Music Maps Podcast

In this episode we delve into the life and music of Arthur Russell, exploring his eclectic style, early influences, and the New York Lower East Side music scene that shaped his career. Richard shares insights from his book 'Travels Over Feeling: Arthur Russell', discussing Arthur's unique approach to music, his connections with notable figures, and the cultural context of his work. The conversation highlights Arthur's impact on the music world and the enduring legacy of his artistry.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

This conversation delves into the life and career of Arthur Russell, exploring his unique approach to music, his performance habits, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on his work. We discuss Russell's eclectic style, his relationships with record labels, and the lasting influence he has had on contemporary music. The dialogue also reflects on the personal aspects of Russell's life, including his work ethic and the support he received from friends and collaborators.

Takeaways:

The New York Lower East Side experimental music scene was pivotal in Arthur's career development.

Arthur's connections with figures like Allan Ginsberg were significant.

The Kitchen was a key venue for avant-garde music in New York.

The rise of digital music changed the way Arthur's work was perceived.

Arthur had little interest in traditional touring or live performances.

His music resonated with the cultural fabric of New York City. Arthur Russell performed frequently in small venues, often walking to gigs.

He had a successful working relationship with Geofff Travis from Rough Trade.

Russell's music was not commercially successful during his lifetime.

His influence can be heard in contemporary artists like Frank Ocean and Kanye West.

Arthur Russell meticulously kept artifacts from his life and career. 

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

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Today we are joined by Pulp drummer Nick Banks to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Different Class.

It starts with Jarvis Cocker bringing in a rough cassette of a new track named Common People, it proves a difficult song to nail in the studio but once Chris Thomas comes in as producer it is honed into the bands first bonafide hit single, reaching number 2 in the charts.

Disco 2000 is another track which comes together & a surprise support slot with Oasis at Sheffield Arena follows. Mark Webber joins as a full time member around this time but everything changes following a surprise phone call from Rough Trade head Geoff Travis. Pulp end up replacing the Stone Roses headlining Glastonbury.

Following the triumph of Glastonbury a double A Side single follows - Sorted For E's & Whizz & Mis-Shapes which again peaks at number 2. The singles cover art depicting a drug wrap causes a tabloid furore (not the last involving the band).

The album debuts at number 1 & leads to the bands first arena tour in the spring of 1996. We find out how the title Different Class came about & Nick also gives his recollections of a memorable night at Earls Court for the BRIT Awards & a run-in between Jarvis Cocker & Michael Jackson with help from Bob Mortimer.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Keywords: Pulp, Common People, Britpop, Glastonbury, Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, music production, 1990s, album release, British music, Different Class, music history, Brit Awards, Mercury Prize, concert experiences, behind the scenes, music industry

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In this episode of Music Maps, Johnny Hopkins, former head of press and publicist for Oasis at Creation Records, shares his journey into the music industry, his early obsession with music, and the pivotal moments that led to Oasis's rise.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

From his beginnings in Hull to his eventual role at Creation, Johnny recounts the excitement of discovering Oasis and the whirlwind of events that followed their signing. He reflects on the band's unique personality, their impact on the music scene, and the challenges faced during their early days.

This conversation delves into the early days of Oasis, exploring their rise from obscurity to fame, the challenges faced during the recording of their debut album 'Definitely Maybe', and the pivotal moments that shaped their career. Key themes include the importance of live performance energy, the strategic decisions made in promoting the band, and the role of media in crafting their image. The discussion also highlights memorable anecdotes from their journey, including a legendary trip to Amsterdam and the impact of their first single 'Supersonic'.

This conversation delves into the evolution of Oasis, exploring their connection to acid house music, the influence of the dance music scene, and the challenges of navigating the music press and tabloid culture. It highlights the band's unprecedented success with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and the cultural shift they represented in the music landscape, particularly in relation to football culture and the American market. In this conversation, Johnny Hopkins reflects on the journey of Oasis, detailing their experiences in America, the challenges they faced, and the dynamics within the band.

He discusses Noel Gallagher's prolific songwriting during a pivotal period, the rivalry with Blur, and the significance of headlining major venues. The conversation concludes with recommendations for music and reflections on the band's legacy.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On May 31st 1993 Alan McGee walked into King Tut's War War Hut in Glasgow & stumbled upon Oasis - immediately after the gig he rang Creation Records Press Officer Johnny Hopkins to enthuse about his new discovery - the calls were repeated every hour throughout the night. Johnny joins us this week for the first part of our conversation about the beginnings of Oasis & the making of their debut album Definitely Maybe.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

The day after King Tut's, Alan McGee arrives back at Creation HQ in Hackney with the famous Union Jack demo tape - Bring It On Down being the first track Johnny & the Creation staff heard.

Within a week Liam, Noel & Bonehead come into Creation & are sharp & funny - impressing everyone. Shortly after they sign with Creation in the UK & Sony worldwide.

The first thing many people hear is the Columbia white label 12" which appears towards the end of 1993 & is instantly played on Radio 1.

Also in late 1993 Oasis decamp to Monnow Valley Studios with original producer Dave Batchelor, however the results are deemed unsatisfactory & Noel Gallagher & Mark Coyle take over production duties for further sessions at Sawmills Studios, but again the recordings fail to capture the sound everyone is hearing at Oasis gigs.

Owen Morris has a go at mixing the record & nails it - producing the sound you hear on the finished album.

The first London gig takes place at the Water Rats in Kings Cross in January of 1994 & features the first known performance of debut single Supersonic, which comes out on April 11th.

This landmark gig is followed by a legendary trip to Amsterdam which is where we end Part 1 of our Definitely Maybe 30th Anniversary episode - part 2 will follow next week.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

Join us to discuss the music book of 2024 & one of the best music books of all time - Street Level Superstar - A Year With Lawrence has swept the board in the end of 2024 charts. Sunday Times writer Will Hodgkinson spends a year with Lawrence from Felt.

Our starting point is the West Midlands suburb of Water Orton - Television, Subway Sect & T-Rex proving formative influences of Lawrence's earlier years.

Eventually he forms Felt & they achieve a degree of success with their debut 7", Index. The band achieve a degree of success with 10 albums across a 10 year period including a stint on Creation Records.

However their success was limited by the many rules Lawrence enforced upon the band including a specific type of plectrum only, rectangular guitar cases only, specific clothing & others.

Lawrence's next project in the early 90s was Denim - while seemingly on the cusp following a tour with Pulp in 1996 the band did not achieve the success Lawrence long craved. His complete lack of compromise at some points of his life more of a hindrance.

The books is not a typical music biography & is more a character study & an examination of Lawrence's eccentric life. Will spends a year in Lawrence's company as they travel to Waltham Cross, Chelsfield, Welling, Beckenham & Temple Fortune.

We cannot describe how engaging this book is & really could not recommend it any higher.

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tiffany Murray grew up at Rockfield Studios after her Mum was appointed chef - she tells us about meeting Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, Queen, Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Simple Minds, The Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen, Adam & The Ants, Siouxsie Sioux, Lemmy's parents, Showaddywaddy, Rush, Bauhaus & more.

One memorable moment came when she heard Freddie Mercury rehearsing Bohemian Rhapsody on a piano. As a child she snuck in to watch them practice. 

She later heard them recording Bohemian Rhapsody & even played a game of rounders with Freddie Mercury. Killer Queen could even by about Tiffany’s Mum. 

Black Sabbath also visited & were the loudest band Tiffany had heard, followed closely by Motorhead who came not long after. 

David Bowie & Iggy Pop visit Rockfield to record the Soldier album while Simple Minds are in the other studio simultaneously. 

By the early 80’s Tiffany’s time at Rockfield is coming to an end but she does get to interact with Bauhaus, The Cure, Julian Cope & The Teardrop Explodes, Echo & the Bunnymen & the beginning of a new scene. 

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on our first trip to Seattle for part 1 of our conversation with Steve Turner from Mudhoney - Steve's book Mudride is out now on Omnibus Press.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

Steve grew up in the Seattle of the 1970s & his first access to punk rock comes via the pages of Skateboarder magazine which leads to picking up his first guitar during senior year of High School.

While still at school Steve meets future bandmates Mark Arm & Stone Gossard (later of Pearl Jam) & he & Mark form Mr. Epp & The Calculations.

The Seattle Scene begins at the Metropolis Club & the band splinters into two, Steve & Mark then start a new band which becomes Green River with Stone Goassard joining. Others floating around the city include Duff McKagan (future Guns n' Roses) & Kris Novoselic (future Nirvana).

A key gig follows with Sonic Youth & local legends The U Men at the Gorilla Gardens which becomes the new centre of the Seattle scene & the band sign with Homestead Records shortly after.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by ex The Fall drummer Simon Wolstencroft AKA Funky Si - after meeting Ian Brown & John Squire at Altrincham Grammar School he & John follow The Clash around the UK travelling to gigs as far away as Bristol & London. In addition to a huge interest in The Sex Pistols & The Clash, other bands they follows as teens included The Slits, The Ramones, Siouxsie & The Banshees & the 2 Tone movement. 

Simon, Ian Brown & John Squire along with Pete Garner & Andy Couzens they form punk band The Patrol while attending South Trafford College.

In 1980 Simon meets Johnny Marr & along with fellow future Smiths member Andy Rourke they become Freak Party - the band ultimately fizzle out as they are unable to find a suitable singer. It is during this time Johnny Marr comes up with the name Funky Si.

A couple of months later Simon is contacted by Johnny Marr & asked to join his new band The Smiths - ultimately Simon decides against it as he doesn't like Morrissey. Although he did play on their first ever recording in Ancoats.

Simon later works with Ian Brown again during his post-Stone Roses solo career - co-writing Golden Gaze on Ian's second solo album Golden Greats, appearing on Top Of The Pops & playing a final gig at Alexandra Palace.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing DETOURS - occasionally we come across something which does not fit directly into our Music Map but we think our listeners will like anyway - this week we are joined by James Brown, founder of Loaded Magazine, NME features editor (at age 22), fanzine creator & originator of the GQ Man of The Year.

Changing the landscape of the publishing world with Loaded - the magazine achieved instant stratospheric success & at its peak counted among its contributors Irvine Welsh, Vic Reeves & Howard Marks.

We talk about the 90s & adventures with Oasis, the Beastie Boys, Sampdoria FC & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jakko Jakszyk joins us to take us on a tour through his wide ranging career encompassing his current role as singer of King Crimson, stints in The Lodge, Level 42, solo albums on Stiff Records & Chiswick Records, working with Tom Robinson, remix work for the likes of Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull & Yes. Briefly being a member of The Kinks, a sideline in comedy, a brief interaction with Michael Jackson, Robert Fripp's dealings with Kanye West, initially joining The 21st Century Schizoid Band & then ultimately King Crimson themselves & more.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. 

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited by Andy Maxwell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.