The StageLeft Podcast (The StageLeft Podcast)

Chris interviews Mike Rowe in Paris, March 2015. 

Mike discusses his life in music, collaborating as keyboardist for Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Dave Gilmour, Amorphous Androgynous and Oasis. 

Chris speaks to Mike as the album he is touring sits at Number 1 in the UK Album Chart, his ambition to play with Johnny Greenwood and gives advice for young musicians entering the industry.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #piano #oasis #noelgallagher #liamgallagher #noelgallaghershighflyingbirds #britpop #indie #rock

In the immediate aftermath of World Record Store Day, Chris speaks to Johnny Hartford of Sister Ray Records. 

Double Grammy winning guitarist Laurence Juber joins us from his home in California, where he chats to Chris about the working practices of the three ‘Beatles’ he has collaborated with, modern recording techniques and what it was like being in a band with Paul McCartney at the time of John Lennon’s passing.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #thebeatles #johnlennon #paulmccartney #georgeharrison #ringostarr #grammys www.thestageleftpodcast.com

In a poignant interview, drummer and vocalist Kenny Ball Junior discusses his late father’s incredible legacy which saw him become honorary citizen of New Orleans, sell a million copies of Midnight in Moscow and play with the likes of Louis Armstrong and The Beatles. Kenny Junior tells us fascinating and amusing stories from his own achievements and how a note left by his father encouraging him to keep the ‘Ball’ name prominent in the jazz world still motivates him today. 

Stay in the loop for other episodes by going to: www.thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod

In this weeks episode of TheStageLeft Podcast, the eldest Gallagher brother entertains with tales from touring the globe as a DJ, how dance floor audiences differ around the world & what it was like DJing to disgruntled Oasis fans the night the band split.

Paul also gives The StageLeft Podcast his views on the possibility of Liam working with Richard Ashcroft, the family’s Irish heritage and the prospect of Oasis reforming. 

“This is a big business. I’m sure it will happen one day, there’s too much money for it not to. They’re a premier band. Regardless of what they say….. money talks.”

www.thestageleftpodcast.com #bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #oasis #noelgallagher #liamgallagher #noelgallaghershighflyingbirds #britpop #indie #rock

In this weeks episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Shane Keister gives us a fascinating insight into the working practices of Elvis Presley from his time recording at Graceland and on the road as pianist for ‘The King’s’ 1976 US tour. Shane also tells us about recording with Paul McCartney and discusses his career a session musician for Stax & Atlantic Records. Shane also shares with The StageLeft Podcast what he has learned as writer and arranger from working with the likes of Ahmet Ertegun and Arif Mardin.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #piano #elvis #elvispresley #paulmccartney

In Episode 7, Billy Burnette discusses his 8 years as main male vocalist in Fleetwood Mac, singing harmonies with Stevie Nicks, being guitarist on tour for Bob Dylan & John Fogerty and writing songs for Ray Charles & Roy Orbison. Billy also reveals how his father’s music influenced Elvis and The Beatles and talks us through his own incredible solo career as a rockabilly legend that began aged only 8. 

On recording ‘Are You Mine’ with Stevie Nicks - “It was a wild night ‘cos Prince was out the back playing Basketball…” 

www.thestageleftpodcast.com

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #fleetwoodmac #stevienicks #elvispresley #rockabilly #bobdylan #dylan #raycharles #royorbison

Former live drummer of The Prodigy Kieron Pepper discusses his incredible career. Kieron passes advice to young musicians drawn from his experience from having spent a decade playing to huge audiences worldwide as live member of one of the most groundbreaking UK acts in modern times. Kieron also reveals the often unseen challenges of touring and tells us about his many other impressive current projects including his role as member of the legendary BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #theprodigy

Mike Farrell meets The StageLeft Podcast to discuss his incredible career writing songs for Morrissey and playing on The Smith’s classics such as ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ and ‘How Soon Is Now’ on the ‘You Are The Quarry’ and ‘Ringleader of the Tormentors’ tours. Mike also tells us what he learnt from observing David Bowie night after night as Musical Director for Macy Gray. Mike also discusses playing classics from ‘Jagged Little Pill’ when touring with Alanis Morissette and the challenges of writing music for TV show’s such as Patrick Stewart’s Blunt Talk, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and 3rd Rock From the Sun.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #piano #morrissey #thesmiths #alanismorissette

Chris from The StageLeft Podcast was a guest on Phoenix FM’s ‘Feelgood Saturday Show’ last week. The appearance covers how the project came about, what his favourite revelations have been to date and who is booked to appear in future episodes.

For more episodes of The StageLeft Podcast featuring musicians who’ve worked with The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, Bob Dylan, Morrissey, Alanis Morissette, The Prodigy, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Fun Lovin’ Criminals & The Damned visit…

In a World Music Special of The StageLeft Podcast, virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Stuart Masters discusses his career as both solo artist and member of The Fingerstyle Collective. Stuart also discusses what he has learnt from tapping into Eastern influences and how this compares and contrasts to Western music. A fascinating and eyeopening discussion is also coloured with many examples and Stuart also performs two live songs on the show!

The StageLeft Podcast was recently featured in the recommendations segment on Bringcast.com - Have a listen to what they think!

Mark works as a Lead Software Engineer by day, and by night he works on BringCast - the power podcaster for Windows devices. Check it out at www.bringcast.com

In an episode full to the brim of legendary stories, Fun Lovin’ Criminals drummer Frank Benbini tells The StageLeft Podcast about writing, touring and recording for over a decade with the coolest band on the planet.

Frank also details the challenges of being in a band with his brother, how a Seafood Restaurant in New York provided inspiration for one of the greatest love songs ever written, and how a love of Prince resulted in Frank collaborating with Sinead O’ Con [...]

In this week’s episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Monty Oxymoron discusses his career as keyboardist in legendary British punk/goth/rock band, The Damned.

Monty tells The StageLeft Podcast how he adapted skills acquired from working as a Psychiatric Nurse to working in the music industry, how he approached writing songs for Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian’s approval, and what it was like to perform with members of Pink Floyd.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #thedamned #punk #goth #piano

In a revealing new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, the iconic & award winning Jennifer Batten discusses a decade as Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for the BAD, Dangerous & HIStory tours.

Jennifer reveals what it was like working so closely with Michael at the height of his fame, filming ‘Come Together’ for Moonwalker, how she approached playing Eddie Van Halen’s famous solo on Beat It, and how she prepared to play to the largest TV audience of all time at the Superbowl

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #MichaelJackson #thriller #mj #jeffbeck

On this week’s episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Chas Hodges of legendary London duo ‘Chas & Dave’ talks in depth about his career.

Chas tells StageLeft about the writing process behind ‘Ain’t No Pleasing You’ and ‘Wish I Could Write A Love Song’, his working relationship with Dave, how a difficult childhood played a part in the songs he went on to write, what it was like collaborating with the likes of Hugh Laurie & the unique Karl Pilkington.

Recorded 31/12/15 - In an exclusive insight into the making of David Bowie album Blackstar (out 8th January), Grammy winning producer Tony Visconti joins The StageLeft Podcast. As well as revealing details of unheard songs on Blackstar, Tony gives an insight into recording techniques he used on Heroes & Ashes to Ashes, what it’s like to record David Bowie’s vocals, his relationship with Marc Bolan and gives his opinion as to why David Bowie no longer tours.

#bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers #producer #bowie #davidbowie #trex #marcbolan

Recorded at The Brighton Dome, The StageLeft Podcast is joined by our great influence, Senior Lecturer in Music Business Studies & Sleeper Guitarist - Jon Stewart.

Jon talks us through being centric to the whirlwind of Britpop, his role as Music Director on Kevin Spacey's Telstar: The Joe Meek Story and appearing on the Trainspotting soundtrack. Jon tells us the advice he gives the many musicians he's worked with in relation to dealing with the pressures of the public eye, the difficulties that arise when being in a band with a complex set of personal relationships and current projects Jon is embarking on in relation to helping recovering alcoholics.

• "The 'Fame' experience is a mental health condition... it's a form of mental illness"
• "The way I dealt with it was to drink and to take lots of drugs"
• "This feels like a bit of a therapy session..."

Jon also tells us about being on Richey Edwards final tour with the Manic Street Preachers, supporting REM & Radiohead, playing with KD Lang, and having his music covered by Elvis Costello. #jonstewart

In a special lyric writing episode of The StageLeft Podcast, the gifted poet and spoken word artist Mr. Gee from The Russell Brand Show talks us through his career and passes on specific techniques to songwriters encountering writer’s block and performers overcoming nerves.

Mr. Gee also discusses what it was like to be the first man to perform poetry to 15,000 people at The 02, the influence of Hip Hop on his work, the comparisons between poets & songwriters, and talking WW1 poetry with Noel Gallagher.

#poetry #bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers

On this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Pete Lockett joins us to discuss his incredible career, which includes having been voted three times as #1 'World Percussionist' by readers of Drum Magazine, providing ethnic percussion on five James Bond films, releasing 15 solo albums and collaborating with Bjork, Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel, Noel Gallagher, The Verve, Aphex Twin and Amy Winehouse.

Pete discusses his venture into 'World Music', what young western musicians can learn specifically from music of non western origin, and the psychology of performing in high pressure environments.

"60% of being a rounded, wise, and mature musician is philosophy".

www.petelockett.com https://twitter.com/petelockett https://www.facebook.com/PETE.LOCKETT.Percussion

www.thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod www.facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

#drum #drums #percussion #music #musician #bjork #robertplant #petergabriel #Noelgallagher #oasis #Amywinehouse #bond #jamesbond #musicpodcast #podcast

The Guardian's multi award winning Football Weekly podcast is produced by Ben Green. Ben wrote a fantastic book last year advising all Podcasters whether experienced or a beginner.

Here he gives a short review of StageLeft on the follow up episode to his excellent Audiobook & podcast series.

#theguardian #podcast #musicpodcast #reviews #footballweekly

The insightful, engaging and multi-talented Cone McCaslin of punk rockers Sum 41 is our guest on Episode 20 of The StageLeft Podcast.

Cone gives a truly fascinating in depth insight into what it's currently like being in a million selling band making music in an industry with an uncertain future and gives a sneak peek into the workings on Sum 41's new album.

Cone also lifts the lid on what it's like collaborating live & in the studio with Iggy Pop and details the sometimes surreal experience of playing in China where setlists & lyrics must be submitted for censor before arrival. Cone also discusses the challenges touring can have now as a father and details the harrowing and life changing experience when Sum 41 were caught in the crossfire between rebel fighters in the Congo

#sum41 #iggypop #rock #music #musicpodcast #jackblack #bass #musiccommentary #punk #podcast #audioboom

When we first came up with the concept of The StageLeft Podcast, the Number 1 guest we wanted to interview was Steve Cropper. A man who written, produced and played on hundreds of classic songs woven into the fabric of Western culture, Steve has been recognised in the Grammy Hall of Fame and even played for President Barack Obama at The White House.

Steve talks in depth about his career, recording classics such as Soul Man, performing in The Blues Brothers and writing Sitting on the Dock of the Bay with Otis Redding, recorded only weeks before Redding passed away aged only 26.

“To be honoured at The White House is about as good as it gets, it’s like somebody in England being honoured by The Queen” #musicnews #musicpodcast #podcast #prince #musicians #musician #music #podcasts #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #Stevecropper #bluesbrothers #raycharles #soulman #eddiefloyd #justintimberlake #JT #thebeatles #johnlennon #ringostarr #thebluesbrothers #blues #songwriting

Former Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim is this week’s guest on The StageLeft Podcast. In Part One, Aziz documents his early years growing up in Longsight, Manchester to headlining the Reading Festival in 1996. Aziz discusses what it was like playing huge concerts in Brazil with Simply Red, being Musical Director for Hot Chocolate and reflects on his time in The Stone Roses. Armed with an acoustic guitar, Aziz colours the interview with examples and even plays us through how he approached learning John Squire’s guitar parts.

Part 2 will be available the week of August 15th 2016 and covers writing songs with Ian Brown, collaborating with Paul Weller, charts the challenges he has faced in his career and his thoughts on the Stone Roses reunion.

#musicnews #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #musician #music #podcasts #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #thestoneroses #stoneroses #simplyred #ianbrown

In Part 2 of Aziz Ibrahim’s appearance on The StageLeft Podcast, Aziz talks us through how he adapted Stone Roses songs such as Ice Cold Cube to Ian Brown’s solo work, how he composed My Star & Corpses in their Mouths, what it’s like working with Mani, Paul Weller, the value of music therapy, and talks us through his new project with Mike Joyce of The Smiths.

#music #ianbrown #stoneroses #thestoneroses #musicnews #podcast #musicpodcast #thesmiths #paulweller

The frank and honest Steve Firth of Embrace details the “massive peaks and huge troughs” of 20 years in the music industry in an incredible story on Episode 24 of The StageLeft Podcast. Steve talks us through how he went from living in a tent and back of a car to playing the slot on the Pyramid Stage directly before David Bowie’s iconic slot at Glastonbury Festival and how a friendship between Chris Martin of Coldplay & Danny McNamara led to Embrace releasing the top 10 single ‘Gravity’.

Steve also details what it’s like being in a band with “two strong minded brothers”, the bands' close relationship with fans, the composition of classics from their debut album, new material, Secret Gigs and hopes for a 20th Anniversary The Good Will Out tour. #bass #music #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #bassist #bassists #guitar #guitarist #guitars #guitarists #musiccommentary #drums #drummer #drummers

Former lead singer and songwriter of cult 00's rock band Hope of the States is the special guest on Episode 25 of The StageLeft Podcast.

In a rare and revealing interview, Sam Herlihy discusses the make up of 'The Lost Riots' - the critically acclaimed debut album, going onstage at Glastonbury directly after The Killers, new material recently released which was recorded immediately after Hope of the States split and discusses how the passing of bandmate Jimi Lawrence effected the band's output and interpersonal relationships.

Sam talks us the bands' split, through Nirvana's influence, the £1m Sony deal, playing TOTP on the same show as S Club Juniors, his most recent project Racetrack Gospel and passes on his wisdom to young musician's.

www.thestageleftpodcast.com @Samuelherlihy @thestageleftpod facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast https://samueljamesherlihy.bandcamp.com/ http://lastwilderness.bandcamp.com/

#musicnews #musicpodcast #podcast #musicians #musician #music #podcasts #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #songwriting #hopeofthestates #rock #britishrock

Chris from The StageLeft Podcast reveals the process behind collaborating with former StageLeft guests Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney's Wings), Shane Keister (Elvis Presley) & Stuart Masters for the new album 'Last Wilderness' in a guest appearance on Curveballs with Nick Field.

Chris also explains some of the inner workings of The StageLeft Podcast, the values of thigh-slapping, writing about The Chilcot Report and finally reveals the true reason why bandmate Steve Davies moved to India.

"The only album to have been recorded in Los Angeles, Nashville and Romford."

lastwilderness.bandcamp.com www.thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

#music #podcast #musicpodcast

Richard Ashcroft bassist Damon Minchella is our guest on Episode 26 of The StageLeft Podcast. Damon is widely regarded in the industry as the ‘go-to’ man, and talks through playing with The Who at Live 8, recording Paul McCartney’s bass part for ‘Come Together’ at Abbey Road with the great man looking on, details the conversation when asked by Noel Gallagher to join Oasis, leaving Ocean Colour Scene, playing with Paul Weller and passes on advice to young musicians (including how bassists can avoid tendonitis, a condition that stopped Damon’s career for 6 months).

There’s also some hilarious stories about Jimmy Page, Johnny Depp, and the time Diana Ross & Mariah Carey fought over OCS’ dressing room.

“It was me, Noel & Weller at the side of the stage watching The Prodigy….. and we realised the music we are making was now the mainstream……”

www.thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod www.facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

#music #podcast #musicians #musician #bass #bassist #bassists #guitarists #guitar #thebeatles #paulmccartney #johnnydepp #oasis #noelgallagher #thewho #oceancolourscene #ocs #jimmypage #ledzeppelin #theverve #richardashcroft #paulweller

Here's a quick snippet of the enigmatic and entertaining Ezra Furman giving an hilarious answer to Chris Simpson on the upcoming episode of The StageLeft Podcast. Available Sat 28th January

The enigmatic & exquisite Ezra Furman is our guest on Episode 27 of The StageLeft Podcast. Chicago's finest has been recently booked for Coachella Festival and voted in the top 10 festival moments by BBC of 2016.

A reflective and entertaining interview pays tribute to Leonard Cohen, covers Ezra's upbringing, details the challenges when writing The Refugee, tells us how Lousy Connection & Teddy I'm Ready were composed and discusses the impact Donald Trump's Presidency may on future artistic output.

Ezra also talks Arcade Fire, Green Day, White Stripes, and lots more!

"I started to shed a self that was created for an audience.....Liberation don't come easy"

@ezrafurman ezrafurman.com www.thestageleftpodcast.com

"Great questions!" - Steve Cropper "Great podcast, check it out" - BBC 6 Music "Chris is a great interviewer" - Ben Green - The Guardian "This is brilliant" - Richard McNamara - Embrace Featuring Tony Visconti, Jennifer Batten, Damon Minchella, Aziz Ibrahim & more - available for free on iTunes, Spotify & Audioboom @thestageleftpod www.facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

In this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, we talk to the coolest saxophonist on the planet and all round nice guy, John Waugh. Recorded a week before playing at the Brit Awards with The 1975, who picked up the Best British Group award, John discusses his work with the band, his solo projects, and how his ambition is to play Local Hero at Newcastle Football Ground.

The 1975, who’s second album ‘I Like It When You Sleep…’, beat David Bowie’s Blackstar* to win the 2016 Q award for Best Album, have also received nominations in the Grammy’s and Mercury Prize. This has seen John playing on two No.1 albums, touring the globe, and is set to play Madison Square Gardens later in the year. John tells The StageLeft Podcast, in fascinating detail, his journey from his early musical influences, how studying at Leeds College of Music affected his career, and how difficult it is to write emotional music for the saxophone without inadvertently sounding like Michael Bolton.

Also discussed on the podcast; how he channels nervous energy before gigs, the surrealness of playing to nearly 80,000 at Glastonbury, the making of his second EP via Skype, and the importance of art in today’s political climate.

‘If you're angry, disappointed, find an awesome and creative vice to express it responsibly, art and music has more purpose now’

The interview touches upon rock and roll excess, the pressure of touring, mental health, and the dangers of a social media culture for young musicians.

Informative, amusing, and downright interesting, John Waugh gives a fascinating insight into the journey of a session musician, and how a love of music can get him from Glastonbury to St James Park. Hopefully.

**Not to be outdone, Blackstar beat The 1975’s album ‘I Like it When You Sleep..’ to win Best Album at this year’s Brit Awards. Hear from Grammy winning producer Tony Visconti, producer of Blackstar and long time Bowie collaborator, on episode 15 of The StageLeft Podcast. This was recorded one week prior to the Albums release, and was released sadly, three days before Bowie’s passing.

You can listen to it here for free; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkmqIAinKqY

#the1975 #johnwaugh #saxophone #jazz #pop #rock #brits #music #podcast #newmusic #musicians #grammys #

This episode of The StageLeft Podcast welcomes Milton McDonald, one of the most sought after session guitarists in the business.

Since 1993 Milton has been a constant touring musician with Take That, and a member of Jeff Lynne’s ELO since 2014. He has also played, toured, and received recording credits with Alice Cooper, Ray Davies, Smokey Robinson, Mick Jagger and Yes to name but a few. From one of the most diverse and skilful musicians, this interview is the epitome of the StageLeft Podcast.

From joining a band through a Melody Maker advert, Milton began a journey that will see him playing at Wembley in the summer.

Going into fabulous detail describing the arc of a session musician from the 80’s to the present, and bursting with insight and anecdotes, Milton gives a behind the scenes look that very few people have been privy to.

A truly unsung hero of the music industry, Milton discusses the common personality traits of successful musicians, the changing requirements and necessity of the session musician, and the pros and many personal cons of playing with in-ears.

From listening to the Kinks as a kid, to playing with Ray Davies for three years, Milton tells us just what can be learnt from Ray uniqueness. www.thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod www.facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

What a privilege it is to have George Vjestica of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on Episode 30 of The StageLeft Podcast.

George talks us through the working relationship between Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, the recording process behind Skeleton Tree & Push The Sky Away, his thoughts on the new documentary film One More Time With Feeling and ahead of the release of new compilation 'Lovely Creatures', George discusses what makes Nick Cave unique.

We also hear about growing up in Stoke, his awesome new band Bandante and touring and playing live with Stone Roses legend, John Squire.

“He’s making this new music now that’s so creative and forward thinking….He’s a bridge to those amazing artists, he’s very unique, he’s such an individual...... there aren’t many people around like him anymore” - on Nick Cave

They definitely have a certain chemistry….there’s something that clicks with them”- on Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast georgevjestica.com @georgevjestica @nickcave @bandanteband

#interview #podcast #podcasts #podcasting #music #musicnews #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #musicians #drums #bass #rock #nickcave #nickcaveandthebadseeds #thebadseeds #kylieminogue #johnsquire #thestoneroses #stoneroses #ianbrown #bandante #groovearmada

This episode of The StageLeft Podcast welcomes Guns N’ Roses guitarist Richard Fortus, one of the true heavyweights of the industry.

For the last sixteen years he has been a member of arguably the biggest, and most iconic band of the last three decades. During a career spent in near constant demand, Richard has played and toured with Thin Lizzy, The Psychedelic Furs, Rhianna, Puff Daddy, and rock supergroup The Dead Daises to name but a few.

Richard takes us through some of the many highlights of playing with G’n’R. The audition, which saw him flying to L.A. immediately after playing the Albert Hall, and then Axl Rose’s reaction when told he couldn’t actually join the band due his touring commitments with Enrique Iglesias. The recording process, including his own writing credit, on Chinese Democracy – one of the most expensive, and eagerly awaited, albums ever recorded.

He discusses Axl’s genius, and what special quality he has that separates him from all others. We hear of the professionalism and dedication of Slash, how working with him is more than just recreating what’s on the records, but how each song is constantly evolving.

‘…We’re always trying to make things better, we’re always trying to make things bigger and more inspiring to play…’

‘…If a Hip Hop artist was working with a producer and they needed a guitar player, then I would get a call…. (and) I ended up doing a lot of that stuff. You know, working with the Wu Tang guys, all Puffy’s stuff…’

In keeping with the ethos of the podcast, Richard discusses why he uses equipment such as a Kemper Profiler or Axe FX when playing with the likes of Rhianna, but sticks to a single channel amp when playing with G’n’R or Thin Lizzy.

Ending the episode, Richard answers questions regarding his fears for the music industry, what ambitions he still has to fulfil, and most importantly.... Are Guns’n’Roses going to be recording any new material soon?

www.thestageleftpodcast.com @thestageleftpod facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

#GUITAR #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #musicians #musician #gunsnroses #gunsandroses #axlrose #slash #podcast #podcasting #podcasters #podcasts #musicnews

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Bird Russ Pritchard is guest on Episode 32 of The StageLeft Podcast. Charismatic, honest and hilarious - Russ talks us through his entire time to date playing with Noel Gallagher, documenting how he wrote the bass line to rare Oasis classics like Sad Song, playing 'Don't Look Back In Anger' when supporting U2 in front of 80,000 people & not being 100% sure what the next note was, hanging with Flea, his time in The Zutons, the composition of 'Valerie' and a brilliant encounter with his hero Sir Paul McCartney.....and that's not the half of it!

#music #bass #bassist #musicians #musician #bassists #U2 #thezutons #mikeyrowe #noelgallagher #Rome #u2thehjoshuatree #jamesbrown #itunes #spotify #thelas #paulmccartney #chrissharrock #oasis #don’tlookbackinanger #Carragher #flea

Recorded December 2015, the lost interview is finally released with the incredibly talented drummer & songwriter of Supergrass, Danny Goffey, who details recording with Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood & Nigel Godrich.

We hear about Danny's solo album recorded under the moniker 'Vangoffey', how he and Gaz Coombes wrote the classic 'Alright', the story behind recording 'Richard III' and Danny gives unique advice for young musicians.

"I used to make up these chords.... and the chords for Caught By The Fuzz are pretty weird!"

To be continued...

In his first interview in five years, the elegant and gifted guitarist/songwriter Gem Archer is this episode’s guest on The StageLeft Podcast.

In an open, honest, and at times hilarious interview, Gem goes into great detail about his own career, his view of the music industry, and what it was really like when the Oasis tsunami finally broke.

Gem talks about his early influences and details the shift in the creative process from singer in his own to right to writing songs to be sung by Liam Gallagher. He also gives advice to young guitarists, and tells us what the future holds.

He talks candidly about the fainting episode that resulted in a fractured skull, the emotions of playing Don’t Look Back in Anger at the Manchester Arena, and how he helped Liam develop his song writing

He gives us the low down on the NiN rumour, the Death in Vegas sessions, and tells us the common personality traits of those who have made it against those who have not.

“Don’t give up.”

We hear the often-asked question on how to decide which guitars to take on tour, and a rather frank reply on dealing with pressure on stage:

“…If you’re thinking on stage you’re fucked…Look… within reason nothing matters, everybody fucks up…”

We hear about the rock ‘n’ roll voyeurism that is seeing U2’s dressing room, and the in ears vs wedges debate rears its head again.

“…Noels got super ears man, he prides himself on that… he has some supernatural shit going on…”

In this fascinating interview, recorded the day before he flies off to Mexico, we hear also discuss trapdoor chords, knee chords, and hitting Trent Raznor with ping pong balls.

www.thestageleftpodcast @thestageleftpod facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

Abi Harding joins us on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, detailing her journey from being StageRight as Saxophonist in The Zutons to becoming lead vocalist/songwriter in AbiChan.

Abi discusses how she overcame adversity after a serious car accident in her youth to go on to become a full time musician resulting in playing the final ever James Brown concert. Encounters with Flea, Ringo Starr, Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds and more are shared in this in depth chat detailing Abi’s career to date.

Abi also shares the techniques as to how she has developed into such a great vocalist and tells us of a genius idea about how to deal with TV reality show music and independent original artists who are writing their own songs sharing the same chart….

“The fact everyone’s in it together seems a little bit odd?”

#thezutons #abichan #abiharding #music #Liverpool #saxophone

A Godfather, pioneer, and visionary of electronic music, Wolfgang Flur is this episode’s very special guest on The StageLeft Podcast. From his time with Kraftwerk – cited by David Bowie as his favourite band, to his solo work and collaborations. An artist who began his beginnings with a band who would influence generations to come with their music, and on stage distinct uniformity, Wolfgang Flur breaks free with an open and frank discussion of his singularity and individualism. Wolfgang discusses creativity, how being lucky in love keeps him young, and the difficult transformation from being a Keith Moon-esque drummer, to his own evolution as Kraftwerk percussion/ drummer. This interview is as much about the man as his music, and he talks passionately about his upbringing, the fascinating, almost pre-destined moment of finding a drum set in the school basement, and how playing in the rubble and bombsites of post-war Dusseldorf shaped his future. He gives an honest and compelling insight into the inner dynamics of Kraftwerk, how he looks to the future based on his own endeavours, and the emotional reunion with Florian Schneider after 30 years.

#kraftwerk #edm #electronica #EDM #drums #drumming #drum #drummer #music #musicnews #interview

There has been no shortage of amazing guests on The StageLeft Podcast, and this episode is no exception. Goldheart Assembly’s James Dale and John Herbert join us to talk about their journey, their songs, and reflections after playing their final and farewell gig in London last month. A gig that saw performances from members of The Bluetones, Starsailor, EMF, and The Magic Numbers.

Today they talk about their reasons for splitting, composition techniques, their new projects, and their big break by being the first ever unsigned band on Steve Lamacq’s Live Session – sandwiched between Green Day and Elbow – complete with full orchestra.

From their meeting at university in rival bands, to playing together at London’s Rock Garden, we also hear the final ever performances of King of Rome, Anvil, Harvest in the Snow, Engraver’s Daughter, So long St. Christopher, and Into Desperate Arms.

Also included:

The pivotal moment of meeting Morcheeba’s Andy Nunn;

‘…”I’d join your band, if this was a band,”…and he did in the end…’

The uniqueness of their sound, songwriting and harmony;

‘…Just tonally, our voices went so well together, it gave us a huge head start...’

The reception of their second album, three years in the making;

‘…We had Atlantic Records, Columbia Records, all put offers in for us. We thought that because they loved the early music so much - that if we made better music, wrote a better album, and weren’t attached to another record label, then we would sign to Atlantic Records…’

The hilarious anecdote about using a 200-ton steam engine for the click track to Jesus Wheel;

‘…I placed about nine mics and two of them got wet, got ruined by the steam. I didn’t know what I was doing so I just placed them everywhere…’

This entertaining, and honest interview, gives great insight into not only the band, but the inner workings and politics of the music industry, radio stations, and how not to place your microphones beside a 200-ton steam engine…

Stewart Lee on Mark E. Smith and The Fall, recorded Monday 22nd January 2018

Two days before the sad passing of Mark E. Smith, we recorded a 90min interview with Stewart Lee about his creative processes, his relationship with music, and the value of art in the digital age. During this interview Stewart spoke fondly of Mark’s enormous impact on career and approach to performance. Stewart was glowing when talking about Mark and he was happy for us to put this out this morning in light of last night’s sad news. It’s a poignant listen in retrospect. The remaining full 90min episode will be up in the coming week at www.thestageleftpodcast.com on Spotify, iTunes & all podcast apps.

The enigmatic, multi-talented, and all round good guy Stewart Lee is this episode’s very special guest. As he is currently touring his show Content Provider throughout the UK, it is a great privilege to welcome him to the show. Hands down the most critically acclaimed British comedian of his generation, Stewart Lee is also a BAFTA award winner, and part owner of four Laurence Olivier awards for his work with Jerry Springer – The Opera. He has written innumerable music reviews of - mostly obscure artists, recently performed on a tribute record for Shirley Collins, and has seen his collaboration with Capri-Batterie recently released.

Stewart talks with authority on his creative processes, passionately about his relationship with music, and speaks his mind about how artistic output is valued in the digital age. His experience, and views on the future of the creative arts is both eye-opening and frightening as he explains the almost Orwellian control of the big companies and their controlled for-profit evolution and monetization:

‘…Nowadays, if you’ve not sold your soul to these big conglomerates, you’re not going to reach anyone. I mean, seems like the internet was supposed to set us free, but actually it’s enslaving us on behalf of three or four big global corporations who are controlling the way our ideas are disseminated…’

This episode was recorded 48 hours before the passing of Mark E. Smith of The Fall, and Stewart spoke fondly about their influence on his work - ‘When he finally doesn’t do it anymore- I don’t know what it’ll take to stop him – when it finally isn’t happening it’ll be, for a normal person, like if Manchester United were to suddenly not exist anymore.... I would have had a very different life without them’

@thestageleftpod

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www.thestageleftpodcast.com

www.stewartlee.co.uk

Ahead of the release of the new episode, here's a snippet of the Ivor Novello winning songwriter Ian Dench on working with Beyonce.

Bish, Bash, Bosh.

How fascinating it was for us to deconstruct the songwriting process of the Ivor Novello winning and Golden Globe nominated songwriter Ian Dench in the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast.

Great tales from EMF (including the composition of the International Super-Hit 'Unbelievable') are followed by an in depth analysis on modern songwriting techniques that saw Ian collaborate with Beyonce on 5 songs, and go onto co-write with the likes of Florence & The Machine, Ian Brown, Shakira and many more.

A gentleman who is refreshingly open and honest, we've enjoyed the company of Ian since this interview and hope this insight will be as enjoyable to listen to as it was to record!

We are delighted to welcome Liam Gallagher’s drummer, Dan McDougall, to The StageLeft Podcast.

Dan paints an interesting picture on being the first person to collaborate on the demos for Liam Gallagher’s platinum selling album – As You Were.

He discusses in detail his and Liam’s unique relationship, the early rehearsals, and Liam’s reaction on hearing Dan’s favourite record of all time; ‘…he took my beer off me and announced to the table I was too drunk…’

A man who facilitated the second coming of the force that is Liam Gallagher, Dan discusses his development as songwriter and drummer, what the first rehearsals with Liam were like, how to thrive when working with big personalities, and how to prepare for high pressure shows such as last month’s Brit Awards, where he had to the sing the most important line in Live Forever to this year’s biggest TV audiences. Dan gives incredible insight into how to succeed in the music industry as a songwriter, producer, and session musician. He talks about his preferred recording software, playing Don’t Look Back in Anger at Glastonbury, arriving for the One Love Manchester with minutes to spare, how he tailors his songwriting for individual artists, and the price to be paid for working in the music industry;

‘…It’s the waiting game isn’t it, there’s a lot of waiting around (on tour), so some people just turn to something else to keep themselves busy…’

Also discussed are Dan’s career setbacks, the science of songwriting, his technique to get over writer’s block, and his advice for young musicians;

‘…Don’t be so disheartened by someone telling you something is bad, or you can work on it. I think I’d tell people don’t be offended because there will be a lot of people saying no along the way – just take it on the chin and keep working harder…’

We hear from fellow Leeds College of Music alumni John Waugh (Episode 32), and Dan explains why LCoM has been so important to himself and others. He answers what challenges exist for young musicians today, what fears he has for the music industry - and how they might be addressed, and will there be a second Liam Gallagher album on the horizon.

#asyouwere #drums #music #musician #drummer #drumming #songwriting #interview #liamgallagher #oasis #wonderwall #liveforever

On this special episode of The StageLeft Podcast ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, we welcome Psychotherapist & former Babyshambles writer and drummer, Adam Ficek. 

As well as an impressive solo output as ‘Roses Kings Castles’, touring the world as a celebrated DJ, Adam now works to support those in the music industry through Music and Mind, which is established to provide support, therapy, consultancy, and wellbeing in the music industry. 

Adam talks candidly of how his own experiences led to the creation of Music and Mind, and the importance of duty of care within the industry:

‘…one minute you are at the top of the game and the next minute you’re not, you’re struggling for support with all these different things which can really be quite overwhelming… the pressures are innately growing, for young bands especially…’ 

We hear the most common root cause behaviours of those that are coming to him and what specific actions musicians can take right now, the effect on creative and artistic output, how social media is a potent force for disabling people’s mental health, and the conundrum of being commoditised with-in the industry: 

‘…if you are going to step into the arena of commoditisation, then you’re going to be a commodity, that’s how it is…I did have a choice, no-one had a gun to my head saying ‘you must stay in this industry…’ 

Adam also talks about what differentiates the Babyshambles from the Libertines, the unique approach young songwriters could learn from Pete Doherty, and the time the chief Babyshamble was babysat by two ex-military: 

‘…Every other week he’d be nicked for drugs and it was part of a court order… so rather than sending him down, he would have these two ex-military guys babysit him for the recording of ‘Down in Albion’. It was a very messy time for everyone I think…’ 

Adam talks with affection about legendary drummer and teacher Bob Armstrong, why he no longer thinks of playing Wembley and Glastonbury as momentous occasions, and being in The La’s for two whole days: 

‘…I think I was in The La’s twice, once was for about a day…’ 

This episode is in keeping with our ethos to lift the lid of the music industry. Thanks to Adam, we hear a side of it that is not often spoken about yet has an ever-increasing impact from the lowest to the highest echelons of the industry. To find out more about Music and Mind please visit: www.musicandmind.co.uk 

www.thestageleftpodcast.com 

@thestageleftpod 

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Some Might Say, Rockin' Chair & For What It's Worth. Just 3 of the songs you'll hear Liam Gallagher's insanely talented keyboardist play on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast. 

We discuss all things Liam, what makes Steve Cropper unique, we get tremendous advice for young musicians directly quoted from a book on Christian's piano and hear all about The Cigar King...

#liamgallagher #asyouwere #oasis #music #podcast #interview

Double Grammy winning Saxophonist Bob Reynolds joins us for the new episode. Bob discusses in detail the collaborative process when working with John Mayer, unheard recordings, his new album Quartet and gives vital advice to young musicians....

"I watch her from onstage and think she can lead a revolution at that moment."

Jack Petruzzelli joins us from Brooklyn to discuss how he coordinated the impossible - a one take performance of the Abbey Road Side 2 Medley as The Fab Faux, something even The Beatles themselves never quite managed!

We also hear about the recording processes and live experiences with the enigmatic Rufus Wainwright and the revolutionary Patti Smith. 

Thanks to John at ArmYourEars.com for the audio editing and clean up as this was recorded cross atlantic, and to Andy Phelan for his Youtubery, as well as Alex Soikans for redesigning our new website.

Next month - Richard Oakes of Suede.

Suede guitarist Richard Oakes and producer/programmer and all round encyclopaedia of music Sean McGhee are guests on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast.

Together they are Artmagic. Their new album is out now, and it's good. It's very, good.

We discuss a lot - from unique Bjork production techniques, programming Britney Spears, to Richard deconstructing how he wrote that classic Suede tune - Beautiful Ones. 

It's a belter, so enjoy.

Please let us know what you think @thestageleftpod @artmagicmusic and on facebook, instagram and Youtube!

“We're not the sort of band that would go to cue. The more we discovered it made them look stupid, the more we did it.”

Woody Woodgate of Madness was cited by John Lennon in his final interview 2 days before his passing as an up and coming drummer who impressed. 40 odd years in the industry later and Woody tells us all about creating a 4.5 earthquake on the Richter scale, watching Oasis split from the next door changing room and having to fill in their headline slot at Rock en Seine, how It Must Be Love, Baggy Trousers were recorded, playing the Olympics Closing Ceremony and loads more.

Thanks to Dovile Juozipaviciute, Jim Sharrock, David Woolford, Andy Phelan, Alex Soikans & Ryan Winspear for the behind the scenes help with this episode. Next episode is with Clive Deamer of Radiohead & Portishead.

Please subscribe, and follow us on @thestageleftpod, facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast and follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes photos.

Devastating news broke on Saturday that Chas Hodges of Chas & Dave passed away, aged 74. Chas appeared twice on The StageLeft Podcast in November 2015.

I remember thinking I couldn't believe it that Chas agreed to come on. We had to record it twice, as I messed up the recording the first time round. Chas was an absolute gent about the whole thing and gave up another 45mins of his time to talk about his difficult childhood & writing Ain't No Pleasing You. One of the moments that stuck with me was that he felt the reason he became so effective at writing songs to put a smile on your face, was that it was those types of songs he learned on piano as child as he was trying to cheer up his mum and their household who were still coming to terms with the tragedy of Chas' father taking his life when Chas was 3. From there he always knew how he could write and play music that could put a smile on someone's face, however they were feeling. 

He was the sound of London, a brilliant pianist and an underrated songwriting talent. 

RIP Chas

On rehearsing Airbag

"...I picked up the sleigh bells and played through the whole tune. They all laughed because it was the first time they'd heard it right through."

Radiohead's second live drummer Clive Deamer is this week's guest on The StageLeft Podcast. What an honour! 90mins in depth about all things Radiohead, his unique onstage set up, how Tai Chi helps his technique, Thom Yorke's vocal warm ups, Portishead's snare sound & tonnes more.

Clive's side project HeadShy is taking off and we've heard some of the material and it's very, VERY good. Keep tabs on that! We might even get them to play at our StageLeft Nights event....on which point....

To come to StageLeft Nights - email stageleftnights@gmail.com - 5 course meal cooked by an award winning chef, live music, vinyl playback - in London.

"One of the best musical experiences of my life" - Attendee of our 2nd ever StageLeft Nights event.

You know it makes sense...

Thank you to Clive & Lisa, this was a truly humbling experience. 

#RADIOHEAD #thomyorke #drums #musicnews #drummers

The gifted poet & singer songwriter Louisa from She Drew The Gun talks us through track by track of their new album 'Revolution of Mind', discusses supporting The Coral, how essay writing enhanced songwriting processes, the benefits of working to deadlines, production techniques, and the approach to writing the modern anthem 'Poem' and new singles 'Resister' & 'Something For The Pain'.

Ahead of our new 90min interview with Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds being released Monday morning, here's a snippet of Ian Broudie discussing writing 'Three Lions'…

Ian Broudie has not only written timeless classics in his career, but has played a pivotal role in the embryonic stages of Echo and the Bunnymen, The Zutons & The Coral. 

Ian takes a deep dive into analysing songwriting processes, discusses 'You'll Never Walk Alone' influenced writing 'Three Lions', details how Chris Sharrock and Zak Starkey's drum style differ and tells us what his new record is going to sound like...

This is probably one of our fav episodes ever to have recorded, thank you to Ian, Jim Sharrock & Riley for making this happen. 

Thank you to Dave Woolford for the edit, Andy Phelan and Alex Soikans for YouTube & website help. 

This one's for you, Steve Davies.

A Day in the Life of RAK studios with engineer Isabel Gracefield!

We get lots of great insight from Isabel on working with some of the most high profile names in music, and gives great tips to those aspiring to be either side of the desk!

Mark E. Smith close friend and collaborator Ed Blaney is on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, who reflects on Mark's recent passing, recording new material in Berlin, selling parts of the dance floor to the Hacienda during hard times, and passes on advice to those entering the music industry from his experience managing The Fall.

Jessica Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is our guest on this new episode of The StageLeft Podcast - hear her talk about singing on new Noel songs, reveal the origins of the lyrics to some of her most honest of songs, discuss what it's like playing Oasis songs to 70,000 people and hear us jam!

Jessica will be returning to our StageLeft Nights events, where she will play a set to just you and 7 other people in our lounge. 

Go to stageleft_nights on insta for more details or get in touch at stageleftnights@gmail.com

Thanks to Dave Woolford, Alex Soikans and Andy Phelan for their help.