth over the next 5 years. This will help us bring you more interviews with the best session musicians globally, providing a platform for free educational content at the same time. Cheers! Chris

https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_40CSzoUoJnURjZY 

If you've got Oasis hysteria with the reunion beginning on Friday, then you may enjoy this episode with the keyboardist for that Oasis reunion - Christian Madden. This was recorded in 2017, and was listened to (and tweeted about with love) by Bonehead! 

We will be at the first show back in Cardiff, so come say hi or reach out. 

To mark the 10 year anniversary, we are also doing a live episode on July 11th at The Courtyard Theatre with three of The 1975 touring band, fresh off the back of headlining Glastonbury. Go to our Instagram profile bio for a direct link for tickets.

If you've got Oasis hysteria with the reunion beginning on Friday, then you may enjoy this episode with guitarist Gem Archer, recorded in 2017.

We will be at the first show back in Cardiff, so come say hi or reach out. 

To mark the 10 year anniversary, we are also doing a live episode on July 11th at The Courtyard Theatre with three of The 1975 touring band, fresh off the back of headlining Glastonbury. Go to our Instagram profile bio for a direct link for tickets.

The StageLeft Podcast sits down with Daisy Spencer - the incredible rhythm guitarist behind Olivia Rodrigo's record-breaking Guts World Tour!

In this candid conversation, Daisy opens up about: ✨ Creating a "stage persona" to handle arena-sized crowds ✨ The reality of touring at the highest level ✨ Her guitar part on Vampire ✨ Those magical acoustic moments with Olivia ✨ Making big life changes to stay grounded on tour ✨ The night she played "Hot to Go" with Chappell Roan.

From hotel breakfast addictions to getting "street spirit" Radiohead vibes on guitar - this is a raw, honest look at life behind one of the biggest tours in music.

"You kind of go into a different state of mind when you're on stage... it really becomes a group effort" - Daisy Spencer

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #StageLeftPodcast #DaisySpencer #OliviaRodrigo #GutsWorldTour #TourLife #MusicPodcast

🎸 “I wanted to be the dad who’s present — not recovering from the night before.” — Corey McCormick

The Glastonbury headliner series:

To mark our 10 year anniversary, we have episodes with Neil Young bassist Corey McCormick and Olivia Rodrigo guitarist Daisy Spencer, which are released the day each headlines the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

From playing with Neil Young and Chris Cornell to navigating fatherhood while touring the world, Corey McCormick joins us to share raw insights into balancing rock’n’roll with real life. In this emotional and honest episode, Corey opens up about giving up alcohol for his kids, facing early struggles without parental support, and the bittersweet feeling of achieving your dreams without the one person you hoped would be proud.

🎧 Listen now at thestageleftpodcast.com

#StageLeftPodcast #CoreyMcCormick #NeilYoung #ChrisCornell #Glastonbury #TourLife #MusicIndustry #MusicianParent #MusicPodcast #BassGuitar

The Glastonbury headliner series:

To mark our 10 year anniversary, we have episodes with Neil Young bassist Corey McCormick and Olivia Rodrigo guitarist Daisy Spencer, which are released the day each headlines the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

We've taken it a stage further for the Friday night headliners The 1975, as we will be hosting a live episode with touring band members that you can attend at The Courtyard Theatre in London on Friday 11th July. Come join us, as there will be live performances from John Waugh, Polly Money and Gabi King, plus Q and A, merch, and even a handful of soundcheck access tickets. 

Let's celebrate 10 years of the podcast, together!

Go to The StageLeft Podcast bio on Instagram for a direct link to buy tickets.

In this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, host Chris Simpson sits down with the multi-talented Ben Sturley — acclaimed bassist, composer, and longtime collaborator of Selena Gomez — for a candid and insightful conversation. From witnessing the realities of fame up close to crafting immersive film scores, Ben offers a rare glimpse into the emotional and creative nuances of life both on stage and behind the scenes. He also shares stories of performing with the Liz Phair, Booker T, and reflects on how the music industry shapes personal identity and artistic integrity.

Edited by Darcy Dewar.

In this episode of the StageLeft Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant Andrew Cushin for a deep dive into the artistry, collaboration, and chaos behind the music. We explore the evolving dynamic between frontman and musical director, the highs of working with Noel Gallagher at Lonestar Studios, and the unusual gift of a lightsabre to trusted ally Dave Eringa. Andrew opens up about his writing process and how it’s developed since earlier releases, as well as the pros and cons of recording to a click. Plus, he shares what he truly needs from his bandmates on stage as the man at the front.

Massive thanks to Darcy Dewar for the episode edit.

Grammy winner Evan Smith has the MOST RIDICULOUS CV. 

As Jack Antonoff's go to man for horns/flutes/sax and more, Evan has played on multiple Taylor Swift records, Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter, St Vincent & Paul McCartney's collaboration on McCartney III and TV Off by Kendrick Lamar, which explore each on this episode.

Hear what it's like listening to your music on Kendrick's superbowl performance, the brief for Please Please Please, what's next for Bleachers, and the reality of a remote session player. Evan has also played on records by Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey, The 1975 and Peter Gabriel.

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Edited by Darcy Dewar
YouTube channel by Beth Iles
Research by Annabel Jones
Socials by Tymon Firmin.

Frontman of The Lathums, Alex Moore, joins us for a special episode, recorded on the eve of the release of their new album "Matter Does Not Define." 

We explore:

- How to compartmentalise being friends from bandmates?
- How he and the band decided which tracks to appear on their new album, and which would be b-sides?
- The painstaking process of deciding concert setlists!
- How to best choose external people (to work with you) that become part of your trusted circle.

...And loads more!

Thank you to Darcy Dewar for editing the audio and filmed episode (available on Youtube), Tymon Firmin for socials, and Beth Iles for running our YouTube channel. We couldn't do it without you!

Photo - Ewan Ogden.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge calls him a great songwriter, and both Lauren Laverne and Elton John rate his songwriting—Ed Seed joins us for an unforgettable episode! Get a VR headset-worthy experience as Ed takes us onstage at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanying Jessie Ware. Hear how he mastered 18 songs in just two days, solved a power supply issue mid-performance with Dua Lipa, and absorbed La Roux's distinctive musical knowledge into his own songwriting with his own band Stats. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories and creative insights, we thank Darcy Dewar for editing, Beth Iles for the YouTube video, Tymon Firmin for the clips for our socials, and former guest Dom John for matchmaking Ed and ourselves as a potential guest. 

The wonderful Beth Iles has chopped up our episodes from 2024 to give you a run down of our best bits as we enter our 10 year anniversary year. 

Enjoy the most insightful clips from episodes featuring Jess Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Ralph Rolle of Chic, Chris Maas of Sting 3.0, James Walsh of Starsailor, The 1975 touring band, Erron Baron Cohen, Seye Adelekan of Gorillaz & Self-Esteem, John Blease of Florence Welch, Robert Plant & Paolo Nutini's bands, plus Paul Weller bassist Andy Crofts. 

Thanks to Beth for putting this together, and the continued help from Tymon Firmin, Darcy Dewar, Annabel Jones & Kate Ward. 

If you want to get in touch about our upcoming tour, or sponsor the podcast, contact chris@thestageleftpodcast.com

Touring members of The 1975, Gabi King, Polly Money and John Waugh join us again for our final episode of 2024, similar to our previous episode in May but we ask a completely different set of questions, which we recorded for students at BIMM University.

You can now find us on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook by searching ‘The StageLeft Podcast’ for exclusive video content of the interviews. We’re looking to tour this next year so register your interest by emailing chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. If you’re a business that needs Mental Health First Aid or Mental Health in the Workplace training, you can support the podcast by hiring me to deliver that as I’ve qualifications in doing that, and that also goes for any leadership development, change management or 121 coaching budgets you may have. 

If you’re a drummer, Gabi is doing 121 tutoring gabikingis@yahoo.co.uk, John has a new single with George Solonos called 'Quietly in Mind' released on December 13gth, and John also has singles and a new EP with Daniel Vildosola in early 2025. Polly Money has an EP coming out in March 2025 and you can catch her at a series of festivals including Truck Festival, Kendal Calling and Victorious. 

Edited by Darcy Dewar

It’s about time, after 9 years, we did an entirely filmed episode isn’t it? So, whilst you enjoy this audio only version, do feel free to search for ‘The StageLeft Podcast’ on Youtube and you’ll find this episode in beautiful 4K, filmed in Andy Crofts stunning seafront hit hut. 

 “Chris and Andy, excellent interview. Informative. Heartwarming. Honest.” – Debra, StageLeft listener.

Thank you to Sophia at Bearlane Productions for filming this, Darcy Dewar for editing, Beth Iles for making our YouTube page look gorgeous, and Tymon Firmin for the clipping on Socials such as Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok. 

We do this for free to ensure equity of access to music education globally, so if you can help sponsor us or locate us funding - email me at chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. You can also buy us a coffee at www.thestageleftpodcast.com. Should your day to day work need any leadership development programmes, executive coaching, bespoke eLearning or Mental Health First Aid training, you can support the podcast that way, as I’m qualified in each area. I deliver learning both face to face and online. #sidehustle

Here we go, this is Andy Crofts!

What’s it like getting feedback from Robert Plant when playing on Led Zeppelin songs?

How do we best deal with song changes on the day of the gig?

How to best negotiate fees to ensure everyone is paid fairly?

What makes Paolo Nutini unique to work with?

How did the recent Florence and the Machine Royal Albert Hall show work logistically?

Hosted by Chris Simpson - you can reach out to Chris directly for 121 professional development coaching, or Mental Health First Aid training via www.thestageleftpodcast.com/coaching

Edited by Darcy Dewar.

Thank you too, to Beth Iles, Tymon Firmin and Annabel Rose-Jones for their help with this episode.

An episode almost a decade in the making. 

Finally, James Walsh, frontman of Starsailor appears to discuss the final ever recordings with Phil Spector, the impact that episode had on his wellbeing, negotiating with Allen Klein, how he wrote 'Fever' and 'The Greatest Story Never Told', plus how to best work with a singer when you're a session musician. 

Thank you to Tymon Firin, Darcy Dewar, Beth Iles, Anabel-Rose Jones and Sophia Franklin at BearLane Productions for making this episode happen.

Sting 3.0 drummer Chris Maas joins The StageLeft Podcast mid-tour!

We explore:

• How to fill the ‘space’ in a trio when playing Sting classics.
• The auditions, rehearsals and soundchecks for Sting 3.0
• Locking with Sting as a bassist within a rhythm section.
• Drumming long sets with high BPMs with Example.
• The challenges of fluctuating salaries as a musician.
• How the music education systems differ between Luxembourg and the UK.

Thanks to Chris for appearing.

Edited by Darcy Dewar.

Host Chris Simpson is available for 121 coaching and can deliver Mental Health First Aid training to your business. Please get in touch via www.thestageleftpodcast.com/coaching

Ginger shots at the ready!

What would someone learn from working with Damon Albarn they wouldn't learn from anyone else?

How does sobriety work on gig days in an environment so conducive to drink and drugs?

How is Self-Esteem approaching her new record, given the success of her last?

When does practice end and rehearsing begin?

What happened to the Youth of the Apocalypse (YOTA)?!

All these questions, and more, answered by the visionary Seye Adelekan, songwriter and bassist with Gorillaz, Self-Esteem and Paloma Faith as he joins Chris Simpson for the newest episode of The StageLeft Podcast.

Feedback on our episode welcome by contacting chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. 

Hustle - Please too reach out if your business is interested in equipping their staff with Mental Health First Aiders, as Chris is one of only two people in the UK who can deliver this fully accessibly. 

Ralph Rolle joins Chris Simpson to discuss his unique open-hand drum technique, walks us through the Grammy's tribute to David Bowie with Lady Gaga (which without Ralph's genius almost ended us a disaster), working with Nile Rogers and Prince and.... cookies.

#chic
#davidbowie
#ladygaga

After 8 years, we’ve finally done a live episode! We are joined by Polly Money, Gabi King and John Waugh (touring band with The 1975) in front of a live audience of BIMM students, recorded in London just before the European leg of The 1975s most recent tour. The interview begins with a 30mins interview with Chris, then then band jammed three songs of The 1975 with BIMM students (“If You’re Too Shy Let Me Know”, “About You”, and “UGH!”), before a Q and A from the students themselves.

We discuss the value of music education, navigating external vs internal validation, fear of failure, how AI and creativity might entwine, playing Madison Square Garden and more.

P.S. we’re going to do more of these – do get in touch if you’re a venue who’d like to host :)

Thank you to BIMM London and in particular Seda Beysal and Sam Hong.

Engineered by Matteo Cortinovis @waitate

@thestageleftpod
@thestageleftpodcast
chris@thestageleftpodcast.com
www.thestageleftpodcast

The Oscar shortlisted composer Erran Baron Cohen joins us to dig deep into how the music industry has shaped him as a person, plus breaks down the creative process of writing music for the Borat movies, Da Ali G show, The Infidel (with David Baddiel), being signed to Miles Copeland III's label, and having Snoop Dogg, Elton John, Sting, Bono & Chris Martin perform on his original 'Dove of Peace'.

“I think it’s hard to not be exploited in the music industry at some point (of your career).”

You can find more of Erran's work at erranbaroncohen.com and you can contact us by emailing chris@thestageleftpodcast.com to let us know what you think of the episode, or via www.thestageleftpodcast.com

Happy listening!

Chris

Jess Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds talks openly about some troubling experiences within the industry that took place over ten years ago, the treatment she received for post-natal depression, how NGHFB bandmates model how to best support parents separated from children when touring, and what needs to change in the music industry.

Useful resources for those impacted by the topics include....

Music Minds Matter - 0808 802 8008. 

If you work in music and are struggling to cope then call Music Minds Matter, a free, 24/7 charity, which will listen, support and help. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or even about music.

MIND - 0300 123 3393

Survivors Trust  - 08088 010 818
Monday- Thursday: 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm & 6pm-8pm

Friday: 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm

Saturday: 10am-12.30pm

Sunday: 6pm-8pm

https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/resources/mums-and-families/

Support for new parents juggling work commitments.

https://survivorsnetwork.org.uk/resource/helplines-webchat-services/ 

A comprehensive list of a range of free numbers and web services.

You can reach out to us too at  chris@thestageleftpodcast.com 

Chris Simpson is one of only two people in the UK qualified to train people fully accessibly in supporting others experiencing a mental health crisis, and is also available as a personal and professional development coach should you need support for yourself or your business.

www.thestageleftpodcast.com 

Currently, an artist would need 62million streams on Spotify to break even on a £25k budget. This needs to change and our guest today Tom Gray is leading that change.

Tom is Chair of the prestigious Ivor Novello’s, and founding member of Gomez, and is doing more to try to change the music industry than most, through his Broken Records campaign which was backed by The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and many more, to ensure the fairer distribution of streaming royalties to artists at every level. 

Today we’ll be taking a deep dive into this topic, hearing how we as listeners can help, Whippin’ Piccadilly, and how the Ivor Novello's choose winners. 

There’ll be no Pussyfooting around.

Hosted and Produced by Chris Simpson.
Photo @scottishkenny

Liz Hanks is currently performing onstage with Pulp and James, and is the go to cellist for Liam Gallagher, Richard Hawley and Self Esteem. Hear about all these experiences, what needs to change in the music industry and the creation of new album 'Land' on our new episode.

Enjoy!

Imagine being an incredible singer- songwriter but finding time be in Game of Thrones and play Andrea Bocelli in "The Music of Silence."

What a career Toby Sebastian is having, hear how he tackles deciding setlists, what the music industry could learn from the film industry and how he walks the tightrope between feeling under from over rehearsed. 

Toby also currently is appearing with Kate Nash in Coffee Wars, available now.

"All the heads of every major label or big indie labels should be made to resign."

This episode was supposed to discuss Kate's new film Coffee Wars, but we began by touching upon the issues within the music industry that emerging artists need to navigate (such as being stolen from, a lack of inclusive design for women and how to identify trusted people) and we NEVER. LOOKED. BACK.

Within lies Kate's step by step process as to how the music industry needs to drastically change. It's very thought-provoking.

The film is great by the way, and you should see it. It's called Coffee Wars and is available on Amazon Prime. Kate's co-star Toby Sebastian talks more about the film in our next episode.

Arguably our most important episode to date. Bastille and Elton John backing vocalist Bim explains how the music industry has not been built for women, from the design of touring patterns to tour buses facilities, and covers what needs to change. We pick up this conversation in future episodes with Kate Nash and Liam Gallagher cellist Liz Hanks. We also are joined by Bastian Hues to ask questions from an upcoming artists' perspective. A thought provoking listen.

Imagine knowing you are about to perform live to a billion people watching the Royal Wedding. Bim, singer with Bastille and Elton John, walks us step by step of every thought process of how to perform under the greatest of pressure, when coordinating 'Stand by Me' at Harry & Megan's wedding, plus discusses playing MTV Unplugged as vocalist with Bastille and how to best get legal representation as an up coming artist to avoid exploitation.

Part 2 - possibly one of out most important episodes to date, will be coming soon. 

Today we discuss creativity with the mind of Dr Tucan Taylor Michaels, drummer & producer with international banging tune-makers Superorganism, one of the most ingenious, innovative, inventive, experimental and original bands of recent times, often using extremely random objects as instruments as a back drop to colourful pop perfection.

We also explore playing their first ever show on Later with Jools Holland no less, the merits of forming online, onstage tech failures, mixing Jungle and collaborating with Stephen Malkmus.

“Production can’t cover a bad song.”

We are also joined by Bastian Hues who asks questions as an emerging artist.

Do follow us on Insta, Twitter and Facebook by searching @thestageleftpod, we get a little adrenaline kick when we see a new follower, which is something we should probably speak to our therapist about.

Thanks!

“The sign of any good musician is the amount of sh*t jobs they've had."

Ivor Novello and Grammy winning producer Fraser T Smith (Future Utopia) takes a deep dive with us into the navigating the tightrope between commerce and art from his time as a co-songwriter and producer with Adele, Stormzy, and Dave.

Thank you to Kate Thornton & Denise Welch for making this episode exist.

Produced and hosted by Chris Simpson.

Future Utopia's new collaboration with Kae Tempest 'We were, we still are' is out now.

Imagine recording ABBA songs with the actual members of ABBA 😲

Dom John discusses playing on the Grammy nominated album ABBA Voyage, as well as playing each night at the jawdropping ABBA Voyage live experience that has to be seen to be believed.

We also discuss supporting Liam Gallagher,  Miles Kane's melting guitar pedals and what Lars Ulrich thinks the future of live performance might look like. 

#abba
#domjohn
#mileskane
#abbavoyage

Produced by Bastian Hues
Presented by Chris Simpson

Whatever you’re going through right now, you can contact Music Minds Matter on 0808 802 8008.

Is there enough mental health related resource within the music industry to support artists mental health? 

Music Industry Coaching founder and Mental Health First Aid instructor Stephen Daltrey joins us to explore the answers to that question, plus provides tangible resources for musicians. 

Stephen's fascinating new book "Deep Satisfaction in Life and Artist Management" is available now at www.stephendaltrey.com

Stephen’s book may help on a personal level but also provides guidance on how to best coach artists you may work with. It’s a great read.

Hosted by Chris Simpson who is available for 121 coaching too. Hit us up a DM on The StageLeft Podcast Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feeds.

Hans Zimmer drummer and all round percussion prodigy Lucy Landymore joins us to discuss;

- How Hans Zimmer overcame his self-publicised stage fright.
- How the drum solo on Dune was recorded.
- The tension between following dreams and being in an overdraft as a upcoming artist!
- Which leadership style gets the best out of Lucy, and which works best for Lucy when leading big bands.
- Recording a live lounge with Charlie XCX and playing Happy with Pharrell Williams. 

And much more!
Produced by Bastian Hues
Hosted by Chris Simpson

"Working with new artists is a bit like speed dating. You may have only just met them and very quickly they are baring quite personal things."

Toby from The Temper Trap analyses production techiques he has experienced and used, including Arctic Monkeys producer Jim Abbiss' tempo maps, that the Temper Trap use live, plus we discuss supporting The Rolling Stones and explore how the quantity of creative output is impacted when becoming a parent. Rest assured, Toby gives us his recommended workarounds. 

"It's a water and oil thing." 

Our emerging artist is Thea Fitzgerald, who asks Toby a couple of questions too.

https://linktr.ee/theafitzgeraldmusic

tobydundas.com

Ghost & Gum
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4drBQ7FM82GJ377P2nsoXC?si=hu03cE-aSk6yMUfVyq_rCA

Eve OST 
https://open.spotify.com/album/3mN8TBVD2ilKwTBT6x5joh?si=HoV2jwoLSLGXM3T0X5kr2Q

Sungrazers NFT
sungrazers.co.uk

Florence & the Machine, Goldfrapp and Birdy keyboardist Hazel Mills joins us to discuss....

• how meditation and The Alexander Technique helps performance at high profile shows such as the Hollywood Bowl.
• how to decide an edit is complete and shouldn’t be touched again.
• Having an onstage persona to overcome being a natural introvert in a performance setting.

And loads more!

We are also joined by emerging artist Imogen who poses a couple of questions to Hazel directly. 

Hazel is about to head on tour with Dave Rowntree from Blur.

“I’m the biggest barrier I’ve had for myself.” 

Produced by Bastian Hues
Hosted by Chris Simpson 

All you good good people, listen to Mike Heaton of Embrace discuss big career defining choices, playing Royal Albert Hall the week of being dropped from their label and their brilliant new album "How To Be A Person Like Other People", which is out now!

"Every band who've made it have had to work their ****  off to get there..."

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Produced by Bastian Hues

Episode 100 is upon us. Thanks to each of you for joining us on this journey. 

Today, we have Dave Hemingway of The Beautiful South, The Housemartins and his new project Sunbirds. Dave sang lead on "Song for Whoever", "A Little Time" and "Build".

Sunbirds play a number of UK dates in June if you can get along, they're new stuff is catchy as ****. Check it out.

To those who have listened to all 100 episodes, well, in the words of Dave, we love you from the bottom of our pencil case. X

Enjoy.

Presented by Chris Simpson
Produced by Bastian Hues

Imagine playing Pink Floyd songs with an actual member of Pink Floyd. Lee Harris is living his dream from one of his formative gigs, aged 7.

Lee discusses playing onstage with each of Nick Mason, Dave Gilmour and Roger Waters, talks through how to approach a pivotal career meeting with someone you idolise and pays tribute to former Blockheads bandmate Derek Hussey.

Advice:- "Musicians shouldn't be worried about getting another job to get money in the bank. There is no shame in supporting yourself, you never know where it may lead to."

Slight delay getting this one out, soz.

Edited by Bastian Hues
Hosted by Chris Simpson 

https://www.facebook.com/lee.harris.official

Helping Happy Mondays reform  ✅
Being produced by Guigsy (Oasis) ✅
Playing live with Bonehead ✅
Recording with Andy Rourke ✅
Collaborating with Howard Marks ✅

All this and more on our new episode with Kav Sandhu!

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Produced by Bastian Hues

Dr. Jon Stewart of Sleeper and The Wedding Present discusses the band reforming and we do a deep dive in his new book Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God. 

We also explore how touring differs now compared to the 90s, the rare experience of writing a dual-biography and the future of copyrighting music.

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Produced by Bastian Hues