Shane examines the success of Taylor Swift and goes on to create his own country and western song aimed at fighting the heteronormative structures that have plagued the genre for too long. The LGBTQ+ inclusive nature of the track also just so happens to be a commercially attractive option. Pure coincidence of course.  

Our hero works with expert erotic writers, leather chapped cowboys and AI musicians to launch this next stage of his career.

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Since we are living in the absolute worst moment of history, it is only natural that we should reminisce about the greatest living age: the 1990’s. The nostalgia market is a very fertile one and Shane tries to mine this by creating his own 90s-influenced boyband. Unfortunately, it appears that the times have changed and our protagonist struggles to find appropriate members to be part of his team of handsome bad boys. 

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Infuriated by the success of the Kabin Crew, Shane embarks on creating his own drum and bass track designed to warn today’s youth of the misery and disappointment that they have coming their way. He selflessly puts aside his hatred of all electronic music and forms a team of inspirational figures to guide these rough street kids onto the right path.

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It might seem a strange time to find inspiration from the work of P Diddy / Puff Daddy but that’s exactly what our hero does. Writing a song to cash in on the “recently transitioned” market, Shane creates a track vague enough to be played at the funeral of any grandmother ever.  

Working with a professional eulogy writer, an enigmatic crooner and a gospel choir, he leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to make the perfect wake banger.

If you're enjoying the series and would like to unlock all 8 episodes of ‘Top 40 or Die Trying’, join ⁠⁠HeadStuff+ ⁠⁠for just €5 + VAT per month. You'll also unlock ad-free listening and exclusive weekly behind the scenes bonus content.

Top 40 or Die Trying is narrated by Shane Vincent McDermott and written and produced by Peter Halstead. The show is part of ⁠⁠⁠HeadStuff Podcasts

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Disgusted by the success of Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Galway Girl’, Shane decides to create his own St Patrick’s Day song; a song for the Irish, by the Irish. Unfortunately, his plans are derailed slightly by the cost-of-living crisis and he is forced to outsource the making of his song to more affordable, foreign workers.  

He overcomes all hurdles to create a rap-folk song to grace beer-sodden dancefloors on March 17th every year.

If you're enjoying the series and would like to unlock all 8 episodes of ‘Top 40 or Die Trying’, join ⁠HeadStuff+ ⁠for just €5 + VAT per month. You'll also unlock ad-free listening and exclusive weekly behind the scenes bonus content.

Top 40 or Die Trying is narrated by Shane Vincent McDermott and written and produced by Peter Halstead. The show is part of ⁠⁠HeadStuff Podcasts.

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In our opening episode, we are introduced to our protagonist Shane Vincent McDermott and learn of his dream to have a Top 40 hit single. We listen as he creates his first song: an attempt to cash in on the lucrative Chinese hip-hop market with a combination of rap, heavy metal and opera.  

The journey takes us around the world and Shane makes his first enemy when he gets embroiled in a beef over €10 with a fully grown man who still wears his baseball cap backwards.

If you're enjoying the series and would like to unlock all 8 episodes of ‘Top 40 or Die Trying’, join HeadStuff+ for just €5 + VAT per month. You'll also unlock ad-free listening and exclusive behind the scenes bonus content.

Top 40 or Die Trying is narrated by Shane Vincent McDermott and written and produced by Peter Halstead. The show is part of ⁠HeadStuff Podcasts.

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Episode on of 'Top 40 or Die Trying is out on Wednesday the 15th of October.

“Top 40 or Die Trying” is the (mostly) true story of Shane Vincent McDermott’s attempt to have a hit single somewhere, anywhere in the world before turning 40 years of age. The journey takes us all around the world and introduces us to a host of wonderful, inspiring artists who teach us that the notion of success is something personal. That one shouldn’t tie their worth to adulation of others. That we are all on our own artistic journeys.  We also meet a few undesirables along the way who are subsequently dealt with.  

Part mockumentary, part surrealist comedy. 8 episodes that each culminate in the recording of a song that tries to emulate the success of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Puff Daddy amongst others. 

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