The StageLeft Podcast

Jess Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds talks openly about some troubling experiences within the industry that took place over ten years ago, the treatment she received for post-natal depression, how NGHFB bandmates model how to best support parents separated from children when touring, and what needs to change in the music industry. Useful resources for those impacted by the topics include.... Music Minds Matter - 0808 802 8008.  If you work in music and are struggling to cope then call Music Minds Matter, a free, 24/7 charity, which will listen, support and help. It doesn't have to be a crisis, or even about music. MIND - 0300 123 3393 Survivors Trust  - 08088 010 818 Monday- Thursday: 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4pm & 6pm-8pm Friday: 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm Saturday: 10am-12.30pm Sunday: 6pm-8pm https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/resources/mums-and-families/ Support for new parents juggling work commitments. https://survivorsnetwork.org.uk/resource/helplines-webchat-services/  A comprehensive list of a range of free numbers and web services. You can reach out to us too at  chris@thestageleftpodcast.com  Chris Simpson is one of only two people in the UK qualified to train people fully accessibly in supporting others experiencing a mental health crisis, and is also available as a personal and professional development coach should you need support for yourself or your business. www.thestageleftpodcast.com 

Currently, an artist would need 62million streams on Spotify to break even on a £25k budget. This needs to change and our guest today Tom Gray is leading that change. Tom is Chair of the prestigious Ivor Novello's, and founding member of Gomez, and is doing more to try to change the music industry than most, through his Broken Records campaign which was backed by The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and many more, to ensure the fairer distribution of streaming royalties to artists at every level.  Today we'll be taking a deep dive into this topic, hearing how we as listeners can help, Whippin' Piccadilly, and how the Ivor Novello's choose winners.  There'll be no Pussyfooting around. Hosted and Produced by Chris Simpson. Photo @scottishkenny

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

Imagine being an incredible singer- songwriter but finding time be in Game of Thrones and play Andrea Bocelli in "The Music of Silence." What a career Toby Sebastian is having, hear how he tackles deciding setlists, what the music industry could learn from the film industry and how he walks the tightrope between feeling under from over rehearsed.  Toby also currently is appearing with Kate Nash in Coffee Wars, available now.

"All the heads of every major label or big indie labels should be made to resign." This episode was supposed to discuss Kate's new film Coffee Wars, but we began by touching upon the issues within the music industry that emerging artists need to navigate (such as being stolen from, a lack of inclusive design for women and how to identify trusted people) and we NEVER. LOOKED. BACK. Within lies Kate's step by step process as to how the music industry needs to drastically change. It's very thought-provoking. The film is great by the way, and you should see it. It's called Coffee Wars and is available on Amazon Prime. Kate's co-star Toby Sebastian talks more about the film in our next episode.

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

Imagine knowing you are about to perform live to a billion people watching the Royal Wedding. Bim, singer with Bastille and Elton John, walks us step by step of every thought process of how to perform under the greatest of pressure, when coordinating 'Stand by Me' at Harry & Megan's wedding, plus discusses playing MTV Unplugged as vocalist with Bastille and how to best get legal representation as an up coming artist to avoid exploitation. Part 2 - possibly one of out most important episodes to date, will be coming soon. 

Today we discuss creativity with the mind of Dr Tucan Taylor Michaels, drummer & producer with international banging tune-makers Superorganism, one of the most ingenious, innovative, inventive, experimental and original bands of recent times, often using extremely random objects as instruments as a back drop to colourful pop perfection. We also explore playing their first ever show on Later with Jools Holland no less, the merits of forming online, onstage tech failures, mixing Jungle and collaborating with Stephen Malkmus. “Production can't cover a bad song.” We are also joined by Bastian Hues who asks questions as an emerging artist. Do follow us on Insta, Twitter and Facebook by searching @thestageleftpod, we get a little adrenaline kick when we see a new follower, which is something we should probably speak to our therapist about. Thanks!

“The sign of any good musician is the amount of sh*t jobs they've had." Ivor Novello and Grammy winning producer Fraser T Smith (Future Utopia) takes a deep dive with us into the navigating the tightrope between commerce and art from his time as a co-songwriter and producer with Adele, Stormzy, and Dave. Thank you to Kate Thornton & Denise Welch for making this episode exist. Produced and hosted by Chris Simpson. Future Utopia's new collaboration with Kae Tempest 'We were, we still are' is out now.

Imagine recording ABBA songs with the actual members of ABBA

Whatever you're going through right now, you can contact Music Minds Matter on 0808 802 8008. Is there enough mental health related resource within the music industry to support artists mental health?  Music Industry Coaching founder and Mental Health First Aid instructor Stephen Daltrey joins us to explore the answers to that question, plus provides tangible resources for musicians.  Stephen's fascinating new book "Deep Satisfaction in Life and Artist Management" is available now at www.stephendaltrey.com Stephen's book may help on a personal level but also provides guidance on how to best coach artists you may work with. It's a great read. Hosted by Chris Simpson who is available for 121 coaching too. Hit us up a DM on The StageLeft Podcast Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feeds.

Hans Zimmer drummer and all round percussion prodigy Lucy Landymore joins us to discuss; - How Hans Zimmer overcame his self-publicised stage fright. - How the drum solo on Dune was recorded. - The tension between following dreams and being in an overdraft as a upcoming artist! - Which leadership style gets the best out of Lucy, and which works best for Lucy when leading big bands. - Recording a live lounge with Charlie XCX and playing Happy with Pharrell Williams.  And much more! Produced by Bastian Hues Hosted by Chris Simpson

"Working with new artists is a bit like speed dating. You may have only just met them and very quickly they are baring quite personal things." Toby from The Temper Trap analyses production techiques he has experienced and used, including Arctic Monkeys producer Jim Abbiss' tempo maps, that the Temper Trap use live, plus we discuss supporting The Rolling Stones and explore how the quantity of creative output is impacted when becoming a parent. Rest assured, Toby gives us his recommended workarounds.  "It's a water and oil thing."  Our emerging artist is Thea Fitzgerald, who asks Toby a couple of questions too. https://linktr.ee/theafitzgeraldmusic tobydundas.com Ghost & Gum https://open.spotify.com/artist/4drBQ7FM82GJ377P2nsoXC?si=hu03cE-aSk6yMUfVyq_rCA Eve OST  https://open.spotify.com/album/3mN8TBVD2ilKwTBT6x5joh?si=HoV2jwoLSLGXM3T0X5kr2Q Sungrazers NFT sungrazers.co.uk

Florence & the Machine, Goldfrapp and Birdy keyboardist Hazel Mills joins us to discuss.... how meditation and The Alexander Technique helps performance at high profile shows such as the Hollywood Bowl. how to decide an edit is complete and shouldn't be touched again. Having an onstage persona to overcome being a natural introvert in a performance setting. And loads more! We are also joined by emerging artist Imogen who poses a couple of questions to Hazel directly.  Hazel is about to head on tour with Dave Rowntree from Blur. “I'm the biggest barrier I've had for myself.”  Produced by Bastian Hues Hosted by Chris Simpson 

All you good good people, listen to Mike Heaton of Embrace discuss big career defining choices, playing Royal Albert Hall the week of being dropped from their label and their brilliant new album "How To Be A Person Like Other People", which is out now! "Every band who've made it have had to work their ****  off to get there..." Hosted by Chris Simpson Produced by Bastian Hues

Episode 100 is upon us. Thanks to each of you for joining us on this journey.  Today, we have Dave Hemingway of The Beautiful South, The Housemartins and his new project Sunbirds. Dave sang lead on "Song for Whoever", "A Little Time" and "Build". Sunbirds play a number of UK dates in June if you can get along, they're new stuff is catchy as ****. Check it out. To those who have listened to all 100 episodes, well, in the words of Dave, we love you from the bottom of our pencil case. X Enjoy. Presented by Chris Simpson Produced by Bastian Hues

Imagine playing Pink Floyd songs with an actual member of Pink Floyd. Lee Harris is living his dream from one of his formative gigs, aged 7. Lee discusses playing onstage with each of Nick Mason, Dave Gilmour and Roger Waters, talks through how to approach a pivotal career meeting with someone you idolise and pays tribute to former Blockheads bandmate Derek Hussey. Advice:-  "Musicians shouldn't be worried about getting another job to get money in the bank. There is no shame in supporting yourself, you never know where it may lead to." Slight delay getting this one out, soz. Edited by Bastian Hues Hosted by Chris Simpson  https://www.facebook.com/lee.harris.official

Helping Happy Mondays reform  ✅ Being produced by Guigsy (Oasis) ✅ Playing live with Bonehead ✅ Recording with Andy Rourke ✅ Collaborating with Howard Marks ✅ All this and more on our new episode with Kav Sandhu! Hosted by Chris Simpson Produced by Bastian Hues

Dr. Jon Stewart of Sleeper and The Wedding Present discusses the band reforming and we do a deep dive in his new book Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God.  We also explore how touring differs now compared to the 90s, the rare experience of writing a dual-biography and the future of copyrighting music. Hosted by Chris Simpson Produced by Bastian Hues

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

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

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

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

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

In 2018 we had the pleasure of interviewing Louisa Roach, lead singer/songwriter in She Drew The Gun, on the eve of 2nd album Revolution of Mind.  Today, Louisa returns to give us an exclusive track by track insight into new album Behave Myself, recorded by Arctic Monkeys producer Ross Orton, plus how the music industry could be more inclusive by making gigs safer spaces for females, plus memories of Louisa's first ever concert - Oasis at Maine Road.

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

Andro is unique, has had a huge history and has an even bigger future.  We learn in the interview that Andro has now left Jungle, having been part of that unit as backing singer and dancer. We learn about the highlights of being in Jungle for a number of years, the importance of androgynous influences on young people, the origin of the iconic  hat and hear about the stylish new E.P. "Mortal". For more on Jungle, dip into our previous episode with Jungle bassist Fraser MacColl.

In Aug 2014, folk singer songwriter Katie Cole wrote on Instagram "You have no idea how excited I am. On Saturday I am sharing a stage with Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins." Katie's support slot led to being asked to join the band as a full-time member, first as bassist then keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist.  We hear Katie's incredible journey on this episode and explore Katie's solo material which you really need to get in your ear holes. 

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

Compadré of The StageLeft Podcast, John Waugh, returns to discuss the past 4 years playing on Number 1 records with The 1975 and Sam Fender. We explore dressing as Princess Leia at the Star Wars themed The 1975 show, how running half marathons enables John's wellbeing, a new EP and book, and what is was like playing The StageLeft Nights Supperclub to just 8 people compared to 20,000 at The 02. Sorry about the occasional buzzing. Will fix for next ep! John's new book Jazz Improvisatiom: Basic Training (with a foreward written by us no less) is available on Amazon or johnwaughmusic.co.uk, where you will also find John's new EP, Signal Hill. Presented by Chris Simpson Podcast editing mixing and branding by Bastian Hues

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

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

Miles Copeland III reached out to us during lockdown restrictions in LA as he was bored and fancied a chat! Who were we to say no? Miles owned IRS records, signed The Police & REM, and worked with the CIA to win the hearts and minds of Iraqi's post 2001.  A genuine legend in the music business world, Miles shares his negotiation techniques when striking a deal with Francis Ford Coppola, and gives advice to musicians of what separates those who made it under his guidance and those who didn't.

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

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

What can music fans do to help grassroots venues? What can young musicians do most to enable their pathway to success? Some of the answers are easier than you thought when you hear Sybil Bell of Independent Venue Week on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, ahead of the release of 'Long and Winding Road', a new film depciting Phil Selway of Radiohead travelling UK wide meeting owners of grassroots venues during Independent Venue Week. Be sure to support support Sybil by following on Instagram and Twitter. Tag us both in when listening, @IVW_UK and @thestageleftpod (Twitter) or @thestageleftpodcast (Instagram)

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

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

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

“And I looked round and I was being hugged by Morgan Freeman. And then he introduced me to his friend Tim. Tim Robbins...” The hilarious Steve Hamilton gets tipsy with us as we discuss playing with Aretha Franklin, Thom Yorke breaking his foot in trying to create the brass parts for Kid A recordings, tales of Noel Gallagherisms, recording on Nutbush City Limits by Tina Turner, being in a band with his Father in Law Jamie Moses, and compares soundcheck's between Radiohead, Blur, Noel Gallagher & Madness. “Radiohead is the most disciplined band in the world when it comes to soundcheck's. No one is tinkling or anything. You can play your part then hear a pin drop.”    

The lovely human being that is Woody from the Brit Award winning & Grammy nominated band Bastille joins us, recorded on the eve of the Corona-virus outbreak. We discuss his new podcast Duck & Dive, being a father in the most uncertain time the music industry has had, singing Pompeii with Rick Astley, being zen-like before gigs, what he learned from being taught by legendary tutor Bob Armstrong and walks us through what it's like to attend the (alcohol free) Grammy's. “The techniques he taught me has prolonged my career” - on being taught by Bob Armstrong

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

An extraordinary episode of the The StageLeft Podcast with legendary drummer and DJ Rusty Egan.  Here we discuss the (lack of) recognition that comes with the industry, discovering Madonna, Rusty shares his personal views on the motivations of Apple & Spotify yet offers a viable solution to musicians to ensure they earn the money they deserve by directing us to Blockchain & Ujo.  https://media.consensys.net/consensys-ujo-and-capitol-records-bring-blockchain-innovation-to-music-319f2c649790 Check out Rusty's new album https://rustyeganpresents1.bandcamp.com/album/rusty-egan-present-welcome-to-the-remix-vol-2 @djrustyegan

“I wasn't sure if he was alive or not. He literally didn't move.” Susie Webb on when Gary Glitter accidentally knocked out Roger Daltrey with a mic-stand at rehearsals for Quadrophenia with The Who.     Susie Webb on playing with Brian Wilson, Ronnie Wood & Rod Stewart in The Faces, Madison Square Garden with The Who, singing in harmony with Pavarotti & Lionel Richie, stargazing with Brian May & performing to The Queen with Queen, and much more.   Recent guests inc Spike Edney and Jamie Moses of Queen.

**WORLD EXCLUSIVE** - Be the first on the planet to hear Ysee's cover of Noel Gallagher's 'The Right Stuff' on Part 2 of Ysee's appearance on The StageLeft Podcast. Join us on 27th January at The Groucho Club, Soho, for an intimate show with Ysee. Message us on our socials for a guetslist slot - @thestageleftpod or facebook.com/thestageleftpodcast

"He's got thousands of buttons and no one knows what they're for. The guy's a genius" - on recording with Brian Eno Part 1 of 2 with Ysee is here where we discuss how Yoga enables performances with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, how a degree in Psychology helps navigate the music industry, collaborating with UNKLE,  and Brian Eno production techniques. "He's got thousands of buttons and no one knows what they're for. The guy's a genius"  Part 2 up next week!

Possibly one of the most jawdropping insights into the current music industry we've had on The StageLeft Podcast , Fraser from Jungle discusses the challenges of maintaining wellbeing on extensive touring schedules, assesses where the music industry has changed in the past decade. 

“Music itself is the goal, not notoriety”. “What Freddie had, and what I never had, was the clear understanding of needing to entertain.” A unique insight again on the new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, where lead singer of Smile, Tim Staffell, discusses being schoolmates with Freddie Mercury, starting a band with Roger Taylor & Brian May, supporting Jimi Hendrix & Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd. Tim candidly discusses jealousy, Brian's guitars, how he dealt with seeing Queen become a stadium band and Roger Taylor's legendary Fireworks parties.

What a privilege to be invited the the house of Queen Keyboardist for 35 years – Spike Edney, to discuss lip reading Freddie Mercury at Live Aid to ensure he played in time due to the lack of onstage monitors, the intricacies of choosing set lists, playing Trivial Pursuit with Freddie Mercury, his thoughts on the prospect of playing a Hologram concert, and fun tales with his jaw dropping live act - Spike's All Stars (SAS Band).  

We were recently asked by Jamie Nicholls to be a guest on the excellent Chasing the Sun podcast, where we discussed our favourite stories from the past 4 years travelling up and down the UK and travelling across Europe to produce the show. Enjoy this bonus episode!

Possibly one of the most jawdropping episodes of StageLeft to date - we discuss rehearsing with MJ just hours before his passing, Leaving Neverland, being Musical Director for Earth, Wind & Fire and so, so much more. Killer episode.