Who You Don't See

In the final episode of the season, we're joined by Nick Huggett a music manager responsible for signing some of the biggest names in pop; Adele, Dizzee Rascal, MIA and Rizzle Kicks. It's his job to scout and nurture artists to become the megastars they are. In our chat we speak about tough talks with artists, why audition performances can be awkward and the artists that got away.

We couldn't do a 90's special without talking about the Spice Girls, so it's only right we speak to their musical director Simon Ellis. Simon was the guy responsible for re-writing the music for all their tours and blames having 'too much fun' for his hazy memories of the time. He did the same role with Britney Spears and tells us about working with her both before and during the conservatorship. Outside of MD'ing, Simon's a songwriter with many Top 10 tracks in his catalogue. If you like S Club 7, you owe Simon a big thanks because he wrote  "Don't Stop Movin'" and "Never Had a Dream Come True". 

This week we're joined by choreographer - Teresa Barcelo - or “Toogie” as she's often known. She's danced with a whole host of stars including Sean Paul, Dua Lipa and Harry Styles, where she quite literally instructed a whole load of dancers to 'shove melon in Harry's mouth'. Toogie started out as a backing dancer working alongside Sean Paul, and Sean Kingston. Since then she's gone onto choreograph Dua Lipa, Miguel and Alicia Keys - working towards music videos, world tours and award show performances. In the chat we discuss her approach to choreography, an approach that saw her named as one of Billboards most influential choreographers, as well as the work she did with Dua to own the quote un-quote, lazy dance.

Since picking up a camera 22 years ago, Randall has captured Hollywood's finest. As an aspiring actor himself, he started doing headshots for fellow up and coming actors that went onto become household names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando bloom and Reese Witherspoon. Headshots aside, in recent years he's become known for his work at 90's house parties, in a pre-instagram world, it was Randall who documented Hollywood nights out. In our chat, we talk about social media being the demise of wild Hollywood parties. How he was intimated when shooting Bill Clinton, and how we're ditching extreme airbrushing for something more 'authentic'…

Think about the stars of the 00's and Amy Winehouse immediately comes to mind. This week, we interview Naomi Parry, Amy's fashion stylist. Naomi was in her late teens when her mate Amy asked if she'd be interested in styling her. That was 2006, the year Amy released Back to Black. The next 6 years were a whirlwind of world tours, festivals and music videos. Naomi was there for the good times; and the times of turmoil too. In the pod, we chat about the outfits Naomi designed for Amy, and tragically never got to wear. We also speak Amy's style; a style that in many ways still influences what we wear now, as well as hear all about the mad backstage moments that often meant Amy was late to stage. 

This week we're chatting to Danilo Dixon, a hairdresser to the stars. He's been in the game for twenty years and in that time worked alongside celebrities like Selena Gomez, Lily James and Katy Perry. His most regular client is the one and only Gwen Stefani, who pays him a visit several times a week. In their twenty years of working together, he's delivered many space buns, slick ponies and always maintained that iconic platinum blonde.

Ray Winkler is an entertainment architect. Yep, if you're not familiar… he's the guy who designs stages for huge world tours. He started designing in the 90's working with bands like the Rolling Stones and U2, since then he's gone onto conquer the world of pop designing sets for Britney, Beyonce's Coachella stage and most recently for Adele at Hyde Park. 

Our guest this week is the incredible Julianne Kaye. Cast your minds back to 1999, when a little known pop star called Britney Spears was starting her career. Behind her was Julianne, 24 at the time and tasked with doing Britney's hair and make up on a world tour. Spoiler, it went well. Remember that iconic double denim red carpet moment for Britney and Justin? That was Jules' doing, and it took just twenty minutes. Make up aside, we talk about Britney's conservatorship and chat about the whole host of other celebrities she's done glam for, including Beyonce, Mariah and the Hadid's. Enjoy.

Hello! Welcome back to Season Three of Who You Don't See. The podcast celebrating the people behind the stars. This time we're zooming back to the 00's and 90's, a time of low rise jeans, frosted lip gloss and Von Dutch Caps. We have a whole range of exciting guests lined up, including Britney Spears' make up artist, Gwen Stefani's hair stylist and the 'entertainment architect' who made Britney's iconic Slave For You snake moment. We launch next week, and you can make sure you don't miss a single episode by subscribing to Who You Don't See wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks and see you very, very soon.

I'll openly admit I had no idea what Callum's job entailed before chatting to him - but he's a musical wizard and taught me all about building songs for the stage, in comparison to the studio.Whilst we were all baking banana bread in lockdown, Callum was working on Dua Lipa's studio 2054 live stream concert. When non-lockdown life allows, he also tours with Zara Larson, and played a role in Ed Sheeran's world tour, the highest grossing tour ever. In our chat we speak about long days on set, keeping calm in intense moments and learn which artist has the tastiest catering. Enjoy. If you want to keep up with Callum's tours, he's right here: @callum.lwAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Our guest this week is the is the man who half of Hollywood seem to have on speed-dial. David Higgins: a personal trainer who works his magic on film sets. It's not an exaggeration to say David sculpts superheroes. He trained Zoe Kravitz when she played Cat Woman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow.In our chat, we speak about setting 2am alarm calls for workouts, the feeling of creating celebrity bodies which break the internet and why he always allows room for cheese and chocolate in diet plans. The sound from David's end is a little muffled at times, but he was speaking to me from the set of a film, so we can forgive him for that!If you want to keep up with David's wellness tips and tricks, he's right here: @davidhigginslondonAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Our guests this week are the insanely talented creative directing duo Amber & Bronski, co-founders of TAWBOX who've made BAFTA nominated content for Stormzy, AJ Tracey, Miley Cyrus, Dave and more.As well as working with Stormzy on THAT Glasto headline slot they've worked with Dave too - directing his powerful performance of Black at the 2020 BRIT awards. Outside of the political they've also conquered the world of pop, looking after Miley Cyrus and Rita Ora, each time directing bespoke performances.I caught up with the duo two days after the 2021 Brits, when they'd had a hatrick of performances with Headine One, Olivia Rodrigo and Arlo Parks. If you want to keep up with TAWBOX, they're right here: @tawboxAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Our guest this week is the insanely talented singer and songwriter Dan Caplen. In addition to writing his own music, he's written top 10 tracks for Medusa, Rudimental, Macklemore, Stormzy, and Ella Eyre. As you'll be able to tell from the laughs, I so enjoyed chatting to Dan. We spoke about using baby, love and ooo to fill gaps in songs, Christmas song writing camps in July and how faking it till you make it has opened a whole load of doors for him. If you want to keep up with Dan's music, he's right here: @dancaplenAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Naomi is a backing vocalist who makes artists like Dua Lipa, Stormzy and Jorja Smith sound as good as they do on stage. She's done world tours, festivals and all the iconic TV performances too; from James Cordon's Late Late Show to Graham Norton.  Over Zoom, we spent time talking about the intensity of a world tour, the art of not overpowering an artists voice and why choreography sessions bring Naomi out in hives!To keep up to date with her travels and gigs, you can follow her Instagram @thenaomiscarlettletterAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Eri is the nail stylist responsible for making J-Lo's nails look like pieces of art - and I'm not exaggerating. When she's not applying crystals to J-Lo's tips, she's likely to be tie-dying, drawing animal print or attaching pom-poms to the nails of Lizzo, Mulatto or Charli XCX. Over Zoom, we spent time talking about the inauguration and what it meant to Eri as an immigrant woman. We also chatted Lizzo's words of wisdom, nail sessions that take three hours, and how a teenage obsession with the film Maid in Manhattan massively influenced Eri's career. To keep up to date with Eri's nails art, follow her Instagram @erierinailzAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Simon recently quit the world of personal protection to chase a career in acting, but during his 17 years in security he worked with some of the worlds most famous names.Despite looking a little intimidating when on duty, I can confirm Simon is a total joy and really very friendly - over Zoom we covered all sorts… from the planning that goes into a body guard shift, why his dress sense landed him a profile piece in Vogue Magazine and why you can be a security guard even if you're 5'4. To keep up to date with Simon's exciting acting career, follow his Instagram @simon.newtonAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding, George Ezra and Mabel are just some of the artists she regularly coaches - in her own words, ‘giving them that extra 2%,' and it works. After two coaching sessions with George Ezra, his song reached the UK top 10 and Dua Lipa now says all she needs is “Honey, Lemons and Lorna”. Quite the endorsement. Over a Zoom call we chatted about chocolate giving you ‘noisy spit', what it's like to be back stage at the Grammy's and also the lectures she gives artists on stopping smoking. If you want to keep up with Lorna's work, she's right here: @lornajblackwoodAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Phoebe's styled looks are seen by millions; on red carpets, music videos, festival stages, TV programmes and modelling campaigns too.In our chat we talk about purchasing £10,000 outfits, fretting over Zara Larson exposing her vagina live on X-Factor (yes really) and creating knickers designed to be twerked in.Phoebe is one of my favourite insta accounts to follow, so I highly suggest you add her to your timeline. She's at: @phoebeletticeAnd to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm here: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

If you want to find out more about Rebecca, head to her website.And to keep up with the latest podcast episodes, I'm over at: @meg_lawtonThank you's: Podcast artwork: Worth MentioningHead shot photography: Hannah DomneyMusic: Jay Lewn

Hello, happy New Year and welcome to episode 5 of Who You Don't See. Our guest this week is celebrity choreographer Suzette Brissett. As well as working on music videos, Suzette choreographs live performances and coaches models, including Cara Delevingne, on how to move in adverts. In our chat we speak about Suzette's experience of dealing with drama on set and learn why she almost retired after directing one of MIA's videos.If you want to keep up with Suzette's work, featuring a load of backstage pics, you can find her on Instagram: @suzetteofficialTo keep up with the latest Who You Don't See content, head to my Instagram: @meg_lawtonThanks to: Worth Mentioning for the podcast artworkHannah Domney for the headshot photographyJay Lewn for the sweet, funky musicAnd my Mum, just because

Ho, ho, ho… Merry Christmas! Welcome to episode 4 of Who You Don't See which happens to be our Christmas special. If you're newly discovering this podcast, we're all about celebrating the people working ‎behind the stars. Miles Jeffries has only been a hairstylist for 7 years but in that time he's styled on several of Mariah's world tours, a Vegas residency and been the stylist on her Christmas vacation. Not only does Miles work with the Queen of the holidays - but Kelly Osbourne, Tinashe and Oscar winning actress Angela Basset. In our chat, we speak about shaking off the feeling of being star struck around A-listers, hear what a world tour with Mariah involves and learn how she deals with anyone not feeling festive on set.Miles also opens up about the prejudices he faces as an African American - particularly working in the world of beauty - and how the industry has a long way to go.  If you want to check out Miles' work, along with backstage pics from world tours, you can find him @MilesJeffriesHair To keep up with the latest Who You Don't See content, head to my Instagram: @meg_lawtonThanks to: Worth Mentioning for the podcast artworkHannah Domney for the headshot photographyJay Lewn for the jingle bell enhanced musicAnd my Mum, just because

In our chat, we speak about getting into the industry, as well as the dramas of working on a shoot… from dealing with artists who haven't turned up... to musicians who've broken sets and performers who've taken 7 hours to do an outfit change!Carly also opens up about the pressures faced by female musicians to look a certain way and how that impacts her role as a director.If you want to keep up with Carly's work, featuring a load of backstage pics, you can find her on Instagram: @carlycussenTo keep up with the latest Who You Don't See content, head to my Instagram: @meg_lawtonThanks to: Worth Mentioning for the podcast artworkHannah Domney for the headshot photographyJay Lewn for the sweet, funky musicAnd my Mum, just because

As you'll be able to tell from my giddiness, I really enjoyed catching up with Callum - hearing tales and tips from the world of photography, including the secret to taking a photo that works for all four members of Little Mix and learning why Sean Paul is the key to making people relax in front of a camera. If you want to take a look at Callum's backstage pics, he's over at @callum_shots And if you want to keep up with the latest Who You Don't See news - I'm here: @meg_lawtonThanks to: Worth Mentioning for the podcast artworkHannah Domney for the headshot photographyJay Lewn for the sweet, funky musicAnd my Mum, just because

In her 12 year career, Maria's worked her magic on the Brit Award-winning artist Mabel, Vogue-cover star Jourdan Dunn and pop royalty Justin Bieber… and that's just some of her well-known clients.  I so loved hearing Maria's tips on how to work your way up in the make-up business and how to keep calm in tricky situations as well as getting the inside goss on what it's like to work behind the scenes at a Victoria's Secret fashion show.If you want to keep up with Maria's amazing work, which I suggest you do, you can find her on instagram: @official_maria_asadi And if, for some reason, you want to find me, I'm over at: @meg_lawton Thanks to: Worth Mentioning for the podcast artworkHannah Domney for the headshot photographyJay Lewn for the sweet, funky musicAnd my Mum, just because

Behind every celebrity is a team of people working to make the magic happen and Who You Don't See exists to give you an insight into their world. ‎From ‎Ellie Goulding's tour manager to Little Mix's back stage photographer, Sean Paul's music video director or Dua Lipa's choreographer, this podcast hears from individuals who you may not have heard of, but who are essential in building household names. In each episode, presenter and journalist Megan Lawton, chats to industry experts about their day to day job involves, finding out what it's like to work with some of the biggest names in pop culture.