Music Life

1. The time machine of tradition with Brìghde Chaimbeul, Sam Amidon, Linda Buckley and Rhodri Davies

Brìghde Chaimbeul, Rhodri Davies, Sam Amidon and Linda Buckley discuss the roles of tradition and place in music, and what they might think about when performing.Brìghde Chaimbeul is a Gaelic musician, composer and bagpipe player. Her music stems from traditional Gaelic material, particularly sourced from archival recordings, of songs, stories and music from the Highlands and islands of Scotland. It also explores wider musical influences, such as a variety of global piping traditions from easter

Mar 29,2024 31:36

2. Limitations are limitless, with Caterina Barbieri, Kali Malone, Moritz Von Oswald and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe

Caterina Barbieri, Kali Malone, Moritz Von Oswald and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe discuss the role limitations play in the creative process, and whether they can be a source for creativity, if working with limitations helps sharpen one’s aesthetics and define one’s unique artistic voice, and whether human imagination needs limits to become limitless.Caterina Barbieri is a composer and modular synth artist whose sound draws from electronic, experimental and dance music. Her work is informed by an edu

Mar 22,2024 30:20

3. Everything's a drum with Ane Brun, Amelia Meath and Linden Jay

Ane Brun, Linden Jay and Sylvan Esso's Amelia Meath discuss collaboration, navigating between genres and lyrical inspirations.Ane Brun is a musician hailing from Norway but based in Sweden, who also runs the label Balloon Ranger. Her music is rooted in folk pop and she's released 11 studio albums; her most recent is Portrayals, which came out last year. It is a collection of covers, including a previously unheard version of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s Blue Moon, to celebrate 20 years since

Mar 15,2024 25:50

4. Don’t overthink it with Bill Ryder-Jones, Anna Calvi and Poppy Hankin

Bill Ryder-Jones, Anna Calvi and Poppy Hankin discuss the first piece of music that really affected them, how their writing has changed as they’ve grown older, and how much they’re willing to give people control over their music.Bill Ryder-Jones is from West Kirby, Merseyside. He co-founded the Coral, playing as their lead guitarist from 1996 until 2008. Since then he’s pursued a solo career, writing his own albums and film scores, as well as producing and playing on records for other artists in

Mar 08,2024 29:59

5. The algorithm of you with Dot Allison, Andy Bell, Bishi and Charlotte Kemp Muhl

Dot Allison, Andy Bell, Bishi and Charlotte Kemp Muhl discuss AI in music, the importance of music in education and finding your own creative voice.Dot Allison is a singer-songwriter and composer whose work has included film and TV scores such as Black Death, Triangle, The Devil’s Double and Henry: Mind of a Tyrant. She began her career in Edinburgh in the early 90s with the band Dove/One Dove, before releasing her debut solo album Afterglow a decade later. She has since worked with artists incl

Mar 01,2024 25:35

6. Technology is sensual with Laura Misch, Suzanne Ciani, Madame Gandhi and Sian O'Gorman

Laura Misch, Suzanne Ciani, Madame Gandhi and Sian O'Gorman talk about their music practices, how they’re entwined with nature and technology, the natural muses which inspire their creative process, and imagining futures in which music can have a reciprocal relationship with the environment it is played within. Laura Misch is a multidisciplinary artist and producer from London. She is a singer, songwriter and saxophonist, who also makes audio and video collages. She primarily has a loop-based s

Feb 23,2024 33:45

7. From indie to pop with Chromeo, La Roux and Empress Of

Chromeo, La Roux and Empress of discuss longevity in the music world, the future of music media and the shifting notions of taste and trends.David “Dave 1” Macklovitch and Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel make up electro-funk duo Chromeo. The pair met in the mid-1990s at college in Montreal, bonding over a love of hip-hop and vintage funk. After hearing records like Daft Punk’s Discovery, they formed Chromeo in 2002, releasing their debut, She’s in Control, in 2004. Their music combines funk grooves an

Feb 16,2024 26:10

8. Celebrating the vibrato with Joel Shadbolt, Dallas Tamaira, Anna Coddington and Allen Stone

Joel Shadbolt, Dallas Tamaira, Anna Coddington and Allen Stone talk about how environments shape their sound, staying healthy and sane on the road, and the 70s soul sound.A lifelong musician from the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, Joel Shadbolt studied music at polytechnic before joining L.A.B. as the singer and guitarist in 2016. Their distinct blend of reggae, rock, funk and soul has established them as one of the premier acts in New Zealand. L.A.B's sixth album, L.A.B VI will be out 23 Februar

Feb 09,2024 25:12

9. Music is your medicine with Ana Carla Maza, Lucas Santtana and Eliane Correa

Ana Carla Maza, Lucas Santtana and Eliane Correa discuss the music of Cuba, women as producers and composers in Cuban music, and their creative process.Cuban composer, cellist and singer Ana Carla Maza grew up in the Afro-Cuban Guanabacoa district of Havana, Cuba, in the early years of the Buena Vista Social Club revival. She moved to Paris to train at the Conservatoire, and the city became the beginning of her solo and touring career. Although she’s a classically trained cellist, she’s always i

Feb 02,2024 33:50

10. Your body is an instrument with Zubin Kanga, Jasmin Kent Rodgman, Laura Bowler and Neil Luck

Composers Zubin Kanga, Jasmin Kent Rodgman, Laura Bowler and Neil Luck discuss the role of technology in their work, how their collaborators have influenced them and the technology they’d love to try.Australian-born pianist, composer and technologist Zubin Kanga moved to London in 2007, where he attended the Royal Academy of Music. Through his work he seeks to explore and redefine what it means to be a performer through interactions with new technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtu

Jan 26,2024 29:49

11. Music doesn’t stop with Nightmares on Wax, Corinne Bailey Rae, Theo Croker and James Lavelle

George Evelyn - AKA Nightmares on Wax - Corinne Bailey Rae, Theo Croker and James Lavelle discuss their creative relationship with music, the presence of social issues in music, and the pros and cons of the digital age.Musician, record producer and DJ George Evelyn, aka Nightmares on Wax was born in the city of Leeds, UK, and is now based in Ibiza. In his youth, he was greatly inspired by the likes of Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield, before discovering hip hop. He originally formed Nightmares o

Jan 19,2024 30:14

12. The magic of space in time with Galya Bisengalieva, Robert Ames, Actress and Claire M Singer

Galya Bisengalieva, Robert Ames, Actress and Claire M Singer discuss how instruments can affect composition, collaboration, and the relationship between music and its visual identity.Born into a musical family in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kazakh-British musician Galya Bisengalieva won a music scholarship to study music in London, where she now lives. A classically trained violinist, composer and electronic musician, she released her debut solo EP in 2018, and debut album Aralkum in 2020. Her collabor

Jan 12,2024 33:40

13. Taking your music seriously with Penguin Café, Johnny Borrell, Douglas Dare and Judi Jackson

Arthur Jeffes of Penguin Café, Johnny Borrell, Douglas Dare and Judi Jackson discuss taking your own music seriously when starting out, selling out, and whether it’s OK to re-hash your previous work.Musician, composer and band leader Arthur Jeffes formed Penguin Cafe in 2009, bringing together a talented and disparate group of musicians initially to perform his father Simon Jeffes’ legacy of world renowned Penguin Cafe Orchestra music, 12 years after his untimely death in 1997. Since then, they

Jan 05,2024 29:47

14. Everyone wants to be pop with Faizal Mostrixx, Afrorack, Grove and Kaya Byinshii

Faizal Mostrixx, Afrorack, Grove and Kaya Byinshii discuss pop music, musical cultures and the aftermath of live performance.Ugandan producer, dancer and choreographer Faizal Mostrixx was surrounded by music and dancing as a child and began his working life as a professional dancer, before deciding to focus on his other love, sound. After putting out EPs in 2019 and 2022, this year he released his debut full length album Mutations on the Glitterbeat label – an Afrofuturist manifesto from Uganda.

Dec 29,2023 26:36

15. The melancholy of exile with Siavash Amini, Sarrsew, mHz and Mariam Rezaei

Siavash Amini, Sarrsew, mHz and Mariam Rezaei discuss Tehran’s experimental scene, and how geography and community can affect the creative process.Based in Tehran, Iranian musician and composer Siavash Amini has worked with the labels Room40, Hallow Ground, Opal Tapes and Umor Rex for the better part of the past 10 years. He’s also collaborated with a wide range of international artists including Rafael Anton Irisarri, 9T Antiope and Zenjungle, and remixed tracks for Carl Craig, Bernard Szajner

Dec 22,2023 29:35

16. Breathing through your fingers with Adrian Younge, Lonnie Liston Smith, Jean Carne and Brian Jackson

Since starting out in the late 90’s, musician, DJ and label owner Adrian Younge's sound has borrowed from soul, funk, jazz and hip hop. His work includes scores for film and TV, including the Marvel series Luke Cage; a collaborative album with Ghostface Killah based on the comic book Twelve Reasons To Die; and productions for Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z. He founded the label Linear Labs, and is also co-founder of the Jazz Is Dead label with A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad. He’s produced

Dec 15,2023 33:48

17. The source is the universe with Carlos Niño, André 3000, Liv.e and Luis Pérez Ixoneztli

Carlos Niño, Liv.e, André 3000 and Luis Pérez Ixoneztli discuss how their music is inspired by spirit, the feeling of creating sounds that are meaningful to them, and how they stay open to learning during their lives in music.Carlos Niño is a prolific producer, percussionist, and composer based in California, known for his unique, highly developed, self-described “Spiritual, Improvisational, Space Collage” sound. In September of this year, he released (I’m just) Chillin’, on Fire, his most singu

Dec 08,2023 35:25

18. Running out of melodies with Beirut, Blondie's Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, and Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields

Zach Condon, AKA Beirut, Blondie's Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, and Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields discuss the myth of self-expression as an artist, the influence your location, and particularly New York, has on songwriting, and what unexpected genres we might get musical influences from.Zach Condon, AKA Beirut, grew up in the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and from a young age absorbed a vast array of musical influences. When he was 14 his older brother moved to New York and left behind

Dec 01,2023 33:31

19. Kids on tour with Charlotte Adigéry, Bolis Pupul, John Carroll Kirby and Marie Davidson

Charlotte Adigéry, Bolis Pupul, John Carroll Kirby and Marie Davidson discuss second albums, having kids as a musician and collaborations.Charlotte Adigéry is a Belgian musician of Martinican and Guadeloupean descent, born and raised in Ghent. She's worked extensively as a solo artist and also as her punk alter ego WWWater. Bolis Pupul is a Belgian musician of Chinese descent who debuted in 2016 with the single Moon Theme / Sun Theme. They started releasing music as a duo in 2019 with an EP call

Nov 24,2023 30:44

20. Finding new identities with Bloom Twins, Dorofeeva and Jamala

Bloom Twins, Dorofeeva and Jamala discuss the influence of their Ukrainian identity in their music, how their music has changed since the war, and the advice they have for aspiring Ukrainian musicians.Bloom Twins are a pop duo made up of sisters Anna and Sonia Kuprienko, who are currently based in London. They’re both classically trained multi-instrumentalists who use their platform to draw attention to issues such as mental health and freedom of expression, and whose brand of dark pop takes ins

Nov 17,2023 25:04

21. Bluegrass rocks with Charlie Worsham, Ashley McBryde and Jaren Johnston

Country stars Charlie Worsham, Ashley McBryde and Jaren Johnston combining traditional bluegrass with new sounds in the studio, the importance of being a good songwriter in country music and the differences between live tracking a recording versus piecing it together remotely.Singer and songwriter Charlie Worsham grew up in Mississippi but moved to Nashville as soon as he could to pursue his dreams in Music City. He makes country music that’s influenced by southern rock and bluegrass, and has ju

Nov 10,2023 27:58

22. It’s everything but math! with Andrew Bird

Our host this week is American multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Andrew Bird. His recordings combine the violin with loops and effect pedals, whistling and vocals. He started out playing in jazz acts before forming his own swing ensemble. In 2003 he released his first solo album Weather Systems and since then has produced 16 studio albums spanning swing music, indie rock and folk. His most recent album, Inside Problems, came out in the summer. He is joined by Meshell Ndegeocello, a G

Nov 03,2023 29:42

23. Allowing yourself to be possessed with GAIKA

Our host this week is artist and musician GAIKA - he was born in London and raised in the city’s night clubs. He released his debut mixtape Machine, in 2015 and since released a string of projects including BASIC VOLUME and Seguridad. He has collaborated with some of the most renowned names in contemporary music, including 3D of Massive Attack, Dean Blunt, Kelela, Mike Skinner, Mykki Blanco and SOPHIE. Alongside his music he has also created a number of art installations and has just released

Oct 30,2023 28:29

24. I'm not switching my flow with MC Yallah, Catu Diosis, Chrisman and Debmaster

MC Yallah, Catu Diosis, Chrisman and Debmaster, four members of Uganda's Nyege Nyege collective, talk about working remotely, managing your time between touring and the studio, and staying true to yourself. Born Yallah Gaudencia Mbidde in Kenya and raised in Uganda, MC Yallah has been involved in East Africa's rap scene since the 90s, when she was inspired by American hip hop and the Ugandan artists Young Vibes. She was a host on NewzBeat from 2014-2018, which was a TV programme that skirted Uga

Oct 20,2023 29:13

25. We are not normal with Anoushka Shankar, Arooj Aftab, Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Nadine Shah

Anoushka Shankar, Arooj Aftab, Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Nadine Shah talk about the role of spirituality in their music, what their sound gives the audience, and share thoughts on being women of colour in the music industry.Born in the UK, Anoushka Shankar spent her younger years in London and Delhi before moving to California. She began learning the sitar aged 9 with her father, the legendary Ravi Shankar, and made her professional debut at 13. Since then has been nominated for nine Grammys, played

Oct 13,2023 34:08

26. Confronting expectations with Steven Wilson, Roland Orzabal, Lucy Rose and Andy Partridge

Steven Wilson, Roland Orzabal, Lucy Rose and Andy Partridge talk about the effect of fan expectations on the creative process, whether the world needs any more new music, and if “retro mania” is stopping rock music from evolving.Born in London and raised in Hemel Hempstead in the UK, Steven Wilson developed an interest in music as a child and was heavily influenced by Pink Floyd. His dad built him a multi-track tape machine when he was 12, which allowed him to start experimenting with sound. He

Oct 06,2023 34:01

27. Let the pressure make a diamond with Xefer, Apashe, Kovacs and Raja Kumari

Xefer, Apashe, Kovacs and Raja Kumari discuss singing in English or their native languages, overcoming obstacles due to where you live, and how to evolve as an artist through songwriting.Xefer was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and her journey in music started on YouTube where she would upload covers of herself performing songs in English of the likes of Bruno Mars, Jessie J and Paramore. She released her first single, Judge, in 2016, followed by her debut album, Uncaged, in 2017. Since t

Sep 29,2023 27:32

28. Idols and clowns with Devendra Banhart, Phil Elverum, Jenny Hval and Bedouine

Devendra Banhart, Phil Elverum, Jenny Hval and Bedouine discuss eating on tour, how art is intimacy exposed, and what can be learned from terrible shows.Devendra Banhart, was born in Texas and raised between Venezuela and California, where he attended the San Francisco Art Institute. After dropping out in 2000, he started moving around different cities, experimenting with songwriting and busking as he went. When he released his second album, Oh Me Oh My, in 2002 ,he signed to XL Recordings, and

Sep 22,2023 32:12

29. Natural storytellers with Lea Salonga, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Gerard Salonga and Daniel Edmonds

Lea Salonga, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Gerard Salonga and Daniel Edmonds discuss the process of working through a piece that isn’t going well, what drives them when starting a new project, and the most important things they look for in a performer of musical theatre.Lea Salonga has done everything from playing Kim in the original production of Miss Saigon, to playing Fantine and Éponine in Les Misérables. She has also released 12 of her own albums.Claude-Michel Schönberg is a French record produc

Sep 15,2023 35:06

30. Abducted by aliens with Jeff Mills, Neue Grafik, Prabhu Edouard and Knoel Scott

Jeff Mills, Neue Grafik, Prabhu Edouard and Knoel Scott talk about improvisational performance, rhythms as a form of communication and how technology is overtaking the artist. Jeff Mills started out on the Detroit techno scene in the 1980s before founding Underground Resistance with ‘Mad’ Mike Banks in 1989. He left Detroit for New York in 1991 (via a residency at Berlin’s mighty Tresor), to pursue a solo career and set up his own label, Axis. Since then, he’s released a number of projects, incl

Sep 08,2023 35:02

31. Spending your creative cash with Eyedress, Homeshake, Na'Kel Smith and María Zardoya

Eyedress, Homeshake, Na'Kel Smith and María Zardoya discuss the difficulties of re-capturing a moment, pushing everything else away when going through a creative block, and the importance of controlling your own visual identity.Eyedress is a singer, rapper and producer who grew up in the Philippines but moved to the USA with his family at the age of six. He grew up playing in punk bands, before moving back to Manila in 2005, where he formed garage pop band Bee Eyes. Meanwhile, he was pursuing hi

Sep 01,2023 22:13

32. Success is seasonal with Hak Baker, Benjamin Zephaniah, Celeste and Baxter Dury

Hak Baker, Benjamin Zephaniah, Celeste and Baxter Dury talk about writing whilst living in London, their view of success in their careers so far, and the impact of family and cultural history on their writing.Hak Baker was born in Luton and raised on the Isle of Dogs, in London. At a young age he was exposed to everything from reggae and dub to classic pop, R&B and soul via friends and family. His first introduction to performing was as part of the Southwark Cathedral choir, before moving toward

Aug 25,2023 32:03

33. Don't wait for permission, with Kathryn Tickell, Laura Cannell, Amy Thatcher and Ruth Lyon

British folk musicians Kathryn Tickell, Laura Cannell, Amy Thatcher and Ruth Lyon discuss their musical and personal identities, the music they made when they were younger, and whether or not place affects the music they create. Kathryn Tickell is from the North Tyne Valley of Northumberland and comes from a musical family of pipers, singers, fiddlers and accordion players. She took up the Northumbrian small pipes at the age of nine, and began learning tunes from old shepherd friends and family.

Aug 18,2023 37:03

34. The log drum is the new 808 with Busiswa, DJ Lag, Karen Nyame KG and Scratchclart

Busiswa, DJ Lag, Karen Nyame KG and Scratchclart talk about the impact of the pandemic on amapiano and gqom, what it was like getting back to the clubs when things opened up again, and the global rise in popularity of these genres.Busiswa is a singer and poet from South Africa. Her music career began when she featured on Sir Bubzin’s track Syaphambana in 2011, and she’s since gone on to feature on DJ Zinhle’s global hit My Name Is, as well as Beyonce’s My Power as part of The Lion King: The Gift

Aug 11,2023 30:37

35. Music is escapism with Nitin Sawhney, Tim Burgess, Nainita Desai and Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Nitin Sawhney, Tim Burgess, Nainita Desai and Ayanna Witter-Johnson discuss how their family and cultural history impacts their creativity, being conscious of who they’re representing when creating, and how their output is a reflection of their changing identities.Producer, composer, and DJ Nitin Sawhney grew up studying the piano, guitar, sitar and tabla, and released his debut album Spirit Dance in 1993. Since then he has scored music for theatre, dance, video games and cinema, including the B

Aug 04,2023 36:58

36. Secrets of African rhythms with Sampa the Great, Thandiswa Mazwai, Emmanuel Jagari Chanda and Mag44

Sampa the Great, Thandiswa Mazwai, Emmanuel Jagari Chanda and Mag44 discuss music standing the test of time, African music, and the new generation of musicians.Sampa the Great was born in Ndola in Zambia and became interested in music from a young age, writing poems and singing from the age of 9, spending time in both Zambia and Botswana. She released her first mixtape in 2015 whilst at university in Australia, and created a sound influenced by everything from classic hip-hop to Zamrock. Her lat

Jul 28,2023 36:33

37. You don't have to fit the mould, with Rara Sekar, Sandrayati, Ugoran Prasad and Rully Shabara

Indonesian musicians Rara Sekar, Sandrayati, Ugoran Prasad and Rully Shabara discuss music and social change, trying to thrive as musicians in the age of social media, and whether or not all musicians have an equal opportunity to succeed. Rara Sekar's career in music began as the vocalist for folk group Banda Neira, as well as a member of Daramuda. In 2020 she began her solo project hara, in which she creates a musical fusion inspired by folk, ambient and post-rock music. She is also an anthropo

Jul 21,2023 33:06

38. Becoming the people we want to be, with Gina Birch, Kathleen Hanna, Mark Moore, and Stephen McRobbie

Gina Birch, Kathleen Hanna, Mark Moore, and Stephen McRobbie how their teenage years influenced their path into music, how it felt to be doing something creative and combative for a living, and being at peace with themselves later in life.Gina Birch was inspired to form post punk band the Raincoats after seeing the Slits in 1977. They recorded their self-titled debut album that same year, and went on to record three further albums, the last of which was released in 1996. She is also a film-maker

Jul 14,2023 29:24

39. Curating errors with Perera Elsewhere, Fever Ray, Paula Temple and Maral

Perera Elsewhere, Fever Ray, Paula Temple and Maral discuss how the space you’re in affects the music you write, the importance of mistakes or ‘curating errors’, and the significance of technology, particularly when music production software reaches new countries.Producer, songwriter, and DJ Perera Elsewhere was born in London and is now based in Berlin. She’s played shows at iconic venues including Berghain, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Hamburg Philharmonic. She performs in extraordinary stag

Jul 07,2023 28:12

40. Quiet is the new loud with José González, Vashti Bunyan and Erlend Øye

José González, Vashti Bunyan and Erlend Øye discuss what draws them to create quiet music, how they approach playing it live, and its universal and trans-genre appeal.José González was born in Gothenburg in Sweden to Argentinian parents, and grew up listening to Latin folk and pop music. In 2003 he released his debut solo album ‘Veneer’. It featured a downtempo cover of The Knife’s ‘Heartbeats’ which became an international success after being featured on a TV ad campaign. He’s celebrating the a

Jun 30,2023 31:34

41. What Afro boom?! With Floyd Lavine, Lakuti, Coco Em and Desiree

Floyd Lavine, Lakuti, Coco Em and Desiree discuss where their inspiration comes from, the challenges of being an African artist trying to tour, and the Afro boom. Floyd Lavine's sound takes in influences from his childhood listening to Kwaito, soul, jazz and South African house, alongside the house and techno club sounds of London, and his adopted home town of Berlin. He runs his own label Afrikan Tales, and produces for international labels like Innervisions and Ninja Tune.Lakuti is a DJ born i

Jun 23,2023 32:29

42. Collaborating is like dating, with Melike Şahin, Kutiman, Dijf Sanders and Ah! Kosmos

Melike Şahin, Kutiman, Dijf Sanders and Ah! Kosmos discuss combining lyrics with music, working with others over long distances, and their favourite parts of the collaboration process.Melike Şahin was born in Istanbul, and developed a great interest in music as a child. After university she worked with Turkish psychedelic group Baba Zula, before beginning her solo career in 2017. Her sound navigates across Middle Eastern and Anatolian pop, and she collaborates with musicians from all over the wo

Jun 16,2023 27:40

43. Meltdown special with Kokoroko, Soap&Skin, Django Django and Let's Eat Grandma

Ffour artists who are playing Christine and the Queens’ Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre in London - Sheila Maurice-Grey from Kokoroko Anja Plaschg (AKA Soap&Skin), Django Django’s Vinny Neff and Let's Eat Grandma’s Jenny Hollingworth - where to find inspiration outside of music, how to overcome creative blocks, and what they might be doing in a parallel universe.Sheila Maurice-Grey is a London-based trumpeter, vocalist and visual artist who leads eight-piece afrobeat, soul, funk and ja

Jun 09,2023 30:41

44. Insular worlds with Peter Gregson, Dobrawa Czocher, Dom La Nena and Sebastian Plano

Cello players Peter Gregson, Dobrawa Czocher, Dom La Nena and Sebastian Plano discuss working with new collaborators, overcoming creative blocks, and how to define success.Peter Gregson took up cello at age four after seeing James Bond sled down a mountainside on a cello case in The Living Daylights. You may have heard his cello solos in the soundtrack to the BBC's Sherlock series, or on the album ÷ (Divide) by Ed Sheeran. He released his latest solo album, Patina, in 2021.Dobrawa Czocher is a P

Jun 02,2023 27:52

45. 200th episode: Best of the guests with John Grant

John Grant celebrates Music Life’s 200th episode with highlights from the shows to date. Nearly 800 singers, producers, DJs, visual artists, and performers have come to have a chat on the show so far, sharing their experiences and unique perspectives on their lives as musicians. To celebrate this milestone, this week we’re looking back at some of the best conversations from the series, featuring the likes of alt-pop artist Santigold, soul singer Gregory Porter, rock singer Skin from Skunk Anansi

May 26,2023 49:18

46. We are superconductors with Deena Abdelwahed, 3Phaz, Aïsha Devi and débruit

Deena Abdelwahed, 3Phaz, Aïsha Devi and débruit discuss the effect of using computers when writing music, dealing with the press and their labelling, and converting studio music into a live set.Deena Abdelwahed is a producer and DJ from Tunisia. She arrived in France at the age of 26 after earning her stripes in the Tunis scene as part of the Arabstazy collective. She has played for Boiler Room, and at iconic Berlin club Berghain. 3Phaz is a Cairo-based DJ obsessed with bass, distortion, and the

May 19,2023 25:44

47. Navigating barriers with Phil Selway, Hannah Peel, Valentina Magaletti, and Errollyn Wallen

Phil Selway, Hannah Peel, Valentina Magaletti, and Errollyn Wallen discuss how to progress from a blank page to a room full of musicians, navigating barriers to development, and balancing the various demands of being a musician.Phil Selway grew up in Oxfordshire and met his Radiohead bandmates at school. They formed the band in 1985 and released their debut album Pablo Honey in 1993. They’ve released nine studio albums to date. Phil’s debut solo album, Familial, came out in 2010, and he recently

May 12,2023 33:08

48. Eurovision special with Sam Ryder, Mr. Lordi, Teya and Poli Genova

Sam Ryder, Mr. Lordi, Teya and Poli Genova discuss writing for Eurovision, how it impacts their creative process, and how they handle nerves on stage.Sam Ryder was inspired to get into music after seeing Sum 41 in concert when he was 11. He took up the guitar after seeing Lordi win Eurovision in 2006, and was also influenced by David Bowie and Queen. He co-founded a band called The Morning After, and during the first Covid lockdown he started posting cover songs on TikTok, which caught the atten

May 05,2023 28:41

49. Kindred spirits with Soweto Kinch, Esperanza Spalding, Eska and Tumi Mogorosi

Soweto Kinch, Eska, Esperanza Spalding and Tumi Mogorosi discuss responding artistically to lockdown, changing the ways they create and release music, and the latest idea they got excited about.Soweto Kinch was born in London to a Bajan father and British-Jamaican mother, and began learning saxophone at the age of nine. He discovered jazz in his teenage years and subsequently fell in love with it, with early influences including Wynton Marsalis and Frank Holder. He established the Soweto Kinch T

Apr 28,2023 36:02

50. Game changers with Gaye Su Akyol, Dana Colley, Marc Ribot and Via Mardot

Gaye Su Akyol, Dana Colley, Marc Ribot and Via Mardot discuss who they would most like to collaborate with, how they deal with the politics of the industry, and which musician or band has been a game changer in their lives.Gaye Su Akyol was born in Istanbul to an artistic family. Her father Muzaffer Akyol was a painter, and her mother loved Turkish classical music. She listened to a lot of Turkish jazz and psychedelia growing up, along with bands like Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, which influenced h

Apr 21,2023 25:16

51. La Linea Latin music festival special with Francisco Carrasco, N. Hardem and Chapulines

Francisco Carrasco and N. Hardem are joined by Graciela Zaera Moraña and Beto Robledo Zaragoza of the band Chapulines to discuss creativity and the songwriting process. These four Latin American artists, who are on the line-up of this year’s La Linea Festival in London, UK, talk about their most constant themes in song writing, writing songs in different languages, the spiritual nature of Spanish literature and playing to audiences from different cultures.Francisco Carrasco is a Chilean musician

Apr 14,2023 25:18

52. Sounds from the blockchain with Mark de Clive-Lowe, Iman Europe, dot and Pat Junior

Mark de Clive-Lowe, Iman Europe, dot and Pat Junior talk about financial equity for independent artists, building community with your fans and the future possibilities of using blockchain tech.Mark de Clive-Lowe was born in Auckland and started piano lessons when he was 4. In high school in New Zealand and Japan, he fell in love with sample-heavy 90s hip-hop and early UK drum’n’bass. He lived in London for a decade, where he helped to evolve the broken beat genre, and then later moved to LA. If

Apr 07,2023 27:45

53. Being a fox or a hedgehog, with Molly Rankin (Alvvays), Tracyanne Campbell, Mac DeMarco and Molly Nilsson

Molly Rankin, Tracyanne Campbell, Mac DeMarco and Molly Nilsson talk about whether or not you need to be social to make your best work, whether you’re a creative fox or a hedgehog, and how much of yourself to expose in your work.Molly Rankin grew up in a musical family on the remote island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Canada. Her father was a professional folk musician, and she started writing music with her neighbour Kerri MacLellan as a teenager, before forming Alvvays in 2011. They won the

Mar 31,2023 31:35

54. Collaboration is the gift that keeps on giving, with Baaba Maal, Tricky, Jah Wobble and Chi-Chi Nwanoku

Baaba Maal, Tricky, Jah Wobble and Chi-Chi Nwanoku discuss the influence of African musical roots and traditions in Western classical music, the importance of collaboration, and rhythm and its position in the song writing process.Baaba Maal was born into a family of fishermen in the north of Senegal, but rather than go into the family business, he studied music in Dakar and Paris. Since then, he has recorded 14 albums, worked on the Black Panther soundtrack, and collaborated with Brian Eno, Pete

Mar 24,2023 32:51

55. Singing for the rain to come, with Ana Moura, Pedro Mafama, Herlander and Pongo

Ana Moura, Pedro Mafama, Herlander and Pongo discuss celebrating music that is tied to its place of origin, moving away from home to carve out a musical career, and discovering the happy parts of their song writing.Ana Moura is a fado singer born in Santarem, Portugal to an Angolan mother and Portuguese father. Introduced to fado music at a young age by her parents, she’s performed the traditional Portuguese music all over the world, including collaborations with legends such as Mick Jagger and

Mar 17,2023 28:51

56. The bottom is the top and the top is the bottom, with Sun-Mi Hong, Jen Shyu, Mark Guiliana and William Parker

Sun-Mi Hong, Jen Shyu, Mark Guiliana and William Parker discuss art as an outlet to process grief, and how touring is the best way to meet interesting people.Sun-Mi Hong is a jazz drummer and composer. She was born and raised in Incheon, South Korea, but moved to Amsterdam in 2012 to study music. She’s since made her mark on the European jazz scene and in 2017 formed the Sun-Mi Hong Quintet, performing original contemporary compositions as well as improvised jazz music. Her latest album “Third P

Mar 10,2023 26:10

57. The courage to seek the unknown with Liraz, Derya Yildrim, Adrian Younge and Ladybug Mecca

Liraz, Derya Yildrim, Adrian Younge and Ladybug Mecca discuss art as propaganda, the exhaustion of performing on stage and having the courage to seek the unknown. Liraz is an Israeli-Iranian singer, musician and actress. In 2022 she released her album Roya, a collaboration between musicians from Israel and Iran. Adrian Younge is a former Music Life host and self-taught musician who re-imagines soul, jazz, funk and hip-hop into his own sound. He’s scored for film and TV, and has produced the like

Mar 03,2023 28:24

58. Distinguishing what you love from who you are with Mia Gladstone, ROMderful, Maiya Blaney and Emmavie

Mia Gladstone is a New York based singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and programmer. Her genre bending style incorporates the cutting up of Jazz, Funk, and R&B, before reassembling it for the social media age. Promoting messages of self-acceptance, compassion, and creative freedom her Loopy project in 2022 explored gender, identity, social media, and the complexities of the human mind.Rommel Donald, better known as ROMderful, is a British producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer on the ri

Feb 24,2023 34:08

59. Becoming your own muse, with Amelia Moore, REI AMI, G Flip and Royal & the Serpent

Amelia Moore, REI AMI, G Flip and Royal & the Serpent discuss favourite lyrics, the power of the second verse, getting inspiration in the shower, learning to become more vulnerable and how their upbringings influence their music.Amelia Moore is a singer and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, whose future pop sound is inspired by artists including Frank Ocean, SOPHIE and Flume. Having started playing violin at the age of 4, she taught herself piano and started writing songs at 13, before

Feb 17,2023 26:08

60. Creating space to disappear with Sarathy Korwar, Nwando Ebizie, Sandunes and Abel Selaocoe

Sarathy Korwar, Nwando Ebizie, Sandunes and Abel Selaocoe discuss diversifying the classical music space, balancing capitalistic forces with creativity, and creating space in which to disappear.Sarathy Korwar is a composer and percussionist whose music combines jazz, Indian classical, Indian folk and electronic influences. His latest record, KALAK, explores what the past, present and future are, and how they interact.Nwando Ebizie is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work combines music, perform

Feb 10,2023 31:56

61. Dancing between spaces with Santigold, Black Thought and theOGM of Ho99o9

Santigold, Black Thought and theOGM of Ho99o9 discuss how best to balance information and imagery, how being an artist is about dancing between spaces, the importance of not overthinking your art, and how to write an arena banger.Santigold is a singer and producer whose music is influenced by everything from hip-hop and punk, to gospel and reggae. Born in Philadelphia, she began her musical career writing for other artists, and performing in a punk band, before releasing her self-title debut alb

Feb 03,2023 31:32

62. Music is a mayhem of joy with Dele Sosimi, Angélique Kidjo, the Allergies and Shingai

Dele Sosimi, Angélique Kidjo, the Allergies and Shingai discuss discuss why music is their calling, loving the bass, being custodians and transmitters of messages, the importance of preserving music and putting it into a new space, and why making music is like your subconscious, creative self sending you messages. Dele Sosimi is a Nigerian-British singer and keyboard player, whose career went into overdrive at the height of the Afrobeat in the 1970s, joining Fela Kuti’s legendary group Egypt 80.

Jan 27,2023 30:55

63. More is more, with Σtella, Michelle Gurevich, and Las Palabras

Σtella, Michelle Gurevich, and Las Palabras discuss the difference between writing in your first or second language, insisting you use major chords in your work to sound happy, why the songs that live in your head are always so simple, and why more is actually more.Greek singer Σtella started out focusing on visual arts before getting into music, studying at Athens School of Fine Arts. Her sound combines indie, synthpop and folk music, drawing on Greek instruments such as the bouzouki and giving

Jan 20,2023 29:36

64. Musical catastrophe with November Ultra, Barbara Pravi, Mélissa Laveaux, Yael Naim, and Pi Ja Ma

November Ultra, Barbara Pravi, Mélissa Laveaux, Yael Naim, and Pi Ja Ma discuss writing songs from their beds, catastrophe in music, feeling connection to family, and being a bad musician away from the public.November Ultra started singing at the age of three in Paris with with her Spanish mother and Portuguese father. She embraces the many facets of folk, R&B and the Iberian music traditions she grew up with. Barbara Pravi is one of the biggest stars in French chanson. Her powerful and passiona

Jan 13,2023 32:38

65. Breaking the mould, with Jockstrap, Flux Pavilion and Mala

Jockstrap, Flux Pavilion and Mala discuss writing music on games consoles, passing the baton between each other in collaboration, music connecting in the right time and place, and hearing your songs in a club. Jockstrap are Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye, a duo from London who are changing the indie world with their genre-bending debut album I Love You Jennifer B. The pair met when Georgia was studying jazz and spotted Taylor wearing tartan pyjamas on his way to do his laundry. They meld togethe

Jan 06,2023 34:43

66. Robot bandmates with Weyes Blood, Patrick Watson, Flume and Caroline Shaw

Patrick Watson, Weyes Blood, Flume and Caroline Shaw discuss why perfection is a route to self-sabotage, having to play by the rules as a new artist, the pressure to be more candid and expose more of your personal life, and the ability of new technology to revolutionise music creation.Singer, film composer and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Watson was born in California but raised in Montreal, Canada. He performed in local church choirs and played keyboards in a high-school ska band before co-wri

Dec 30,2022 30:31

67. Recording in wintry moments, with Angel Olsen, Julianna Barwick and Marissa Nadler

Angel Olsen, Julianna Barwick and Marissa Nadler discuss going to the movies on Christmas Day, wanting to chill out over the holiday, why they try to not make ‘normal’ music, creating a rough exterior of your personality, and getting lost in landscapes.Angel Olsen is a guitarist, singer, and poet from Missouri, USA who sings about romantic crises, life on the road, forgiving yourself for making mistakes, betrayal, and perseverance. Julianna Barwick is a singer who experiments with loops of her v

Dec 23,2022 32:15

68. Songwriting is like keeping a flower alive, with Skin, Nona Hendryx and Paolo Nutini

Skin, Nona Hendryx and Paolo Nutini discuss writing songs in your dreams, knowing when to grab at an idea, why playing piano can take you to places you have no right to go, and fighting on stage.Skin grew up in a Jamaican family in Brixton, London, and as a child, wanted to be a pianist. She formed Skunk Anansie in 1994 and they became pioneers of the Britrock scene, speaking out against racism, homophobia and sexism. She was also the first Black artist to headline the Pyramid stage at Glastonbu

Dec 16,2022 34:24

69. When the heart beats, the music happens, with Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Anandi Bhattacharya and Richard Bona

Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Anandi Bhattacharya and Richard Bona discuss why words are easy, story-telling being a family tradition, feeling free with the melody, and finding the confidence to experiment.Seckou Keita was born in Ziguinchor in Senegal and is descended from the Griots – a family of musicians and storytellers whose tradition is passed down from one generation to the next. Cameroonian Richard Bona is one of the world’s most acclaimed bass players, and has played with the likes of Ou

Dec 09,2022 32:05

70. Wearing the appropriate footwear to perform with Nyokabi Kariūki, Moor Mother, Edward Wakili-Hick and KMRU

Nyokabi Kariūki, Moor Mother, Edward Wakili-Hick and KMRU discuss yelling to the universe, why making music is easy, quick thinking collaborations, what experimentalism means to them, and struggling through your processes.Nyokabi Kariūki grew up in Nairobi and played classical piano from an early age, before moving to New York to study composition. Her sound is guided by a love for experimentation, improvisation and collaboration.KMRU, a sound artist and musician who is also from Nairobi, is one

Dec 02,2022 29:48

71. Creating music is selfish with George Fitzgerald, SOAK, Marie Davidson, Mount Kimbie's Kai Campos and TOKiMONSTA

George Fitzgerald, SOAK, Marie Davidson, Mount Kimbie's Kai Campos and TOKiMONSTA discuss how they make their music matter in today’s transient world, whether an artist’s work has to have a clear narrative, having to live with music that you're not 100% happy with, and accidentally writing knock-offs of your favourite artists.George FitzGerald is one of the most popular electronic producers and DJs in the UK right now. He was raised on garage and dubstep in his early years, before moving to Berl

Nov 25,2022 34:53

72. Singing in your own accent, with Amahla, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tiana Major9, and Simeon Hammond Dallas

Amahla, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tiana Major9, and Simeon Hammond Dallas discuss using music to freeze life, how much to reveal about yourself in a song, creating worlds through lyrics and crying in the studio. British soul singer-songwriter and Nile Rodgers mentee Amahla grew up in a Caribbean household, and her songwriting is inspired by a love of literature and activism.Multiple Grammy-winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae's soul-rooted indie sound helped her shoot to fame in 2006 with her self-titled

Nov 18,2022 32:37

73. Learning is a lifelong process, with Thomas Attar Bellier, Dina El Wedidi, Alsarah, Alain Johannes, and Ali Güçlü Şimşek

Thomas Attar Bellier, Dina El Wedidi, Alsarah, Ali Güçlü Şimşek and Alain Johannes discuss collecting sound memories from birth, Egypt's rich tradition of melodies, the power of modal music, why folk music is fundamentally old-school pop, and adapting traditional instruments for modern listening.Thomas Attar Bellier is a French-American musician and producer from the Arab garage rock outfit Al-Qasar. They combine instruments like the oud and the darbuka with Fender amps and drum kits to create a

Nov 11,2022 36:00

74. Thinking of taxes while performing with Alela Diane, Rhiannon Giddens, Mariee Siou and Uwade

Folk musicians Alela Diane, Rhiannon Giddens, Mariee Siou and Uwade discuss that spark of electricity you get when songwriting goes well, how moments of personal growth and transition affect the music, going a whole year without writing a song, thinking of taxes while performing, and how songs are their own little houses or realms that have their own energy.Alela Diane is a singer and guitarist based in Oregon, USA. She would often hear her parents harmonize bluegrass songs in the kitchen, which

Nov 04,2022 34:38

75. Unspoken communication with Harvey Sutherland, Yu Su, Paul Woolford and Warpaint's Stella Mozgawa

Harvey Sutherland, Yu Su, Paul Woolford and Stella Mozgawa discuss treating yourself (psychologically), the power of non-verbal connection, the thrill of being in a room together, producing new and experimental music in China, and nature’s ability to inspire.Harvey Sutherland is a 'neurotic funk' producer and synth player from Australia. Yu Su is a composer, DJ, producer, instrumentalist and prominent member of Vancouver’s underground dance scene. Born in the Henan province of China, she creates

Oct 28,2022 32:54

76. Get weirder with Cakes Da Killa, Nita Aviance, Rochelle Jordan and Eli Escobar

Cakes Da Killa, Nita Aviance, Rochelle Jordan and Eli Escobar discuss the current climate of dance music, being inspired by the nightlife of New York City, and how to turn painful experiences into music.Brooklyn-based rapper Cakes Da Killa’s music blends ‘90s grit with club beats, with witty, unapologetic lyrics that promote Black excellence and LGBTQIA+ visibility in the hip hop world. Nita Aviance is a producer and DJ who is one of the most prominent figures in New York’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife sc

Oct 21,2022 33:30

77. We’re emotional wrecks, with Poppy Ajudha, Maverick Sabre and Madison McFerrin

Poppy Ajudha, Maverick Sabre and Madison McFerrin discuss how much they try to cater to an audience when songwriting, the backlash that can come from political and social comment in songs, and the complexities of expressing their identities through music.Poppy Ajudha is a singer-songwriter from London, UK whose music fuses pop, jazz, soul and R n’ B with politically-charged lyrics. Her songs have received over 25 million streams and in 2019 she featured in Barack Obama’s Best of the Year playlis

Oct 14,2022 30:22

78. Exploring darkness, with Lamb of God, Diamanda Galás, Malevolence, and Inger Lorre

Metal and hard rock stars Diamanda Galás, Lamb of God's Randy Blythe, Inger Lorre and Malevolence frontman Alex Taylor discuss balancing the emotion with the noise, recording in Charlie Chaplin’s studio, and how an artist's duty is to reflect the times.Alex Taylor is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Malevolence, from Sheffield in the UK. They’re known for their ferocious sound and live shows, and have supported some of the biggest names in heavy metal including Trivium, Architects and Lam

Oct 07,2022 32:48

79. Quieten the mind through music, with Jitwam, GAIKA, Elle Shimada, and Nabihah Iqbal

Jitwam, GAIKA, Elle Shimada, and Nabihah Iqbal discuss what it means for your music when the place you’re from can’t be easily described, why they like making music when they’re bored, how musicians don’t think about genre when they’re creating music, and why listening to their own music at the gym is an odd experience.Jitwam is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist creating music that fuses funk with disco, punk and hip-hop. He’s based in New York but born and raised in India, Thailan

Sep 30,2022 30:57

80. Marinating in the vibe of a track, with You Me at Six, PVRIS, A Day to Remember and Cody Frost

You Me at Six's Josh Franceschi, Lynn Gunn of PVRIS, Cody Frost and A Day to Remember's Jeremy McKinnon discuss getting protective over their own original ideas, writing with people from different styles and genres, releasing music at 4am in the morning, and the importance of liking your own music.Josh Franceschi founded You Me at Six in 2006 with a group of school friends, and since then they’ve released seven studio albums of pop-punk and rock. Their most recent album SUCKAPUNCH reached number

Sep 23,2022 32:01

81. Don't eat junk food, with Tkay Maidza, Lolo Zouaï, and Chiiild

Tkay Maidza, Lolo Zouaï and Chiiild discuss why making music feels like having a superhero persona, the importance of sticking to the truth in lyrics, enjoying the search for inspiration, and why song writing is mostly just about talking to your collaborators.Tkay Maidza is a Zimbabwean-Australian multi-talented singer-songwriter and rapper. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe before moving to Australia when she was five years old, she originally trained for a tennis career, then studied architecture, befo

Sep 16,2022 31:57

82. The in-betweens of sonic space with Nandele, Batida, Turkana, and TYGAPAW

Nandele, Batida, Turkana, and TYGAPAW discuss how the sounds of Africa, and the African diaspora, influence their music, as well as the links between music and movement, how they make music to connect to home and the country they were born in, and why being ‘okay’ with your music is not good enough. Nandele is a DJ and producer from Mozambique, whose journey has taken him from the city of Maputo to the worldwide stage with his Afro-futurist sound, fusing instrumental hip-hop, dubstep, trap, and

Sep 10,2022 31:31

83. You can’t force creativity, with Lynks, Xenia Rubinos, Bingo Fury and NewDad's Julie Dawson

Ahead of the End of the Road festival in Dorset, England, Lynks, Xenia Rubinos, Bingo Fury and NewDad's Julie Dawson discuss the power of specificity when writing lyrics, how they find inspiration by writing from the perspective of fictional characters, and how the moment that you feel most creatively stuck is the moment just before you figure it out.Julie Dawson is the lead singer of the Irish alternative indie rock band NewDad. They formed as teenagers in Galway, inspired by bands such as The

Sep 02,2022 31:12

84. I'm always singing out of tune, with ANOHNI, Hannah Peel, Hayden Thorpe and Purity Ring's Megan James

ANOHNI, Hannah Peel, Hayden Thorpe and Purity Ring's Megan James discuss questions including what their music might sound like in an alternate universe.Hayden Thorpe is the frontman from the now disbanded Wild Beasts, and has moved to the north of England where his solo albums are inspired by the nature that surrounds him. UK-born singer, songwriter, and visual artist ANOHNI has had an eclectic career as a solo artist and as a member of the Mercury Prize-winning Antony and the Johnsons. She’s al

Aug 26,2022 31:50

85. Genres are a game with ÌFÉ, Matthew Halsall, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Maria Chiara Argiró

Otura Mun, Matthew Halsall, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Maria Chiara Argiró discuss how capitalism affects their music making, how the weight of history can alter their own creations, and the role of competitiveness has in the creative process.Otura Mun is a producer, percussionist, and band leader for the Afro-Caribbean ensemble ÌFÉ. He mastered the art of DJing, then got into west African drumming, before making a trip to Puerto Rico and staying there for 19 years. Matthew Halsall, is a compos

Aug 19,2022 32:02

86. Songwriting anger with Baby Queen, Powfu, Mae Muller, and Dylan Fraser

Baby Queen, Powfu, Mae Muller, and Dylan Fraser discuss why there’s always a little bit of “theft” in trying to sound like your heroes, why writing a song is multiple moments over extended periods of time, the snowball effect of starting in one place and ending in another, and how putting your phone down will inspire you.Music Life this week – once again – covers the musical spectrum in one show. Baby Queen is a South African pop singer who got her record deal during the first lockdowns of 2020.

Aug 12,2022 30:34

87. Melody rules all with Rostam, Lykke Li, Hatis Noit, and Barrie

Rostam, Lykke Li, Hatis Noit, and Barrie discuss what their favourite sounds are, their favourite stages of the songwriting process, and why they dislike working with producers, preferring to go it alone.Born in Washington DC to Iranian parents, Rostam was a founding member of Grammy-winning indie-pop band Vampire Weekend, and is now an in-demand producer and musician. He has worked with the likes of Haim, Solange and Frank Ocean, as well as releasing music under his own name.Lykke Li is a Swedi

Aug 05,2022 32:39

88. Don't underestimate boredom, with FINNEAS, Maggie Rogers, Sigrid and Röyksopp's Svein Berge

FINNEAS, Maggie Rogers, Sigrid and Röyksopp's Svein Berge discuss sticking to one musical identity, how making songs is like preparing a meal, and how to navigate other people’s expectations of their music.Sigrid began playing the piano aged seven. She’s released two studio albums, including 2022’s How To Let Go, and is currently one of the most essential names in pop. Viral folk-pop sensation Maggie Rogers is a multi-instrumentalist from Maryland, USA, whose music combines Folk, RnB, and electr

Jul 29,2022 41:57

89. Welsh-language music with Gwenno, Lleuwen, Hollie Singer (Adwaith) and Lloyd Steele

Gwenno, Lleuwen, Adwaith's Hollie Singer and Lloyd Steele discuss how they’ve been welcomed by the Welsh language community in the UK, why Welsh music needs an image change, and how they use language to express themselves through music.Gwenno is a Welsh singer, songwriter and electronic musician who started her career in the retro indie-pop group the Pipettes. She has three albums to date, and sings in both the Welsh and Cornish languages. Hollie Singer is the vocalist from Welsh indie lo-fi gro

Jul 22,2022 31:23

90. Rebel against what's expected, with Poliça, Erika Dohi, Real Estate, Twin Shadow and Bessie Turner

Poliça's Channy Leaneagh, Erika Dohi, Real Estate's Martin Courtney, Twin Shadow and Bessie Turner discuss the creative process during the pandemic, learning to not put too much pressure on themselves, and what dream concept album they would make if they had infinite time and resourcesChanny Leaneagh has played violin in folk-rock bands, played as part of 25-piece Minnesotan indie-rock group Gayngs, and collaborated with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. In 2011 she founded the band Poliça, who fuse ele

Jul 15,2022 30:44

91. Take courage and say something with Branko, Rita Vian, Dino D'Santiago and ZenGxrl

Branko, Rita Vian, Dino D'Santiago and ZenGxrl discuss creating music in post-pandemic Lisbon, the balancing of new and traditional sounds, and loving the flaws of the voice.DJ and producer Branko draws inspiration from the music and the people across the Portuguese-speaking world, first as part of rap group Buraka som Sistema and then as a standalone artist, fusing techno and global club sounds with Zouk and Angolan Kuduro music. Rita Vian is a Portuguese singer who combines both traditional fa

Jul 08,2022 30:19

92. Writing is therapy, with Natalia Lacunza, Birdy, Matt Maltese and Silvana Estrada

Natalia Lacunza, Birdy, Matt Maltese and Silvana Estrada talk about the importance of being your own friend, out-of-body experiences when playing live, how being in the studio is like being a child again, and how they find the middle ground between self-doubt and ego.Spanish singer-songwriter Natalia Lacunza's music career was kickstarted by her appearance on the TV singing competition Operación Triunfo. Her music blends elements of bedroom pop with electronic overtones and heartfelt lyrics.Mexi

Jul 01,2022 29:56

93. Keep your music in the fridge with QuinzeQuinze, Bonnie Banane, HSRS, Sébastien Forrester and Photay

Bonnie Banane, HSRS, Sébastien Forrester, Photay and QuinzeQuinze's Tsi Min discuss downloading ideas, why music is like a dish with an infinite number of ingredients, and the importance of not drowning in words.Tsi Min formed the French-Tahiti group QuinzeQuinze with a bunch of close friends who met at art school in Paris. Their music is electronic in nature, but draws on the sounds and traditions of their French-Polynesian heritage. French alt-pop star Bonnie Banane has a unique experimental s

Jun 24,2022 31:28

94. Do weird stuff and have fun doing it, with Nova Twins, Dream Wife, Cassyette and Yonaka

Nova Twins, Cassyette, Dream Wife's Alice Go and Theresa Jarvis of Yonaka discuss how their music is like a lair full of poisonous frogs, writing in windowless rooms, how laptops have been an intimate sketchpad for the way they write music, making unusual sounds with smashed glass, and why a song doesn’t have to be personal to be meaningful.Nova Twins are one of the most exciting bands of the last 20 years. Amy and Georgia bring their metal energy to new audiences around the world, and have been

Jun 17,2022 35:05

95. Meltdown festival with Jessie Ware, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dave Okumu and Eska

Jessie Ware, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dave Okumu and Eska discuss why you shouldn’t appease anybody with your music, loving the souls of your audience, keeping in your mistakes, why music is an essential part of existence, being a jack of all trades, and why finishing a song isn’t necessarily a process of letting go.The legendary Grace Jones curates this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, London, so Music Life is bringing together a selection of artists playing, and some of their musi

Jun 10,2022 32:34

96. Music is abstract, lyrics are concrete, with Elvis Costello, Marisa Monte, Jorge Drexler and Leo Sidran

Elvis Costello, Marisa Monte, Jorge Drexler and Leo Sidran discuss how to create emotional lyrics, shouting to make yourself heard, arriving at the idea of a song through its title, competing with the scale of music, and working in multiple languages.Elvis Costello is a singer, songwriter, and producer who has sold millions of records both as a solo artist and with his amazing bands. His diverse genres and thoughtful lyrics have earned him various accolades including two Grammys, and an inductio

Jun 03,2022 41:54

97. The colour of sound with Eyal El Wahab, Ana Kravanja, Kees Berkers, and Bex Burch

Eyal El Wahab, Ana Kravanja, Kees Berkers, and Bex Burch discuss being in love with an instrument, not really knowing what you’re doing, moving sounds through your body, and using instruments made out of pumpkins.Eyal El Wahab is a Yemeni-Israeli musician who leads the four-piece folk jazz group El Khat, based in Tel Aviv and featuring musicians from Iraq, Poland, and Morocco. Slovenian musician Ana Kravanja plays on traditional, classic, and self-made instruments. She is one third of Slovenian

May 27,2022 27:05

98. Being country is being yourself, with Scotty McCreery, Tenille Arts, Matt Stell and Hailey Whitters

Country music stars Scotty McCreery, Tenille Arts, Matt Stell and Hailey Whitters discuss scrapping all of their work after the pandemic, trying to fit in to country radio, relating to fans who go through the same struggles, and being true to yourself in your writing.Scotty McCreery is a singer-songwriter from North Carolina, USA, and he loves those mountains. And his truck. He started playing guitar at the age of 9 or 10, and sang at school and at church. At 16 he auditioned for American Idol,

May 20,2022 28:40

99. Eurovision 2022 with Cornelia Jakobs, MARO, Alexandra Rotan (KEiiNO), SuRie and Dami Im

Two of this year's Eurovision hopefuls, Cornelia Jakobs and MARO, meet three former contestants - SuRie, Dami Im and KEiiNO's Alexandra Rotan - to discuss how writing music in rooms with strangers is like speed dating, the expectation that fans have of their sound, why there’s no formula to win the competition, and the strength in simplicity.Susanna Marie Cork, better known as SuRie, was the 2018 UK entry for the competition. Dance-pop singer-songwriter Alexandra Rotan is a member of the super g

May 13,2022 33:39

100. Heal yourself, with Carlotta Cosials, Depresión Sonora, NAVXJA and BERNARDA

Spanish musicians Carlotta Cosials, Depresión Sonora, NAVXJA and BERNARDA discuss why the best ideas happen when you’re happy, improvising lyrics, understanding different ways of writing, getting into music because of heartbreak, washing dishes and riding your bike to get ideas, and living like a vampire.Carlotta Cosials is the lead singer of the Spanish group Hinds. Depresión Sonora's dark brand of post-punk has rocked Spain since his first release in May 2020. He expresses the anxieties and fr

May 06,2022 29:26

101. You can't please everyone with Enny, Priya Ragu, Hatchie and Miso Extra

Enny, Priya Ragu, Hatchie and Miso Extra discuss writing gibberish, why music is a form of catharsis and mindfulness, repurposing melodies, holding on to demos, and dealing with the haters.Enitan Adepitan, better known as Enny, is a London-based rapper, singer and songwriter who started on the mic at primary school. Her music blends sharp, honest lyrics with beats rooted in the gospel, jazz, hip-hop and garage she grew up listening to.Australian singer-songwriter Hatchie has been dubbed the “dre

Apr 29,2022 27:02

102. Song separation anxiety with Noon Garden, Go Kurosawa, Yukimi Nagano and Serra Petale

Noon Garden, Go Kurosawa, Yukimi Nagano and Serra Petale discuss why they’re happiest when they’re hitting things, seeing every song you make as if it’s your first, the importance of renewal to stay fresh, why you can’t be emotionally detached from your music, and the evolution of the demo to release day.Charles Prest, a.k.a. Noon Garden, is a British-Nigerian-Jamaican musician and founding member of the international psych band Flamingods, who have been creating funky psychedelic music inspired

Apr 22,2022 31:50

103. 'I don't have an identity beyond music', with Planningtorock, Peaches, Hard Feelings and Colin Self

Planningtorock, Peaches, Hard Feelings and Colin Self discuss bullying themselves into releasing music, audio as a weapon against apathy, why there's no shelf life on great music, using music-making process as a tool for self-discovery, and making sounds with their bodies.Jam Rahuoja Rostron, also known as Planningtorock, is a singer-songwriter, producer, composer and director from Bolton, England now based in Tallin, Estonia. They experiment with electronic sounds, digital instruments, and mani

Apr 15,2022 32:09

104. Songwriting is painful with Allysha Joy, Latanya Alberto, Joya Mooi and TEEKS

Allysha Joy, Latanya Alberto, Joya Mooi and TEEKS discuss why they like disagreeing, the balance between the sweet and the dark, feeling confident enough to share your story and feel vulnerable, and feeling the pain and joy in articulating your emotion perfectly in song form.Allysha Joy is a Melbourne-based soul and jazz singer, poet and performer, and is also the lead vocalist for the collective 30/70.Amsterdam-based neo-soul singer and songwriter Latanya Alberto started writing poetry as a tee

Apr 08,2022 27:13

105. Best songs use the worst equipment with JyellowL, shiv, Kojaque and Gemma Dunleavy

JyellowL, shiv, Kojaque and Gemma Dunleavy, four key voices on the Dublin music scene, discuss the art of storytelling, the importance of showing up, and how being an artist is a walking contradiction.JyellowL is a Nigerian-born rapper based in Dublin, Ireland. Influenced by the city’s thriving underground hip-hop scene, his music is packed with socially conscious lyrics that deal with everything from racism to the climate crisis. His debut album 2020 Division was nominated for Irish Album of th

Apr 01,2022 31:22

106. Clean the house before recording with Poppy Ackroyd, Büşra Kayıkçı, Sven Helbig and Hania Rani

Ahead of World Piano Day next week, Poppy Ackroyd, Büşra Kayıkçı, Sven Helbig and Hania Rani discuss not putting your thoughts on paper, why composing is a game, the frustration around discovering a melody that already exists, why humming is a good way of getting your ideas down, and thinking about songs for a couple of years before recording them.Poppy Ackroyd is a British composer, pianist and violinist who creates atmospheric music blending classical instruments with electronic music. Last ye

Mar 25,2022 29:43

107. The gaming community with Olivier Deriviere, Lena Raine, Joris de Man and Chipzel

Olivier Deriviere, Lena Raine, Joris de Man and Chipzel answer listeners' questions about making music for video games, in a special of edition of Music Life for the World Service Festival. The group will be discussing everything from composing vertically and horizontally, how to write music that reacts to your game playing, and easy ways of building energy, to using artificial intelligence in composition, balancing the music with sound effects, and arguing with yourself. Olivier Deriviere is a

Mar 18,2022 32:14

108. Know the rules so you can break them, with L'Rain, Keyon Harrold, Hinako Omori and Sinkane

L'Rain, Keyon Harrold, Hinako Omori and Sinkane discuss not getting stuck on the details, the visceral versus the cerebral, why there's nothing like those vibrations in the room where you play, and why writing music is like walking to the shops.L’Rain is an experimental multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and vocalist from New York, who makes music that is an intoxicating blend of R&B, free jazz, noise music, and orchestral pop. She was also once in an Iron Maiden covers band. Jazz trumpeter, voca

Mar 11,2022 34:19

109. The research project with Kiefer, Malaya, Mia Gladstone and DJ Harrison

Kiefer, Malaya, Mia Gladstone and DJ Harrison discuss music as an aural journal, forcing yourself to write, why making music is a good excuse to research what has gone before, and why half the battle when making music is consumed by complaining.Kiefer is a jazz pianist and producer based in Los Angeles, who expertly blends live jazz piano improvisation with electronic beats. He started producing beats at around the age of 12 before moving from San Diego to LA to study jazz piano under Kenny Burr

Mar 04,2022 30:58

110. Carnaval do Brasil, with Thiago França, Beto, Maíra Freitas and Flaira Ferro

Thiago França, Beto, Maíra Freitas and Flaira Ferro discuss what it’s like to be a musician during Brazil's carnival season, how the festivities vary across the country, why it’s so closely linked to cultural identity, its magical rhythms, and why the festival also has a serious side.Thiago França, a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist living in São Paulo, plays saxophone for the Afro-samba-punk trio Metá Metá and has contributed to albums by artists such as Criolo, Elza Soares and for

Feb 25,2022 27:47

111. Sleeping with your instruments with Elsa y Elmar, Will Joseph Cook, Soko and Jules Crommelin (Parcels)

Columbian spiritual pop artist Elsa y Elmar is joined by Will Joseph Cook, Soko and Jules Crommelin to discuss why musicians have negative thoughts while working alone, and how to preserve the unpredictable magic of the demo recording process.Now based in Los Angeles, French singer-songwriter, model, and actress Soko makes moody, sultry indie-pop music. After a musical hiatus, she returned in 2020 with her third album Feel Feelings, which tackles themes of queer love, therapy, toxic relationship

Feb 18,2022 29:42

112. Kryptonite to my ears with Joel Culpepper, Mysie, Anaiis, and TYSON

Joel Culpepper, Mysie, Anaiis, and TYSON discuss navigating your own voice, knowing who you are, and the importance of not thinking about the mainstream or making music you hate.Joel Culpepper grew up in South London, where he was introduced to gospel music at church from a young age. He’s renowned for being one of the best and most consistent singers coming out of the UK, and has earned fans including Stevie Wonder, Paloma Faith, former Music Life guests Tom Misch and Kojey Radical.Mysie is a L

Feb 11,2022 29:44

113. Making your music sound 'human', with Heba Kadry, Sarah Davachi, Marta Salogni and Faten Kanaan

Heba Kadry, Sarah Davachi, Marta Salogni and Faten Kanaan discuss why limitations can push creativity, how instruments can be an extension of the body, and why sounding “human” is better than pure perfection.Egyptian-born, Brooklyn-based mastering and mixing engineer Heba Kadry has worked with the likes of Beach House, serpentwithfeet, the Mars Volta, Yaeji and former Music Life guest Mykki Blanco. She also collaborated with Bjork on the iconic Utopia album, and worked on a number of film soundt

Feb 04,2022 27:45

114. Stay hydrated with Cakes Da Killa, UNIIQU3, Shaun Ross and Jubilee

Cakes Da Killa, UNIIQU3, Shaun Ross and Jubilee talk about how to tell if the track you’re working on is really hitting the mark, the spaces they’re creative in and what they look like, and their best – and worst – collaborations.Rashard Bradshaw, better known as the Brooklyn-based rapper Cakes Da Killa, blends ‘90s grit with club beats, dipping into electronic and house genres. His lyrics are witty, unapologetic, and promote Black excellence and LGBTQ+ visibility in the hip-hop world and the wi

Jan 28,2022 28:38

115. Musical collage with Mad Professor, Suzanne Ciani, Matthew E. White and Georgia Anne Muldrow

Mad Professor, Suzanne Ciani, Matthew E. White and Georgia Anne Muldrow discuss how listening to music lets you travel through time, packaging their work into album form, and which part of the music-making process they enjoy the most.Matthew E. White is a singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger from Richmond, Virginia. He blends folk, gospel, AOR, rock, disco, and psychedelic sounds. He’s also worked with the likes of Sharon Van Etten, Bedouine, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, and Slow Club.Suzanne

Jan 21,2022 29:57

116. The great Black music symposium with Angel Bat Dawid, Qur'an Shaheed, Dr Adam Zanolini and Ben LaMar Gay

Qur'an Shaheed, Dr Adam Zanolini and Ben LaMar Gay join composer, improviser, clarinetist, and pianist Angel Bat Dawid to discuss the importance of not conforming, the struggle to find money to do what you love doing, recognising what your gifts are, and the experience of being diasporic African and its influence on your music.Qur'an Shaheed is an experimental pianist, poet, singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles, whose music blends jazz, neo-soul, RnB and neo-classical. She started her musi

Jan 14,2022 31:08

117. Found sounds with Matthew Herbert, Matmos, Nwando Ebizie and Kate Carr

Matthew Herbert, Kate Carr, Nwando Ebizie and Matmos's Martin Schmidt discuss making music from 'found sound' and field recordings, and the ethical, social and political implications that arise when you push music to its extreme. What happens when you record the sounds of a surgeon performing plastic surgery and turn it into an album? How can the sounds of a traffic intersection become music? Are there some sounds that you simply can't make music from?Matthew Herbert is an artist based in the se

Jan 07,2022 32:16

118. Bass: How low can you go? with Laura Lee, Blu DeTiger, Karina Rykman and Adeline

Bass players Laura Lee, Blu DeTiger, Karina Rykman and Adeline discuss what the low end brings to music, why playing for an audience is an unbeatable experience, and how where they’re from inspires their sound.Laura Lee is the bassist in Khruangbin, formed with guitarist Mark Speer and drummer DJ Johnson Jr back in 2009 in Houston, Texas. Their music blends everything from rock, psych, funk, surf, and dub influences from across the world.Blu DeTiger is a bassist and DJ from New York. She started

Dec 31,2021 28:56

119. Home for the holidays with MØ, Sigrid, Tove Lo and Alma

Nordic pop superstars MØ, Sigrid, Tove Lo and Alma discuss writing songs on your holidays, which elements work best for their songwriting, and why Scandinavians are so good at making pop music.Karen Ørsted, better known as Danish singer and songwriter MØ, is an electro-pop star who blends different genres to make a sound that’s uniquely hers. She grew up listening to punk music and this is definitely something that’s influenced her most recent work. She’s worked with the likes of Iggy Azalea, Ma

Dec 24,2021 32:55

120. Let words come out of your body with Kae Tempest, Porridge Radio, Goat Girl and Dan Carey

Kae Tempest, Porridge Radio's Dana Margolin, Lottie Cream of Goat Girl and producer Dan Carey discuss letting go of the idea of who you are, going in hard onstage, unlocking time through repetition, being bad at singing, and mistakes on records..Lottie Pendlebury, AKA Lottie Cream, is part of the post-punk band Goat Girl, whose latest album, On All Fours, was released earlier this year. Lottie says they use their music to “explore global, humanitarian, environmental and mindful wellbeing, throug

Dec 17,2021 31:15

121. 'I modelled my studio on a sauna' with Sylvan Esso, Alexis Taylor, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Ed Russell

Sylvan Esso's Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Overmono's Ed Russell discuss how they make their music.Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn are the electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso. They’ve been nominated for a Grammy, played some of the world’s biggest festivals, and worked with the likes of TuneYards, Flock of Dimes, and Robert Glasper – all of whom have been on previous episode of Music Life.Alexis Taylor is the lead singer, keyboard player and guitarist

Dec 10,2021 30:53

122. The 'look at me' gene with Poté, Pierre Kwenders, TSHA and Heléna Star

Poté, Pierre Kwenders, TSHA and Heléna Star discuss what the 'look at me' gene actually is, why music is nothing without dancing, what they’ve learned about themselves through music, and the legacy of what they’d like to leave behind.St-Lucia-born artist Poté combines Caribbean percussion, electronic sounds, and emotive songwriting that caught the attention of Damon Albarn, who appeared on his latest album A Tenuous Tale of Her.Pierre Kwenders is a Congolese-Canadian musician known for dismantli

Dec 03,2021 29:37

123. The writing room with Kirby, Gallant, Baby Rose and Durand Bernarr

Four of the most exciting names in contemporary R&B - Kirby, Gallant, Baby Rose and Durand Bernarr - discuss the secrets of their craft, from being vulnerable enough to expose what they're going through in the writing room, to thinking of music as candle scents. Kirby started her career by setting herself the challenge of writing a song a day on YouTube - 302 days later she signed to Jay Z's label Roc Nation, and since then she has penned music for Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and she

Nov 26,2021 32:40

124. Rey Sapienz, Toya Delazy, Catu Diosis and Hagan

Afro-rave and Afro-bass stars Rey Sapienz, Toya Delazy, Catu Diosis and Hagan discuss making the music faster so it feels like a workout, what traditional elements make their way into their music, and the importance of dancing while creating.Rey Sapienz is a producer from the DRC, who relocated to Kampala in Uganda during the Congolese civil war. He started rapping at the age 12, and was the first person ever to spit his lyrics over the traditional Congolese soukous, earning him the nickname El

Nov 19,2021 29:38

125. Throwing laptops across the room with Lauren Mayberry, Bartees Strange, Ellie Rowsell and Hannah Reid

Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry, US indie star Bartees Strange, Ellie Rowsell of Mercury Prize winners Wolf Alice and London Grammar's Hannah Reid discuss writing routines, throwing laptops across the room, falling between musical worlds, why polarising art is the best, and the realities of touring.Lauren Mayberry fronts Scottish band Chvrches. Their glittering career has seen them release four albums, tour with Two Door Cinema Club, Depeche Mode and Passion Pit, and collaborate with the likes o

Nov 12,2021 29:53

126. Vintage v modern with James Petralli, Jeff Parker, Heba Kadry, Eric Pulido and McKenzie Smith

White Denim frontman James Petralli, Jeff Parker, Heba Kadry and Midlake's Eric Pulido and McKenzie Smith discuss using vintage equipment and “mid-life vintage purchases”, why the sound they make comes from their hands, and why being a musician mostly means reacting to your environment.James Petralli is aTexas-based musician and frontman of lo-fi noisemakers White Denim. Jeff Parker, is an LA-based multi-instrumentalist and composer who blends everything from jazz to rock via electronics. He’s a

Nov 05,2021 29:02

127. 'My studio is a mess', with Julien Baker, mxmtoon, Thao Nguyen and Quinn Christopherson

Julien Baker, mxmtoon, Thao Nguyen and Quinn Christopherson discuss how to separate work life and leisure time, learning to embrace being selfish, and failing at keeping your studio tidy,Julien Baker is one-third of the group boygenius, along with Grammy-nominated Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. She describes her music as “indie folk” and in it explores her relationship with faith, addiction, friends, and the human condition. Her third album, Little Oblivions, was released earlier this year.Join

Oct 29,2021 31:37

128. The three things you need to write a song, with Zara Larsson, Nina Nesbitt, Brian Higgins, Darin and Jörgen Elofsson

Zara Larsson, Nina Nesbitt, Brian Higgins, Darin and Jörgen Elofsson discuss how important avoiding competition is, how getting dropped from a label affects your self-esteem and the creative process, and how difficult being both a fan of music and a musician can be.Darin is a Kurdish-Swedish vocalist. He started writing songs at 14 and signed his first record deal at 17. He’s co-written with pop icon Robyn, released 8 albums, set up his own record company, and is now the most played artist on Sw

Oct 22,2021 33:42

129. Chaotic composing with Jabu Morales, Luedji Luna, Céu and Sara Tavares

Jabu Morales, Luedji Luna, Céu and Sara Tavares discuss how chaotic composing can be, what’s it’s like to write music as a mother, singing in multiple languages, and recording with musical legends.Jabu Morales is a Brazillian vocalist and percussionist, and a member of the band Ayom, which blends “century old traditions with the black and rhythmical language of lusophone cultures”. Jabu also teaches percussion and studies Candomblé and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, as well as working as a solo artist.

Oct 15,2021 27:57

130. The beauty of sampling with Anchorsong, Loraine James, Gold Panda and Sandunes

Anchorsong, Loraine James, Gold Panda and Sandunes discuss what song they'd make it they knew billions of people were going to listen to it, being guided by samples, the importance of keeping in the mistakes, and the art of making organic sounds.Masaaki Yoshida is better known as Anchorsong, an electronic musician and producer originally from Tokyo. He describes his music as being “borderless”, fusing dance music and samples with elements of rock, hip-hop and electronica. Sanaya Aredeshir, also

Oct 08,2021 28:59

131. All my instruments have names with Esperanza Spalding, Marcos Valle, Patrick Paige II and Tom Misch

Esperanza Spalding, Marcos Valle, Patrick Paige II and Tom Misch discuss why playing music is dangerous, the sound of your first love, why drinking on stage is a bad idea, first takes v lots of practice, and recording an orchestra in one take.Grammy-winning bassist, singer and composer Esperanza Spalding has performed at the White House for Barack and Michelle Obama’s Stevie Wonder tribute, and after a jam session with Prince, was invited to perform for his BET Lifetime Achievement Award tribute

Oct 01,2021 31:41

132. The cost of being honest with Cola Boyy, Faye Webster, Cherry Glazerr and Juan Wauters

Cola Boyy, Faye Webster, Juan Wauters and Cherry Glazerr's Clementine Creevy discuss why it takes leaving a town or city to appreciate it, not writing any lyrics down, how to make songs catchy, using movies for inspiration, and why songwriters have no privacy anymore.Cola Boyy is a self-taught musician and singer from Los Angeles. He released his debut album, Prosthetic Boombox, in June this year. The lyrics are inspired by his real life experiences, including being a person of colour with a dis

Sep 24,2021 25:09

133. I'm not hyperpop with Mallrat, Ninajirachi, Daine and Donatachi

Young Australians Mallrat, Ninajirachi, Daine and Donatachi look into the epicentre of the media term ‘hyperpop’. It’s bubble-gum sweet, with chaotic synth sounds mixed with pop and autotuned vocals, and the volume turned up to 11. Together, they discuss feeling old in the hyperpop genre (they’re all in their teens, or early 20s), not having any musical training, why face-to-face sessions are tough, how Daine’s autism feeds into her music, and how they feel when their music gets put in a playlis

Sep 17,2021 32:29

134. Limitless technology with Tom Furse, Caroline Shaw, Holly Herndon, Arushi Jain and Mat Dryhurst

Tom Furse, Caroline Shaw, Holly Herndon, Arushi Jain and Mat Dryhurst discuss why using computers makes their music feel more human, using the sound of plant pots, and how new technology will be viewed as old fashioned and retro in a few years.Tom Furse is the keyboard player with British rock band the Horrors, and is also a producer, remix artist, and “maker of music”. He’s talking to Arushi Jain, a composer, pianist, synthesist, and singer from New York who grew up in Delhi. She blends her com

Sep 10,2021 30:26

135. Singing is cool again with Sinead Harnett, Grades, Jae Stephens and Monro

Sinead Harnett, Grades, Jae Stephens and Monro discuss why naming songs is the easy part, balancing life and music, the importance of breaking away from music in order to live and gain experiences to write about, and the influence of R&B on their sound.Born in the UK before moving to Los Angeles, Sinead Harnett's latest record, Ready Is Always Too Late, is about “[embodying] the best version of yourself”. She’s worked with musical heavyweights such as Disclosure, Rudimental, EARTHGANG and Lucky

Sep 03,2021 31:58

136. Notting Hill Carnival with General Levy, Lady Banton, Mikey Dread and Alicai Harley

As the world famous Notting Hill Carnival isn’t taking place this year, we thought we’d have a party of our own, Caribbean style. Ragga artist and MC General Levy leads the charge. His parents were Trinidadian, and from an early age he started to write lyrics and form sound systems. If you don’t recognise the name, then you’ll definitely know the voice; Incredible, his ’94 track with M-Beat, changed the changed the sound of jungle and drum & bass forever. Joining him is carnival royalty, the sel

Aug 27,2021 31:24

137. The importance of space with Cassandra Jenkins, Arooj Aftab and Charlotte Dos Santos

Cassandra Jenkins, Arooj Aftab and Charlotte Dos Santos discuss being inspired by physical spaces that no longer exist, the emotional aspects of releasing music, why you never really complete a piece of work, and why handing music into your label is a bit like running for a flight.Cassandra Jenkins is an indie-folk musician and songwriter from New York. She’s always been surrounded by music, growing up with musical parents, and her latest album An Overview on Phenomenal Nature was released earli

Aug 20,2021 30:04

138. School first, music second with Vagabon, Vieux Farka Touré, Mary Lattimore and Mereba

Vagabon, Vieux Farka Touré, Mary Lattimore and Mereba discuss the impact family can have on musical journeys, the perks and perils of collaborating with other musicians, and how cultural origins can mean that a musical life is looked down upon.This week’s host is Laetitia Tamko, better known as Vagabon. Born in Cameroon and growing up in New York City, Vagabon’s music fuses pop, indie and punk. Her debut album Infinite Worlds was released in 2017, taking influence from a huge span of genres, eve

Aug 13,2021 28:40

139. An instrument of healing with Jenn Wasner, Helado Negro, Meg Duffy and Joseph Shabason

Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak and Flock of Dimes, Roberto Lange (aka Helado Negro), Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy and saxophonist Joseph Shabason discuss music as a form of healing and the impact it has both on themselves and those who listen to it, not being able to find the right thing to say when they’re approached after a show, and how selfishness can benefit the creative process.Roberto Lange, aka Helado Negro, is an Ecuadorian-American singer, songwriter and producer. His 2019 album, This Is How You Smi

Aug 06,2021 29:23

140. When fans don't like your best song with Ray BLK, Joeboy, 2baba and Ayra Starr

Joeboy, Ray BLK, 2baba and Ayra Starr discuss their best choruses, the direction Nigerian music is going in, mums crying to their music, and why it’s important to remember: “if I can't remember the lyrics or melody to my own song, how can anybody else?”Mr Eazi protégé Joeboy blends Afrobeats, R&B and pop and was discovered online covering Ed Sheeran. He’s just released his debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic. 2Baba is one of Nigeria's biggest pop icons. He's a singer, songwriter, produ

Jul 30,2021 30:14

141. 'Good for the ego, bad for the soul' with Manika Kaur, Ali Riaz Baqar, Gurujas Khalsa and Abi Sampa

Manika Kaur, Ali Riaz Baqar, Gurujas Khalsa and Abi Sampa discuss individual definitions of success, why you're going to offend somebody no matter what music you make, the rollercoaster effect, and what their studio spaces look like.Manika Kaur is a singer and contemporary performer of Sikh kirtan music. Predominately performed by men in gurdwara temples, kirtans are devotional singing or sacred chants. Manika is changing the landscape of the music by reinterpreting, recording, and performing ou

Jul 23,2021 31:03

142. Giving voice to the voiceless with Ian Brennan, Alex Magaga, Van-Anh Vo and Gilbert Uwitonze

Producer Ian Brennan, Alex Magaga of the Tanzania Albinism Collective, Hanoi Masters musical director Van-Anh Vo and Rwandan folk musician Gilbert Uwitonze discuss how members of a community can intuitively start singing despite never having heard music before, accidents in the recording process (including a very loud cow), and music being a release from persecution.Ian Brennan is a Grammy-winning producer, author, musician, and field recordist who’s been described as a “modern heir to the legen

Jul 16,2021 29:44

143. Everybody is a musician with Tshepang, Chelsea Wolfe, Anna von Hausswolff and Colin Greenwood

Tshepang Ramoba of BLK JKS is joined by Chelsea Wolfe, Anna von Hausswolff and Radiohead's Colin Greenwood to discuss simplifying complex music, why Africa is in all music, making sounds that can't ever be created again, and the inspiration behind the artwork to Radiohead’s In Rainbows.Tshepang Ramoba is the drummer and band leader of BLK JKS, a South African Art-Rock based in Johannesburg. He's joined by Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood, a former Music Life host himself, who he met a few years ago w

Jul 09,2021 29:33

144. Forgetting the words on stage with Stuart Braithwaite, David Pajo, Rachel Goswell and Du Blonde

Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite, Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, Slint's David Pajo, and Beth Jeans Houghton - aka Du Blonde - discuss how much they care about their live shows sounding like the record, and that awkward moment when you forget the words to your own song live on stage.Stuart Braithwaite is a guitarist, songwriter and vocalist in Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, who have released 10 studio albums since forming in 1995. Their most recent record, As the Love Continues, went to number one in th

Jul 02,2021 26:03

145. 100th episode: Best of the guests

We celebrate Music Life’s 100th episode with some of the highlights from Episodes 50–100. Pop icon and previous Music Life host Melanie C is back to guide us through some of the show’s biggest moments so far. So far in the series we’ve heard Hans Zimmer explain how he went from playing in a new wave pop band to composing for the biggest films in the world, Moonchild Sanelly on what she can’t say in her music, David Byrne on the pressure to do something different, Kranium on how he made his best

Jun 25,2021 01:29:32

146. The tricky third album with Japanese Breakfast, Julia Stone, Black Belt Eagle Scout and Becca Mancari

Japanese Breakfast, Julia Stone, Black Belt Eagle Scout and Becca Mancari discuss why the third album is often the trickiest to make, meeting your heroes in airports, the role producers play in allowing you to tell your story, and getting Hollywood actors to appear in your videos.Japanese Breakfast is very much the artist of the moment, having released the highly anticipated third album Jubilee. She blends the multiple facets of Pop with Indie, Chamber, and Shoegaze, was born in Seoul and grew u

Jun 18,2021 28:46

147. 'Are you proud of your music?' with Billy Nomates, Simone Marie Butler, Xenia Rubinos and Radie Peat

British post-punk newcomer Billy Nomates talks to Simone Marie Butler, Xenia Rubinos and Radie Peat about the pressures of living up to expectations, whether or not they feel proud of their work so far, and songs they write when they think no one else will hear them.Simone Marie Butler is best known as the bassist in rock band Primal Scream. She’s also recorded with Joel Culpepper, the Stooges’ James Williamson, and the Horrors’ Faris Badwan. Xenia Rubinos is a singer, songwriter and multi-instr

Jun 11,2021 29:31

148. 'Songwriting made me who I am' with Ice T, Aurora, Amy Lee and Oli Sykes

Amy Lee, Ice T, Aurora and Oli Sykes discuss how they how they got into music, how music has affected their personal growth, and how they work through creative differences with their collaborators.Amy Lee from Grammy Award-winning US Rock band Evanescence is on hosting duties, and she’s invited some of her favourite artists and collaborators to join her, starting with seminal rapper and producer Ice T. Ice has recently teamed up with Evanescence on the track When I’m Gone, and collaborated with

Jun 04,2021 30:55

149. Bullied for making music with Will Joseph Cook, dodie, Boys World and Alfie Templeman

Will Joseph Cook, Olivia and Queenie from Boys World, dodie, and Alfie Templeman discuss whether they share their creative processes on social media, overcoming industry stigma for being an 'internet artist', and finding strength in being who you are.Will Joseph Cook is a singer-songwriter and self-taught producer from Kent, England. He signed with Atlantic Records when he was 17, and released his debut album Sweet Dreamer in 2017. His second record, Something to Feel Good About, came out on his

May 28,2021 29:10

150. Getting personal with Lila Iké, Sevana, Jaz Elise and Naomi Cowan

Jamaican rising stars Lila Iké, Sevana, Jaz Elise and Naomi Cowan discuss whether or not they think about genre when creating, how much they write about their personal lives in their music, and how their experiences as a woman in the music industry are reflected in their songs.Lila Iké is a Jamaican singer-songwriter whose genreless sound fuses contemporary reggae with elements of soul, dancehall and hip-hop. She signed to Protoje's In.Digg.Nation label in 2017 and released her debut EP, The ExP

May 21,2021 32:16

151. Eurovision! With Conchita Wurst, Duncan Laurence, Daði Freyr and Emmelie de Forest

Emmelie de Forest, Conchita Wurst, Duncan Laurence and Daði Freyr share their experiences of the Eurovision Song Contest, including what makes a winning Eurovision entry, how taking part in the Contest has influenced their music outside of Eurovision, and the personal stories they tell through their songs.Emmelie de Forest won the Eurovision Song Contest for Denmark in 2013 with her song Only Teardrops. She has gone on to release two albums, and in 2017 she co-wrote the UK’s Eurovision entry Nev

May 14,2021 35:06

152. Music as a tool for self-expression with Biig Piig, Nayana IZ, Puma Blue and Louis Culture

Biig Piig, Nayana IZ, Puma Blue and Louis Culture explore the power of community, how social media has affected the way they make music, and what it's like to make music as an introvert.Biig Piig blends soul-tinged melodies over hip-hop and pop beats with lyrics in English and Spanish. After growing up between Ireland and Spain, she moved to London and joined the Nine8 music collective alongside Nayana IZ.Born in India and raised in North London, Nayana was named on BBC Asian Network's 2020 Futu

May 07,2021 24:08

153. Influences and identity with Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Brandee Younger and Alissia

Soul producer and composer Adrian Younge, A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad, American harpist Brandee Younger, and Geneva-born, New York-based producer and bassist Alissia go deep on the decade that most inspired them musically, the fight for equality in the music industry, and using their music to show respect for what's come before.Adrian Younge is a musician, broadcaster and DJ who founded the LA-based label Linear Labs. He has scored for film and TV and his production credits inclu

Apr 30,2021 32:54

154. Creative catharsis with Gazelle Twin, Lucrecia Dalt, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Keeley Forsyth

Gazelle Twin, Lucrecia Dalt, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Keeley Forsyth, four artists making truly original music outside of the mainstream, discuss how they use electronics to build different themes in their music, working within and breaking out of their sonic comfort zones, and how making music leads to creative catharsis.Composer and producer Gazelle Twin explores industrial and avant-garde sounds through her albums, soundtracks and remixes. Her latest record, Deep England, sees her collaborate wi

Apr 23,2021 31:30

155. Give it some space with Alex Isley, Tiffany Gouché, India Shawn and Gwen Bunn

Alex Isley, Tiffany Gouché, India Shawn and Gwen Bunn discuss the creative foundations of songwriting – how has your sound evolved over time? How do you finish a track that you’ve been working on for ages? And crucially, how do you know if a song is actually good?R&B and soul singer-songwriter Alex Isley grew up surrounded by the musical influences of her father and uncle’s band, the Isley Brothers. Her classical vocal training and jazz background have shaped her three self-written and produced

Apr 16,2021 35:12

156. 'I was told I was too much' with will.i.am, Static & Ben El, Lioness and Lady Leshurr

will.i.am, Static & Ben El, Lioness and Lady Leshurr take a deep dive into beatmaking, how to collaborate with other artists, and the best way of writing a song - from getting ideas down with a pen and paper, to just getting on the mic and seeing what happens. Hip Hop innovator, songwriter and producer will.i.am has released eight records over 22 years with the Black Eyed Peas, which he formed in 1995. He has released four albums as a solo artist and is one of the world’s most in-demand producer

Apr 09,2021 31:43

157. Muted musicians with Liraz, Bedouine, Daniel Smienk and Tolga Boyuk

Liraz, Bedouine, Daniel Smienk and Tolga Boyuk discuss the link between music and heritage, turning the past into the future through music, and how to be creative whilst navigating obstacles.Liraz is an Israeli singer, actress and dancer of Iranian descent, whose latest album, Zan (which translates to "women" in Farsi), features collaborations recorded in secret with Iranian artists. Her music combines the traditional sounds of the Bağlama, a Middle Eastern stringed instrument, with 1970s disco

Apr 02,2021 30:36

158. The disappearing album with Eyedress, Dâm-Funk, Jessica Pratt and Low Leaf

Eyedress, Dâm-Funk, Low Leaf and Jessica Pratt discuss how the toughest times they’ve been through inspired their music, how horror films influence their sounds, and the most special moments in their careers.Eyedress is a musician and producer, born and raised in Manilla in the Philippines, and now based in LA. His sound encompasses everything from synth-pop to R&B and shoegaze.The ‘modern funk’ king Damon Riddick, aka Dâm-Funk, is a musician, vocalist and producer who blends everything from P-F

Mar 26,2021 27:58

159. You are what you make with Ibeyi, Kindness, Hiatus Kaiyote and Charlotte Day Wilson

Music Life this week joins the World Service Festival and brings together a truly global gathering. Ibeyi talks to Kindness, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Nai Palm from the band Hiatus Kaiyote about their first emotional dealings with art, why they create, and celebrating culture and ancestors.Ibeyi are French Cuban duo Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Díaz, currently based in Paris. They weave together everything from jazz and gospel to hip-hop and soul, pushed through a modern electronic filter and have rele

Mar 19,2021 35:47

160. 'My feet felt like a metronome' with Rostam, Santigold, Dijon and Samantha Urbani

Rostam, Santigold, Dijon and Samantha Urbani discuss whether melody or lyrics come first, how to avoid the temptation to go back to tracks to make alterations, and how naming an album is the last bit of personality you can sprinkle on a project.Rostam is a Grammy-winning producer, composer, musician, and founding member of the band Vampire Weekend, producing their first three albums. Now a solo artist, he released his debut album Half-Light in 2017, and went on to produce Haim’s Women in Music P

Mar 12,2021 33:28

161. Don't run away from pressure with Caroline Polachek, Perfume Genius, Jlin and Oneohtrix Point Never

Caroline Polachek, Perfume Genius, Jlin and Oneohtrix Point Never discuss their links to poetry, and how they find harmony between competing elements in songs.Caroline Polachek is a pop and avant garde musician, record producer, writer and singer, who broke through in 2008 with her band Chairlift. She’s now releasing music under her own name, and counts Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Taylor Swift as fans. Mike Hadreas, better known as Perfume Genius, is an art-pop singer who addresses topics such as

Mar 05,2021 32:37

162. A million ways to make a song with Eliza Shaddad, This Is the Kit, Oddisee and Gaidaa

Eliza Shaddad is joined by Oddisee, Gaidaa and This Is the Kit's Kate Stables to discuss working from home, where they now record, and how factors such as politics and heritage feed into the creative system.Eliza Shaddad is a singer songwriter whose debut album Future came out in 2018, which she described as her “sonic journal”. Oddisee is a Sudanese-American rapper and producer based in Brooklyn, originally from Washington DC. His first release was a collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff in 2002, a

Feb 26,2021 31:52

163. Toys in the studio with Hannah Peel, Tunng's Mike Lindsay, Falle Nioke and JFDR

Mike Lindsay of the pioneering folktronica band Tunng is joined by Falle Nioke, Hannah Peel, and JFDR to discuss the power of a concept album, disappearing music, and how it feels getting new gear for your studio. Plus Falle gives us all a lesson in percussion. Falle Nioke is a singer and percussionist from Guinea, West Africa. He was part of the DawoLos crew as a teenager, sings in eight languages, and is a master of the gongoma, a traditional instrument combining percussion and melody that you

Feb 19,2021 32:15

164. Comparison is the thief of joy with Liz Lubega, R-Kay, Intalekt and TINYMAN

Liz Lubega, R-Kay, Intalekt and TINYMAN discuss the importance of community, the love of language and culture, and whether self-doubt has got in the way of creating.R-Kay is a Ugandan producer and multi-instrumentalist from Brixton, South London. His sound blends hip-hop and jazz influences with his classical training, having studied cello from an early age before taking up piano. Last year, he composed the score for the documentary Damilola: The Boy Next Door, and released his debut album Ivory

Feb 12,2021 31:04

165. History in the making with Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen, Abby Anderson and Twinnie

Jimmie Allen, Mickey Guyton, Abby Anderson and Twinnie discuss issues around the country music industry, how they tell stories in their songs, and the importance of being yourself and speaking your mind.Jimmie Allen is an artist from Southern Delaware, USA, who mixes country, rock, R&B, and pop. He released his debut album Mercury Lane in 2018, a tribute to the street he grew up on, which led him to be labelled “one of the hottest rising stars in country”. His latest EP, Bettie James, is a colla

Feb 05,2021 29:51

166. The courage to be disliked with BŪJIN, Desire Marea, Lynn Daphne Rudolph and Jackie Queens

South African artists BŪJIN, Desire Marea, Lynn Daphne Rudolph and Jackie Queens discuss why the collective experience of creating is better, their biggest failures, and getting into trouble. Cape Town-based artist BŪJIN makes music that blends East African techno with funk, bass and classical orchestrations. Her work incorporates performance, sound installation and research into the realms of sonic theatre.She is joined by Desire Marea, a multi-disciplinary artist born in KwaZulu-Natal, South A

Jan 29,2021 30:33

167. 'Educate yourself quickly' with Sarathy Korwar, Nadine Shah, James Holden and Nubya Garcia

Jazz musician Sarathy Korwar talks to Nadine Shah, James Holden and Nubya Garcia about whether there is something inherently dysfunctional about being a performer, relationships with their voice or instruments, and what it means to control and own your own music.Sarathy Korwar was born in the US, grew up in Chennai and Ahmedabad in India before moving to London. He’s a percussionist, drummer, producer, and bandleader who’s at the forefront of the jazz world right now, using both modern methods a

Jan 22,2021 32:26

168. Dancing in the kitchen with Eris Drew, Octo Octa, Kate Pierson and Jayda G

DJ and producer Eris Drew talks to Octo Octa, Jayda G, and Kate Pierson of The B-52's about who they’ve remixed recently, why it's hard to do DJ mixes and not be able to look at the crowd, why 1950s rock'n'roll is important for dance music, and the role positivity plays in their music.Eris is a transgender DJ and producer, originally from Chicago, who started raving in the early 90s, eventually mastering the art of vinyl DJing. She now tours the world playing back-to-back with her partner in lif

Jan 15,2021 30:22

169. Writing under blankets in planes with Aloe Blacc, Gregory Porter, Kadhja Bonet and Chelsea Jade

Soul singer and producer Aloe Blacc talks to Gregory Porter, Kadhja Bonet and Chelsea Jade about the purpose behind some of their work, writing songs in planes under blankets, and what happens to the creative process after losing those closest to you.Aloe Blacc is a soul singer and producer raised in Orange County, USA. He absorbed the sounds of cumbia and salsa from his Panamanian parents, before moving on to hip-hop, forming the duo Emanon. Then came his worldwide hit I Need a Dollar, and his

Jan 08,2021 29:47

170. Chaos vs perfection with Ami Dang, Elisita Punto, Nazar and Tuna Pase

Experimental sitarist, singer, and producer Ami Dang is from Baltimore in the US. Her sound fuses North Indian classical with ambient electronics. She’ll be asking the group today all about the importance of not knowing where a song will end up, persevering with a project even when it’s not going well, and how relations with family can inspire stories of positivity and tragedy. Talking about those subjects is Elisita Punto, a producer and composer who was part of the band MKRNI from Santiago, Ch

Jan 01,2021 25:24

171. 'Swans ruined our recording' with Ólafur Arnalds, Agnes Obel, Dustin O'Halloran and Hania Rani

Are you happy working alone? Does location affect your music? What happens after the album is done? This is what Icelandic composer, producer and king of the ambient Ólafur Arnalds will be asking the group in this episode of Music Life. He’s just released his new record Some Kind of Peace, has scored for film and TV, and has carried the Icelandic sound further around the world than it’s been before. Dustin O'Halloran forms one half of A Winged Victory For The Sullen and is an American pianist an

Dec 25,2020 26:37

172. Trapped in an idea with David Byrne, St Vincent, Sinkane and Vagabon

St. Vincent is an artist, songwriter and producer from Texas, now based in LA. After playing with the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens, she formed her own band in 2006. She’s since released six albums including Love This Giant, a collaboration with David Byrne, and she completely shreds on the guitar. Vagabon is a Cameroonian-American multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer described as an “indie rock game changer”. She started uploading tracks to Bandcamp in 2014 before releasing her deb

Dec 18,2020 30:45

173. The science behind the perfect hit with Becky Hill, MNEK, Ella Eyre and Frances

This week Music Life gets crazy about pop with host Becky Hill, who asks MNEK, Ella Eyre and Frances all about their signature styles, if there's a formula for writing the perfect hit, and when songs don’t turn out as expected.Becky was a finalist on the first series of The Voice UK, and has since gone on to achieve global Pop stardom, working with the likes of Rudimental, MNEK, Little Simz, Jonas Blue, Jax Jones, Sigala and many more. An album is finally expected next year. Former Music Life gu

Dec 11,2020 33:50

174. Coconut water and confidence with Kranium, Masego and Alicai Harley

Kranium is a singer and songwriter who blends dancehall and reggae. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, he’s worked with the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, Burna Boy, Mahalia and Ed Sheeran. He chats to Masego and Alicai Harley about working quickly in airports, what their best choruses are, how they use the sounds of what came before, and what it’s like working with the industry’s biggest names. Answering those questions is Masego, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, an

Dec 04,2020 31:57

175. Loving and hating the studio with Tune-Yards, Haim, Black Pumas and Chicano Batman

An unbelievable line up this week sees Tune-Yards' Merrill Garbus ask Danielle and Este from Haim, Black Pumas' Eric Burton and Bardo Martinez of Chicano Batman if they consider the audience when writing, the ways in which their creative process has adapted from when they started out, and how they use the music of the past in their work. Eric Burton - a singer, songwriter, former busker, and one half of Black Pumas - was discovered whilst performing on the streets of Austin, Texas, by a friend o

Nov 27,2020 33:13

176. The politics of pleasure with Thurston Moore, Brix Smith, Sunn O)))'s Stephen O'Malley and Rachel Aggs of Sacred Paws

Sonic Youth founder Thurston Moore is joined by Brix Smith, Stephen O'Malley of Sunn O))) and Rachel Aggs to discuss staying creative in lockdown, connecting to their audiences, and the link between politics and their work.Thurston Moore is a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and founded the band Sonic Youth. Joining him is Stephen O'Malley, a guitarist, producer, composer, label boss, and visual artist from Seattle, Washington, best known for his work in the doom metal group Sunn O))). The band

Nov 20,2020 30:48

177. The importance of improvising with Bebel Gilberto, Martha Wainwright, Sam Amidon and Martin Hayes

Bebel Gilberto welcomes Martha Wainwright, Sam Amidon and Martin Hayes to talk about the influence of their musical families, their most memorable live shows, why improvising is so essential, and walking the creative tightrope between doing something new and following traditions.Brazilian singer and songwriter Bebel Gilberto is the daughter of Bossa Nova star Joao Gilberto and singer Miucha. Martha Wainwright is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter born in New York City to musicians Kate Mc

Nov 13,2020 31:54

178. Magic moments with Paul Epworth, Arlo Parks, Dave Okumu and 100 gecs

If you don’t know Paul Epworth’s name, you’ll certainly know his music, as he’s produced for the likes of Adele, Florence and the Machine and Rihanna. He asks 100 gecs, Arlo Parks and Dave Okumu about working with analogue equipment in a digital world, studio disasters, ideas that evaporate as they take too long to capture, and the difference between making your own music as opposed to making it for other people. Futuristic pop duo 100 gecs's debut album, 1000 gecs, captivated fans all over the

Nov 06,2020 32:17

179. The ‘Lost Beats’ folder with Felicia Douglass, Sly5thAve, Leon Michels and Tiana Major9

Songwriter, keyboardist, percussionist and Dirty Projector Felicia Douglass chats to Sly5thAve, Leon Michels, and Tiana Major9 about their desires to become musicians, skills and hobbies they’ve acquired during quarantine that have fed into their work, and how they start a new piece of music. Tiana Major9 is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter who has been praised as a “singular voice in British Black soul”. Her music combines thoughtful soul, jazz, and R&B, and she features on Stormzy’s Mercury

Oct 30,2020 32:36

180. Music in our grandmother's DNA with Kelsey Lu, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Lotic and Fatima Al Qadiri

Singer and cellist Kelsey Lu is joined by Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Lotic, and Fatima Al Qadiri to discuss how their ancestral backgrounds influence the stories they tell, the use of nature as a metaphor, and if they ever feel alone being an artist. Fatima Al Qadiri is an experimental Kuwaiti music producer and artist, currently based in Los Angeles. Last year she received a Cesar nomination for Best Original Score for her work on Mati Diop’s debut feature film Atlantics. Lotic is a Berlin-based e

Oct 23,2020 34:07

181. Recording tradition with Derya Yildirim, Yousra Mansour, Hasan Nakhleh and Merve Erdem

A very exciting show this week, featuring the best artists from west Asia and north Africa. Turkish singer and saz player Derya Yildirim from Grup Simsek chats to Yousra Mansour, Hasan Nakhleh and Merve Erdem about how they work in the studio, what their songs tell us about tradition, and their biggest inspirations in the development of their work. A very exciting show this week featuring the best artists from west Asia and north Africa. Yousra Mansour is a Moroccan guembri player and lead vocal

Oct 16,2020 33:32

182. Floppy disks and cassette tapes with Témé Tan, Nick Hakim, Raquel Berrios and Ela Minus

Témé Tan welcomes Nick Hakim, Raquel Berrios and Ela Minus to discuss the purpose of the work they make, whether they imagine their albums as one piece or a playlist of songs, and the importance of travelling and meeting other creatives from around the world. Témé is an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, now based in Belgium, who mixes pop, soul, hip-hop and Afro elements in his music. Nick Hakim is a a psychedelic soul and R&B producer, singer, and songwriter based in Brooklyn, New Y

Oct 09,2020 29:20

183. Musical resistance with Rina Sawayama, Angel-Ho, Shamir, and Mykki Blanco

Rina Sawayama, Angel-Ho, Shamir, and Mykki Blanco talk about where they get the inspiration to create when they are not performing, trying to be original or not, and the role resistance plays in their music. Mykki Blanco is an internationally renowned musician, performing artist and LGBTQ+ activist who defined the queer rap genre with their mixtapes Cosmic Angel and Gay Dog Food. This year alone they have completed two albums' worth of material. Shamir is a singer, songwriter, and actor from Las

Oct 02,2020 34:24

184. Heart v technique with Norah Jones, Nitin Sawhney, Anoushka Shankar and Soumik Datta

An absolutely fascinating discussion this week sees Nitin Sawhney welcome Norah Jones, Anoushka Shankar and Soumik Datta to discuss the differences between being a solo artist versus being part of a band, the importance of playing with heart over technique, and how collaborating and working with different musicians changes their sound. Nitin Sawhney grew up studying the piano, guitar, sitar and tabla. He has released scores of albums, and composed for theatre, dance, video games and cinema, incl

Sep 25,2020 31:38

185. Songwriting first dates with Melanie C, Nadia Rose, Rae Morris, and Jin Jin

A stellar collection of musicians and songwriters this week, and who better to lead the discussion than somebody who has sold in excess of 85 million records? Singer, songwriter, presenter, DJ, and Spice Girl Melanie C asks the group candid questions about creativity, including the importance of dynamics in a songwriting team, what is it that informs the sound they want to make, and the thing they really love about making music.First up Nadia Rose, a rapper from South London who’s been writing b

Sep 18,2020 35:08

186. Dark places and bliss with Reuben James, Izzy Bizu, Scribz Riley and Gracey

Singer, pianist and producer Reuben James started playing the piano from the age of three, so in terms of the percentages of a life spent in music he’s right at the top. In this episode of Music Life, he asks Izzy Bizu, Scribz Riley and Gracey about the best song they’ve written, what they would change if they could go back in time and alter a piece of work, and the thing that they erase the most during the writing process, be it a lyric, a subject, or a feeling. Izzy Bizu is a British-Ethiopian

Sep 11,2020 28:20

187. Getting into trouble with Moonchild Sanelly, Etuk Ubong, Cuppy and Bryte

South African musician and dancer Moonchild Sanelly is joined by Bryte, Cuppy, and Etuk Ubong. Together they discuss if there are there things they can’t say in their music, what sounds and lyrics are inspired by their environment, and how successful women are viewed in the male-dominated industry.Sanelisiwe Twisha, better known as Moonchild Sanelly, is the ‘future ghetto punk’ star from South Africa, fusing experimental electronic, afro-punk, and edgy-pop with kwaito, hip-hop and jazz. She welc

Sep 04,2020 32:43

188. Musical dreams with Ishmael Butler, KeiyaA, IAMDDB and Bishop Nehru

Experimental hip-hop artist Ishmael Butler hosts this edition of music life - he's a member of Shabazz Palaces, and was also part of Grammy-winning hip-hop pioneers Digable Planets. He’s also worked with the likes of Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and Animal Collective. He’s joined by IAMDDB, a songwriter and vocalist based in Manchester, UK, who is very much the artist in demand right now. Her performance of the song ‘ause on the music platform Colors has been viewed more than 16 million times, and

Aug 28,2020 31:11

189. 'I forgot to hit record' with Ellen Allien, Afrodeutsche, Catnapp and Mentrix

This week, we’re celebrating artists that have close ties with the German city of Berlin. Ellen Allien is a globally renowned DJ, electronic musician, producer and label boss based in Berlin. Her label, B-Pitch Control, has shaped the sound of the city over the last decade, and she’s constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable with music and a dancefloor. Catnapp is an experiemental, self-taught electronic music artist and sound engineer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who moved to Berl

Aug 21,2020 29:03

190. The science of soundtracks with Max Richter, Hans Zimmer, Hildur Guðnadóttir and Angélica Negrón

A huge episode of Music Life this week sees one of the most versatile composers working today, Max Richter (Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Ad Astra, Mary Queen of Scots), ask renowned creators of music for film, TV and the stage how they got their starts in the music business, their creative processes, how they convey emotion through their work, and how it’s actually quite difficult to create something simple. Among those answering these questions is a man who really needs no introduction, Hans Z

Aug 14,2020 34:01

191. Obsessed with production with Kelly Lee Owens, Jessy Lanza, Jehnny Beth and Tei Shi

Jehnny Beth, frontwoman of noise queens Savages and now a solo artist, leads the discussion with three thought-provoking and inspirational musicians. Kelly Lee Owens is one of the most exciting DJs and electronic producers right now, a Welsh musician who’s collaborated with the likes of St. Vincent, Bjork, Jenny Hval, and Jon Hopkins. Jessy Lanza is an an electronic songwriter, producer, and vocalist from Ontario, Canada. A former music teacher, she grew up playing piano and clarinet, before goi

Aug 07,2020 33:09

192. Throwing away lyrics with Chali 2na, Omar, Skye Edwards and Rodney P

Jurassic 5 founder Chali 2na welcomes Rodney P, Skye Edwards from Morcheeba, and Omar to the show. Ever wondered what the first step in the creative process is for musicians? What kind of obstacles do they face in achiveving success? These are just some of the questions that Chali will asking the group. Plus there’s some hilarious anecdotes and gentle ribbing along the way. Chali 2na has one of the most distinguishable baritone voices in hip-hop. He’s an MC, graffiti artist and founding member o

Jul 31,2020 34:32

193. 'Synths are my best friends' with Suzanne Ciani, Marie Davidson, Sui Zhen, and Lorenzo Senni

Legendary electronic artist Suzanne Ciani welcomes Marie Davidson, Sui Zhen, and Lorenzo Senni. Suzanne is based in San Francisco and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. She was the first woman to score a major Hollywood film, and was the first female voice to be used on a computer game. Marie Davidson is a French-Canadian musician, and one of the world’s most exciting electronic producers. Her most recent record, Working Class Woman, considers “the stresses and strains of operating withi

Jul 24,2020 38:56

194. 'I get scared' with Azekel, Kwesi Arthur, Shab and Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano

Nigerian-born songwriter, producer, and musician Azekel welcomes Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon, Kwesi Arthur, and Shab.Together, they talk about why it’s tricky writing with people you don’t know, what it’s like working with big names, and how important it is to express identity in music. Azekel has collaborated with the likes of Gorillaz, Massive Attack, GAIKA, and Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith (who’s worked with Frank Ocean and Anderson .Paak). Prince also tweeted about one of his so

Jul 17,2020 29:03

195. The art of pop with Soweto Kinch, Charlotte Adigéry and Jordan Rakei

Saxophonist, MC and poet Soweto Kinch talks to Charlotte Adigéry and Jordan Rakei about pop music inspirations, writing to fit in a genre, and the role ego plays in their art.Charlotte Adigéry is a Belgian-Caribbean musician, born and raised in Ghent to parents from Martinique and Guadeloupe, and she’s hard to define by genre. She also performs as electro-punk alter ego WWWater. When making music, Charlotte has said, “I try and make something without thinking about direction or genre or sound.”

Jul 10,2020 24:49

196. The best of the guests

Music Life digs out some of the highlights of the series so far for its 50th episode. The first musician to ever host an episode of Music Life was John Grant, and he’s back to guide us through some of the highlights that have happened on Music Life since the show began last year. Through 50 unbelievable episodes we’ve heard from the likes of Billy Cobham on playing for Miles Davis, Souad Massi on being an artist from a country that frowns upon it, Iggy Pop on genre-crossing, Raye on surviving t

Jul 03,2020 01:35:02

197. The words, the rhythm, the melody with Angelique Kidjo, Melissa Laveaux, Flavia Coelho and Maya Kamaty

Canadian guitarist Melissa Laveaux welcomes Flavia Coelho, Maya Kamaty, and Angelique Kidjo. Melissa gets to the bottom of issues within the industry, the importance of asking questions rather than finding answers, and themes in their music that they keep returning to. All of this while being completely in awe of the legendary Angelique. Angelique Kidjo is a four-time Grammy award-winning Beninese singer-songwriter, actor, and activist of Nigerian descent. She’s fluent in five languages, and has

Jun 26,2020 31:05

198. Fascinations with the future, with Rvdical the Kid, Gafacci, Ria Boss and Keyzuz

This week, Music Life brings together four of the best West African young producers and trend setters for the first time. Rvdical the Kid is from Nigeria and Ghana, raised in Benin, before moving to Accra. In 2015 he released the genre-defining album Carte Blanche, and is due to follow it up later this year.Joining him is Gafacci, one of the most exciting Ghanaian music producers, DJs, and songwriters right now. Club nights and publications around the world are spreading his name, so keep your e

Jun 19,2020 31:05

199. Dance and wash the dishes with Laetitia Sadier, Peter Zummo, Mabe Fratti and Marie Merlet

Stereolab founder Laetitia Sadier chats to Mabe Fratti, Peter Zummo, and Zooey’s Marie Merlet. French singer, keyboardist, percussionist and trombonist Laetitia Sadier has worked with the likes of Blur, Luna, Deerhoof, Common, Mouse on Mars, and Tyler, The Creator. She’s asking the guests how they overcome hurdles, how they define originality, expanding musical ideas, and what sparks the creative process. Answering these tough questions is American composer, trombonist and producer Peter Zum

Jun 12,2020 32:37

200. Accidents, humour, and guilt with Joy Crookes, Georgia, Jaz Karis and Afrikan Boy

On hosting duties is Olushola Ajose, a.k.a. Afrikan Boy, a London-born rapper and producer of Nigerian heritage whose music blends hip hop, grime and afrobeat. His track One Day I Went To Lidl caught the attention of MIA, who invited him to collaborate and tour with her. He’s since worked with the likes of Damon Albarn’s Africa Express, DJ Shadow, The Noisettes, Lady Leshurr and Nneka. He’s joined by South London-based neo-soul singer and songwriter of Bangladeshi-Irish heritage, Joy Crookes. Sh

Jun 05,2020 28:49

All Episodes (200) From new to old From new to old From old to new

All Episodes (200)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new