The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the songs. cover image

The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the songs.

Latest episodes

undefined
Aug 17, 2024 • 6min

The Police 'Walking On The Moon'

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind one of The Police's most iconic songs, 'Walking On The Moon'. The tale starts with a chance encounter between Sting and a composer friend in Munich. After a day of work, the two decided to explore the local nightlife and hit up a few bars. It's during this excursion that Sting has an epiphany - the sensation of walking on the moon could be a powerful metaphor for the feeling of being in love. Back in London, the band begins working on the song and experimenting with various sounds and instruments, including a Moog synthesizer. Finally, the track is complete and released as the second single from their album 'Reggatta de Blanc'. Join us as we explore the creative process behind this timeless hit and the impact it had on the music industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Aug 10, 2024 • 6min

Adele 'Rolling In The Deep'

The story of Adele's hit song "Rolling In The Deep" begins with the singer's childhood in North London, where she discovered her love of music at a young age. As a child, Adele was obsessed with the Spice Girls and would spend hours imitating them in front of her mirror. But as she grew older, Adele's musical tastes expanded, and she began to explore different genres and styles. She eventually found her own unique voice as a singer and songwriter, drawing inspiration from soul, blues, and classic rock. In this podcast, we'll delve into the story behind "Rolling In The Deep", one of Adele's most successful and beloved songs. We'll explore the song's origins, its musical and lyrical themes, and the creative process that went into making it a hit. Through interviews with experts and insiders, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the song's themes of heartbreak and betrayal, and how they reflect Adele's personal experiences and struggles. We'll also explore the song's production and arrangement, including its iconic opening riff and powerful vocal performance. Along the way, we'll learn more about Adele's life and career, from her early days as a young musician to her rise to fame as one of the most successful artists of her generation. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind "Rolling In The Deep", and discover the artistry and passion that have made Adele one of the most beloved musicians of our time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Aug 3, 2024 • 7min

The Verve 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'

In this podcast, we'll explore the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony". The song's origins can be traced back to the early days of the band, when a young Richard Ashcroft formed The Verve with his high school friends in Wigan, in the north of England. Through interviews with experts and insiders, we'll learn about the band's early struggles and creative process, and how they eventually found their unique sound and style. We'll also explore the personal and artistic struggles that Ashcroft and the band faced over the years, including a period of heavy drug use and several breakups. Despite these challenges, The Verve continued to make music, eventually releasing their breakthrough album "Urban Hymns" in 1997. It was on this album that "Bitter Sweet Symphony" appeared, becoming an instant classic and a defining song of the era. In this podcast, we'll take a closer look at the song's lyrics and musical themes, as well as the creative process that went into making it. We'll also examine the legal controversy that surrounded the song's use of a sample from a Rolling Stones song, and how it affected the band's career and legacy. Through it all, we'll gain a deeper understanding of The Verve's artistry and vision, and how they created a song that continues to resonate with fans and listeners today. Join us as we uncover the story behind "Bitter Sweet Symphony", and discover the enduring power and influence of one of the greatest songs of the 90s.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jul 27, 2024 • 8min

Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Welcome to our podcast where we take you on a journey through the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs in rock music history: Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The genesis of this masterpiece dates back to the late 1960s when the band's enigmatic frontman, Freddie Mercury, began developing the song. He would often play different parts of the song on the piano, piecing it together over time. Interestingly, one of the early pieces that formed the basis of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a tune he called "The Cowboy Song." But it wasn't until the mid-70s, after several years of experimentation and refinement, that the song was finally recorded and released as a single. And even then, it faced significant resistance from record executives and radio stations who were skeptical of its unconventional structure and length. However, despite the challenges, the song went on to become a massive hit and an enduring classic that has transcended generations. One of the reasons for the song's enduring popularity is the enigmatic lyrics that have inspired countless interpretations and debates. Some have suggested that the song is an allegory for Mercury's personal struggles with his sexuality, while others have seen it as a commentary on social and political issues of the time. Whatever the true meaning may be, one thing is certain: "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a masterpiece of rock music that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences to this day. Join us as we delve deeper into the story behind this iconic song and explore the many layers of its meaning and impact.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jul 20, 2024 • 5min

Amy Macdonald 'This Is The Life'

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind Amy MacDonald's hit song "This Is The Life". We follow the journey of a young girl from Scotland who found inspiration in music legends like David Bowie and Oasis. But it was a fateful evening when she accompanied her mother to a Travis concert that would change her life forever. From there, she began writing her own music and performing in local venues. One of her early songs caught the attention of a radio station, leading to her big break and the creation of "This Is The Life". Join us as we explore the inspiration and personal experiences that led to this beloved song, and how it became a defining moment in Amy MacDonald's career.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jul 13, 2024 • 7min

Robbie Williams ‘Angels'

It's the mid-90s, and Robbie Williams has just left Take That. His career is at a standstill, and he's in need of a break. So he heads to Dublin, one of the coolest cities in the world, for some much-needed R&R. One night, Robbie finds himself alone in a pub on George's Street. It's there that he has a chance encounter with a stranger who gives him a new perspective on life. But that's just the beginning of the story.  Join us as we explore the story behind "Angels," a song that has touched the hearts of millions and become a timeless classic.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jul 6, 2024 • 5min

Talk Talk 'It's my Life'

The story of "It's My Life" is that of Mark Hollis, a complex character, genius perfectionist, and rebel, who refused to fit into the mold of the music industry. Hollis was born in 1955 in Tottenham and grew up in London. After studying child psychology, he turned to punk music, and by the early 1980s, he had become the frontman of the band Talk Talk.  "It's My Life" was released in 1984 as the title track of the band's third album, and it marked a turning point in their sound. The song's driving synth riff and catchy melody were a departure from Talk Talk's earlier post-punk and new wave sound, and it helped to define the emerging synthpop genre. The song initially divided and confused music critics and the group's fans, but it proved highly influential on the emerging new wave and synthpop genres. The lyrics of "It's My Life" are defiant and introspective, reflecting Hollis's desire to break free from the constraints of the music industry and pursue his own creative vision. The song's chorus, "It's my life, don't you forget," became an anthem for individuality and self-expression. The track was produced by Tim Friese-Greene, who had also worked on Talk Talk's previous albums and would continue to collaborate with Hollis throughout his career. Despite the success of "It's My Life" and its subsequent chart performance in Europe, the song failed to make an impact in the United States, where it was overshadowed by the likes of Michael Jackson and Madonna. However, in the years since its release, "It's My Life" has become a cult classic and a staple of '80s pop playlists. It has been covered by a number of artists, including No Doubt, who had a hit with their version in 2003. In this episode of the podcast, we'll explore the origins and influences of "It's My Life," delve into the making of the song in the studio, and examine its impact on the music industry and popular culture. We'll also take a closer look at Mark Hollis and his legacy as a musician and innovator, and we'll explore the broader themes of individuality and self-expression that the song embodies. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jun 29, 2024 • 8min

Deep Purple 'Smoke on the Water'

Welcome to the podcast where we dive deep into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in music history. In this episode, we will be talking about the classic rock anthem "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. It all started on December 4th, 1971, when the band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album 'Machine Head'. They were using a mobile recording studio rented from the Rolling Stones, known as 'the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio'. Little did they know, that recording session would go down in history. As the band watched a Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention concert at the Montreux Casino, a fire broke out, destroying the entire venue. Deep Purple's lead guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, famously described the scene as "some stupid with a flare gun" causing "the place to burn". The band was staying across the lake and watched the entire scene unfold, including the fire department's attempt to put out the blaze, with the help of a water pump station on the lake. The incident left a lasting impression on the band, and they decided to turn it into a song. Deep Purple's vocalist, Ian Gillan, penned the lyrics, and the rest of the band worked together to create the signature riff. The song was aptly titled "Smoke on the Water" and would go on to become one of the most recognizable and celebrated rock songs of all time. Interestingly, the entertainment complex that was part of the Montreux Casino was referred to as "the gambling house" in the song lyrics. The band's experience in Montreux has become legendary, and the story behind "Smoke on the Water" has become a staple in rock history. Thanks for listening to this episode of our podcast, where we uncovered the fascinating story behind Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water".Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jun 22, 2024 • 7min

David Bowie 'Let's Dance'

Welcome to a musical journey through the dazzling resurgence of the iconic David Bowie, marked by the chart-topping anthem that dominated both sides of the Atlantic in 1983. In this episode, we unravel the untold story behind the song that heralded Bowie's triumphant return - 'Let's Dance.'As Bowie grapples with personal demons, including a cocaine addiction and paranoia, he finds solace on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.The chance meeting sets the stage for an unexpected collaboration with Nile Rodgers. Experience the demo, witness the creative clash, and delve into the magic that transformed 'Let's Dance' into an ode to sensual dance and the pursuit of joy between two lovers. Upon its release, the song skyrocketed to number one across the globe, solidifying its status as David Bowie's biggest hit and an enduring favorite for music enthusiasts everywhere.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
undefined
Jun 15, 2024 • 6min

Phil Collins 'Easy Lover'

Welcome to "The Backstage Pass," where we unlock the captivating tales behind musical masterpieces. In this episode, we turn our spotlight on the genre-defying hit "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, released in 1984.Our journey begins in Denver, where Philip Bailey's soulful roots take shape. From singing in his local church every Sunday to honing his drumming and percussion skills at university, Bailey's musical journey unfolds. Picture the scene in 1972 when Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire's leader, recognizes Bailey's extraordinary vocal range and invites him to join the iconic group.Fast forward to the '80s, where the ebb of Earth, Wind & Fire's success opens the door for Bailey's solo career. Enter Phil Collins, selected to produce Bailey's third solo album. As the recording progresses, Collins senses the need for a musical bridge, a track that defies categorization and unites pop, soul, and rock.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode