Ho, Ho… HOW did we end up with a Christmas Special? Is there no end to this format, I hear you cry?! But then along came Annabel Pettigrew, and suddenly a sprinkling of survival at Christmas made every sense. Enjoy this glorious celebration of ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!

Annabel Pettigrew is an artist and lecturer whose practice is research and pilgrimage based. Annabel initiated and curates ‘Throes of Grief’, an artist collective which seeks to explore grief and grief related themes in contemporary art practice.

Show Notes:

Website: www.throesofgrief.com

Instagram: @annabelpettrigrew

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

'Last Christmas' by Wham! can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ’'Last Christmas' by Wham!. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lpH0xAS4fVfLkACg9DAuM?si=4iQszkk7TGe_zcI3_F65LA

We’ve had the pleasure of interviewing lots of friends on this podcast. Why else would you start one? Meet Lydia’s friend, Anders. They regularly share music, stories and thoughts, but this wasn’t the conversation Lydia thought they’d have - It’s a good surprise. He’s also a regular listener to this podcast, which is a lovely thing.

Anders Duus is a playwright, dramaturg and translator, based in Strängnäs, Sweden. These days he splits his time between teaching dramatic writing at Stockholm University of the Arts and freelance writing. (And what brilliant writing he writes…)

Show notes:

Website: https://colombine.se/forfattaren/anders-duus

Instagram: @duusen

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

'Bobby Malone Moves Home' by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of 'Bobby Malone Moves Home' by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FdSsjcX7vzOnN5zNqQWAy?si=QFlGsWSrSNqwkoYbnIfJhg

Our podcast forces the guest to choose one song - We know, we’re awful. But when our guest is someone who writes about music and culture, where do they even begin?! Andrew knew exactly where to go, and it might not be where you expect…

Andrew Emery is an author and cultural commentator with a deep-rooted passion for hip-hop. He authored The Book of Hip-Hop Cover Art, which explores the artistry and cultural significance behind iconic album covers, and Wiggaz With Attitude: My Life as a Failed White Rapper, a candid, humorous memoir detailing his journey through hip-hop. Emery's unique experiences, including founding the cult rap magazine Fat Lace and his long-term role as an editor for Hip-Hop Connection, were retold in his most recent book Write Lines: Adventures In Rap Journalism.

Show notes:

Website: https://velocitypress.uk/product/write-lines-book

Instagram: @drewhuge

Welcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOg

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

'Can We Pretend'  by Bill Withers  can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of  'Can We Pretend'  by Bill Withers . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ThoqLcyIYvZn7iWbj8fsj?si=nYp6ValORZ-lPG0cDp4PCQ

Liz is a community artist and organiser. She has particular interest in the way that an open, creative, inclusive process can be used to encourage the development of ecosystems where all species can flourish. She is committed to developing work which explores how we can take inspiration from the natural world that we are part of to create places and spaces where regenerative cultures can thrive.

She is a Certified Permaculture Educator. In 2022 she launched the UK’s first Full Permaculture Design Course specifically focused on artists and creatives, and is a pioneer in the exploration of ideas around permaculture design, imagination and art.

In a voluntary capacity she is co-founder and co-ordinator for a local community group working to maintain and improve 120 acres of meadows and woodland at the point where the River Roch and River Irwell converge in Bury, North Manchester.

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

'Leave Home' by The Chemical Brothers by  can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ’'Leave Home' by The Chemical Brothers, Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://www.thechemicalbrothers.com/

Danny thought he had his go-to survival songs sorted. Then, a year ago, this one hit him from left field and handed him the entire, survival toolkit in 4 minutes. This is a really special conversation and another, new perspective. We hope you love it.

Danny West, a proud native of Leeds, serves as the Publishing Manager at Come Play With Me Records (CPWM), where his passion for music and creativity fuels his work. Known for being a connector of people and ideas, Danny has been instrumental in forging key partnerships for CPWM, including their significant collaboration with Universal Music Publishing Group—a move that has opened new doors for artists under the label.

Outside of his work at CPWM, Danny’s love for storytelling shines through his career as a videographer. He’s had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Amazon Prime Video, Adidas, Reebok, and MTV, bringing vibrant visual content to life. His work around Yorkshire is particularly close to his heart, where he’s worked closely with local talent like Graft, the 2020 winner of BBC's 'The Rap Game'.

Danny’s deep connection to Leeds and Yorkshire drives him to champion local talent, while his creative vision and network continue to elevate artists and projects to a national stage. His ability to blend business savvy with creative flair has made him a key figure in the region’s creative and music scenes.

Show Notes:

Danny West: https://www.instagram.com/dannywestjr/

Welcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOg

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

 'Rain' by The Sunday Service Choir  can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ’ 'Rain' by The Sunday Service Choir. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c9O21YLFy4tFI9zCVhbFg?si=BWHvv5kyTmeNIU5tTn9H7g

Grab yer air guitars and prepare to yell - We’re about to go in for a female-focussed, punk moment, and it’s ace.

Laura Slater in a designer who works across textiles, print and image making. She is also a creative educator

Her practice is occupied with the engagement we have with pattern and its ability to connect us with the objects and environments we surround ourselves with, this is explored through approaches to process, materials and product. Her work resolved through intuitive drawing investigation, working with composition, colour and surface through the act of making.

As a designer Laura’s work is focused around creating democratic products, exploring how this can act as a vehicle for the interaction with art as part of the everyday. Her collaborators include Tate, YSP, Heals, Ikea Global, John Lewis, Lomography and Charleston.

Laura runs her design studio and print workshop in Yorkshire.

Show notes:

Website: www.lauraslater.co.uk

Instagram: @lauraslaterprint

Welcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOg

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

‘Start Together’ by Sleater-Kinney can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ’‘Start Together’ by Sleater-Kinney Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://www.sleater-kinney.com/  

Big song - Gorgeous chat. Grab a cuppa and enjoy two pals unpacking a very beautiful song.

Rich Huxley is a musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and workshop leader, best known as a founding member and guitarist of the Leeds-based band Hope & Social. Rich has been deeply involved in the music scene for over two decades, bringing a unique blend of passion, creativity, and community spirit to his work.

As a multi-instrumentalist, allowing him to contribute to the rich, layered sound that defines Hope & Social. Formed in 2008, the band is renowned not only for their energetic and emotionally resonant music but also for their collaborative and inclusive approach to the arts. Rich has been a driving force behind the band's ethos of involving fans and communities in their creative processes, from interactive live performances to workshops and large-scale community projects.

Aside from his work with Hope & Social, Huxley has made significant contributions as a producer and collaborator with other artists and projects. He has also been active in mentoring emerging musicians and advocating for a more sustainable and accessible music industry. His dedication to music as a tool for community building has helped Hope & Social stand out as pioneers in connecting with their audience in innovative ways.

Rich’s open, authentic approach and commitment to creativity have earned him respect not only as a musician but also as an ambassador for grassroots music-making and the power of art to inspire positive change.

Show notes:

Website: www.richhuxley.com

Instagram: @thehuxcapacitor

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

 ‘If I’m Dead’ by Dan Mangan can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ‘If I’m Dead’ by Dan Mangan . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ByjU6oarxRC2Y85JpKx1n?si=Bz-rasAwQESTlcFsouC5pg

Bodies, brains, friends and lovers. This is a beautiful chat about a beautiful song - What more do you want? We laughed, cried and swayed our way through this one. We hope you do too.

Caro is an artist, writer and maker based by the sea, in Bournemouth. She makes paints, inks and pigments from foraged materials and ancient processes and wrote a book about it so you can too: It's called Found and Ground. Caro beams when she talks about writing, which has more recently gained a big readership under the name Uncivil Savant on Substack, and she takes serious joy in teaching courses and hosting workshops all over the UK and Europe. Significant eras include time recording and touring in a band, living on a boat on the Thames and both leaving and returning to art-making on her own terms.

Show notes:

Website: foundandground.com

Instagram: @foundandground

Welcome to Survival Songs, a podcast where each episode our guest tells us about a songs that gets them through the best and worst of times.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/286u8X9g8zCa5OODERzaPX?si=GK6SD3uhQt-2ztJ8ycCOOg

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

 ‘Mount the Air’ by The Unthanks  by  can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ’ ‘Mount the Air’ by The Unthanks  . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://www.the-unthanks.com/

Craft, community, solidarity and skateboarding: This chat with Luke Tonge goes places! It may be the shortest track we’ve heard so far on Survival Songs, but it sure still packs a punch. And Luke is the perfect person to introduce you to it. We hope you love it.

Luke is a graphic designer (& occasional lecturer), originally from Nottinghamshire and now, via Falmouth, proudly flying the flag for the West Midlands, where he & his wife Tash live. With a passion for craft, nourished by pop culture, his practise focuses on creating compelling identity & editorial work for brands, agencies and charities. As co-director of Birmingham Design, the organisation responsible for the Birmingham Design Festival & Gather, he spends much of his time championing the creative community. He is very into kindness, fun and wearing shorts.

Show notes:

Website: www.luketonge.com

Instagram: @luketonge

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

Luke Tonge: ‘On The Bow’ by Chuck Ragan  can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of Luke Tonge: ‘On The Bow’ by Chuck Ragan. Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about ARTIST here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iU0naWn1UgiTReoiXqPXI?si=yhNIpsVRTEGW8PeAYfXeJw

Testament is an acclaimed writer, rapper and Guinness world record breaking human beatboxer who is based in West Yorkshire.  Testament’s work ranges from spoken word poetry, playwrighting and composition, to essay writing, live beatbox show to radio presenting. Testament’s work has received praise from Lemn Sissay, graphic novelist Alan Moore, actor and writer Patterson Joseph, BBC presenter Lauren Laverne and the progenitor of Hip-Hop himself DJ Koolherc. Testament’s work as a rapper includes the celebrated Hip-Hop album Homecut: No Freedom Without Sacrifice, as well as several spoken word performances for BBC TV and  BBC Radio (1xtra, Radio 4 and 6Music). In 2019 he was Channel 4 Writer in Residence at Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. As a playwright Testament has written for theatres such as The Royal Court, Leeds Playhouse, The Globe and Royal Exchange  Theatre Manchester among others.    Testament’s work for screen includes clients such as Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC and Channel 4.  Over the years Testament has worked with a diverse range of people from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae, Ray Parker Jnr,  jazz legends Joe Lovano and Jean Toussaint, Mercury nominee Soweto Kinch and he won the BBC Urban Music Talent Award in 2007. In 2015 he wrote his first show the acclaimed play Blake Remixed – a personal response to the work of William Blake which had a successful run in Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015 and since then he has straddled the world of music, literature and theatre.

Show Notes:

Testament Insagram: @testamenthomecut

Help us a grow a community of survival song listeners by joining us on over on Substack:

https://survivalsongs.substack.com/

'I Am The True Vine' by The Pro Arte Singers by  can be found on our community playlist on Spotify along with our listener’s Survival Songs. Check it out and add your own!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JBCcyJgMmYGRivsHcX3Av?si=92be50460fcf4590&pt=498b19d3d56cc7682fb37286285c9e48

This episode contains small portions of ’SONG’ by ARTIST . Survival Songs claims no copyright of this work. This is included as a form of music review and criticism and as a way to celebrate, promote and encourage the listener to seek out the artists work.

Find out more about The Pro Arte Singer here:

https://music.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewCollaboration?cc=gb&ids=79307923-87275487-73399084