Survival Songs

Ho, Ho… HOW did we end up with a Christmas Special? Is there no end to this format, I hear you cry?! But then along came Annabel Pettigrew, and suddenly a sprinkling of survival at Christmas made every sense. Enjoy this glorious celebration of ‘Last Christmas' by Wham!Annabel Pettigrew is an artist and lecturer whose practice is research and pilgrimage based. Annabel initiated and curates ‘Throes of Grief', an artist collective which seeks to explore grief and grief related themes in contemporary art practice.Show Notes:Website: www.throesofgrief.comInstagram: @annabelpettrigrewHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Last Christmas' by Wham! can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ''Last Christmas' by Wham!. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lpH0xAS4fVfLkACg9DAuM?si=4iQszkk7TGe_zcI3_F65LA

We've had the pleasure of interviewing lots of friends on this podcast. Why else would you start one? Meet Lydia's friend, Anders. They regularly share music, stories and thoughts, but this wasn't the conversation Lydia thought they'd have - It's a good surprise. He's also a regular listener to this podcast, which is a lovely thing.Anders Duus is a playwright, dramaturg and translator, based in Strängnäs, Sweden. These days he splits his time between teaching dramatic writing at Stockholm University of the Arts and freelance writing. (And what brilliant writing he writes…)Show notes:Website: https://colombine.se/forfattaren/anders-duusInstagram: @duusenHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Bobby Malone Moves Home' by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'Bobby Malone Moves Home' by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FdSsjcX7vzOnN5zNqQWAy?si=QFlGsWSrSNqwkoYbnIfJhg

Our podcast forces the guest to choose one song - We know, we're awful. But when our guest is someone who writes about music and culture, where do they even begin?! Andrew knew exactly where to go, and it might not be where you expect…Andrew Emery is an author and cultural commentator with a deep-rooted passion for hip-hop. He authored The Book of Hip-Hop Cover Art, which explores the artistry and cultural significance behind iconic album covers, and Wiggaz With Attitude: My Life as a Failed White Rapper, a candid, humorous memoir detailing his journey through hip-hop. Emery's unique experiences, including founding the cult rap magazine Fat Lace and his long-term role as an editor for Hip-Hop Connection, were retold in his most recent book Write Lines: Adventures In Rap Journalism.Show notes:Website: https://velocitypress.uk/product/write-lines-bookInstagram: @drewhugeWelcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOgHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Can We Pretend' by Bill Withers can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'Can We Pretend' by Bill Withers . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ThoqLcyIYvZn7iWbj8fsj?si=nYp6ValORZ-lPG0cDp4PCQ

Liz is a community artist and organiser. She has particular interest in the way that an open, creative, inclusive process can be used to encourage the development of ecosystems where all species can flourish. She is committed to developing work which explores how we can take inspiration from the natural world that we are part of to create places and spaces where regenerative cultures can thrive.She is a Certified Permaculture Educator. In 2022 she launched the UK's first Full Permaculture Design Course specifically focused on artists and creatives, and is a pioneer in the exploration of ideas around permaculture design, imagination and art.In a voluntary capacity she is co-founder and co-ordinator for a local community group working to maintain and improve 120 acres of meadows and woodland at the point where the River Roch and River Irwell converge in Bury, North Manchester.Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Leave Home' by The Chemical Brothers by can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ''Leave Home' by The Chemical Brothers, Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://www.thechemicalbrothers.com/

Danny thought he had his go-to survival songs sorted. Then, a year ago, this one hit him from left field and handed him the entire, survival toolkit in 4 minutes. This is a really special conversation and another, new perspective. We hope you love it.Danny West, a proud native of Leeds, serves as the Publishing Manager at Come Play With Me Records (CPWM), where his passion for music and creativity fuels his work. Known for being a connector of people and ideas, Danny has been instrumental in forging key partnerships for CPWM, including their significant collaboration with Universal Music Publishing Group—a move that has opened new doors for artists under the label.Outside of his work at CPWM, Danny's love for storytelling shines through his career as a videographer. He's had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Amazon Prime Video, Adidas, Reebok, and MTV, bringing vibrant visual content to life. His work around Yorkshire is particularly close to his heart, where he's worked closely with local talent like Graft, the 2020 winner of BBC's 'The Rap Game'.Danny's deep connection to Leeds and Yorkshire drives him to champion local talent, while his creative vision and network continue to elevate artists and projects to a national stage. His ability to blend business savvy with creative flair has made him a key figure in the region's creative and music scenes.Show Notes:Danny West: https://www.instagram.com/dannywestjr/Welcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOgHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/ 'Rain' by The Sunday Service Choir can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ' 'Rain' by The Sunday Service Choir. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c9O21YLFy4tFI9zCVhbFg?si=BWHvv5kyTmeNIU5tTn9H7g

Grab yer air guitars and prepare to yell - We're about to go in for a female-focussed, punk moment, and it's ace.Laura Slater in a designer who works across textiles, print and image making. She is also a creative educatorHer practice is occupied with the engagement we have with pattern and its ability to connect us with the objects and environments we surround ourselves with, this is explored through approaches to process, materials and product. Her work resolved through intuitive drawing investigation, working with composition, colour and surface through the act of making.As a designer Laura's work is focused around creating democratic products, exploring how this can act as a vehicle for the interaction with art as part of the everyday. Her collaborators include Tate, YSP, Heals, Ikea Global, John Lewis, Lomography and Charleston.Laura runs her design studio and print workshop in Yorkshire.Show notes:Website: www.lauraslater.co.ukInstagram: @lauraslaterprintWelcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOgHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/‘Start Together' by Sleater-Kinney can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of '‘Start Together' by Sleater-Kinney Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://www.sleater-kinney.com/

Big song - Gorgeous chat. Grab a cuppa and enjoy two pals unpacking a very beautiful song.Rich Huxley is a musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and workshop leader, best known as a founding member and guitarist of the Leeds-based band Hope & Social. Rich has been deeply involved in the music scene for over two decades, bringing a unique blend of passion, creativity, and community spirit to his work.As a multi-instrumentalist, allowing him to contribute to the rich, layered sound that defines Hope & Social. Formed in 2008, the band is renowned not only for their energetic and emotionally resonant music but also for their collaborative and inclusive approach to the arts. Rich has been a driving force behind the band's ethos of involving fans and communities in their creative processes, from interactive live performances to workshops and large-scale community projects.Aside from his work with Hope & Social, Huxley has made significant contributions as a producer and collaborator with other artists and projects. He has also been active in mentoring emerging musicians and advocating for a more sustainable and accessible music industry. His dedication to music as a tool for community building has helped Hope & Social stand out as pioneers in connecting with their audience in innovative ways.Rich's open, authentic approach and commitment to creativity have earned him respect not only as a musician but also as an ambassador for grassroots music-making and the power of art to inspire positive change.Show notes:Website: www.richhuxley.comInstagram: @thehuxcapacitorHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/ ‘If I'm Dead' by Dan Mangan can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ‘If I'm Dead' by Dan Mangan . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ByjU6oarxRC2Y85JpKx1n?si=Bz-rasAwQESTlcFsouC5pg

Bodies, brains, friends and lovers. This is a beautiful chat about a beautiful song - What more do you want? We laughed, cried and swayed our way through this one. We hope you do too.Caro is an artist, writer and maker based by the sea, in Bournemouth. She makes paints, inks and pigments from foraged materials and ancient processes and wrote a book about it so you can too: It's called Found and Ground. Caro beams when she talks about writing, which has more recently gained a big readership under the name Uncivil Savant on Substack, and she takes serious joy in teaching courses and hosting workshops all over the UK and Europe. Significant eras include time recording and touring in a band, living on a boat on the Thames and both leaving and returning to art-making on her own terms.Show notes:Website: foundandground.comInstagram: @foundandgroundWelcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOgHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/ ‘Mount the Air' by The Unthanks by can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ' ‘Mount the Air' by The Unthanks . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://www.the-unthanks.com/

Craft, community, solidarity and skateboarding: This chat with Luke Tonge goes places! It may be the shortest track we've heard so far on Survival Songs, but it sure still packs a punch. And Luke is the perfect person to introduce you to it. We hope you love it.Luke is a graphic designer (& occasional lecturer), originally from Nottinghamshire and now, via Falmouth, proudly flying the flag for the West Midlands, where he & his wife Tash live. With a passion for craft, nourished by pop culture, his practise focuses on creating compelling identity & editorial work for brands, agencies and charities. As co-director of Birmingham Design, the organisation responsible for the Birmingham Design Festival & Gather, he spends much of his time championing the creative community. He is very into kindness, fun and wearing shorts.Show notes:Website: www.luketonge.comInstagram: @luketongeHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/Luke Tonge: ‘On The Bow' by Chuck Ragan can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of Luke Tonge: ‘On The Bow' by Chuck Ragan. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iU0naWn1UgiTReoiXqPXI?si=yhNIpsVRTEGW8PeAYfXeJw

Testament is an acclaimed writer, rapper and Guinness world record breaking human beatboxer who is based in West Yorkshire. Testament's work ranges from spoken word poetry, playwrighting and composition, to essay writing, live beatbox show to radio presenting. Testament's work has received praise from Lemn Sissay, graphic novelist Alan Moore, actor and writer Patterson Joseph, BBC presenter Lauren Laverne and the progenitor of Hip-Hop himself DJ Koolherc. Testament's work as a rapper includes the celebrated Hip-Hop album Homecut: No Freedom Without Sacrifice, as well as several spoken word performances for BBC TV and BBC Radio (1xtra, Radio 4 and 6Music). In 2019 he was Channel 4 Writer in Residence at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. As a playwright Testament has written for theatres such as The Royal Court, Leeds Playhouse, The Globe and Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester among others. Testament's work for screen includes clients such as Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC and Channel 4. Over the years Testament has worked with a diverse range of people from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae, Ray Parker Jnr, jazz legends Joe Lovano and Jean Toussaint, Mercury nominee Soweto Kinch and he won the BBC Urban Music Talent Award in 2007. In 2015 he wrote his first show the acclaimed play Blake Remixed – a personal response to the work of William Blake which had a successful run in Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015 and since then he has straddled the world of music, literature and theatre.Show Notes:Testament Insagram: @testamenthomecutHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'I Am The True Vine' by The Pro Arte Singers by can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'SONG' by ARTIST . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about The Pro Arte Singer here:https://music.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewCollaboration?cc=gb&ids=79307923-87275487-73399084

Every now and then, there comes a song that has space for everything - all of it. Good, bad and ugly; brave, wild and hilarious. This is one such song (and we know the perfect person to introduce you to it). Meet Ruth Charnock.Ruth is a queer writer, tarot reader, artist, creative mentor, facilitator and lapsed academic. She makes work about feelings, music, sex, knots and words. She is the author and editor of Joni Mitchell: New Critical Readings and is working on a book about tarot and queer motherhood. She is one half of the collaboration ‘Witching the Institution' with Karen Schaller and newly the co-steward of the Beyond Form creative platform alongside Sarah Amsler.Show notes:Website: www.ruthcharnock.comInstagram: @ruthcharnockHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/‘Hejira' by Joni Mitchell can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'Hejira' by Joni Mitchell. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about Joni Mitchell here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5hW4L92KnC6dX9t7tYM4Ve?si=HvAZj0oVTy28rz_MOsMH9Q

A longer and lovely episode for you this week, as we overhear two best friends having the kind of conversation they've been having in the pub for a long time already…Mat Lazenby is the founder and creative director of LazenbyBrown - A branding and web design agency based in York. He is a creative fellow of both the Northern School of Art and York St John University, a past Master of The Guild of Media Arts and Chair of the Selby Creative Drivers. He's built a career helping organisations express their personality through design and brand communication, but otherwise enjoys collecting vinyl, kayaking and walking the studio dog, Steiff. He's the creator of our beautiful logo and is also Ed's best friend.Show notes:Website: www.lazenbybrown.comInstagram: @mat_lazenbyHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'You're Beautiful' by Mojave 3 by can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'You're Beautiful' by Mojave 3 . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about Mojave 3 here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jSYHcSo85heWskYvAULio?si=8gfx8YCRRvqnD3HC5icMhg

When does Char play this euro pop banger? “Every opportunity! I've become unbearable! I'm a very annoying fan of this song!” Despite really not wanting to choose it, this song is undeniably Char's happy place, and one they are delighted to be forcing you to listen to! We really hope you enjoy this brilliant chat with the lovely, Char Heather.Char Heather is a writer, researcher and workshop facilitator whose work examines the relationship between form, narrative and chronic illness. Char runs the remotebody, a DIY organisation that facilitates online arts events prioritising chronically ill and disabled people, and is a member of resting up collective. You can find their writing on Futch Press and The Polyphony, alongside in the New Gothic Review, Lighthouse Journal and Spam Zine.Show notes:Website: theremotebody.bigcartel.comInstagram: @theremotebodyWelcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOgHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Musica leggerissima' by Colapesce Dimartino can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'Musica leggerissima' by Colapesce Dimartino. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about Colapesce Dimartino here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2KX2VLr3Eu6sn6EtxzCtvf?si=ADxoLWiSS_i-ZCbTWGqJkw

David Benjamine Blower is a musician, poet, podcaster and writer. From the post-industrial melting pot of Birmingham, he has written and toured prolifically, gathering audiences 'round fires to find language for joyous life in a time of slow ruins. David has released more than 17 records, played festivals and lounges nationwide, and his third book, 'Messianic Commons', will be published in Autumn 2024. And when he's not writing or making music, David's favourite things are books, whisky, friends and his two children, Jesse and Rosa. 'Whatever you want to call David' says Outside Left Magazine, 'he remains one of the most singular and compelling music artists in Birmingham right now.'Show Notes:David Benjamine Blower:https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOgHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'The End' by The Doors by can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ''The End' by The Doors. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about The Doors here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/22WZ7M8sxp5THdruNY3gXt?si=Eg-6VfsVRpaQH94fhQj2Bg

‘I would've been twelve. And I was holding on to the ladder, there was this little radio with the antennae up, tin foil on it…' Grab a cuppa and let Robbie tell you a story. This is a great conversation about a song that's endured with a fella who notices the details. We hope you love it as much as we do.Robbie Austin is an artist, a teacher, a father, and a husband – though that order fluctuates regularly. He lives in a 112-year-old house, in the town he was born in Louisiana, half a mile from his former high school where he has taught for the last 18 years.Robbie has exhibited from Los Angeles to New York, Houston to Frankfurt, and several places in between. Robbie's artistic voice finds the positive and possibilities in all things. He draws from, on, and in collaboration with timeworn materials: maps, postcards, diaries, tablecloths - anything with an inherent story. “Whether labeling my voice and method naïve, hopeful, elating, or suspicious,” explains Robbie, “all harmonies are essential and lead the charge both in weighing choices and encouraging chances.”Show notes:Robbie's website: robbieaustin.comInstagram: @robbieaustinstudioHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Overkill' by Men At Work can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ''Overkill' by Men At Work. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about Men At Work here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0f3EsoviYnRKTkmayI3cux?si=VbE82oYvRSK4Ss9jEmh4Ow

‘You've just got to keep walking.' Says Rio, ‘Surviving is giving yourself permission not to thrive.'Are we spoiling you with the wisest guests on any podcast? Probably. And here's another one. We hope you enjoy this beautiful conversation about friendship, loving someone through their darkest moments and being on the other side.Rio Matchett lives in Leeds and works as the New Work and Learning Producer at the Leeds Playhouse. She gained her PhD in literary modernism and queer theory from the University of Liverpool in 2022 and now leads the MA in Dramaturgy at Leeds Conservatoire. As a writer, Rio was recently shortlisted for the Fitzcarraldo Essay Prize, and as an academic, has spoken about her research at institutions including the University of Oxford, the Università IULM Milan and the SorbonneShow notes:Instagram: @riomatchettHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Graceland Too' by Phoebe Bridges can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'Graceland Too' by Phoebe Bridges . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about Phoebe Bridges here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1r1uxoy19fzMxunt3ONAkG?si=ffx0BC6bSSew9cvOMPnOIA

“My partner give it me” says Florence, when we asked how this song first found her. But while Joe may have given her this song, what Florence describes in this conversation is all her own. This episode contains buckets of embodied joy, a sprinkling of class politics and a surprise mention for Nicole Kidman. This is Florence Brady and her Survival Song, ‘The Good Old Way' by The Watersons.Florence Brady is a singer and voice researcher based in London. Her PhD research looks at the impact of collective singing on community health and hope. She is also one part of the band Remorae, who released their most recent EP ‘Flourish in Green' in June 2024. Flo lives with her partner and fellow musician, Joe, and the pair will welcome their first child this summer.Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'The Good Old' Way by The Watersons can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ''The Good Old' Way by The Watersons. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/59w4wGMXlt4HULBSTVxRAY?si=bmN7D5fdRs63AT8Bqi8Vqg

Nicki Davy is a Yorkshire actor, musician, writer and theatre-maker. She has been lucky enough to tread the boards at some brilliant venues, including Sheffield Crucible, Lyric Hammersmith, Nottingham Theatre Royal and Leeds Playhouse, and has toured to numerous other studios, libraries and schools up and down the country. Most recently, she performed in her debut play as a writer - 'Eva' - which played to sold-out audiences at Leeds Playhouse. In other news, she is mum to 2 pretty awesome kids, who are always shouting at her to 'TURN THE MUSIC DOWN!' when she is singing and dancing to her survival songs in the kitchen.Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/Get Better' by Frank Turner can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of 'Get Better' by Frank Turner. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/27M9shmwhIjRo7WntpT9Rp?si=iFI8_xP1SjSmGIG4kl5eXg

Sim isn't a die hard fan of many things, but this band had him at this song. We hope you enjoy what turned out to be a lovely chat about the right tune landing at the right time, and all the joy that's rolled out since.This is our pal and neighbour Sim Walker, and his chosen Survival Song, ‘22: The Death of All the Romance' by The Dears.Leeds-based pianist and composer Simeon Walker has quickly emerged as a leading light in the burgeoning modern classical scene. Regularly performing and touring across the UK and Europe, he has appeared at Latitude and Timber festival and supported musicians such as S. Carey, LYR, Submotion Orchestra, Neil Cowley and Erland Cooper. He's received over 40 million streams across platforms, with his music frequently broadcast across a range of radio stations.An in-demand collaborator, speaker, consultant, educator and arranger, he also works as a session musician. He founded and continues to curate Brudenell Piano Sessions - an event series highlighting the diverse and eclectic music being written and performed with the piano, hosted at one of the UK's most iconic grassroots music venues, Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/‘22. Death Of All Romance'' by The Dears can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48‘22. Death Of All Romance'' by The Dears Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qljmykdCfgGy9zUw7UqkX?si=fZ9bNYqBTdqwUFNv3Kz3HA

Those songs that remind us who we are a bit, soundtrack us through doorways and towards more loving places - Know what we mean? Yeah. Here's one of those.Meet the fantastic Lindsey Chapman and her chosen Survival Song, Love Over Gold by Dire Straits.Lindsey Chapman is a TV and Radio presenter fronting shows for the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Lindsey works across climate, culture and sport also writes and present programmes for BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio 4. She likes to tackle the big issues – climate change, people, progress – with a fresh approach. She's a self confessed Netball fanatic and is the International Netball Commentator for Sky Sports and the BBC. Head and heart, her passion is connecting people with the changing world around them.Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/'Love Over Gold' by Dire Straits can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48This episode contains small portions of ' 'Love Over Gold' by Dire Straits. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.Find out more about ARTIST here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WwSkZ7LtFUFjGjMZBMt6T?si=VU2tcVg2QVWz7dp6mToo2g

Warning: This episode may cause the impulse to sing like no one's listening.We were so chuffed to welcome the brilliant Lucy Wright to Survival Songs with her choice, Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton.Search ‘Survival Songs' to find episodes on all your usual podcasting platforms and add to our community playlist over on Spotify.Lucy Wright is an artist based in Leeds, UK. Her multidisciplinary practice sits at the intersection of folklore and activism, often using as source material the large personal archive of photographs and research she has gathered over more than a decade of documenting lesser-known contemporary and female-led folk customs. Concerned primarily with inclusivity and representation in the British folk arts, she is the author of the ‘Folk is a Feminist Issue' manifesta, and creator of ‘hedge morris dancing'—a 100% invented tradition and participatory performance project for anyone who has ever wanted to dance the sun down!Following a stint as the lead singer in BBC Folk Award-nominated act, Pilgrims' Way, Wright received a Vice Chancellor's scholarship from Manchester School of Art for her PhD before becoming a Visiting Research Fellow in Folklore at University of Hertfordshire in 2019. "Folk is the stuff we make, do and think for ourselves—and the radical potential of these things.” Says Lucy. "What if ‘folklore' wasn't just a niche interest, but a potent agent for resistance and change?"Show notes:Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/Lucy's website: www.lucywright.artInstagram: @lucy_j_wright‘Here You Come Again' by Dolly Parton can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!Find out more about Dolly Parton here.This episode contains small portions of 'Here You Come Again' by Dolly Parton. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artist's work.

“If my one survival song just reminds me of something that happened 20 years ago, then I'm not living my life right, right?”Meet the lovely Ric Neale and his song choice, ‘The Power of Two' by The Indigo Girls.Ric Neale is a musician and performer whose shows spotlight his expert songwriting. He has taken his theatrical, heartfelt and often hilarious performances of his brand of piano songsmithery all over the country. His solo piano albums All That Counts, Pencil and Lullabies for Parents (a song cycle about parenting) show his ability to explore the extremities of the human condition using just his voice and a piano and the songs on these records are continually requested by his loyal audience. Ric has been invited to perform with Hue and Cry, David Mead, Jason Donovan, Divina De Campo and (weirdly) Tiffany. In 2023 he released the album Parting Ways inspired by the death of his lifelong friend to huge acclaim. It was the follow up to 2021's collaborative album Connected/Disconnected which has already had over 800,000 streams on Spotify.Outside of his solo work Ric worked as Songwriter, Musical Director and performer in the sell out show Dancing Bear with Jamie Fletcher and Company that toured The Leeds Playhouse and The Palace Theatre in Manchester and wrote and produced the Christmas album by Drag Queen and star of BBC's Ru Paul's Drag Race Divina De Campo. Ric continues to curate his piano residency MONOCHROME, a monthly piano night featuring himself and a host of internationally acclaimed performers. Ric toured the UK performing Ric Neale Does Pet Sounds in which he performed all of the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds with just piano and voice to celebrate its 50th anniversary. He followed this up with the ridiculously titled Whenever Ric Neale Somebody in which he did the same thing but for Rick Astley's first solo album.Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/‘Power Of Two' by Indigo Girls can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48Find out more about Indigo Girls here:https://www.indigogirls.com/This episode contains small portions of 'The Power Of Two' by Indigo Girls. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Get your wide dance moves ready - This episode is a bop.We are delighted to bring you the excellent Letty McHugh and her song choice, ‘Love Can't Turn Around' by Darryl Pandy (Long Mix).Letty McHugh is a visual artist and writer who was born in Brontë Country, where she still lives with her cantankerous cat. She makes work about the universality of personal experience which, she says, ‘is an intellectual way of saying she's interested in people, their stories and things that connect us all.'Her practice draws inspiration from her own experience of living with a chronic illness and she is currently researching ways of making work that can bring connection and solace to people experiencing isolation.In 2022, Letty's installation ‘Anchorage', an amazing space for rest and recuperation, was commissioned by Attenborough Arts Centre and, in 2023, her collection of poetry, images and lyric essays - BOOK OF HOURS won the Barbellion Prize, earning her an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Front Row. She also claims to make an excellent rhubarb trifle.Show notes:Letty's website: https://www.lettymchugh.co.uk/Instagram: @letty.mchughHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/‘Love Can't urn Around (Long Mix)' by Darrly Handy can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48More music by Darryl Pandy can be found here:https://shorturl.at/u14ooThis episode contains small portions of 'Love can't Turn Around' by Darryl Pandy. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

This conversation with Alys Williams is where Survival Songs began.Ed first met Alys during the development of her one-woman show, The Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is based on a true story that involves one, lifesaving song. We were so delighted that Alys was up for recording this conversation with Ed and it's a real pleasure to share it with you.TW: The conversation includes conversations about a suicide attempt, mental health, struggle and survival. It's a beautiful listen, but please take care of yourself where you need to.Alys Williams is a writer, director and performer. based between Glasgow & Leeds. She makes work which is female-led, aesthetically and lyrically rich, and full of participation and connection. She is currently interested in how care and access can be built into creative processes, as well as exploring new modes of audience participation.Alys' debut play 'The Light House' ("a triumph of creativity and audience participation", Yorkshire Times) has just finished a national tour to critical acclaim. Her latest project 'Chu-chi Face' is now in development, in collaboration with Duncan MacLeod.Show notes:Alys' website: https://www.alyswilliams.co.ukInstagram: @thelighthouseplayHelp us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/‘Song of Good Hope' by Glen Hansard can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener's Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48Find out more about Glen Hansard here:https://glenhansard.com/This episode contains small portions of 'Song of Good Hope' by Glen Hansard. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Coming Soon: Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about one songs that gets them through the best and worst of times. Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:https://survivalsongs.substack.com/Listen to all our Survival Songs and add yours our community playlist on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48