“Because we write in so many genres, it’s always exciting to song write. Because today it’s like, we can write a D+B song and tomorrow we can write an Emo song. So it doesn’t get boring, because there’s always a new genre that you haven’t written in” - ALT BLK ERA
In this episode Chris is joined by not one, but two guests - sisters Nyrobi and Chaya who front ALT BLK ERA, one of the most eclectic and electric acts you'll hear; a band so diverse that they've won a MOBO and are also signed to the legendary Metal label Earache, who are based in the band's hometown of Nottingham.
The band came together during the downtime that COVID brought, and when restrictions were lifted their mum suggested they forget school and concentrate on their music instead. And in a few short years they've supported Tom Morello, released their thrilling debut album 'Rave Immortal' and played both Glastonbury and Download.
Find out more about ALT BLK ERA here:
https://www.altblkera.com/
Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here:
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.
www.gimmesugar.co.uk
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38:34
S5 Ep5: INTIWH - Gary Kemp
"Back when I was a kid, I didn't want to know what Bryan Ferry's kitchen looked like, you know? I couldn't even imagine him having one... People don't want that now. Why don't they want mystique?" - Gary Kemp
In conversation with Chris for this episode is Gary Kemp, now a solo artist and a member of Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets. It was Gary's sharp songwriting that brought him to prominence and fame in the Eighties with his band Spandau Ballet, and such huge hits as 'True' and 'Gold'.
In this wonderful chat, you can hear about why bands aren't necessarily a bunch of best friends, the pleasure of acting on stage, how the long-lost guitar Gary played at Live Aid was finally returned to him and how and why he wrote the songs that became his latest album 'This Destination'.
Find out more about Gary Kemp here:
https://www.garykemp.com/
Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here:
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.
www.gimmesugar.co.uk
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44:30
S5 Ep4: I Never Thought It Would Happen - Jade Bird
"I've had a pretty tumultuous upbringing... I was pretty scared about being too honest about it all." - Jade Bird
Chatting with Chris in this episode is British singer-songwriter Jade Bird. Experiencing a difficult home life, Jade began writing songs early, aged just 12. She was in her teens when Glassnote Records signed her, with her self-titled debut album appearing in 2019. Her second album, 'Different Kinds Of Light' followed in 20121, and after a 4 year wait, she's now about to release her third album, 'Who Wants To Talk About Love'.
She's collaborated with Brent Cobb, co-written with Linda Perry and has been championed by Sheryl Crow and Jason Isbell. Musically she cites artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and David Bowie as key influences and hence it's not surprise to find her music-making is revealing, honest and eclectic.
Find out more about Jade Bird here:
https://www.jade-bird.com/
Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here:
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.
www.gimmesugar.co.uk
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39:16
S5 Ep3: INTIWH - Abel Selaocoe
"It was alien, extremely alien. And it looked alien... with the buttons. What is this machine? What is this thing?" - Abel Selaocoe, on his brother's bassoon.
For this episode, Chris welcomes a South African cellist, singer and composer, who's now resident in Manchester. Inspired by all sorts of different music he heard through the radio, Abel discovered the cello as a pre-teen and at 13 won a scholarship to study music in Johannesburg. Continuing his studies, he moved to Manchester at 18 to attend the Royal Northern College of Music.
In 2021 Warner Classics signed Abel and he's released two albums; his debut 'Where Is Home/Hae ke Kae' featured a guest appearance from Yo-Yo Ma, and his second 'Hymns Of Bantu' enjoyed rave reviews and went to No1 on the OCC Specialist Classical Chart.
In this conversation you'll hear how Abel was encouraged in his music making by his older brother Sammy, the seeds of his eclectic musical style, his inclusive attitude towards live performances and his admiration for the poet John Cooper Clark.
Find out more about Abel Selaocoe's new album here:
https://www.abelselaocoe.com/
Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here:
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.
www.gimmesugar.co.uk
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41:09
S5 Ep2: INTIWH - Thom Rylance, The Lottery Winners
"I don't know who the man is that lives inside my body... but I'm so glad he turns up." - Thom Rylance.
Chatting with Chris in this episode is Thom Rylance of The Lottery Winners. The indie-pop 4 piece from Greater Manchester took their cues from bands like The Smiths and Orange Juice as well as the Britpop scene and have quickly risen to the top. Such is their wide-ranging appeal they've collaborated and toured with acts as diverse as Tom Jones, Sean Ryder, Boy George, Paul Weller and Sir Stephen Fry. And they've also just landed their second consecutive UK number 1 album with 'Koko'.
Topics in this engaging conversation include the influence of stadium-smashing frontmen like Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams, the importance of Manchester Apollo and how teachers can change lives. Plus there's a great story about Johnny Marr.
Find out more about The Lottery Winners' new album and tour here: https://www.thelotterywinners.co.uk/
Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here:
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.
www.gimmesugar.co.uk
Singer-songwriter Chris Difford (Squeeze) is joined by musical guests to talk about the highs and lows of their career in this new podcast from Help Musicians. Series 4 returns on Tuesday March 19th with James Blunt. Listen to our previous episodes now and find out more at http://www.HelpMusicians.org.uk
UK