Bottle Pop with Tom Aspaul

To celebrate the release of Tom's second album 'Life In Plastic' - Bottle Pop is back for a special, brand new mini-series. In Episode 1, Tom is joined by BAFTA TV and Olivier Award nominated actor, performer and all-round mega talent, Omari Douglas. Hailing from the same hometown (Wolverhampton), same secondary school and same amateur dramatic society as Tom, the two chat about their similar adolescent years in the Midlands. Omari discusses his time filming 'It's A Sin', his experiences in the West End (including the moment Janet Jackson came to meet the cast of 'Cabaret' backstage) and his new role, opposite Billie Piper, in the new series of 'I Hate Suzie'. Omari chooses Cocknbullkid, Sérgio Mendes and Janet Jackson for his Aux Cable Selections.

The lovely guys at FUBAR Radio asked Tom to takeover the station for two hours as part of their ongoing Tuesday Takeover series this summer. He was happy to oblige! For the second hour, Tom is joined by two super-talented singers and songwriters, Benedict Cork and Hannah Yadi. The trio make a toast to broken hearts, referring to Benedict's new single 'Breaking Hearts'. Benedict discusses his music, his love for performing live and future plans. Hannah discusses her love of songwriting and reluctance to focus on just one genre, having recently featured on two dance tracks (one of which Tom plays during the show!) and written on a #1 country album. Both Hannah and Ben were part of different bands when Tom first met them, so in honour, they play a game of 'Ridin Solo' in which they have to guess: the artist, title and band which-they-were-once-a-part-of from just 5 seconds of the song. It turns out to be much harder than it sounds! Benedict chooses Toto and Celine Dion for his Aux Cable Selection and Hannah chooses Akon and All Saints.  

The lovely guys at FUBAR Radio asked Tom to takeover the station for two hours as part of their ongoing Tuesday Takeover series this summer. He was happy to oblige! For the first hour, Tom is joined by one half of Jack & Joel, the 2017 X-Factor finalist and meme generator, Jack Remmington. The pair make a toast to Miranda, who's fast becoming an icon in the meme-world. Jack explains the origins of the meme - how he came across the video, which has now been played over 400k times! Jack also chats his musical beginnings, from his time on X-Factor to Jack & Joel's new single 'One Too Many Time'. The boys discuss the recent Spice Girls gig at Wembley, coincidentally both Tom and Jack dragged up as a member of the band. Jack chooses Tina Turner, Nadine Coyle and Rascal Flatts as his Aux Cable Selection. 

Tom is joined in the Season 2 Finale by BRIT nominated singer, songwriter, DJ, label boss and businesswoman, Little Boots, aka Victoria Hesketh, as they make a toast to, ‘the return of songs’. The pair catch up, having last collaborated on Little Boots' previous record, ‘Working Girl’, and vow to write something new together in the near future. Tom reminisces about his first ever solo release, ‘Indiana’, which was put out on Victoria’s own label, On Repeat Records in 2013 and Victoria explains why her Top 10 RedOne produced smash hit ‘Remedy’ has two choruses (and nearly didn’t have a chorus at all!). An ABBA superfan, Little Boots breaks down why ABBA are so amazing and her favourite ABBA song before hinting something special is on it’s way in 2019, which will be the 10 Year Anniversary of her first album, ‘Hands’. Little Boots chooses Frida, Dubstar and Robert Miles as her Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by Music PR and KPop superfan, Chris Slade and the head of Digital Marketing at Capitol Records UK, Maddy Smith, for a double whammy music industry special, as the trio make a toast to the recent engagement of Justin Bieber. Chris explains his love for all things KPop and why he thinks the genre has had an upsurge in popularity with the recent successes of BTS and BLACKPINK. Maddy explains the importance of social media when launching a new musical act before getting her (scarily accurate knowledge of Instagram follower numbers) expertise put to the test in a game of The Price is Right. Chris is quizzed on Press Releases with the name of the artist and song removed - with hilarious results. The pair are asked to pick their favourite two songs of the year 2018 so far, for a special Aux Cable Selection. Chris chooses BLACKPINK and Charli XCX. Maddy chooses Ariana Grande and Christine and the Queens.

Tom is joined by fellow podcaster (What's Poppin'), blogger and social media guru, Grace Medford, as they make a toast to inclusivity on London Pride weekend. After a failed attempt at recording this very episode two weeks ago, Tom describes the trials, tribulations, highs and lows of his busy week, from appearing as a guest on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 evening show (reviewing the new Years & Years record, ‘Palo Santo’), to his failing laptop (not one, but two lost podcast recordings!), to coming down from a magical evening seeing Alanis Morissette in concert. Grace discusses her new found appreciation for all things Wiccan (under Tom’s guidance!) and the pair talk about their love of girls-with-guitars and what they both perceive as a frustrating absence of lesbians from mainstream pop culture. Tom slips in some *very* exciting and exclusive news somewhere in the middle of the episode…. and Grace chooses ZAYN, 5 Seconds of Summer and Little Mix as her Aux Cable Selection.

Tom takes Bottle Pop on the road this week, to sunny Clapham, as he joins vocal producer and vocal coach to-the-stars, Lorna Blackwood in her studio. The pair toast to Cam, Lorna’s husband, who's work on George Ezra’s latest album, has garnered not just a #1 album, but George’s first #1 hit! Lorna describes the different aspects to her work, giving singing lessons, doing vocal production on singles such as ‘New Rules’ and ‘IDGAF’ and coaching artists such as Liam Payne, Dua Lipa and Mabel on their vocal technique for live performances. Tom is treated to a crash course, learning warm-ups and exercises to help improve his, admittedly *nasal* voice! Lorna also describes her hilarious experiences providing vocals for ‘royalty free’ cover versions of well-known songs - specifically tracks used for Lorraine’s Fitness DVD! Lorna chooses Nickelback, Phil Collins and Kylie Minogue as her Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by the acclaimed and iconic singer/songwriter, former Sugababe and new Mum, Siobhan Donaghy as well as her best pal, the multitalented superstar Drag Queen DJ, Lady Lloyd. The trio make a toast to Siobhan’s 11 month old, Ford as well as Lloyd’s all time #1 fave Popstar, Shania Twain. Tom finds out how the pair met back in the old Sugababes days, recounts his week in the studio with Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan back in 2012, before asking all about Lady Lloyd’s new musical project with Boy George. The duo’s musical knowledge is put to the test as they battle to guess correctly famous Girl Group hits that have been reversed (the prize is a shot of Jameson!) Finally, a massive fan of Siobhan's revered second album ‘Ghosts’, Tom delves into the making of the record as well as asking the question on everybody’s lips, will there be any new music from Siobhan and her bandmates, Mutya and Keisha? Lloyd chooses Whigfield and The Rah Band as her Aux Cable Selection. Siobhan opts for Dolly Parton and Enya.

Tom is joined by the editor of OfficialCharts.com and pop superfan, Rob Copsey, who makes not one, but two toasts; to Mariah Carey and to Lily Allen and her new album. Continuing the theme of doubles, Rob provides an extra bottle of prosecco too, which makes for possibly the most inebriated episode yet. While still sober, the pair talk about the changing face of the UK Singles Chart, what makes a hit and what still makes the charts relevant in 2018. As Editor of the Official Charts website, Rob’s knowledge is put to the test in a game of ‘Play Your Charts Right’, before the guys discuss The Saturdays, Zara Larsson, Cher in Vegas and whether outspoken popstars are still a necessity or not. Rob chooses Pitbull feat. Chris Brown, Diana Ross and Deuce as his Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by singer and songwriter Anita Blay, otherwise known as one half of dance-pop duo Anthony & Cleopatra (and formerly/iconicly known as CockNBullKid). As well as celebrating her recent success with the new One Republic single, the pair make a toast to the British Summer Time. Despite Tom’s struggles with hayfever this week, they manage to pack in a whole range of topics, from the distinct lack of female producers, to what it’s really like working as a songwriter, to which FIFA World Cup song they like best (none of them!) Anita discusses her work as part of Anthony & Cleopatra - which inspires a tense game based on famous Pop Duets through-out music history. Finally, Anita chooses French Montana, Lady Gaga feat. R. Kelly and Blue as her Aux Cable Selection.

Bottle Pop returns for a Second Season.. and to celebrate, we’re kicking off with a bumper hour-long episode! Tom is joined by Peter Robinson, music journalist and the editor/creator of Popjustice. Both being massive ABBA fans, the two could not start the podcast without toasting ABBA and discussing their upcoming reunion. Peter is concerned over the prospect of two new ABBA songs - specifically whether they will be added to his ’ABBA shithouse’ or hopefully, ‘ABBA Gold-er’ playlist. Tom then turns the tables on Peter, an interviewer notorious for asking Popstars weird and wonderful questions, by giving him a taste of his own medicine. The pair discuss the state of Pop Music in 2018, whether streaming has led to it’s oversaturation or increased the amount of great, creative artists and songs. Peter chooses Barry Manilow, Mike Posner and Almighty feat. Jamie Knight for his Aux Cable selection. 

Tom is back for an *Extra Special Festive Edition* of Bottle Pop! Alongside previous guest from Episode 1, Joe Stone, Tom is joined by friend, fashion-designer, pop-culture obsessive and fellow Wulfrunian, Jenny Postle-Cope, as the trio take an irreverent look back at the year that was: 2017. Month by month, from January to December, Trump to Rak Su, the Superbowl to the VMAs, the return of Steps to the return of Kesha, Gemma Collins to Meghan Markle, "Purposeful Pop" to Eurovision and everything in between - 2017 has been a bit of a weird one. The gang make some tough decisions dishing out Bottle Pop’s coveted and highly respected Bottle Pop Awards (categories of which include “Arsehole of the Year” etc…) and Joe and Jenny decide on their Top 5 songs-of-the-year for the final Aux Cable Seclection of 2017.

Tom takes a look back at Season 1 of Bottle Pop, gathering together a collection of his favourite moments, anecdotes and clips. GHV1 features bits from each of the sixteen star-studded episodes, along with Tom's own insights into the making of the show and behind the scenes gossip. Over the last four months, we've gone from being inside Beyoncé’s house to finding poo on a towel in a Las Vegas hotel; flying across the world with Rihanna to being gifted a Gregg’s VIP Card; doing karaoke with Kylie Minogue to pinging a cork into KStewart’s eye; writing a #1 single to getting Shawn Mendez mixed up with Sean Cody - take a trip down memory lane and relive it all again! Tom also inaugurates the Aux Cable Hall Of Fame™ with it’s first five songs.

Tom is joined by singer-songwriter, vocal powerhouse and Bewdley superstar Becky Hill, as they make a toast to Season 1 of Bottle Pop; this being the last instalment for a short while. The pair recount their first meeting five years ago, the year they both entered the music industry, shortly after Becky got through to the finals of the 1st series of The Voice UK. Becky chats the ups and downs of her career so far and how this only really feels like the beginning, even with megahits like ‘Gecko’ and ‘False Alarm’ under her belt. The duo chat in depth about writing songs, how streaming has changed the game, their hopes for Q4,  “90s money” and their shared love of the John Niven novel ‘Kill Your Friends’ (and how scarily accurate it can be!) Becky chooses N-Dubz, Girli feat. Lethal Bizzle and Sunblock as her Aux Cable Selections.

Tom takes Bottle Pop on the road as he travels to deepest, darkest France for a spécial *Édition Française* of the podcast. He is joined by music industry whizzkid, artist manager and Francophile Julian Rupert; AND long-time friend, KENZO knitwear designer and Parisian-Mancunian, Sam Leutton, as they toast to French President, Emmanuel Macron and his €20,000 make-up habit. Julian chats about his early days in the music industry through to seeing one of his artists hit #1 on the UK singles chart. Sam reminisces about how she and Tom met in London and what it’s like working and living in Paris (and the poor service in bars and restaurants that entails). The trio drink/eat/talk all things French, from the early career of Alizée, to the genius of Mylène Farmer and everything in between, before Tom quizzes the pair on their French knowledge. Julian chooses Shy’m, Marie Mai and Lorie as his Aux Cable Selections, Sam closes the show with a song from Disney’s ‘Beauty And The Beast’.

Tom is joined by Shortlist features editor Chris Mandle as they make a toast to Elton John’s classic song ‘Benny And The Jets’ - especially it’s famous piano line, which has recently been the inspiration for several songs, from Gaga to Harry Styles. The boys also talk tattoos, Greggs, hangovers, chat shows and celebrity deaths before getting into Chris’s speciality subject - Boy Bands. From Take That to Five to One Direction, the pair chat solo careers, both successful and unsuccessful, dance moves, harmonies and which member of 1D they think has the best shot at longevity. However, things go horribly wrong when Tom’s laptop fails to save 2/3 of the recording. In true Bottle Pop fashion, the rest of the podcast is finished over the phone (!). Chris chooses Backstreet Boys, Busted and One Direction for his Aux Cable Selections.

Tom is joined by freshly signed singer/songwriter, popstar-in-waiting, Hannah Jane Lewis - about to release her first official single; as they make a toast to Kesha and her incredible new album. Hannah talks about growing up in Florida, the gaps in her UK pop knowledge and going to the same University as Lady Gaga (NYU) before settling in London. The pair sing the praises of Kesha’s new country-tinged record ‘Rainbow' and share a love for female fronted country-pop, or as Tom calls it: “gay country”. Hannah fills Tom in on her upcoming single ‘Rain Check’ before admitting her slight obsession with Avril Lavigne and Ashlee Simpson. Hannah chooses Jessica Simpson, Danity Kane and Avril Lavigne for her Aux Cable Selections.

Tom is joined by Britney superfan and freelance writer Alim Kheraj (who, amongst other things, contributes to Beat, iD, Popjustice and Noisey) as they make a toast to the city of Las Vegas, for reinvigorating the career of The Legendary Miss Spears. The boys chat about their Las Vegas experiences and Alim recounts seeing her live at her residency and the iTunes festival. This episode is dedicated to the life, times and works of Britney Jean Spears and Alim discusses what it is that makes her so special.. and how she shapes up against today’s younger batch of pop starlets. The pair also discuss the upcoming Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize; who they want to win, who they don’t want to win and who will probably win anyway. Alim chooses Britney Spears for all three of his Aux Cable Selections.

Tom is joined by Australian PR and pop music blogger, David Lim, as they make a toast to (David’s client) Geri Halliwell herself for a special *Aussie Edition* of Bottle Pop. The boys chat all things Antipodean; from Tom’s obsession with Kath & Kim, to David working with the Minogue-sister’s-Dad back in Melbourne, through to their shared love of Tina Arena and Dannii - The People’s Minogue. David recounts his life back in Australia from working at a McDonald’s in Melbourne to running super high profile PR campaigns in London today. Tom recounts his first ever songwriting sessions with the then newly reformed Mutya Keisha Siobhan, before the pair bond over their shared passion for KFC. David chooses Scandal’Us, Lene Nystrøm and Ricki-Lee for his Aux Cable Selections.

Tom is joined by Beat and Guardian journalist, Popjustice features editor and Max Martin superfan, Michael Cragg, as they make a toast to shitty interviews (on the birthday of Lil’ Kim). The pair chat about the Swedish Polar Music Prize - specifically when awarded to Björk, Max Martin and Emmylou Harris; the rise, fall and rise of Lady Gaga; which member of Little Mix farted in an interview; the struggles of female popstars (a recurring theme!) and when Michael once bled in front of Usher. Michael recounts his once-in-a-lifetime experience on the 777 Rihanna tour, in which she took Michael and fellow journalists on a mini world-tour in seven days. It quickly descended into chaos. The pair also try to piece together the Top 100 biggest selling female artists of all time. Michael chooses Leona Lewis, Alphabeat and Brandy & Monica for his Aux Cable Selections.

Tom is joined by Brummie pop powerhouse, Clare Maguire, as they make a toast to the iconic French-Canadian chanteuse, Céline Dion. Clare brings Tom up to date on her early days going out in Birmingham through to sobriety and working with Mike Skinner and Fraser T Smith on her music. The pair discuss Clare’s Irish roots, her Dad’s love of The Corrs and the strange lack of fellow Midlanders in the music industry. Tom explains that Rihanna is the first female artist for 12 weeks to enter the Top 5 (a record since 1972) and Clare opens up about the struggles of being female artist, before choosing Céline Dion for all three (!) of her Aux Cable Selections.

Tom takes Bottle Pop on the road as he travels to multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer Leo Kalyan’s house for a chat. They toast to diversity (not the Britain’s Got Talent dance troupe) and put the world to rights on a wide range of issues. From Indian music being sampled in Western pop, to the lack of brown artists being played on UK radio, Leo discusses in depth, how juggling being both an LGBT artist and Asian, can be a struggle. The pair also talk about Leo’s early years, his training in Indian Classical Music and his fascination with the sea. Leo reveals what his drag name would be (it’s amazing!), his obsession with RuPaul’s Drag Race and chooses RuPaul, Holly Valance and Whigfield for his Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by Guardian, Vice, Refinery 29 and Debrief journalist; Sophie Wilkinson, as they toast Lana Del Rey on her 32nd Birthday. The pair chat about enigmatic popstars choosing to separate themselves from their musical persona, such Lizzie Grant (Lana Del Rey), Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga) and Katheryn Hudson (Katy Perry). Sophie surprises Tom with the revelation she was once the lead guitarist in a manufactured girl group called Bloke!, before discussing her journey into journalism, her favourite charity singles and breaking down the iconic 1998 all-star version of ‘Perfect Day’. Sophie chooses Misha B, Ricky Martin and George Michael for her Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by Vice, Time Out, Gay Times and NME journalist; Nick Levine, on the hottest day of the year, as they toast the late, great Cilla Black. The boys chat Nick’s early days in journalism, the best and worst interviews throughout his career (including Debbie Harry, Michelle Williams and All Saints); before discussing their shared love of older female Pop Culture icons, such as Olivia Newton-John, Liza Minnelli and Maggie Smith. Things go horribly wrong when the heat causes a technical failure and the pair are forced to continue the Podcast the next day (!) over the phone. Nick chooses Madonna, Cilla Black and Alexandra Burke for his Aux Cable Selection. 

Tom is joined by super sassy singer/songwriter/popstar KStewart, as they make a toast to… KStewart herself (lol!) The pair take a look back at Kate’s early days as a Musical Theatre student in London, her stint as Snow White on the UK Panto Circuit and just how many Ubers she’s taken (the total is shocking). Kate also reveals her worst studio session and her hidden talent for mimicry before chatting about current single ‘Hands’ and upcoming projects. KStewart chooses QT, Diveo and Jason DeRulo for her Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by Grammy-nominated songwriter and popstar, MNEK, as they make a toast to Jeremy Corbyn. The boys get to grips with the famous Mariah Carey/Jennifer Lopez feud, their favourite girl groups and MNEK’s early beginnings at the hallowed Xenomania pop factory. Tom asks what it was like working with Beyoncé (!) and they recount how a song they made together ended up on a Kylie Minogue album. MNEK chooses ATC, September and Billie Piper for his Aux Cable Selection.

Tom is joined by Norwegian songwriter, Caroline Ailin, as they make a toast to 11 year old Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway - famous for ‘dabbing’ on the Norwegian Royal Balcony. They talk about the many ups and downs of songwriting - including Caroline’s latest success with the new Dua Lipa single and their shared success with the previous Snakehips single ‘Burn Break Crash’. Caroline takes a trip down memory lane, back to Liverpool where she studied at LIPA (and wrote a song with Paul McCartney!), Tom quizzes her on famous fellow redheads and she chooses City High, Eamon and Frankee for her Aux Cable selection. 

Tom is joined by music manager and fellow former Telford inhabitant, Emma Jay Marsh, as they make a toast to Toni Collette's iconic performance in 'Muriel's Wedding'. The pair bond over their hometown and it's famous inhabitants (such as Lolly!); they also chat at length about the Golden Age of Big Brother (2004-2006), what it's like being a woman in a male-dominated industry and Emma chooses Amy Studt, Scooter (!) and Sharam for her Aux Cable selection, all before being interrupted by a massive thunder storm.

Tom is joined by Grazia, Attitude and Guardian journalist, Joe Stone as they make a toast to Rosanne McBride and the iconic MTV show for which she's famous - 'Totally Scott-Lee'. They also chat at length about The Spice Girls (obvs), get mixed up between Sean Cody/Shawn Mendez and Bel Ami/Belle Amie and Joe chooses forgotten classics from Jentina, Alanis Morrissette and Geri Halliwell for his Aux Cable selection.