Best StageLeft Podcasts (2024)

1
122: John Blease - Robert Plant, Florence & The Machine, Paolo Nutini 56:37

1M ago56:37

56:37

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 …

1
121: James Walsh - Starsailor 1:28:27

2M ago1:28:27

1:28:27

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 musicia…

1
120: Chris Maas - Sting 3.0 1:07:27

3M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

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 mus…

1
119: Seye Adelekan - Gorillaz (live band) 1:06:35

4M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

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…

1
117: Ralph Rolle - Chic 1:13:43

5M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

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 #ladygagaBy The StageLeft Podcast

1
118: The 1975 Touring Band - Live Episode of The StageLeft Podcast 1:11:24

6M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

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 …

1
116: Erran Baron Cohen 1:16:15

10M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

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…

1
115: Jessica Greenfield on experiencing postpartum depression & touring as a new parent 1:12:42

12M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

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. …

1
114: Tom Gray - Gomez & Chair of the Ivors Academy 1:11:53

1+ y ago1:11:53

1:11:53

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 whic…

1
113: Liz Hanks - Liam Gallagher, Pulp, Richard Hawley 57:47

1+ y ago57:47

57:47

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!By The StageLeft Podcast

1
112: Toby Sebastian 55:40

1+ y ago55:40

55:40

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. T…

1
111: Kate Nash - What change is needed in the music industry? 42:43

1+ y ago42:43

42:43

"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 pe…

1
110: Bim Part 2 - "The music industry isn't built for women." 35:28

1+ y ago35:28

35:28

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…

1
109: Bim Part 1 - Bastille (plus performing 'Stand By Me' at the Royal Wedding) 50:43

1+ y ago50:43

50:43

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 Bas…

1
108: Tucan - Superorganism 1:05:23

1+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

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 exp…

1
107: Fraser T. Smith - Stormzy, Dave, Kasabian, Adele 1:12:06

1+ y ago1:12:06

1:12:06

“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 fo…

1
106: Dom John - ABBA Voyage & Miles Kane 55:34

1+ y ago55:34

55:34

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 think…

1
105: Stephen Daltrey on Mental Health provision in the music industry 48:25

1+ y ago48:25

48:25

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 provide…

1
104: Lucy Landymore - Hans Zimmer 1:00:02

2y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

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 bes…

1
103: Toby Dundas - The Temper Trap 1:06:38

2y ago1:06:38

1:06:38

"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 Ro…

1
102: Hazel Mills - Goldfrapp, Florence & the Machine, Birdy 56:21

2y ago56:21

56:21

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 …

1
101: Mike Heaton - Embrace 39:56

2y ago39:56

39:56

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 Simps…

1
100: Dave Hemingway - The Beautiful South 27:31

2+ y ago27:31

27:31

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 ****. Ch…

1
99: Lee Harris - Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets & The Blockheads 58:34

2+ y ago58:34

58:34

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 bandm…

1
98: Kav Sandhu - Happy Mondays, Guigsy, Blitz Vega 58:07

2+ y ago58:07

58:07

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 HuesBy The StageLeft Podcast

1
97: Dr. Jon Stewart - Sleeper & Author of Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God 1:04:50

2+ y ago1:04:50

1:04:50

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…

1
96: Rob Coombes - Supergrass 58:02

2+ y ago58:02

58:02

"No time spent being creative is ever wasted." Rob Coombes of Supergrass gives a rare interview reflecting on 25 years playing with Gaz, Danny and Mickey. We cover gig prep, supporting Foo Fighters and Oasis, the Supergrass break up, creativity practice and Rob even plays us his iconic intro to 'Mary'.…

1
95: Bill Ryder-Jones (Part 2 of 2) 44:08

2+ y ago44:08

44:08

"I've lost some wonderful people through my coping mechanisms." Part 2 of 2.By The StageLeft Podcast

1
95: Bill Ryder-Jones (Part 1 of 2) 45:54

2+ y ago45:54

45:54

Songsmith Bill Ryder-Jones opens up about his approach to his art in a staggering pair of episodes. Former guitarist of The Coral and collaborator of Arctic Monkeys, BRJ discusses his demons and hopes in a manner as captivating as his music. A genius.By The StageLeft Podcast

1
94: Jeff Slate - Pete Townshend, Earl Slick and on The Beatles' Get Back! 1:09:56

3y ago1:09:56

1:09:56

Imagine being asked to write the liner notes for the 50th anniversary reissue of Sgt. Peppers, being produced by Pete Townshend, interviewing members of The Beatles, touring with Bowie's guitarist Earl Slick, and having a successful solo career to boot. A.K.A What a life! Ladies and gents, enjoy Jeff Slate on The StageLeft Podcast! Produced by Bast…

1
93: BONUS: Chris from The StageLeft Podcast appearing on Simon's Universe of Music 1:39:17

3y ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Should you want a peak behind the StageLeft curtain, Chris Simpson was recently a guest on Simon's Universe of Music where he was asked to explore experiences interviewing members of Oasis, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Radiohead, Lightning Seeds, his own views on the Music Industry and lots more.…

1
92: Louisa from She Drew The Gun returns 50:42

3y ago50:42

50:42

In 2018 we had the pleasure of interviewing Louisa Roach, lead singer/songwriter in She Drew The Gun, on the eve of 2nd album Revolution of Mind. Today, Louisa returns to give us an exclusive track by track insight into new album Behave Myself, recorded by Arctic Monkeys producer Ross Orton, plus how the music industry could be more inclusive by ma…

1
91: Paul Duffy - The Coral 1:20:49

3y ago1:20:49

1:20:49

Founding member of The Coral Paul Duffy discusses over 20 years as bassist with Liverpool's beat combo, tells us what it was like playing in a rhythm section with former guest Danny Goffey of Supergrass, supporting Oasis, compares Ian Broudie, John Leckie, and Geoff Barrow's production techniques and twists our melon on the creation of the new reco…

1
90: ANDRO - solo artist & ex-Jungle 54:55

3y ago54:55

54:55

Andro is unique, has had a huge history and has an even bigger future. We learn in the interview that Andro has now left Jungle, having been part of that unit as backing singer and dancer. We learn about the highlights of being in Jungle for a number of years, the importance of androgynous influences on young people, the origin of the iconic hat an…

1
89: Katie Cole - The Smashing Pumpkins 1:36:58

3+ y ago1:36:58

1:36:58

In Aug 2014, folk singer songwriter Katie Cole wrote on Instagram "You have no idea how excited I am. On Saturday I am sharing a stage with Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins." Katie's support slot led to being asked to join the band as a full-time member, first as bassist then keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist. We hear Katie's incredible jo…

1
88: Dave Eringa - Manic Street Preachers, The Who 1:20:52

3+ y ago1:20:52

1:20:52

Imagine going from making tea in the studio for Richey Edwards, Nicky Wire, James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore to becoming trusted producer for numerous records by Manic Street Preachers. This is Dave Eringa's truly extraordinary story. A voice so pure, a vision so clear, we've got to learn to produce records like Dave Eringa, learn to live like D…

1
87: John Waugh - The 1975, Sam Fender 1:16:50

3+ y ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Compadré of The StageLeft Podcast, John Waugh, returns to discuss the past 4 years playing on Number 1 records with The 1975 and Sam Fender. We explore dressing as Princess Leia at the Star Wars themed The 1975 show, how running half marathons enables John’s wellbeing, a new EP and book, and what is was like playing The StageLeft Nights Supperclub …

1
86: Mike Smith - Gorillaz, Blur, The Good, The Bad & The Queen 1:00:52

3+ y ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Damon Albarn's trusted right hand man Mike Smith discusses his role as Music Director for Gorillaz & Blur, shares his fondest memories of being in The Good, The Bad & The Queen with the late Tony Allen and explores what motivates Damon Albarn to be so prolific. Previous episodes include David Bowie bassist Gail Ann Dorsey and manager of The Police,…

1
85: Gail Ann Dorsey - David Bowie, The National 1:11:00

4y ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Gail Ann Dorsey joins us for a reflective space where she discusses the finer details of working closely in the studio & live with David Bowie for over two decades, her biggest fears, how she learned intervals on an out of tune guitar and singing joint lead vocal on the most recent record by The National. Plus so, so much more. A treat for your ear…

1
84: Miles Copeland III - The Police (Manager), signed R.E.M. to IRS Records 1:23:52

4y ago1:23:52

1:23:52

Miles Copeland III reached out to us during lockdown restrictions in LA as he was bored and fancied a chat! Who were we to say no? Miles owned IRS records, signed The Police & REM, and worked with the CIA to win the hearts and minds of Iraqi's post 2001. A genuine legend in the music business world, Miles shares his negotiation techniques when stri…

1
83: Kerry Harvey-Piper & Calum MacColl - Red Grape Music Management & Record label 1:06:50

4y ago1:06:50

1:06:50

What should a young musician look for when choosing a manager? What should a good manager do? How can a musician avoid being exploited? How can we compartmentalise our work from family life when the two are entwined? These are just some of the questions we explore with Calum and Kerry from Red Grape Music management in our new episode! Up next will…

1
82: Neil Cowley - Adele, Stereophonics, Neil Cowley Trio 1:10:10

4y ago1:10:10

1:10:10

On our new episode, Neil Cowley of the Neil Cowley trio reflects on how he and Adele nailed the iconic Bob Dylan cover of Make You Feel My Love first take, being produced by Paul Epworth on Rolling in the Deep, recording at Nil Frahms' studio and recording with Kelly Jones of Stereophonics.By The StageLeft Podcast

1
81: Sybil Bell - Founder of Independent Venues Week 1:12:48

4y ago1:12:48

1:12:48

What can music fans do to help grassroots venues? What can young musicians do most to enable their pathway to success? Some of the answers are easier than you thought when you hear Sybil Bell of Independent Venue Week on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, ahead of the release of 'Long and Winding Road', a new film depciting Phil Selway of Ra…

1
80: Extra: Celebrating 5 years of The StageLeft Podcast (Part 2) 43:48

4y ago43:48

43:48

James Dale of Goldheart Assembly reflects with The Stagecraft Podcast on some of the eye opening stories from 5 years of interviewing, plus we reveal who is up next!By The StageLeft Podcast

1
79: Extra: Celebrating 5 years of The StageLeft Podcast (Part 1) 57:57

4y ago57:57

57:57

Time to take stock as Chris from The StageLeft Podcast reflects on 5 years of The StageLeft Podcast with his favourite and funniest stories from behind the scenes recording the podcast, interviewed by the superb James Dale of Goldheart Assembly who once appeared on StageLeft! Part One of Two. Edited by Alex Soikans…

1
78: Steve Hamilton - Radiohead, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Aretha Franklin (Part 2) 37:23

4+ y ago37:23

37:23

Steve Hamilton continues to split our sides as we descend into drunkenness on the eve of Corona virus. In Part 2 of 2 we hear Steve's thoughts on each member of NGHFB, we explore the realities of film score writing and documentary making, playing the Olympics closing ceremony, late nights with Martin Freeman and never hearing back from Matt Bellamy…

1
77: Steve Hamilton - Radiohead, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Aretha Franklin (Part 1) 1:06:30

4+ y ago1:06:30

1:06:30

“And I looked round and I was being hugged by Morgan Freeman. And then he introduced me to his friend Tim. Tim Robbins...” The hilarious Steve Hamilton gets tipsy with us as we discuss playing with Aretha Franklin, Thom Yorke breaking his foot in trying to create the brass parts for Kid A recordings, tales of Noel Gallagherisms, recording on Nutbus…

1
76: Chris Wood - Bastille 1:09:26

4+ y ago1:09:26

1:09:26

The lovely human being that is Woody from the Brit Award winning & Grammy nominated band Bastille joins us, recorded on the eve of the Corona-virus outbreak. We discuss his new podcast Duck & Dive, being a father in the most uncertain time the music industry has had, singing Pompeii with Rick Astley, being zen-like before gigs, what he learned from…

1
75: Alex Reeves - Elbow 1:14:12

4+ y ago1:14:12

1:14:12

Elbow drummer Alex Reeves joins us on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast - where he contrasts Guy Garvey's approach to solo work compared to the Elbow songwriting process, what it was like playing Beatles songs with Paul McCartney, and how he can play on your record....By The StageLeft Podcast

1
74: Rusty Egan - "I've had everything stolen off me." 1:18:11

4+ y ago1:18:11

1:18:11

An extraordinary episode of the The StageLeft Podcast with legendary drummer and DJ Rusty Egan. Here we discuss the (lack of) recognition that comes with the industry, discovering Madonna, Rusty shares his personal views on the motivations of Apple & Spotify yet offers a viable solution to musicians to ensure they earn the money they deserve by dir…

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