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The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Latest episodes

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Sep 21, 2024 • 6min

Bryan Ferry 'Don't Stop the dance'

In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the story behind the iconic track "Don't Stop the Dance" by Bryan Ferry, released in 1985. Join us as we explore the journey of an artist who has sold over 30 million records to date.Born in Washington, a small town in northeast England, Bryan Ferry grew up amidst the gray and gloomy atmosphere of the post-war era. While his parents envisioned him becoming a lawyer, Ferry, like a moth drawn to a flame, developed an insatiable passion for music, particularly the sounds emanating from the United States.Through the narrative of Bryan Ferry's musical upbringing, we unravel the inspirations and influences that shaped "Don't Stop the Dance." Join us as we explore the themes, the creative process, and the impact of this timeless track that continues to resonate with audiences across the globe.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Sep 14, 2024 • 7min

Portishead 'Glory Box'

Join us for a captivating journey as we delve into the fascinating story behind one of the iconic tracks in the world of trip hop. In this episode, we explore "Glory Box" by the renowned group Portishead, released in 1994.Travel back in time to Bristol, England, in 1991, where a unique program initiated by Margaret Thatcher aimed to assist unemployed individuals in creating their own businesses. It is within this context that the tale of this mesmerizing song begins. Geoff Barrow, a talented assistant sound engineer, proposes the idea of establishing a music production company during a meeting.Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of "Glory Box" from its humble beginnings in a coffee break conversation to becoming a global chart-topper. Gain insights into the creation process, the emotions woven into the song's lyrics, and the impact it had on the trip hop genre. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Portishead, a lover of trip hop, or simply intrigued by the stories behind timeless music, this episode will captivate your imagination and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the magic that lies within "Glory Box."Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Sep 7, 2024 • 4min

Madness 'One Step Beyond'

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we dive into the fascinating story behind the iconic song "One Step Beyond" by the band Madness. Join us as we explore the origins of this worldwide success and its deep roots in the British music scene.In the mid-1960s, Jamaican emigrants introduced a vibrant musical movement called Ska to the shores of Britain. This genre, derived from reggae, captured the hearts of many with its infectious rhythms and lively beats. However, it wasn't until nearly two decades later that Ska underwent a transformation.The white British youth embraced Ska and infused it with elements of Rock, resulting in a unique two-tone hybrid style. Known as Black & White, this fusion of genres became a powerful symbol, symbolized by the iconic colors of black and white, which were incorporated into the dress code of the subculture."One Step Beyond" was released by Madness in 1979 and quickly became a sensation. With its infectious energy, catchy hooks, and charismatic delivery, the song captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. Its distinctive blend of Ska and Rock elements, infused with the band's unique style and personality, made it an instant classic.Join us as we delve into the story behind the song, exploring the influences that shaped its creation, the cultural significance it carried, and the impact it had on the music industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Aug 31, 2024 • 6min

Tears For Fears 'Everybody wants to rule the World'

Welcome to this episode of "Behind the Melody," where we delve into the captivating story behind the iconic song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, released in 1985.Join us as we uncover the serendipitous origins and extraordinary journey of this timeless track. The tale begins in the picturesque city of Bath, located in the enchanting South West of England. Here, two young teenagers, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, crossed paths and embarked on a remarkable musical adventure.At the time, Roland Orzabal found himself amidst a profound spiritual quest. It was during this introspective period that fate intervened, leading him to encounter "The Primal Scream," a book penned by renowned American psychotherapist Arthur Janov. Janov's work revolved around a therapeutic approach that aimed to unleash the deep-seated childhood traumas through cries, screams, and primal expressions.Thus, the genesis of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" was born from this shared pursuit of personal healing and growth. This transformative track would go on to capture the hearts of millions worldwide, resonating with its introspective lyrics and captivating melodies.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Aug 24, 2024 • 7min

U2 'One'

Welcome to the latest episode of "Behind the Song," where we uncover the stories behind some of the greatest tunes in music history. In this episode, we take a closer look at U2's hit song "One," and the winding road that led to its creation. In 1990, U2 was in Berlin, recording the beginnings of their album Achtung Baby. However, the initial recordings were a struggle. The atmosphere in the studio was tense, and producer Daniel Lanois was not satisfied with the progress. The band was stuck in a creative rut, unable to move forward. But then, Lanois had an idea. He suggested combining two different songs the band had been working on, creating a new, powerful track that would become "One." Bono's lyrics and vocals, paired with the band's instrumentation, came together to create a raw, emotional sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Join us as we delve into the story behind U2's "One," and explore the creative process that led to the creation of one of the greatest songs of all time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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