The StageLeft Podcast
Episode 17
STAGELEFT MEETS POET MR. GEE OF
THE RUSSELL BRAND SHOW - LYRIC WRITING SPECIAL
In a special lyric writing episode of The StageLeft Podcast, the gifted poet and spoken word artist Mr. Gee from The Russell Brand Show talks us through his career and passes on specific techniques to songwriters encountering writer's block and performers overcoming nerves.
Mr. Gee also discusses what it was like to be the first man to perform poetry to 15,000 people at The 02, the influence of Hip Hop on his work, the comparisons between poets & songwriters, and talking WW1 poetry with Noel Gallagher.
We also discuss the Russell Brand, Lemn Sissay, the ongoing 'Civil War' in the world of poetry and the circus that was 'Sachsgate'.
Mr. Gee also performs three poems live for us.
For more episodes of The StageLeft Podcast featuring musicians who have worked with the likes of David Bowie, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and many more go towww.thestageleftpodcast.com, follow us on Twitter @thestageleftpod, like us on Facebook or subscribe to us for free on iTunes.
Episode 16
STAGELEFT MEETS JON STEWART
- SLEEPER & MUSIC BUSINESS SENIOR LECTURER
Jon talks us through being centric to the whirlwind of Britpop, his role as Music Director on Kevin Spacey's Telstar: The Joe Meek Story and appearing on the Trainspotting soundtrack. Jon tells us the advice he gives the many musicians he's worked with in relation to dealing with the pressures of the public eye, the difficulties that arise when being in a band with a complex set of personal relationships and current projects Jon is embarking on in relation to helping recovering alcoholics.
- "The 'Fame' experience is a mental health condition... it's a form of mental illness"
- "The way I dealt with it was to drink and to take lots of drugs"
- "This feels like a bit of a therapy session..."
Jon also tells us about being on Richey Edwards final tour with the Manic Street Preachers, supporting REM & Radiohead, playing with KD Lang, and having his music covered by Elvis Costello.
For more episodes visit;
www.thestageleftpodcast.com
@thestageleftpod
Episode 15
STAGELEFT MEETS TONY VISCONTI
- DAVID BOWIE & T.REX
Episode 14
STAGELEFT MEETS CHAS HODGES -
CHAS & DAVE
In an exclusive insight into the making of David Bowie album Blackstar (out 8th January), Grammy winning producer Tony Visconti joins The StageLeft Podcast. As well as revealing details of unheard songs on Blackstar, Tony gives an insight into recording techniques he used on Heroes & Ashes to Ashes, what it's like to record David Bowie's vocals, his relationship with Marc Bolan and gives his opinion as to why David Bowie no longer tours.
Tony also passes on advice to young music producers when dealing with difficult personalities and his thoughts on the future of the music industry.
**Please note this was recorded 31/12/15, a few days before David Bowie's passing**
For more episodes visit;
www.thestageleftpodcast.com
@thestageleftpod
On this week's episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Chas Hodges of legendary London duo 'Chas & Dave' talks in depth about his career.
Chas tells StageLeft about the writing process behind 'Ain't No Pleasing You' and 'Wish I Could Write A Love Song', his working relationship with Dave, how a difficult childhood played a part in the songs he went on to write, what it was like collaborating with the likes of Hugh Laurie & the unique Karl Pilkington, and how Jerry Lee Lewis fulfilled his Mum's dreams of seeing Chas become a piano player.
Guest editor for the episode was Steve Marciano of Blue Atom Audio.
www.chasndave.net
www.chashodges.co.uk
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@thestageleftpod
www.blueatomaudio.com
Episode 13
STAGELEFT MEETS JENNIFER BATTEN -
MICHAEL JACKSON
In a revealing new episode of The StageLeft Podcast, the iconic & award winning Jennifer Batten discusses a decade as Michael Jackson's lead guitarist for the BAD, Dangerous & HIStory tours.
Jennifer reveals what it was like working so closely with Michael at the height of his fame, filming 'Come Together' for Moonwalker, how she approached playing Eddie Van Halen's famous solo on Beat It, and how she prepared to play to the largest TV audience of all time at the 1993 Superbowl (1.5billion people).
Jennifer also discusses what it was like to write and tour with her own icon - Jeff Beck, the truly incredible new technology available to musicians, and tells StageLeft about the her fascinating Self Empowerment for the Modern Musician' Seminar's.
"Boy, you're asking the tough questions..."
"There has never been any man like him in history, nor where ther will be in my lifetime"
www.jenniferbatten.com
www.thestageleftpodcast.com
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@thestageleftpod
Episode 12
STAGELEFT MEETS MONTY OXYMORON OF
THE DAMNED
In this week's episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Monty Oxymoron discusses his career as keyboardist in legendary British punk/goth/rock band, The Damned.
Monty tells The StageLeft Podcast how he adapted skills acquired from working as a Psychiatric Nurse to working in the music industry, how he approached writing songs for Captain Sensible and Dave Vanian's approval, and what it was like to perform with members of Pink Floyd at a concert to celebrate the life and work of Syd Barrett.
Monty also passes on unique advice to young musicians going into the music industry and gives us his views on the upcoming documentary feature film about The Damned, Don't You Wish That We Were Dead.
www.thestageleftpodcast.com
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@thestageleftpod
Episode 11
STAGELEFT MEETS FRANK BENBINI OF FUN LOVIN' CRIMINALS & UNCLE FRANK
In an episode full to the brim of legendary stories, Fun Lovin’ Criminals drummer Frank Benbini tells The StageLeft Podcast about writing, touring and recording for over a decade with the coolest band on the planet.
Frank also details the challenges of being in a band with his brother, how a Seafood Restaurant in New York provided inspiration for one of the greatest love songs ever written, and how a love of Prince resulted in Frank collaborating with Sinead O’ Connor, Ali Campbell of UB40 and Madness.
“Stick ‘em up punk...”
www.thestageleftpodcast.com
@thestageleftpod
@UncleFrankBand
Episode 10
WORLD MUSIC SPECIAL WITH STUART MASTERS
In a World Music Special of The StageLeft Podcast, virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Stuart Masters discusses his career as both solo artist and member of The Fingerstyle Collective. Stuart also discusses what he has learnt from tapping into Eastern influences and how this compares and contrasts to Western music. A fascinating and eyeopening discussion is also coloured with many examples and Stuart also performs two live songs on the show!
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@thestageleftpod
"VERY DEEP AND INTERESTING. SOME ISSUES I HAVE NEVER MENTIONED BEFORE IN AN INTERVIEW."
- KENNY BALL JUNIOR
"YOU MUST BE THE ONLY PERSON IN THE
WORLD WHO KNOWS THAT..."
- MIKE ROWE OF NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS & OASIS