“THIS Album…” with William Hann

For episode 83 I'm joined by singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin to explore one of the most influential albums of the early 00's, Damien Rice's iconic debut album O.
I joined Andrew post soundcheck at Signature Brew's iconic venue on Black Horse Road on a barmy summer evening to discuss his lifelong connection to Damien's music, the emotional impact of songs like Cannonball, The Blower's Daughter and Amie.
We also dives into Andrew's career, working with Noel Gallagher, touring the UK, growing up in Newcastle, and using music to process grief, loss, love, and family.
We also discuss:
Damien Rice's O from 2002
Cannonball and The Blower's Daughter
Andrew's songwriting process
Working with Noel Gallagher
Oasis, Paul Weller and Jake Bugg

For episode 81 I’m joined by Adam Young from The Howlers!

It was lucky I caught Adam when I did, The Howlers are set to be VERY busy for the next 24 months.

Their second album, Heavy is scheduled for release in October and the two singles to so far are easily their best work to date.

But before that, they have their first stadium support slots and a truly mind melting number of their own shows in the diary which will keep them busy for a loooong time to come.

I had so much fun talking to Adam about his love of The La's debut album, Oasis and Mod Culture.

We also discuss the positives of smoking cigarettes, the madness of Fat White Family and the benefits to buddying up to your local vintage clothes store owner.

It's available now on Islington Radio or wherever you find your podcasts.

The phrase "Mid 00's Icon" get's thrown around a lot on this podcast, but for episode 81, it may just be accurate, because I'm joined by a man behind some of the most joyous and fomative years of my skinny jeaned life.

From the actual, literal Ordinary Boys - It's Preston!

It was a total joy getting to spend time with Preston to discuss his career to date, being back on the road supporting Madness, his love of Blur's Parklife and a MASSIVE exclusive on The Ordinary Boys upcoming new album.

Though I wang on about the MANY time I've cried my eyes out watching Blur, I think I just about kept my indie fan boy levels in check, but in 2006, my fandom was unrivalled!

I must have seen The Ordinary Boys 10 to 15 times in the 00's, I was even an extra in the 9 to 5 video.

It's a really fun episode and it's out now on Islington Radio or wherever you find your podcasts.

Calm, collected, commanding. But enough about me…

Episode 80 is possibly the best episode of the podcast yet, I’m joined by comedian, podcaster, broadcaster, tall man and lover of all things orange - Ivo Graham!

It was a DREAM to spend time talking with Ivo deep diving Arctic Monkeys’ iconic second album Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Ivo and I have numerous bizarre indie connections. Like the time he conned me at a Confidence Man show. The time he went mute on me at Glastonbury and the time his face was plastered over the wall of a house I was viewing.

Sound strange? Well it’s all true and it’s all covered in the podcast.

Along the way, Ivo reflects on seeing Arctic Monkeys in 2007, the changing sound of the band across albums like AM, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, and The Car, plus memories of Bloc Party, Klaxons, Franz Ferdinand, The Maccabees, and more.

It’s an indie dream and is basically everything I hoped this podcast would be.

If you’ve ever stared longingly at a Reading and Leeds line up poster while dealing with the inevitable built on obsolescence of an iPod mini, have I got a podcast for you….

I don't say this lightly, but episode 79 might be one of the best episodes of "THIS Album..." yet.

I'm joined by podcaster, comedian and album enjoyer Christopher Macarthur-Boyd to discuss Arctic Monkeys’ Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino!

How lucky am I? I got to spend 70 minutes talking to one of my absolute favourite comedians in the country about one of my absolute favourite albums of all time.

What a life!

Tacos on rooftops, warp speed chic, zero gravity cigarettes, we discuss it all as we explore the songwriting, themes, lyrics, and legacy of one of modern music’s most misunderstood albums.

Expect divise opinions, the joy of Alex Turner cosplay, music nostalgia and passionate discussion about Alex Turner, indie obsession and two men's love of one of the most fascinating artistic left-turns in music history.

And just you wait and see who's on next weeks episode....