Steve Pretty On The Origin of the Pieces

• Access, ancestry and a flute made from a leg

  This week, Steve shares a powerful, surprising, and often jaw-dropping conversation with musician, composer and activist Jono Enser.Jono is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and a member of Nubiyan Twist, but he’s also a disabled artist whose recent experiences as an amputee have sparked a radical rethinking of performance, access, and the body as instrument — quite literally. Together, they explore:The challenges and realities of touring as a disabled musicianHow venue design (or lack of it) creates systemic barriers to inclusionThe radical creativity of reclaiming trauma — including Jono’s current project turning his amputated leg bone into a working fluteMusical ancestors: from Neanderthal bone flutes to Tibetan thighbone trumpetsWhy accessibility isn’t just a bolt-on feature — it’s a cultural responsibilityAnd what it means to give your pain a voice, breath, and songPlus, Steve shares a clip from his Ocean Songs sunrise performance at Benacre Broad — part of his work with the Blue Machine project, inspired by Dr. Helen Czerski’s oceanography book of the same name.There’s a lot packed in here, and it’s one of the most wide-ranging and deeply personal episodes yet.🎟 Jono’s band Nubiyan Twist are touring this summer – check them out.🎶 His solo project Matters Unknown is also worth diving into.🎤 Steve is performing live at ALSO Festival and on July 11th at the National Maritime Museum with Blue Machine – see originofthepieces.com for details.—🧡 Support the podcast and get exclusive content at:patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces🎧 Listen, watch, share and review: it all helps the podcast grow.📍 More info at originofthepieces.com00:00 – Welcome back + Acid Brass recapSteve introduces the episode and reflects on his recent chat with Jeremy Deller.02:00 – Meet Jono EnserJono’s musical upbringing, his shift from trumpet to tuba, and the spiritual resonance of breath.07:00 – Life as a touring amputeeThe hidden and not-so-hidden barriers for disabled musicians on the road.10:00 – Access is everywhere (or isn’t)From venue layouts to door weights and bar heights — access means more than ramps.14:00 – What artists and venues can actually doPractical steps, responsibility, and why checking access before the gig matters.18:00 – Ocean Songs interludeSteve shares a clip from his beachside dawn performance as part of the Blue Machine project.23:00 – A flute made from his own amputated legJono’s extraordinary project connecting trauma, ancestry, and sonic experimentation.28:00 – Resonance, ritual, and reclaiming spaceCaves, Ambisonics, somatic practice and ecological listening.32:00 – Music as breath and transformationWhy giving pain a voice — literally — matters.36:00 – What’s the point of music?Jono’s heartfelt answer to Steve’s recurring question.40:00 – Wrap-up and upcoming gigsTour dates, ALSO Festival, and National Maritime Museum performance previews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  43:58

  --------

  43:58
• Jeremy Deller, 303s and knitting

  ❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.comWelcome back to your favourite podcast for musically curious ears! This week, I’m talking to the brilliant Jeremy Deller, Turner Prize-winning artist and creator of the now-legendary Acid Brass project — a bold collision of working-class brass band tradition and squelchy late-80s acid house.Join us as we trace the unexpected cultural connections between miners’ strikes, 303s, and knitting in the front row…⏱️ Chapters and Highlights:00:00 – Welcome and new format introSteve explains the new single-topic format and introduces today’s guest, Jeremy Deller.02:00 – The story of Acid BrassFrom a Turner Prize idea to a 30-year legacy: how Jeremy connected acid house and brass bands.05:00 – Why it inspired Hackney Colliery BandSteve reflects on how Acid Brass shaped his own journey.07:00 – Interview Pt. 1: Backstage at rehearsalJeremy and Steve discuss working-class music, the politics of sound, and whether acid house is “folk.”14:00 – What’s a 303, anyway?Steve demos the iconic Roland TB-303 and compares it to traditional brass.17:00 – Interview Pt. 2: Deeper diveJeremy reflects on his artistic intentions, early audience reactions, and the cultural fallout.29:00 – The knitting incidentYes, really. Knitting, brass bands and acid house. Who'd have thought?32:00 – Musical roles and expectationsSteve discusses how Acid Brass plays with what music is for.33:00 – The Big Question: What’s the point of music?Jeremy shares his thoughts on connection, spirit, and why most artists are just frustrated musicians.36:00 – Outro and rehearsal teaserSteve wraps up and previews an exclusive clip from the Acid Brass rehearsal at EartH Hackney.🎟️ Event Promo (if catching in time!)Catch Acid Brass live at EartH Hackney on 13th June 2025, followed by a late-night party with acid house pioneer A Guy Called Gerald. Limited tickets available!🎟️ Check ticket availability🎥 Video extras & behind-the-scenes at: Patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  38:10

  --------

  38:10
• Eurovision Special with Frances Ruffelle

  In this Eurovision-week bonus episode, Steve Pretty is joined by actor, singer, and former UK Eurovision contestant Frances Ruffelle, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.📺 Watch Frances’s Eurovision performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXtXpj2FGF8🌐 Visit Frances Ruffelle’s website: http://www.francesruffelle.com❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com00:00 – Intro from SteveSteve explains this emergency Eurovision-themed sub episode and gives updates on the podcast relaunch, including work with the Natural History Museum and upcoming Wilton’s shows.02:30 – Why Eurovision?Steve admits he was a bit of a Eurovision skeptic — until diving into the history while preparing for this chat with Frances.03:45 – Meet Frances RuffelleTony Award-winning actor, West End and Broadway star, and the UK’s 1994 Eurovision entry. Frances joins Steve for a live conversation and performance at Wilton’s Music Hall.05:55 – Opening music: Mood IndigoLive duet of Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo.07:00 – Am I a ‘proper’ musician?Frances reflects on musical self-doubt, and Steve challenges the idea that you need classical training to be ‘real.’08:40 – Storytelling through songFrances talks about music as a storytelling tool — especially in theatre.10:30 – Growing up with music hallFrances shares her roots in music hall, her mum Sylvia Young’s legacy, and her first performance at age five.14:00 – The history of Wilton’sA deep dive into the family connection to Wilton’s Music Hall and its restoration.17:00 – Musicals vs ‘play with music’Frances discusses a new show she’s writing with Alan Cumming and how it blends genres.19:00 – Eurovision 1994: Behind the ScenesHow the BBC approached her, why she initially said no, and how it all unfolded — including singing eight songs for the selection show.21:30 – Live orchestra, no nervesFrances recounts the Eurovision performance experience in Dublin — nerves, glam, and all.23:00 – On music’s purposeSteve asks: “What’s the point of music?” Frances’s answer: “Togetherness and freedom.”24:00 – Live Eurovision performanceFrances sings her 1994 song Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free) live — her first public performance of it in 30 years.26:00 – OutroSteve teases upcoming content, invites contributions for Clip n Mix, and encourages sign-ups to the newsletter and Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  23:49

  --------

  23:49
• World Poetry Day Special! Robin Ince, conch baths and BRIAN BLESSED (kind of)

  Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and morePatreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious communityDescription:To mark World Poetry Day, Steve drops a surprise bonus episode featuring writer, comedian, and poet Robin Ince, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.Robin performs a series of poems—some whimsical, some urgent—including one inspired by Steve’s conch bath performance at ALSO Festival. That performance also makes an appearance here in audio form, with seashells and electronics combining into something… well, unusual.The episode closes with reflections on music, abstraction, and the emotional power of sound.Timecodes:00:00 – Intro: why this bonus episode exists01:04 – Robin Ince at Wilton’s: poems and reflections02:06 – Poem: The Conch Bath (plus excerpt from Steve’s performance at ALSO Festival)09:00 – Poem: Not All Men12:08 – Poem: Creation Envy13:47 – Poem: Let Me Celebrate You Now15:24 – Robin and Steve on the point of musicWatch the video version (including Robin onstage and Steve in the lake at ALSO Festival):📺 youtube.com/@StevePrettyExtras and support:🎟 £15 tickets for Wilton’s show on 30 April with code PRETTYAPR25🌐 Website, mailing list, Patreon and more: originofthepieces.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  15:56

  --------

  15:56
• Re: a wake, a sample, a rebirth

  Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and morePatreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious communityIn this special 25th episode of Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces, Steve takes a moment to reflect, celebrate, and introduce something new.00:00 - Intro & Live ShowsSteve reflects on recent gigs at Wilton’s & Also Festival.04:57 - Podcast Evolution & Short BreakBig changes ahead: new website, workflow, and video podcast format.09:05 - The Video Podcast UpgradeFrom Episode 26, watch on Spotify, YouTube, and more.11:34 - New Segment: Clip n MixListeners send in audio/video snippets, and Steve turns them into music.Submit via [email protected] or social media.14:52 - The Story Behind ‘Reawake’How surviving the 2004 tsunami and attending his own memorial gig led to this song.20:39 - Making Music from a HeartbeatSteve records his daughter’s first ultrasound heartbeat and turns it into music.26:26 - Sound Design BreakdownSteve demos how he transforms the heartbeat into a full track using sampling & processing.36:21 - Full Track: ‘Reawake’Hear Hackney Colliery Band’s emotional piece, featuring his daughter’s heartbeat.44:37 - Reflections on Survival & CreativityHow the tsunami shaped Steve’s outlook and approach to music.49:34 - What’s Next?Steve takes a short break before the video relaunch.Send in your Clip n Mix submissions!👉 Stay connected:📧 Join the mailing list for updates, exclusive content & ticket offers: www.originofthepieces.com💰 Support the show on Patreon: Get behind-the-scenes access and bonus goodies.📲 Follow Steve on social media: @stevepretty on Instagram, @steveprettymusic on TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  52:53

  --------

  52:53

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Steve Pretty On The Origin of the Pieces