Podcast appearances and mentions of Wendy Melvoin

  • 35PODCASTS
  • 58EPISODES
  • 45mAVG DURATION
  • 1MONTHLY NEW EPISODE
  • Mar 28, 2025LATEST
Wendy Melvoin

POPULARITY

20172018201920202021202220232024


Best podcasts about Wendy Melvoin

Latest podcast episodes about Wendy Melvoin

All Of It
Production Duo Wendy & Lisa

All Of It

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 25:06


[REBROADCAST FROM March 7, 2025] Before the 1985 Grammy Awards, no women had ever been nominated for Producer of the Year. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman became the first as part of Prince and the Revolution, though still no woman has ever won the award. Wendy & Lisa discuss their career as part of our series Equalizers: Women in Music Production. Plus, Susan Rogers, a veteran audio engineer who worked for years with Prince and on a number of Wendy & Lisa's albums, shares some tales from the studio. 

All Of It
Equalizers: Wendy & Lisa On Producing Prince and the Revolution

All Of It

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 24:54


Before the 1985 Grammy Awards, no women had ever been nominated for Producer of the Year. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman became the first as part of Prince and the Revolution, though still no woman has ever won the award. Wendy & Lisa discuss their career as part of our series Equalizers: Women in Music Production. Plus, Susan Rogers, a veteran audio engineer who worked for years with Prince and on a number of Wendy & Lisa's albums, will share some tales from the studio. 

Too Much Information
Prince's 'Purple Rain' (Part 1 - The Album): Everything You Didn't Know

Too Much Information

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 89:27 Transcription Available


Dig if you will the picture of two white nerds in their 30s trying to get to grips with the world power that was Prince in 1984 as the TMI boys cover 'Purple Rain' — in both mediums! Week 1 starts off with the album, as Prince's famously stringent rehearsals and recording practices are detailed. Go crazy with details about the protracted genesis of the titular song, from a demo for Stevie Nicks to the version we know and love featuring a teenaged Wendy Melvoin's iconic intro! Know what it feels like when doves cry as TMI details not only the landmark hit single, but the music video for which Prince made his band learn ballet ... and which may have inadvertently gotten several actual doves killed. Weep at the anguish of the Revolution hearing "Hit me 25 times" from Prince during a live show! Listen to "Darling Nikki" with new ears now knowing it contains actual backmasking, the scourge of uptight Eighties parents! 'Purple Rain' continues next week with the boys hitting the cinematic side of Prince's genius. Too Much Information: They only want to see you laughing in ... well, you get it. Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famous Lost Words
FLW Special - Purple Rain at 40!

Famous Lost Words

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 29:45


FLW Special - Purple Rain at 40           In this very special episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of the film “Purple Rain”.  The overwhelming success of the movie made Prince the first artist in history to have the same project simultaneously #1 on the singles, albums, and movie charts in the United States.           We speak to one of the foremost Prince experts; author and podcaster Alan Light.  Alan talks about the creation of Purple Rain the song, the album and the movie.  He also reveals… How the version of the title track that we're all familiar with was recorded in one take at a fundraiser. It was also the first time that 19-year-old Wendy Melvoin had played with the band. Movie executives didn't want to cast Prince in the lead role, and suggested much more famous star (who would have been badly miscast!) How Prince tried to recruit Stevie Nicks to help with the lyrics for “Purple Rain” - and why she said no. How the movie has held up well (for its live performances) and been held up to ridicule (for its acting performances and misogyny). Prince's tenuous relationship with Morris Day & The Time – and his greatest musical regret. Alan Light is the prolific author of many music biographies, including his books about Tupac Shakur, Nina Simone and The Beastie Boys.  He also collaborated on “My Cross To Bear”, the Gregg Allman autobiography and Peter Frampton's “Do You Feel Like I Do”.  Other books include “The Holy Or The Broken” – a great history of the Leonard Cohen masterpiece “Hallelujah”; and of course, “Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the making of Purple Rain”.   Alan is also the co-host of the “Sound Up” podcast with his good friend Marc Goodman.

Sodajerker On Songwriting
Episode 270 - Sheryl Crow

Sodajerker On Songwriting

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 55:28


Sheryl Crow sits down with Simon and Brian in London to discuss her latest record Evolution and her timeless catalogue of hits. The nine-time Grammy winner reflects on the influence of her musical parents, how social issues find their way into her songs, and the power of writing on the back porch.

Sound Opinions
Prince's Purple Rain

Sound Opinions

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 43:52


It's been 40 years since Prince released his psychedelic pop masterpiece, Purple Rain. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Purple Rain for its anniversary.--Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops--Featured Songs:See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Singers Talk
Wendy Melvoin on Prince

The Singers Talk

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 34:13


Welcome to The Singers Talk Podcast based on my book of the same name. In this special episode I had the honor of speaking of with legendary songwriter, guitarist, producer, and iconic member of Prince & the Revolution: Wendy “Is the water warm enough?” Melvoin. I got to ask her questions I always wanted to know about Prince - some of them deeply personal - and Wendy was just so lovely and cool, I can't say enough. And what can be said about Prince himself? The man sold over 150 million records, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won seven Grammy's, an Academy Award, and too many other awards to mention. But importantly, he changed our lives forever. Dig if you will this beautiful one….   All my writer's royalties from sales of the book benefit the kids and families at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through our Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign. So I'd love for you to grab yourself a copy. And be sure to check out every episode of the podcast, our livestreams, and more at Volume.com/thesingers talk. And if you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite streaming platforms to make sure you hear every new episode.    Volume.com is the destination for live music fans, where you can watch live and on-demand performances, see exclusive artist content, listen to music podcasts, and check out live music streams from your favorite artists, venues, and hosts.    Get The Singers Talk book at: Thesingerstalk.com   Donate to St. Jude at: Musicgives.org   You can find JTG @Kingsizetheband Kingsizetheband.com   Jason Thomas Gordon is the lead singer/drummer of the Los Angeles rock band Kingsize, a screenwriter, author, and creator of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a campaign that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through music-based initiatives. St. Jude was founded by Jason's grandfather, entertainer, Danny Thomas, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. Jason also serves as a National Committee member of the hospital's board.  

Minnesota Now
New book is ‘love letter to Prince and Purple Rain' ahead of 40th anniversary

Minnesota Now

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 7:18


The 40th anniversary of Prince's best-selling album and film “Purple Rain” is next month on June 25 and 27 respectively. And on Tuesday, a new memorabilia- and picture-filled book will be released in honor of the occasion: “Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years.”Prince's story is told by Minneapolis-based music journalist Andrea Swensson, who is also the host of the Official Prince Podcast, a Minnesota Book Award winner and former host of the Current's Local Show. A long-time reporter on Prince and the Minnesota music beat, she calls her new book a “love letter” to his legacy.It all began in 2014 when Swensson assembled a 30th-anniversary package for MPR News and the Current.“And that really started this whole Prince adventure that I've been on over the last decade,” Swensson told MPR News on Monday.“I started covering his career so closely when he was still with us and have done a lot of work around his legacy since we lost him. And I really wanted to take this opportunity to put together something that captured so many of these amazing stories about him, and really spoke to my own personal connection to his music and to his life and what he meant to me.” April 2017 Remembering Prince at his home and studio October 2017 Andrea Swensson tells the story of the 'Minneapolis Sound' in first book Swensson describes the era of “Purple Rain” as iconic and world-building, calling the watershed film unrivaled in rock history. Prince's influence, she said, is almost impossible to untangle from the fabric of the music industry over the last 40 years. 'Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years' Swensson says she has interviewed each member of The Revolution — Bobby Z, BrownMark, Dr. Fink, Lisa Coleman and Wendy Melvoin — at least three times.“He wanted us to be a gang … and by the time we got to ‘Purple Rain,' we were,” drummer Bobby Z recalls in the book. Bassist BrownMark affirmed: “We were experts … The way we rehearsed, I mean, ‘Purple Rain,' I could fall asleep and probably play it. That's how well we knew the whole set.”“We've had some really, really memorable conversations,” Swensson said. “This was such a pivotal time in all of their lives. Wendy Melvoin was only 19-years-old when she joined Prince's band. And her very first show is the night that they played at First Avenue and recorded ‘Purple Rain.'”The book was put together and contributed to by a hyperlocal team, including photography from Greg Helgeson, Tommy Smith III and Nancy Bundt; private archivist Rich Benson; designers Sotera Tschetter and Cindy Laun; editor Dennis Pernu and art director Heather Godin. It's filled with evocative photography, images of ticket stubs, posters and vinyl records, reflective quotes and iconic lyrics — transporting the reader back to the summer of 1984.Writing the tribute conjured up some unexpected emotions for Swenson.“There was something therapeutic to me about being able to revisit that meeting that I had with him because we did talk a lot about his feelings about anniversaries ... At the time that we met, he had two new albums in the can he was getting ready to put out,” she said. “So there was something really poignant and a little bittersweet to me to really sit with my notes and my memories of that night and be able to write about it in this way. And it did feel like some kind of full circle moment.”“Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years,” including a foreword by Maya Rudolph, debuts on May 21. There is a book release party on June 12 at Electric Fetus in Minneapolis; a pre-order is required.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Casci Ritchie is a PhD candidate and associate lecturer studying Prince, fashion, and fandom at Northumbria University. So how did this come to be a life's work? Join us to find out more...just don't ask about the Chocolate Box inside Paisley Pa

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2024 34:18


INTRO2mins - First memories of Prince, and standing next to the TV...feeling the static from Gett Off! Listening to Prince's Hits cassette in the Green Mondeo.4mins - Born in the year of Lovesexy!5mins - When did you realise that Prince's work could become a lifetime pursuit? "First and foremost I'm a fan...". Obsessed with John Waters, Pee Wee Herman and Bette Davis too. 'Eccentric, creative and fabulous people'.6mins - Seeing Purple Rain at 14 and getting into fashion. "Prince was always on my mood board."7mins30s - Studying Prince for years as an independent researcher alongside work...'when you do a PhD it's just the beginning of your research.'9mins30s - 'The idea of Prince & Fashion, with a focus on the labour aspect and fan culture as well...'11mins30s - What's going on with the Prince of the late 1970s? Casci unpacks the different sartorial elements. 'Very typical of a young adult finding themselves...through dress.'14mins - Prince's experiments in fashion, thrift stores, borrowing, wearing women's clothing...17mins - 'Becoming Prince': The Beautiful Ones book, and understanding elements of Prince's early imagination and dress-sense. The influence of his parents, musicians in North Minneapolis...and getting dressed to the 9s in the 1970s.22mins - Heroes and influences...23mins - Make Up.26mins - World Building...'in a world called Fantasy'30mins - Prince's female kinship. 'He surrounded himself with incredible women...and loved female energy.' Sly Stone's fashion, and James Brown's performances...expressing sexuality and sensuality. 'He liked the way particular fabrics felt on his body...' How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.LINKSPlease follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show. #prince4ever #love4oneanother

All I want to do is talk about Madonna
S5- Episode 20- She's Not Me

All I want to do is talk about Madonna

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 35:12


Mark and Kenny bust out their cowbells and attitude with the sassy story-song Pharrell (welcome back!) collaboration from Hard Candy. Topics include the importance of lightness and bounce, the great Wendy Melvoin, passing off batons, the easy narrative of infidelity, traffic in the suburbs, Donna Summers, dutiful wives and resentful musicians, Madonna's Liz Phair album, the Pet Shop Boys, Alexis Arquette, Gwenyth Paltrow and Tracy Anderson, a nod to the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga, and the DILF that IS Robbie Williams and his song (and video!) “She's Madonna.” Plus, Mark confesses to an addiction and Kenny teases his own singles campaign for Hard Candy. This one's for the ladies!

Retro Movie Roundtable
Toys (1992)

Retro Movie Roundtable

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 104:36


RMR 0221: Join your hosts Chad Robinson, Dustin Melbardis and Lizzy Haynes for the Retro Movie Roundtable as they revisit Toys (1992) [PG-13] Genre: Comedy, Drama, Adventure Starring: Robin Williams, Michael Gambon, Joan Cusack, Robin Wright, LL Cool J, Donald O'Connor, Arthur Malet, Jack Warden, Debi Mazar, Wendy Melvoin, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Jamie Foxx, Shelly Desai, Blake Clark   Director: Barry Levinson Recorded on 2022-06-21

All Of It
Blake Mills and Chris Weisman Perform 'Wendy Melvoin'

All Of It

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 4:51


Today is release day for the new Blake Mills album Jelly Road. The LA-based singer-songwriter and guitarist joined us yesterday to perform songs from the album live in our studio, accompanied by his co-writer and co-producer, Chris Weisman. They stuck around after the interview to record this song for us, titled "Wendy Melvoin" after the guitarist of Wendy & Lisa and The Revolution. Listen to the exclusive performance, then check out the full session with more songs here.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Sam Jennings worked with Prince for 9 years. In Part 2 we go behind the scenes of the creative process - what was Prince really like to work for? As the Musicology and 3121 eras create a commercial career resurgence in the early 2000s.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 38:18


INTRO2min - Do you have a most cherished Prince related possession (from the 9 years you worked together)? "I joke with my friends that I only buy vinyl with my name on it!"4mins - Biggest 'pinch-me' moments working with Prince...? 3121 era, cherished memories.6mins30s - Which kind of people engaged Prince best behind the scenes?7mins30s - Prince and his heroes...and a fierce competitive streak.8mins - Memories of the Musicology tour, Sam's favourite shows.10mins - When did you last speak to Prince?11mins - Where were you, when you heard...14mins - View of The Prince Estate and posthumous releases overall17mins - What was it like getting tapes in the post from Prince??17mins30s - Any tracks that you personally heard for the first time that blew you away?19mins - Studio version of Prince & The Band22mins - What's the piece of work that you're proudest of?23mins - The creative process of working with Prince26mins - NPG Ahdio Shows31mins30s - DJing on Twitch: how does it work?33mins - Prince album battles! Lovesexy vs The Black Album...Cindy C vs Alphabet Street??36mins30s - Legacy

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Sam Jennings worked with Prince for 9 years. Growing up in Chicago, he went from throwing fan parties during the 'Wild West' years of the internet in the 1990s, to becoming a very meaningful contributor to Prince's art, design and visual pr

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 36:05


INTRO2mins30s - Growing up in Chicago Illinois4mins - Pursuing a career in the Web back in the mid 90s..."it was an interesting time, it was kind of like the Wild West"5mins30s - Nona Gaye & The Beautiful Experience6mins30s - Finding all of the other Prince fans on the internet via online communities...and organising parties at the Berlin club in Chicago9mins - When did Sam first have contact with Prince? Fans coming together on a 'community project'...and AOL chat rooms.11mins - How long did you think it would last?13mins - Confidentiality and Prince...14mins - Love4OneAnother.com in 1999 and Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic16mins - Prince's legacy in the digital world - one of the first to have his own internet business and music distributing artist17mins - Releasing a 'ton of music in 2001'...'a tremendous explosion of activity for him...' and The Prince Museum online.19mins - If Prince had lived and you had to design a digital presence for him now, what would that be?21mins30s - What was the Prince music you first became aware of, early memories and favourite unreleased recordings...27mins30s - Meeting Prince in person for the first time...30mins - Maintaining professionalism as a fan...32mins - How difficult was it to challenge Prince? Fan websites

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
"It's amazing what you can do if you try..." - join us for part 2 of our interview with Dave Rusan, who made Prince's iconic white cloud guitar for the movie Purple Rain.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2023 35:44


Intro1mins30s - Wishing he could have spoken to Prince during the making of his Cloud guitar, the instrument specs, and making something great instinctually.3mins30s - Guitar specific questions for Dave on the Cloud guitar and how it was made - how much was stock, and what was bespoke?5mins - Prince and his heavy strings, and Takumi the guitar tech.6mins20s - One month and a half to come up with a world famous guitar!  9mins30s - Wendy Melvoin's clear body guitar...and the story behind it.12mins - Sam asks Dave how he felt when he first saw Prince play the guitar in the movie...and also when he first saw Prince playing the cloud guitar live.13mins - sitting in on the Purple Rain rehearsals with Prince 'every day was exciting'15mins - going to Paisley Park, and taking part in 'the Celebrations'18mins - How did Dave feel when Prince passed away? "I couldn't say anything, I was just speechless..."21mins - The Prince Estate asking Dave to give up the trademark on his guitar design.25mins - Which Minneapolis musicians did you get to know along the way?26mins30s - Still making the signature White Cloud guitar, and taking orders from around the world.30mins - Meeting other Prince guitar makers, and knowing a network of musicians.33mins - What happened to the original cloud guitars that Dave made?

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Dave Rusan was a young guitar tech - who'd never made a guitar before...in 1983 Prince needed one for a new movie he was making. Join us for pt 1 as Dave auditions for Prince's band and feels exhilarated by his chance to be part of music history

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 37:12


Intro2mins - Growing up in Minneapolis and musical background3mins15s - The Beatles, and early influences4mins20s - First song Dave learned on the guitar, and favourite music5mins30s - Father-son relationship and parental support for guitar playing and passions7mins -  Working in the local music store in MPLS, learning about the guitar as an instrument...and a 'sideline for voilin repair-men'11mins - Starting out as a Luthier, working from home...and supporting local bands12mins - Bumping into Prince at the Knut-Kupee music store...'we knew about him for a couple of years before the first album...'13mins - Minneapolis in the late 1970s, black and white musicians playing in different parts of town14mins45s - Auditioning for Prince's early band, Dave shares his memories...trying out at Dell's Tyre Mart19mins - What were musicians wearing in the late 1970? 'A lot of spandex was occuring!' MPLS music scene memories...21mins - An amazing achievement for someone who created an entire scene and became famous throughout the world - Prince putting Minneapolis on the map.24mins - Working in London in his early 20s and working with famous musicians early on in his career (1981-83)26mins - Working with Gary Moore, and a guitar inherited from Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac29mins30s - How did going to London influence your part in Prince's story?31mins - Coming back to MPLS and Prince is achieving a level of fame...and the initial approach from his people. "He wants a guitar, and you're going to make it..."33mins30s - "I was exhilarated rather than nervous..." - making Prince's most iconic guitar having never made one before!36mins - Did you know if the guitar was actually going to be part of the Purple Rain movie??

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
"Fighting for the freedom he knew technology offered..." in part 2 of our interview with Jim Walsh he reflects on Prince's 'Days of Wild' in the 1990s, his last ever show...and missing a great artist.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2022 37:02


1mins30s - Prince's music in the 90s, albums Jim liked, plus bootleg tapes from '93/'94 - The Beautiful Experience and stripped back versions of Come and Endorphinemachine after hours in London.3mins15s - Emancipation was a major artistic statement, but was it a seminal work? Plus liner notes for The Gold Experience (and not getting paid for it).5mins - "Fighting for the freedom he knew technology offered...". And Chance The Rapper winning multiple Grammys from a self-produced tape...missing Prince6mins - Hit n Run part 1: 'A Creative Approach'.7mins30s - Getting commissioned to write the liner notes for The Gold Experience.9mins - A rebirth in the 90s & 'Bud Lite on guitar!' on NBA All Star weekend.13mins - Getting up, then staying up late, to watch Prince play aftershows...17mins - Prince & Madonna on the same stage...and still seeing some of the NPG and The Revolution around town18mins - In admiration of Morris Hayes19mins30s - Going back to Paisley Park...how do you feel about it?21mins - Opinions on the music after 2002...remaining 'an avid listener'. The Current radio show in MPLS.22mins30s - memories of the last show, a Piano & Microphone performance24mins - When Prince passed away...an energy change in Minneapolis: writing an obit 'through the tears'26mins30s - 'I would never write that now...' an open letter to Prince in the media28mins - Playing with local musicians on the night Prince died29mins30s - Jim's view on the music coming out retrospectively & Welcome 2 America32mins30s - 'Context is everything with Prince...', so stay open33mins30s - Favourite live show of the 1980s, and which live DVD should be released?

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
The Gold Experience: Jim Walsh got to know Prince in the 1990s, to the point where he was able to challenge the artist in open print. This is his story...

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 40:07


Jim Walsh - journalist and author of Gold Experience: Following Prince in the '90sIntro2mins - Were the 1990s Prince's 'punk period'?5mins - Challenging Prince to be more vital!8mins30s - the mad scientist out in Chanhassen, the feeling of greatness nearby10mins - Going back to Paisley as a museum? Being in the building together...11mins - the 90s, the forerunner to everyone having their own radio station...and preserving the legacy13mins - Thoughts on The Rainbow Children, a transitional album and critically renowned live shows15mins - seeing Prince over the years, often until 6am17mins - living your life to the fullest creativity18mins - seeing Prince for the first time in the early 1980s at First Avenue - "they were just badass, oh my God!"21mins - Allen Beaulieu photographer, studio was just up the street from First Avenue...where Target Center is now. Pictures eventually adorned all of Prince's early album covers.22mins30s - What kind of person was Prince? "Really warm and loving...he was know-able, that was my experience."25mins - Playing different styles of music every night at Paisley Park27mins - Jam of the Year tour memories from 1997, followed by an all-night performance... 'it was so good!'29mins - Middle-aged bad-assery at The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and The Superbowl30mins30s - Best guitar solos ever? 'Feathery blues at Glam Slam...'32mins - Carlos Santana, Larry Graham & Prince at the Northrop Auditorium34mins - Larry Graham's influence on Prince: Jim Walsh's view36mins - A fleeting sight of Prince in 2014, 'a deeply spiritual God-loving man'.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Who was Prince really? In 1985 Neal Karlen interviewed the world's biggest - and most reclusive star. In the years that followed they developed an unlikely friendship. He tells us about the dilemmas of writing a book following the star's untimel

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 53:02


Author Neal Karlen, in conversation with Sam Bleazard.Introduction - New York Times, Rolling Stone magazine, author...friend?1-3mins: "Please don't let my scoop go away!" - Memories from another lifetime...and the BBC Omnibus documentary4mins ...time to stop writing - and talking about - Prince, wanting to be a fan again and not a critic...7mins - MPLS, segregation and the 'Minneapolis Sound'9mins30s - Prince as an 11-year-old kid, and a story from one of his substitute teachers11mins30s - Was Prince's life a sad story or a triumphant story of success?13mins30s - 'This Thing Called Life' - were you worried that by being so candid it would create a backlash on the book?17mins - the audiobook, the showman and Prince off the record in the 1980s19mins - small aspects of the real guy being revealed: showing the imperfect human being behind the star.20mins30s - "I Love U..."? And how it feels...22mins30s - Humour in the book and 'The Crusher'!24mins30s - The dilemma of releasing tapes of Prince speaking from the 1980s...'the most compartmentalised person I've ever met'27mins - "Prince who?" - "The real Prince!"29mins - The only person still awake at 4am and happy to shoot the breeze...30mins30s - Different personalities and the blurring between friendship and employment33mins - Not deifying Prince...and his relationship with his mother and father49mins - the last conversation with Prince (3 weeks before his passing)50mins - any things you wished you'd put in the book?

I'M THAT
Lisa Coleman, Musician

I'M THAT

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 71:41


Lisa Coleman is a musician and composer who plays piano and keyboards and she was a member of Prince's band 'The Revolution' from 1980 to 1986. She is one half of the incredible musical duo Wendy and Lisa, formed with Wendy Melvoin.She was 19 years old when she auditioned and was hired as a part of Prince's backing group in 1980, for his Dirty Mind album and tour. Lisa played keyboards for Prince on his Controversy and 1999 albums and the three albums as a member of The Revolution, which were Purple Rain, Around The World In a Day, and Parade.Shortly after the completion of Prince and The Revolution's Parade project, Lisa and Wendy started their own journey and under the Wendy and Lisa musical partnership. They released five full-length albums.Today, Lisa and Wendy continue to work together as film and television composers and have provided the musical scores for television shows including Crossing Jordan, Heroes, Nurse Jackie (which won them an Emmy for Outstanding main title theme), Prime Suspect, No Tomorrow, Witches of East End, Shades of Blue, and Touch which they were nominated for an Emmy. She is currently working on a new show called The Hospital, an adult animated sci-fi comedy from Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne's Animal Pictures.Lisa, along with Wendy also shares the honor of winning a Grammy and Oscar for being part of The Revolution as Purple Rain won two Grammys and the Oscar for Best Original Score. She also received the inaugural ASCAP Shirley Walker award with Wendy in 2014, which honors those whose achievements have contributed to the diversity of Film and Television Music.She recently self-released her first solo instrumental album titled Collage. And incidentally, she also created the theme music for this, the music on my podcast.

I SEE U with Eddie Robinson
19: Women of The Revolution [Encore]

I SEE U with Eddie Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2022 53:23


The legendary Prince created an iconic band known as, The Revolution. Not only did the early '80s group incorporate an energy and sound that threw off music radio programmers worldwide, but The Revolution also consisted of overwhelming talent that embraced notions of diversity and inclusion with members from different backgrounds, ethnicities, races and sexual orientations. Two band members — Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman — were romantically involved with each other and had kept their relationship under wraps from the public during the band's popularity. Host Eddie Robinson chats with the Emmy winners separately as they offer up career introspection and how their strong partnership played a significant impact on Prince. I SEE U also introduces a new guest host — author and political science professor, Dr. Melanye Price. She'll be the guiding voice for a couple of months while Eddie becomes a new dad and goes on paternity break. This episode is an encore of the October 2, 2021 broadcast.

Anhedonic Headphones Podcast 2 - Electric Boogaloo

In this episode, the 41st overall and the fifth this season, Kevin welcomes his college professor Joe Klinebriel onto the show. Joe talks about his uncanny ability to be on the cutting edge of musical trends, making a good first impression when meeting celebrities, and the music that both shaped his life and inspired a one-person show he has been writing during his sabbatical away from teaching at Clarke University. For more information about the "award winning" music criticism site, Anhedonic Headphones, click here! Also, here is a link to watch Joe's brief appearance in the MTV News bit mentioned in the interview. It's great.  Episode Musical Credits Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011.  Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996. "Once in A Lifetime," written by David Byrne, Brian Eno, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, and Tina Weymouth; performed by Talking Heads. Remain in Light, Sire, 1980. "The Curse," written and performed by Josh Ritter. So Runs The World Away,  Pytheas Recordings, 2010. I Will Follow You Into The Dark," written by Ben Gibbard; performed by Death Cab for Cutie. Plans, Atlantic, 2005. "Famous Last Words" written by Rolland Orzabal and Nicky Holland; performed by Tears for Fears. The Seeds of Love, Fontana, 1989. "In Spite of Me," written by Mark Sandman; performed by Morphine. Cure for Pain, Rykodisc, 1993. "So What'cha Want," written by Adam Yauch, Michael Diamond, and Adam Horovitz; performed by Beastie Boys. Check Your Head, Capitol, 1992. "Strange Fruit" written by Abel Meeropol; performed by Billie Holiday. Commodore, 1939. "The Life," written by Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman; performed by Wendy and Lisa. Wendy and Lisa, Columbia, 1987. "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want," written by Johnny Marr and Steven Patrick Morrissey; performed by The Smiths. Hatful of Hollow, Rough Trade, 1984. "Rock n Roll Suicide," written and performed by David Bowie. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, RCA, 1972.

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Prince and The Revolution: Live, Episode 1: Welcome to Superstardom

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 30:52 Very Popular


Prince wasn't just well known in 1984. He was red-hot. Host Andrea Swensson welcomes The Revolution and friends for a story about the summer Prince became a household name and the Purple Rain Tour took hold of America. With musicians Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, BrownMark, Dr. Fink, Bobby Z, and Eric Leeds, manager Bob Cavallo, and production designer Roy Bennett.

Tucker's DJ Mixtape Podcast

Recorded shortly after The Revolution disbanded in 1986, Camille was planned for release under a pseudonym using distorted vocals. Versions of Feel U Up and Strange Relationship date back to '81 and '83. The Camille project was assigned a Warner Brothers catalog number and planned for release in January '87, with Shockadelica as the lead single. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman appear on Strange Relationship (although their contributions were buried in the mix), and Susannah Melvoin is featured on Rockhard In a Funky Place. As the project further developed into Crystal Ball, seven of the eight tracks were kept. Ultimately, Housequake, Strange Relationship, and If I Was Your Girlfriend remained as the Crystal Ball project became Sign o' the Times.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
40 years ago - a man who would go on to become one of the biggest stars in the world, and one of its most respected musicians, was booed off the stage having been pelted with bottles and food from the audience. Ricci Terranova was in the audience that day

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 42:00


INTRO2mins - 'going to concerts all the time' in my teenage years6mins - growing up in a family listening to a diverse and eclectic mix of music9mins - going to the Coliseum to see USC football games10mins30s - memories of the show and lasting impression of Prince that day. 'He blew me away...and definitely captured my imagination'.11mins - a concert that started to 'get a little scary'12mins30s - negative energy as things start being thrown onto the stage14mins - '...the way he was dressed was just too much for The Rolling Stones fans...they weren't ready for it.'16mins - lasting impressions on Prince that evening. 'So dynamic...there was a confidence and stage presence there.'18mins - Prince feeling vital again with 3rd Eye Girl and the Piano & Microphone tour.20mins - Book of Prince fan memories: The Day I Was There. Ricci recalls the Purple Rain tour in 1985 - 'wear something Purple!'25mins - Andre Cymone and the influence of Adam Ant and the New Romantics.26mins - The euphoria of the LA Forum in '85 - 'it was so inspiring, the whole visual of it.'29mins30s - The 1980s - an era of separations, divorces and broken homes...the role Purple Rain the movie played in the teenage psyche.31mins30s - 'A.U.T.O-matic' - Ricci's rock memorabilia story35mins - Furthest lengths / greatest expense to see a show...37mins30s - Feelings on posthumous releases from Prince's vault.38mins30s - any things you'd like to hear in future?40mins - Reflections on the Prince community, and what it all means ultimately. Love 4 One Another...

Arroe Collins
Pod Crashing Episode 124 With Toure From Who Was Prince

Arroe Collins

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 41:48


Nothing Compares 2 U is built from two decades of interviews with musicians, lovers, friends and collaborators from Prince's inner circle, including Morris Day, guitarist Wendy Melvoin, fiancée Susannah Melvoin, who also contributed the foreword, manager Alan Leeds, engineer Susan Rogers, girlfriend Jill Jones, childhood friend Andre Cymone, Revolution members Dez Dickerson, BrownMark, and Bobby Z, and many others, who offer unique insights into the mysterious musician. This revelatory book is a deeply personal and candid discussion of who Prince really was emotionally, professionally, and romantically. It tackles subjects never-before-discussed, including Prince's multiple personalities, his romantic relationships, his sex life, his traumatic childhood that propelled him into his music career, his drug use, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the influences behind some of his most unforgettable songs, and songs that have never been released. The book follows the release of Touré's podcast docuseries Who Was Prince?

Arroe Collins
Pod Crashing Episode 124 With Toure From Who Was Prince

Arroe Collins

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 41:48


Nothing Compares 2 U is built from two decades of interviews with musicians, lovers, friends and collaborators from Prince's inner circle, including Morris Day, guitarist Wendy Melvoin, fiancée Susannah Melvoin, who also contributed the foreword, manager Alan Leeds, engineer Susan Rogers, girlfriend Jill Jones, childhood friend Andre Cymone, Revolution members Dez Dickerson, BrownMark, and Bobby Z, and many others, who offer unique insights into the mysterious musician. This revelatory book is a deeply personal and candid discussion of who Prince really was emotionally, professionally, and romantically. It tackles subjects never-before-discussed, including Prince's multiple personalities, his romantic relationships, his sex life, his traumatic childhood that propelled him into his music career, his drug use, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the influences behind some of his most unforgettable songs, and songs that have never been released. The book follows the release of Touré's podcast docuseries Who Was Prince?

Pod-Crashing
Pod Crashing Episode 124 With Toure From Who Was Prince

Pod-Crashing

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 41:48


Nothing Compares 2 U is built from two decades of interviews with musicians, lovers, friends and collaborators from Prince's inner circle, including Morris Day, guitarist Wendy Melvoin, fiancée Susannah Melvoin, who also contributed the foreword, manager Alan Leeds, engineer Susan Rogers, girlfriend Jill Jones, childhood friend Andre Cymone, Revolution members Dez Dickerson, BrownMark, and Bobby Z, and many others, who offer unique insights into the mysterious musician. This revelatory book is a deeply personal and candid discussion of who Prince really was emotionally, professionally, and romantically. It tackles subjects never-before-discussed, including Prince's multiple personalities, his romantic relationships, his sex life, his traumatic childhood that propelled him into his music career, his drug use, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the influences behind some of his most unforgettable songs, and songs that have never been released. The book follows the release of Touré's podcast docuseries Who Was Prince?

Arroe Collins
Pod Crashing Episode 124 With Toure From Who Was Prince

Arroe Collins

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 41:48


Nothing Compares 2 U is built from two decades of interviews with musicians, lovers, friends and collaborators from Prince's inner circle, including Morris Day, guitarist Wendy Melvoin, fiancée Susannah Melvoin, who also contributed the foreword, manager Alan Leeds, engineer Susan Rogers, girlfriend Jill Jones, childhood friend Andre Cymone, Revolution members Dez Dickerson, BrownMark, and Bobby Z, and many others, who offer unique insights into the mysterious musician. This revelatory book is a deeply personal and candid discussion of who Prince really was emotionally, professionally, and romantically. It tackles subjects never-before-discussed, including Prince's multiple personalities, his romantic relationships, his sex life, his traumatic childhood that propelled him into his music career, his drug use, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the influences behind some of his most unforgettable songs, and songs that have never been released. The book follows the release of Touré's podcast docuseries Who Was Prince?

I SEE U with Eddie Robinson
19: Women of The Revolution

I SEE U with Eddie Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 53:23


The legendary Prince created an iconic band known as, The Revolution. Not only did the early '80s group incorporate an energy and sound that threw off music radio programmers worldwide, but The Revolution also consisted of overwhelming talent that embraced notions of diversity and inclusion with members from different backgrounds, ethnicities, races and sexual orientations. Two band members -- Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman -- were romantically involved with each other and had kept their relationship under wraps from the public during the band's popularity. Host Eddie Robinson chats with the Emmy winners separately as they offer up career introspection and how their strong partnership played a significant impact on Prince. I SEE U also introduces a new guest host -- author and political science professor, Dr. Melanye Price. She'll be the guiding voice for a couple of months while Eddie becomes a new dad and goes on paternity break.

What the Riff?!?
1984 - September: Prince & The Revolution “Purple Rain”

What the Riff?!?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2021 41:55


In the fall of 1984 there was nowhere you could go in the United States without hearing something off of Purple Rain, the album and the motion picture from Prince and The Revolution.  This album was the sixth studio album by Prince, and the first to also bill the band, The Revolution (although the band was hinted at on the album 1999, being written backwards on the album cover).  Prince would become a superstar with this album and film.Prince (aka Prince Rogers Nelson) was born into a musical family.  His mother was a jazz singer and his father was a pianist in a jazz group called the Prince Rogers trio.  His father, John Lewis Nelson, went by the stage name Prince Rogers, from which Prince got his name.  Prince was a multi-instrumentalist, prolific singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and director.  He signed his first music contract with Warner Brothers Records at the age of 19, and had achieved considerable success with his albums “Dirty Mind,” “Controversy,” and "1999,” the last of which was a commercial success with “Little Red Corvette” receiving considerable airplay on MTV.Purple Rain would spend 24 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart.  Prince required his management to obtain a deal for him to star in a major motion picture in the early 1980's, at a time when he was relatively unknown outside of a few pop and R&B hits.  The film is loosely autobiographical, and follows Prince's character, the kid, as his relationships, family, and band fall apart.  Things turn around when the kid opens up to others and his career is resurrected by a song with lyrics from his father and music from his band members.  Hit songs would include “When Doves Cry” and “Let's go Crazy,” both topping the charts, and “Purple Rain,” which would hit number 2 on the charts.Prince would go on to be a music icon, and estimates of the number of complete songs written during his lifetime range between 500 and 1000.  Prince tragically died of a fentanyl overdose in 2016 at the age of 57.  This is an historic album and a torchbearer of a R&B/rock fusion genre that was literally everywhere in the fall of 1984.  We hope you will listen to this album in its entirety.  Let's Go Crazy“Dearly Beloved....we are gathered here today to get through this thing called 'LIFE'.”  Those fantastically quotable lines lead off the album.  You get a sense that this will be a different sound with the combination of a R&B beat and a Jimi Hendrix-style screaming guitar more associated with hard rock.  This is the second single from the album and a number 1 hit on multiple charts.Take Me With UThis song is a duet with singer and co-star of the film, Apollonia Kotero, and was the final single released from the album.  It was originally going to be on Apollonia's band's album (Apollonia 6), but made it on the soundtrack.  Prince intended to have the singer Vanity in the lead role, but Apollonia was chosen when Denise "Vanity" Matthews resigned from Vanity 6.I Would Die 4UThe fourth single from the album would hit number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics are thoughts on words that Jesus would say to his disciples.  This song occurs towards the end of the movie in a mini-concert, and was often paired with the song “Baby, I'm a Star” on radio at the time.Purple RainThe title track and third single from the album was originally intended as a country collaboration with Stevie Nicks!  According to Nicks, she received a 10-minute instrumental and was asked to write the lyrics, but was overwhelmed at the prospect.  Band member Wendy Melvoin inspired a change to the current style with her guitar chords during a practice session.  This song also has religious overtones, with the color purple often evoking images of God or end times in Prince's music.     ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the television series “Miami Vice” - Jan HammerThis show had everyone in thrall, Don Johnson in stubble and scrunched-up jackets, and Jan Hammer on the charts in a rare instrumental hit. STAFF PICKS:The Bird by Morris Day and the TimeBruce leads off the staff picks with another group propelled to stardom by "Purple Rain."  Prince had a clause in his Warner Brothers contract that allowed him to recruit and produce other artists for the label, and The Time was one that he assembled in 1981.  Prince collaborated on much of the work from The Time, including this third album "Ice Cream Castle."  Morris Day and the Time played a rival house band in the movie "Purple Rain."If This Is It by Huey Lewis and the NewsBrian brings us the fourth single from the hugely successful album “Sports.” The video demonstrates Lewis's humor, with beach scenes and the band buried up to their necks.  "So let me go, or make me want to stay...If this is it, please let me know."  This is the first Huey Lewis song to break into the top 40 in the U.K.  New Girl Now by Honeymoon SuiteWayne's staff pick features a deeper cut from a Canadian hair metal band.  This chronicles the issues that may follow when a guy has a specific type of girl he falls for.  The band hails from the Niagara Falls area, and the connection with that popular honeymoon location explains the origin of their name.  The sound has hints of new wave with the synthesizer in the background.  A Girl In Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing)  by Romeo VoidRob  closes out this week's staff picks with a more pop-oriented song from a decidedly non-pop band.  The band, sometimes associated with new wave, really wanted to be considered a punk band.  Singer Deborah lyall considered the band to be a reaction against the bleached blonde conformity of the time, and was proud of her Native American heritage.  The lyrics portray a more positive “taking care of things yourself” attitude than the minor key would suggest. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Shortberry Strawcake by Sheila E.We finish off this week's podcast with another Prince-related artist.  Sheila E. had this instrumental track on her album "Glamorous Life." 

Pictures of Lily
Pictures of Lily Podcast: Episode 2.42: Wendy & Lisa

Pictures of Lily

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 14:14


In the 42nd episode of the Pictures of Lily Podcast, I talk about my experiences interviewing musicians and composers Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, forever remembered as Prince‘s right and left … Continue reading → The post Pictures of Lily Podcast: Episode 2.42: Wendy & Lisa appeared first on Lily Moayeri.

Kyle Meredith With...
Rag'n'Bone Man on His Love of John Prine, Drum'n'Bass, and Life By Misadventure

Kyle Meredith With...

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 17:46


Rag'n'Bone Man's Rory Graham sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Life By Misadventure, a record that finds the British songwriter traveling to Nashville and linking up with Natalie Hemby and other top writers for a soulful, live set of songs. Graham discusses his love of John Prine, how he might apply the aesthetics from this record to the work he does inside the drum‘n'bass scene alongside Roni Size, and what it was like to have Wendy Melvoin from Prince & the Revolution recording on the record. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Ep6: Marking the publication of Duane Tudahl's latest book - in part 2 we discuss Prince's incredible work ethic, and how his songs acted as gifts and even conversation starters. We look at the challenges of mid 80's superstardom, and the s

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2021 31:02


Duane Tudahl has spent his career working on TV series, but also producing numerous documentaries and music videos.  He is a writer and researcher, who has contributed many articles for Uptown magazine – the key Prince fanzine – for 12 years, from 1991 to 2003.  In recent years he received praise for his books documenting Prince's studio sessions in the 1980s, which are extensive in their research and provide an in-depth insight into the period.Thank you to all of our listeners around the world who've been tuning in and downloading the show from Europe to the USA, South America, India and Australia, your support is much appreciate.And our thanks to Gavin Calder for the music on today's show, which features the original album mix of True Funk Soldier, from the album Deep Field, by Balveda. Go to the Bandcamp website to hear more.  Please keep clicking on subscribe, leave your reviews and spread the word, whether you're listening on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon music, Gaana or Jiosaavn.Chapters & themes- Did Prince have any regrets from the mid 80s period? 'Prince was a control freak - he was a decider...after Purple Rain who's going to tell you what to do?'- Duane discusses the We Are The World? recording and the aftermath of the Purple Rain tour.- Prince goes to the beach and Duane's favourite stories - 'the ones that humanise him in some way'.- We discuss Prince's legacy and the threat to his legacy from potential revisionist history in the future.- The questions Duane would most liked to have asked Prince.- Future projects - what's next for Duane?

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Episode 5: Author Duane Tudahl talks about writing the definitive account of Prince's Parade and Sign O The Times studio sessions. "Prince could release an album every year for 100 years...", he tells us.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 33:35


Duane Tudahl has spent his career working on TV series, but also producing numerous documentaries and music videos.  He is a writer and researcher, who has contributed many articles for Uptown magazine – the key Prince fanzine – for 12 years, from 1991 to 2003.  In recent years he received praise for his books documenting Prince's studio sessions in the 1980s, which are extensive in their research, and give further insight into one of the most fascinating periods in popular music.A big thank you to all of our listeners around the world who've been tuning in and downloading the show from Paris, to Detroit, from Bombay to Brazil, we really appreciate your support.And our thanks to Gavin Calder for the music on today's show, which features a Quiet Storm remix of True Funk Soldier, from the album Deep Field, by Balveda. Go to the Bandcamp website to hear more.  Please keep clicking on subscribe, leave your reviews and spread the word, whether you're listening on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon music, Gaana or Jiosaavn.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Episode 3: BrownMark shares his favourite memories of Prince, the life lessons he taught him and he recalls their final conversation inside the Paisley Park studio complex. We discuss the legacy of Prince and The Revolution, their place in history and go

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 31:51


Summary: chapters and themes.PART 31min - Going back to a normal life and the 9-5...and why it was a good thing.4mins30s - My favourite memories of Prince...'he was a whole different person when we played basketball...and he was such a fun person outside of the music'.7mins - The lessons  that Prince taught me, for life in general and for my career.9mins45s - Contact with Prince in later years, and concerns.13mins - Remembering the final conversation, over a meal at Paisley Park.17mins - The Revolution reunions planned over the years and celebrating with fans in Minneapolis.19mins30s - Looking to the future. BrownMark on YouTube.22mins - A place in music history and continuing on the legacy.26mins - Bye for now...and see you in Europe!   

The Broken Record Player Podcast
Prince-Purple Rain

The Broken Record Player Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 99:16


On this next episode of The Broken Record Player Podcast, my buddy Tim Guill and I pay homage to the Purple One, Prince, as we dive deep into the masterpiece that is Purple Rain. Coming off the success of 1999, Prince was looking to push the envelope further. Already a star, Prince would cement his legacy with Purple Rain. It was not just an album, rather it was a testament to the genius that was Prince. Filled with classics such as the title track itself, “When Doves Cry,” “Let's Go Crazy,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and more, Purple Rain is as close to perfection in an album as it gets. It was a more grand sound for Prince, and it brought him to superstar status on the same level as his peer (and occasional rival), Michael Jackson. What makes this album so unique, besides the epic and grand production and quality, is that Prince is working with a band: The Revolution. Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Dr. Fink, Brown Mark, and Bobby Z, worked tirelessly with their mad scientist leader to craft an album that featured funky bass lines, shredding guitar solos, electronic effects, pounding drum beats, beautiful ballads, and the shrieks, screams, wails, and heartfelt vocals of Prince. As if a groundbreaking album wasn't enough, to showcase how ambitious Prince was in 1983, a movie of the same name was made. Tim and I discuss both as we take a look at one of the most celebrated albums, and artists, of all time. 

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.
Episode 2: Mark takes us inside the Purple Rain tour, the hysteria of the hit movie, choreography onstage with The Revolution and wardrobe arguments with the boss. We also get a unique insight into the recording process of one of Prince's most famous

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 29:39


Summary, themes and chapters1mins - Memories of First Avenue and the debut performances of Purple Rain.5mins - Choreographing Prince & The Revolution and the changing face of the band.8mins - Movie premieres, wardrobe disagreements, concerts and 'craziness'.11mins - Prince and poducer bands: Mazarati; The Time; Vanity 6 and The Family.13mins30s - 'Too much too young is not a good thing' - the pressures of stardom on tour.18mins - The full story of how one of Prince's most famous songs was recorded.24mins15s - Being fined for missing notes, and working for one of music's most demanding bandleaders.27mins - Meeting the expected standards, and the parting of the ways.

Aural Fixation
Prince – Dirty Mind (feat. DJ Matt Vaughan)

Aural Fixation

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 70:24


In 2009, multi-talented queer power duo Wendy & Lisa confirmed that their former bandleader, brother-in-arms and boss, Prince, was definitely not gay, but rather a… fancy lesbian. What a relief. Not that we’re scrambling for excuses to explore the Purple One for Aural Fixation. Purveyor of assless chaps, a deft hand with eyeliner and a spiritual connection with the fight to be one’s authentic self are just the tip of Prince’s queer iceberg. To lead Drew and Andy to Paisley Park, we secured the wisdom of DJ Matt Vaughan, the father of Sydney’s own iconic queer club movement Loose Ends and Professor of Princeology. Matt selected the bussy-shattering Dirty Mind for us to explore, and we selected the rosé. Once this hot mess of a pandemic is over, you’ll find news on the next Loose Ends party on Facebook – we’ll see you on the dancefloor. Matt also assisted with this episode's accompanying playlist, check it out! You can follow the pod on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast, the boys on @with.all.drew.respect and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare, or Matt on @djmattvaughan.

The Current Rewind
The Current Rewind: Aug. 3, 1983

The Current Rewind

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 24:06


Most casual Prince fans know Purple Rain was partially filmed at First Avenue. But did you know the title song is a live recording, taped at First Ave a few months before filming started? In this episode, we meet Prince and the Revolution at a benefit show for Minnesota Dance Theatre, where they debuted "Purple Rain" in support of dance and community. This is the fourth episode of The Current Rewind's "10 Pivotal Days at First Avenue" season. If you missed the first three episodes, catch up below. • April 3, 1970 (The day it all began)• Nov. 28-29, 1979 (The days that told the future)• Sept. 27, 1982 (Bad Brains/Sweet Taste of Afrika/Hüsker Dü) Transcript of The Current Rewind season 2, episode 4: "Aug. 3, 1983" ["Purple Rain" chords, but trembly and slowed-down. After several seconds, the music snaps into the original version, and we hear the lyrics, "I never meant to cause you any sorrow/ I never meant to cause you any pain."] Mark Wheat VO: After three episodes and 13 years of First Avenue's history, we've arrived at the song. The song that evokes an artist, a movie, and to some, a period of mourning: "Purple Rain." ["Purple rain, purple rain" fades into "Hive Sound" by Icetep] Mark Wheat VO: [over theme] I'm Mark Wheat. This is The Current Rewind, the show putting music's unsung stories on the map. For our second season, we're exploring the history of First Avenue, the downtown Minneapolis venue that has become one of the Twin Cities' – and the country's – greatest clubs. Most casual Prince fans know that scenes from the 1984 movie Purple Rain were filmed at First Avenue. The version of "Purple Rain" that you hear in the movie and the soundtrack was recorded live at First Avenue, but not at the same time the movie was filmed. Just a few months before the cameras rolled, Prince hadn't yet written the song. He first performed it on August 3, 1983 at First Avenue, during a benefit show for the Minnesota Dance Theatre. He had the show recorded, and when we listen to "Purple Rain" today, we're hearing him and the Revolution play it live for the very first time. In this episode, we'll explore the story of that song and that amazingly unique one-off performance, along with Prince's relationship to Minnesota Dance Theatre – a tale that captures Prince's ethos as a musician and a community member. So far this season, guest hosts have lent their voices to each episode of Rewind. But by this point, the coronavirus pandemic has complicated our production. So we here at The Current will step in to host a few episodes, including this one, which I was quite fond of from the beginning. It takes place when I had just moved to the United States, for good, in 1983. [rewind noise] Mark Wheat VO: The early 1980s were a transition moment in Minnesota music. Artists from two different local scenes were breaking out. On the indie rock side, the Replacements and Hüsker Dü were stirring up mosh pits all across the country. And Prince had just become a national star through the success of his fifth album, 1999. David Z: I mean, it was exciting, because Prince was our local star, and he had the beginning of success before this. I mean, he did do Dirty Mind. Mark Wheat VO: This is David Z, Prince's longtime producer – and brother of The Revolution drummer Bobby Z. David Z: So I mean, he wasn't a nobody, but he wasn't internationally famous at all. It was kind of a local thing, and we were all happy because we always wanted somebody from Minneapolis to make it. Mark Wheat VO: And before the world knew Prince's music – along with his slides, splits, spins and pelvic thrusts, he studied ballet with Minnesota Dance Theatre. [audio of a Minnesota Dance Theatre rehearsal] Mark Wheat VO: Renowned choreographer Loyce Houlton founded Minnesota Dance Theatre in 1962. They still teach classical and contemporary dance, and over the last 50 years, they've presented one of the best-attended performances of The Nutcracker in the country. In the '70s, the theater participated in Minneapolis Public Schools' Urban Arts Program, which Prince joined as a high school student. After Loyce's passing in 1995, her daughter Lise Houlton took over as artistic director. Lise Houlton: My mother and Wally Kennedy were developing this program in the Twin Cities for those us of who didn't fit in the traditional academic life. That's how my mother met Prince, through the urban arts program. And I think that she saw immediately that he had a special spark, that there was something – she used to talk about the combination of this insatiable appetite and this sadness that came together in some sort of combustion of energy, and I think because she had a similar quality that they had this common ground. Mark Wheat VO: You can catch the dance moves he mastered in Minnesota in some of his music videos. Lise Houlton: In the ballet world there's a step that's challenging and that we all have to do, and it's called an entrechat six, and it's where you do three beats in the air. You jump up, you do three beats and you land. Prince could do an entrechat six, and you learn that in a ballet class. That's not an instinctive move, because you do it with turnout, which is unnatural to the human body. He did tour en l'airs, where you jump in the air. Tour en l'airs. He did pirouettes with excellent placement, and that was combined with his jazz aesthetic and already his own personal grind. Mark Wheat VO: A few years after Prince graduated, Minnesota Dance Theatre needed financial help, and Loyce decided to get back in touch. As the Star Tribune reported at the time, she found out where Prince was staying in town and stood outside, waiting to ask if he could do a benefit show. Lise Houlton: But that was her style. If she believed in somebody, if she wanted to have a connection with an extraordinary talent, she did that sort of thing. That was her reputation as being a little bit crazy. But I think once again, that's where Prince and my mother saw their connection. Mark Wheat VO: Prince said yes, and First Avenue hosted the concert. Right after Prince played "Little Red Corvette," his biggest hit to date, Loyce Houlton took the mic to thank him for his support. It was guitarist Wendy Melvoin's first time on stage with Prince – and therefore, the first time the Revolution's classic line-up performed together, even though they weren't billed as such. Along with Prince and Wendy, there was drummer Bobby Z, bassist Brown Mark, keyboardists Lisa Coleman and Matt Fink, aka Dr. Fink. It was also the night Prince recorded "Baby I'm A Star," "I Would Die 4 U," and "Purple Rain" – right there at First Avenue, live. David Z: And you'll see that there's not very much added or changed to the original performance, especially with the song "Purple Rain." Mark Wheat VO: It was normal for Prince to have David record his performances, so no one expected anything unusual to happen. David Z: Nobody really knew there was a movie coming out. We just thought it was gonna be a live record, or whatever. Mark Wheat VO: And as Dr. Fink recalls, it wasn't the most comfortable environment. Matt Fink: We all knew it was a hot, muggy summer night and that First Avenue would be packed, and it would be very uncomfortable for older people to be standing in there. And we were right, 'cause we were all drenched with sweat within two minutes of taking the stage, because that's how hot it was in there. The air conditioning wasn't keeping up. It was back when people smoked cigarettes in clubs. So not only did you have [Dr. Fink laughs] all the heat and humidity and bodies and cigarette smoke, but it was just very difficult to be comfortable. Mark Wheat VO: According to First Avenue's records, about 1200 people bought tickets to the show. On an average night in 1983, a Mainroom show would run about five bucks, but tickets to this benefit were $25 – the equivalent of about $60 today. Including staff and an extensive guest list, about 1,500 people were in the club that night. First Avenue manager Steve McClellan was just trying not to overpack the place. Steve McClellan: I had to go and tell people, except for the really important VIP list, it's not good for you tonight. Because my goal was to keep my list under 100, Prince's was supposed to be under 100, Minnesota Dance Theatre was supposed to be under 100. That night that all went blowin' in the wind. The guest lists poured in, and that's why that night, everybody says, "Well, why didn't you watch the show?" I remember between having to get the numbers together – because I thought I would have to pay the Minnesota Dance Theatre that night, so I had to get all my costs together. Because it was a $25 ticket. We'd never done a $25 ticket before. And so I knew that the money was gonna be big. Mark Wheat VO: When we had Steve and veteran doorperson Richard Luka in for an interview, we asked Richard what he was up to that night. Richard Luka: I was at the back door, and I could see everything from behind. "Why isn't he playing anything familiar here? What the hell's this stuff?" And but then there also this people going in and out through the garage to this truck that was out there. Turns out they were recording everything. Nobody knew that there was gonna be a movie within a year or so of that. None of us knew. That's why when you come back to a night like that – well, you know, it had sort of a cultural impact further down the line. But when you're in those moments you don't know that. So it's like, "This jerk just wants to get inside right now." No. You're Prince's cousin. Aren't we all. No, you can't come in. And we're dealing with things on an interpersonal level like that, whereas up there they're doing this thing that's gonna be here, and then it's gonna go out all over the world later. Steve McClellan: I do remember hearing "When Doves Cry" the first time. There were certain times when I was able to stand and go, "Oh, pretty good." But, you know, life goes on. Mark Wheat VO: Maybe Steve and Richard didn't get to experience the full show, but Prince fan Heidi Vader couldn't tear herself away. Heidi Vader: It was so hot, so hot and so crowded. Mark Wheat VO: When the band played "Purple Rain," the crowd didn't know what to make of it. Heidi Vader: The song seemed to go on forever. So the audience was – you know – listening. They were paying attention, but nobody was freaking out and excited. And it was nothing like the movie, and nobody had all their costumes on, like in the movie. [Heidi laughs] Mark Wheat VO: According to Dr. Fink, Prince and his band had just started practicing "Purple Rain" a couple of weeks before the show. Matt Fink: Prince didn't write that one 'til the very end, which is more about like mid-to-late July of '83. He brought that song to the group. He hadn't finished the lyrics. He hadn't finished the melody. All he had was the chord structure and he came to us and said, "Ok, let's try this; let's just start jamming on this chord progression I've got for this song." And then we all coalesced into what you hear live. And even at that live show, he improvised his guitar solo somewhat. [about 10 seconds of the "Purple Rain" guitar solo] Matt Fink: He wasn't playing it exactly like he did it every time at rehearsal. Nor was I playing my piano parts exactly the same at rehearsal that evening. It just did what it did. Mark Wheat VO: Kevin Cole, a former First Avenue DJ who now hosts the afternoon show at KEXP in Seattle, remembers there being cameras that night. Kevin Cole: At that point in time, we were experimenting with filming sessions, or, filming performances at the club, that we would then give to the band. So there's footage floating around out there of that very first performance from a different perspective. [cheers from the live bootleg fade up] Kevin Cole: One of the cameras is to the left of the stage and above the stage, looking down, kinda right where Prince was playing from. And it's remarkable, but you're also seeing the audience. People are just stunned watching that song. Mark Wheat VO: In fact, the crowd was so quiet, David Z had to tweak the recording. David Z: When it came time for the movie, I cheated and put a crowd from the Minnesota Vikings in the audience track. Mark Wheat VO: Because technology at the time couldn't record wireless bass well, Prince added in some bass overdubs. Heidi remembers the song being long because it was. Prince cut five minutes and still ended up with a nine-minute song. David Z recorded the show in a truck from the New York-based Record Plant, which was considered the best in the industry at the time. Meanwhile, director Albert Magnoli was working with Prince on the early stages of a movie, which didn't have a name yet. He and Prince had gone through about a hundred songs that could go into the movie, but Magnoli felt they were still missing a piece. Al Magnoli: Interestingly enough, there was no "Purple Rain" in that 100 songs. Mark Wheat VO: During a recent trip to Minnesota, he elaborated in an interview with The Current host Jill Riley. Al Magnoli: So I went to him, after I lined up what I thought was the storyline and lined up the songs...and said, we're missing the song – that catalyst, in all of this journey – that song that releases you finally to become the person you should become. And he said, ok, I got another song to write. Mark Wheat VO: The director came to town to scout out locations for the movie and hear new songs from the band that night. When he heard "Purple Rain," he knew it was the one song he needed. Our producer Jackie Renzetti called him up and asked him why "Purple Rain" worked. Al Magnoli: Well, it had the right pacing and it had the right lyric content. It had the right soulfulness and emotion. And it wasn't like anything he had done before. To me, it was a unique sounding piece, and that's what I was looking for. He obviously knew he had that song when I said we didn't have the song. So he didn't immediately say, "Oh, I've got a song that would fit the bill." He didn't say that. He performed it, not realizing that I would approach and then say that could be the song. I said, "What's it called," and he says, "'Purple Rain,'" and then there's a pause, and he says, "Could we call the movie Purple Rain?" and I go, "Yes." Mark Wheat VO: By the end of the night, Prince had raised $23,000 for Minnesota Dance Theatre. That's the equivalent of about $60,000 today. Although Prince would go on to perform dozens of philanthropic acts – giving to music education and coding programs; buying houses for his band members; and paying medical bills for loved ones – few of them would be so public. David Z: He would give money to people without trying to use it as publicity. Nothing! And then he would do charity, but in his own way of the true meaning of charity, which is not get all these people recognizing you for it. He just did it and didn't want the recognition. He just wanted to do a good thing and pay it back. Mark Wheat VO: Our producer, Cecilia Johnson, asked The Current host and Prince expert Andrea Swensson to put his giving in perspective. Andrea Swensson: Prince was raised in a really pivotal time just in history, during the civil rights movement and during the political uprising that was happening in North Minneapolis in the 1960s. His mother was a social worker. He was also partly raised by Bernadette Anderson, who was a huge community figure. [She] worked at the YWCA and was just really admired as a leader. I mean, Prince's philanthropy goes back to the very beginning of his career. I remember his bandmates telling me stories of, even on their first couple of tours, they would squeeze in shows to play at community centers or play for the Deaf or do something out of their way to give back to the community. It was clearly something that Prince really valued. And that went all the way up until the end of his life, when he was funding projects like Yes We Code, and sending money to Baltimore, and honoring Freddie Gray in his music. He just had that spirit in him. I think it really goes back to coming up in North Minneapolis and being so involved in the community there and being raised by community leaders like Bernadette Anderson and like his mother, Mattie Shaw. It was just part of who he was. Cecilia Johnson:: So what else was going on in the early '80s when Prince was starting to have this huge rise, in terms of philanthropy or giving or like celebrity? Andrea Swensson: Yeah, well there's "We Are The World," which was a huge moment culturally, as all of these stars came together to record this song. There was Live Aid. U2 coming up – that was something that they really preached, and I think it just became part of the pop music culture, that in order to be, like, a good citizen, that if you were successful, that you should use some of your power and your money to give back. But also, Prince was very discreet about his generosity. He did not do it for his own name or reputation or personal brand. It was just something that he valued, and especially later on as he became more religious, explicitly, with converting to Jehovah's Witness, it was a huge part of his faith as well, that that was not something that you were supposed to advertise. That's not why you give. That's not why you give money or help people in the community. You do it because it's important and because you value it. Mark Wheat VO: We might not ever really know who all Prince helped. But we know he donated to a lot of programs centered on youth and community. At the Circle of Discipline in South Minneapolis, Sankara Frazier wrote a letter to Prince asking for funding to help keep his community boxing program going. Prince ended up making multiple contributions over the years. Our producer Jackie visited Circle of Discipline to ask how Sankara felt when he got the checks. Sankara Frazier: I wasn't surprised. I wasn't surprised. Prince helped a lot of people. He saw what we were doing, with all of the young people and our older people. We have – you know, the community comes in here. And he saw what we were doing, community-wise, we're putting a lot of people together, people that wouldn't be together, you know? This right here, the boxing, was something that they grew up around. He didn't box – as far as I know, he didn't didn't box – but they know the importance, and how it develops a lot of the youth into better people. Worthy cause. We're working with the community. Mark Wheat VO: Sankara was part of Prince's community from a young age. As kids, he lived with Prince and André Cymone, one of Prince's best friends and earliest bandmates. Speaking with Jackie, Sankara used the phrase "behind the scenes" to describe Prince as a community member. But although his actions may have been discreet, they were full of love for his cities. Sankara Frazier: Oh, Prince was, he was down for Minneapolis. He was down. All of the people that had opportunities and stuff that were with him, they got him here. You know, so he decided to put this on the map. That's why, you know, even making Purple Rain, he's putting Minnesota on the map. Yeah, I give him credit for that. Mark Wheat VO: To Lise, Prince's support of Minnesota Dance Theatre has been about more than just the money. Lise Houlton: He's continuing to have an impact on Minnesota Dance Theatre, because every time this subject is brought up, Minnesota Dance Theatre is right there in the story, and once again, for me, having been so surprised with this event that happened in the '80s when I was far away, to feel those repercussions still is such a gift. Mark Wheat VO: His legacy continues to inspire community work, especially among his longtime fans. Heidi Vader, who saw the August '83 show, told Cecilia that she sensed a vacuum in the fan community after Prince's death. She wanted to unite people behind something healing. So in 2017, she started a music education program called Purple Playground. Each summer, Purple Playground runs a two-week music camp where young students write their own music and record it. They also hear from guest speakers about Prince's legacy and what it's like to be a professional musician. [Purple Playground's song "Purple Playground" plays for several seconds] Heidi Vader: They write, like, five or eight songs, and then we record them. And we put them out, and they're on our website. And we ended up with these inspiring songs about supporting each other and loving yourself and believing in yourself, and all this stuff. That's what we were hoping but we didn't know it would happen – you know. They come in, these kids who – a couple of them knew each other, but a lot of them don't know each other. And then they're, immediately, like within an hour, they're like "Let's do this," back and forth, and yeah. So some of the songs will make you cry. ["Purple Rain" "twinkling" arpeggios and cymbal washes from the end of the song, with cheers from the audience. Prince tells the crowd, "We love you very, very much. Good night!" "Hive Sound" by Icetep fades up and plays under the credits.] Cecilia Johnson VO: And there you have it. Mark Wheat's final contribution to The Current and The Current Rewind. This episode of The Current Rewind was hosted by Mark Wheat. It was produced by me, Cecilia Johnson, and Jackie Renzetti. Marisa Morseth is our research assistant, and Jay Gabler is our editor. Our theme music is "Hive Sound" by Icetep. This episode was mixed by Johnny Vince Evans. Thanks to Brett Baldwin, Rick Carlson, Shelby Sachs, and David Safar for additional support. If you liked this episode, check out the series Prince: Official Podcast, which is produced by The Current and the Prince Estate. It's available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and beyond. We work really hard on all these music history podcasts, and if you'd like to give back or say thanks, we'd really appreciate reviews on Apple Podcasts or a donation via support.mpr.org. If you have any comments or stories you'd like to share directly with us, send them to rewind@thecurrent.org. The Current Rewind is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. It is a production of Minnesota Public Radio's The Current. The Current Rewind goes to First Avenue

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Sign O' The Times, Episode 4: Strict and Wild and Pretty

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 31:23


At the conclusion of their dazzling, grueling Parade Tour, The Revolution play their final show with Prince. Hear from Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin, Dr. Fink, BrownMark, Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and Levi Seacer, Jr.

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Sign O' The Times, Episode 4: Strict and Wild and Pretty

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 31:23


At the conclusion of their dazzling, grueling Parade Tour, The Revolution play their final show with Prince. Hear from Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin, Dr. Fink, BrownMark, Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and Levi Seacer, Jr.

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Sign O’ The Times, Episode 3: The Quake

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 30:33


An earthquake hits the California coastline while Prince is in L.A. recording at Sunset Sound, and has an unexpected influence on his classic song “Sign O’ The Times.” With insights from Warner Bros. Records president Lenny Waronker, engineer Susan Rogers, collaborators Susannah Melvoin, Wendy Melvoin, and Lisa Coleman, and scholars Duane Tudahl and Daphne A. Brooks.

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Sign O' The Times, Episode 3: The Quake

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 30:33


An earthquake hits the California coastline while Prince is in L.A. recording at Sunset Sound, and has an unexpected influence on his classic song “Sign O' The Times.” With insights from Warner Bros. Records president Lenny Waronker, engineer Susan Rogers, collaborators Susannah Melvoin, Wendy Melvoin, and Lisa Coleman, and scholars Duane Tudahl and Daphne A. Brooks.

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Sign O' The Times, Episode 1: It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 35:28


The story of Sign O' The Times involves many twists, turns, and abandoned projects. We begin with key collaborators Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman as they reflect on Prince's prolific Dream Factory period, with additional insights from engineer Susan Rogers and musicians Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, Matt Fink and BrownMark.

Prince: The Story of 1999
The Story of Sign O' The Times Episode 1: It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night

Prince: The Story of 1999

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 35:28


The story of Sign O’ The Times involves many twists, turns, and abandoned projects. We begin with key collaborators Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman as they reflect on Prince's prolific Dream Factory period, with additional insights from engineer Susan Rogers and musicians Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, Matt Fink and BrownMark.

Oldie But A Goodie
#83: Purple Rain

Oldie But A Goodie

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2020 52:12


1984 was a great year for Prince fans. We got his classic album 'Purple Rain'. We also got a movie with the same title that uses a lot of those songs as inspiration and features a performance from the musician himself. Does the film work as a narrative or are the sequences of live performances the best part of it? We checked it out to find out! Got feedback? Send us an email at oldiebutagoodiepod@gmail.com Follow the show! Facebook: https://fb.me/oldiebutagoodiepod Omny: https://omny.fm/shows/oldie-but-a-goodie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfdXHxK_rIUsOEoFSx-hGA Songs from 1984 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39v1MbWf849XD8aau0yA52 Follow the hosts! Sandro Falce - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrofalce/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandrofalce - Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/SandroFalce/ Zach Adams - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach4dams/ See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

hanging out with audiophiles
HOWA EP 63 : WENDY MELVOIN

hanging out with audiophiles

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2020 127:52


We have Royalty on the pod.  Sometimes when I do this show I really have to pinch myself and this was a case in point.  As a teenager I only had one idol and only cared about one band. I ultimately ostracize myself from the vast majority of my schoolmates since nobody in Huntington Cambridgeshire cared about Prince and the Revolution. I just happened to be one of those people that was completely and utterly immersed in that sonic universe. Initially I just couldn't take my eyes off the bright light of Prince and let's be honest he was quite the supernova.  The thing is as a fan I couldn't help but wonder why there was something so different about the output between 1984 - 1987. (Purple rain, around the world in a day, parade and sign of the times)  Why did that era Stand out so wildly from the rest of his work? Why were the arrangements more daring all of a sudden? Why was the sonic landscape more varied and Rich?  Prince could do so much on his own but with the BAND it just went to the blooming next level.  I can truly say that without Wendy I never would've dreamt to be a musician myself. I may have gotten into Prince had she not been in the band I suppose but I feel like the incredible chemistry of everyone together was something that I felt all the way across the Atlantic and it sparked my imagination like nothing else. I never knew Wendy's story before this chat so I was fascinated to hear her open up about her incredible childhood. You'll hear how she was surrounded by music on an extremely high level from a very young age and it clearly all went in and it all makes sense now why that beautiful mind she has added so much vibrancy and Colour to all that music.  Wendy and Lisa continue to make great records to this day and are always searching and finding ways to express themselves and make thro it in this messed up music business. She wears the crown but she wears it with such grace and you'll hear just how humble, generous, Funny, friendly and open she is. I'm still finding it hard to believe I met Wendy and had a chance to chat with her in her own studio, but that dreamer from Huntington walked into the room buzzing with anticipation and left with a Cheshire Cat grin. It gives me great pleasure to welcome to hanging out with audiophiles the incomparable Wendy Melvoin! ___________________________ Music for the show comes from MALK This is an unreleased recordedmade with by Nathanial Morse and his brother, under the name of MALK.  Find out about Mr Morse here: http://www.efstudio.com.au/about-1 ___________________________ Nitty sees my cascading. Riding the uppers and the downers. Messing with the fabric of time again. No big deal :)

The Queer Creative
Camila Grey | CURIOSITY

The Queer Creative

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2020 69:50


Well it may be World War III thanks that d-bag in the White House, but we are determined to make 2020 the QUEEREST year of all even if we all go down in flames! We hear about Jonah's gaycation to Nicaragua and Columbia, discuss the royal lesbian wedding (#Krashlyn #KriegerGotaKeeper), the latest L Word Generation Q lesbo drama, and other queertertainment news. We then hear a little about one of Renessa's former lives with singing!But on to the TRULY exciting part of this episode: Our guest interview this week is with the beautiful, skilled, and just generally super dope musician, producer, and DJ, Camila Grey. Jonah was out of the office for this one, but Renessa was so lucky to get Camila on the phone in between her touring commitments with Adam Lambert! We talk about her background in music—from attending Berklee College of Music, to working a stint in the music biz before she started focusing on playing, recording, and performing, her time with Leisha Hailey and their band Uh Huh Her, to where she is today (having worked with artists like Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Big Black Delta, Tricky, Linda Perry, Kanye West, Hans Zimmer, and Wendy Melvoin), and a solo project in the works (BREAKING NEWS!). And we talk about coming out to religious parents, queer representation in music today, and staying curious and eager to learn new things to hone your craft. Keep an eye out for Adam Lambert's upcoming Feel Something Foundation, which Camila will be serving on the board of! We'll post an update to social when that goes live : ) ****INTERVIEW STARTS AT 32:30****Check out the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqYRgM2MLP4Show Links:Follow Camila on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camgrey/?hl=enInterview song: “It’s Chemical” by Uh Huh Her. Download digitally: https://music.apple.com/us/album/future-souls/829781360Buy Uh Huh Her CDs and merch: http://www.uhhuhher.com/shopGay Astrology night in LA: https://www.facebook.com/events/the-satellite/gay-asstrology-lgbtqueer-party-capricorn-season/2110828182551202/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/shannonkeating/little-women-greta-gerwig-saoirse-ronan-jo-march-queerQueer band MUNA: https://twitter.com/pinknews/status/1213819437607981056?s=21Ethereal Beings: https://soundcloud.com/etherealbeings

Sterloid Talks!
Wendy Melvoin

Sterloid Talks!

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2019 63:13


Aaron and Laurel Sterling sit down with Wendy Melvoin (Prince & The Revolution) and discuss...... 1. Airplane Conversations 2. Proper SM57 Technique 3. Learning to Love Your Dog 4. Prince & The Revolution 5. Wendy & Lisa 6. Wrecking Crew 7. If You Only

Music Raygun
Guitar

Music Raygun

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2019 80:45


A few episodes of "Music Raygun" have had musical instruments as their themes, namely saxophone, bass and piano. Well, there are only a few instruments left to cover as long as we're talking about your basic rock band, so here's one about the bedrock of the genre: the guitar. We're talking about Link Wray, George Benson, J. Mascis, Wendy Melvoin, Kevin Shields, Robert Quine and plenty more. To see the videos featured in this episode, visit musicraygun.com/playlists.

Slate Daily Feed
Studio 360: Why Werner Herzog loves cat videos

Slate Daily Feed

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2019 53:41


Kurt Andersen talks with filmmaker Werner Herzog about his latest documentary, "Meeting Gorbachev," his unusual approach to narrating documentaries and their mutual obsession with cat videos. One of the busiest directors of TV comedy, Beth McCarthy-Miller, tells Kurt how she has gone about directing “SNL,” sitcoms and that notorious Super Bowl halftime show that popularized the term “wardrobe malfunction.” And 35 years ago, Prince went from a popular musician to a phenomenon, with the release of “When Doves Cry,” and the movie he wrote it for, “Purple Rain.” Two members of Prince’s band, Wendy Melvoin and Matt “Doctor” Fink, as well as music journalist and author Alan Light, tell the story of that remarkable song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen
Why Werner Herzog loves cat videos

Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2019 50:11


Kurt Andersen talks with filmmaker Werner Herzog about his latest documentary, "Meeting Gorbachev," his unusual approach to narrating documentaries and their mutual obsession with cat videos. One of the busiest directors of TV comedy, Beth McCarthy-Miller, tells Kurt how she has gone about directing “SNL,” sitcoms and that notorious Super Bowl halftime show that popularized the term “wardrobe malfunction.” And 35 years ago, Prince went from a popular musician to a phenomenon, with the release of “When Doves Cry,” and the movie he wrote it for, “Purple Rain.” Two members of Prince’s band, Wendy Melvoin and Matt “Doctor” Fink, as well as music journalist and author Alan Light, tell the story of that remarkable song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HOLLYWOOD GREG
SIX DEGREES OF RETRO - 003 - THE REVOLUTION at PRINCE CELEBRATON 2017 PART 2

HOLLYWOOD GREG

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2017 51:00


PART TWO-  The historic Performance of THE REVOLUTION at PAISLEY PARK Reviewed. All LIVE from PRINCE CELEBRATION 2017 in Minneapolis and Chanhassen, Minnesota, your host Retro Expert and Prince Fanatic GREG REIFSTECK welcomes Prince Historian and Expert JESSE HASKELL to the podcast to recap their visit to the PRINCE CELEBRATION 2017 they attended. Reviews of the panel with Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Brown Mark, Bobby Z and Dr. Fink. May U Live 2 See the Dawn.

GREG REIFSTECK RADIO
SIX DEGREES OF RETRO - 003 - THE REVOLUTION at PRINCE CELEBRATON 2017 PART 2

GREG REIFSTECK RADIO

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2017 51:00


PART TWO-  The historic Performance of THE REVOLUTION at PAISLEY PARK Reviewed. All LIVE from PRINCE CELEBRATION 2017 in Minneapolis and Chanhassen, Minnesota, your host Retro Expert and Prince Fanatic GREG REIFSTECK welcomes Prince Historian and Expert JESSE HASKELL to the podcast to recap their visit to the PRINCE CELEBRATION 2017 they attended. Reviews of the panel with Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Brown Mark, Bobby Z and Dr. Fink. May U Live 2 See the Dawn.

TUBE TUNES
S02E04: Best of the Millennium

TUBE TUNES

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2017 45:55


In this episode I present eight Emmy-winning theme tunes (along with lots of trivia) from seven selected series that aired during the New Millennium (between 1999 and the present). Here are the shows and theme music featured: THE WEST WING (1999-2006) [1999-2000 opening and closing main titles] [2000-2006 opening and closing main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2000 for composer W.G. Snuffy Walden MONK (2002-2009) [2002-2003 opening main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2003 for composer Jeff Beal [2003-2009 opening main titles: "It's a Jungle Out There"] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2004 for composer Randy Newman -Commercial Break- DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (2004-2012) [opening and closing main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2005 for composer Danny Elfman THE TUDORS (2007-2010) [opening and closing main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2008 for composer Trevor Morris NURSE JACKIE (2009-2015) [opening and closing main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2010 for composers Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman -Commercial Break- THE BORGIAS (2011-2013) [opening and closing main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2012 for composer Trevor Morris JESSICA JONES (2015-present) [opening and closing main titles] Winner of Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2016 for composer Sean Callery During the commercial breaks, I've included promos for the show MILLENNIUM starring Lance Henriksen; it ran on Fox between 1996 and 1999, and also starred Megan Gallagher and a pre-LOST Terry O'Quinn. And you'll also have fun listening to some ads that my podcasting friends provided to me to promote their own great podcasts; be sure to check them out. Many, many thanks to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, "Please Stand By." And I'd also like especially to thank him for providing the opening and closing theme music for Tube Tunes; all of his fantastic music can be found here. And, again, thanks are in order for him for providing TUBE TUNES with the "We'll Be Right Back" drops heard during the podcast. Thanks, Burford. I would also like to again thank Rob "Flack" O'Hara and Sean Johnson for adding TUBE TUNES to The Throwback Network. It's a great place to find just about any retro-themed podcast you can think of. Please check out the network here. I also need to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: "Dancing On the Edge," "Endless Story of Sun and Moon," and "The Flames of Rome," all by Kai Engel; and "Sense the Wind" by Lee Rosevere. Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. And his continued support and promotion of TUBE TUNES on his excellent podcast is greatly appreciated by yours truly. Please, check out his podcast, even if you're not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here. Next Episode: "S02E05: The Earle Hagen Themeography" (available January 2017)

Transpondency
112 - Suburban Transpondency

Transpondency

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2008 43:50


The Vancouver Soundscape 1973 "On Acoustic Design" excerpt David Byrne & Brian Eno: "Strange Overtones" Peter Gabriel, Billy Cobham, The Holmes Brothers, Wendy Melvoin, Arona N Diaye, Jah Wobble: "Burn You Up, Burn You Down" Starfucker: "Pop Song" & "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" The Mod Fun: "I Am With You" The Kiss-Off: "Amplify" with Potential Propaganda: "New Wave Thing To Do" Subscribe to my YouTube channel: transpondency Subscribe to transpondency.blip.tv Follow me on twitter & seesmic email: suburban@transpondency.com