The StageLeft Podcast

Join us as Colin MacIntyre of Mull Historical Society shares insights into the psychology of songwriting, album creation, collaboration with authors, and the importance of storytelling in music and literature.
Key Topics:
- The emotional journey of album release
- The process of songwriting and knowing when a song is finished
- Collaboration with authors and visual storytelling
- The importance of human stories in songwriting
- Balancing control and collaboration in music production
- The influence of personal history and environment on creativity
We exist to provide free educational content, so p lease support us by tapping into our merch range here... the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me

Hosted by Chris Simpson
Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles.

They say never meet your heroes. How about interviewing them? Having travelled up and down the UK with mates, skipping train barriers and the like to get to the majestic Secret Guerrilla style Gigs in his late teens, Chris gets to interview the man who wrote one of his favourite albums of all time. 
Recorded the day Embrace released their newest top-ten album 'Avalanche', Chris explores Danny's relationship with avoiding choruses, songwriting camps, the role of a song for the listener and Danny himself and when a song feels complete.
We exist to provide free educational content, so p lease support us by tapping into our merch range here... the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me
Hosted by Chris Simpson
Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles.

On this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, Chris Simpson sits down with Jack Bates — bassist for Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Hook & The Light — to discuss the reality of stepping into one of music’s most iconic musical legacies.
From balancing tours between Billy Corgan and Peter Hook, to playing alongside Jimmy Chamberlin, to recording with the late Mark Lanegan, this is a deep dive into musicianship, identity, touring life, pressure, and what it really means to become a “stage left” musician at the highest level.
Jack opens up about:
• Growing up with Peter Hook as a father
• The emotional reality of performing Joy Division and New Order songs nightly
• How Smashing Pumpkins rehearsals actually work
• Locking in musically with Jimmy Chamberlin
• Why being “easy to be around” matters more than technical ability
• Touring life, introversion, and handling pressure on stage
• Recording Mark Lanegan’s final album
• Choosing setlists for Peter Hook & The Light
• Fan culture, validation, and identity in music
• Why some songs change every night on stage
A fascinating conversation about musicianship, legacy, pressure, creativity and life inside some of alternative music’s most influential worlds.
Edited by Darcy Dewar
Socials by Alex Fordham
YouTube by Beth Iles
Merch:
The StageLeft Podcast Merch Store

“We stepped onto the Pyramid Stage and realised… they were just people doing the same thing as us.”
If Amber from The Japanese House hadn't shut her fingers in a door, would Willy Bish be where he is now? 
Multi-instrumentalist Willy Bishop joins The Stage Left Podcast to share his journey from maths student to a deep dive into CMATs iconic performance on the Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage. 
We hear about his pivotal role in The Japanese House and Declan McKenna, including exploring Matty Healy and George Daniel's production techniques, Willie offers an honest look at touring, studio life, and what it really takes to succeed as a modern musician.
A practical, behind-the-scenes conversation covering creativity, chaos, and staying grounded in the music industry.
“A better performance comes when you stop chasing perfection and just accept what you’ve got.”
 
You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.
Host: Chris Simpson
Editor: Darcy Dewar

Join us as Silke Blansjaar, bassist for Yungblud, shares her journey from local bands to arena stages, the realities of touring, and insights into navigating the music industry as a woman. Discover practical advice on performance, mental health, and industry challenges.

"Touring can really batter you"

"Guest list stress is real"

"Support systems are vital"

You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/
You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.
Host: Chris Simpson
Editor: Darcy Dewar