The StageLeft Podcast

“We stepped onto the Pyramid Stage and realised… they were just people doing the same thing as us.”If Amber from The Japanese House hadn't shut her fingers in a door, would Willy Bish be where he is now? Multi-instrumentalist Willy Bishop joins The Stage Left Podcast to share his journey from maths student to a deep dive into CMATs iconic performance on the Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage. We hear about his pivotal role in The Japanese House and Declan McKenna, including exploring Matty Healy and George Daniel's production techniques, Willie offers an honest look at touring, studio life, and what it really takes to succeed as a modern musician.A practical, behind-the-scenes conversation covering creativity, chaos, and staying grounded in the music industry.“A better performance comes when you stop chasing perfection and just accept what you’ve got.” You can buy our new merch here: https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/You can hire Chris as a Coach to find solutions personal and professional challenges - Chris has just returned from Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics doing this for Team GB. You can reach him on chris@thestageleftpodcast.com and his rates are similar to those of driving lessons/private instrument tuition.Host: Chris SimpsonEditor: Darcy Dewar

Russ Pritchard — of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and The Zutons — returns to the podcast for a brilliant deep-dive into some of the most surreal and career-defining moments of his life in music.We talk about one of the greatest slots a Glastonbury— playing just before Sir Paul McCartney’s headline set — and what it feels like to walk off stage knowing a Beatle is about to take over. Russ shares behind-the-scenes stories from joining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, what it’s really like in the studio with Noel, and the responsibility (and joy) of playing Oasis classics like “Live Forever,” “Half The World Away,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”There’s a deep dive into the writing of “Valerie” — how the song came together, what it meant at the time, and how it took on a life of its own — plus an incredible story about supporting James Brown at what turned out to be one of the final gigs of his legendary career with The Zutons.It’s nostalgic, funny, reflective — and packed with proper musical detail.Sponsored by Frangianpani.Edited by Darcy Dewar. Socials - Alex FordhamHost - Chris SimpsonOur own range of merch is now out. Please support us - https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

Sad news reached us in December that Booker T and the M.G.'s legend Steve Cropper had passed away. It was a tremendous honour to have had Steve as a guest on StageLeft soon after we began. In truth, we probably wouldn't still exist if he hasn't appeared, as just naming him has a past guest has secured many further guests, including Gem Archer. Please enjoy the interview, and our update from the past 6 months. New episode coming monthly from next week, with Woody from Bastille, Russ from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Shaun Ryder and Steve Hamilton on the Oasis 25 Reunion Tour all confirmed.We now have a new range of merch to mark out 10 year anniversary - please support us whilst looking like the coolest cat in the class. https://the-stageleft-podcast.printify.me/

If you've got Oasis hysteria with the reunion beginning on Friday, then you may enjoy this episode with the keyboardist for that Oasis reunion - Christian Madden. This was recorded in 2017, and was listened to (and tweeted about with love) by Bonehead! We will be at the first show back in Cardiff, so come say hi or reach out. To mark the 10 year anniversary, we are also doing a live episode on July 11th at The Courtyard Theatre with three of The 1975 touring band, fresh off the back of headlining Glastonbury. Go to our Instagram profile bio for a direct link for tickets.

The StageLeft Podcast sits down with Daisy Spencer - the incredible rhythm guitarist behind Olivia Rodrigo's record-breaking Guts World Tour!In this candid conversation, Daisy opens up about: ✨ Creating a "stage persona" to handle arena-sized crowds ✨ The reality of touring at the highest level ✨ Her guitar part on Vampire ✨ Those magical acoustic moments with Olivia ✨ Making big life changes to stay grounded on tour ✨ The night she played "Hot to Go" with Chappell Roan.From hotel breakfast addictions to getting "street spirit" Radiohead vibes on guitar - this is a raw, honest look at life behind one of the biggest tours in music."You kind of go into a different state of mind when you're on stage... it really becomes a group effort" - Daisy Spencer🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #StageLeftPodcast #DaisySpencer #OliviaRodrigo #GutsWorldTour #TourLife #MusicPodcast

The Glastonbury headliner series:To mark our 10 year anniversary, we have episodes with Neil Young bassist Corey McCormick and Olivia Rodrigo guitarist Daisy Spencer, which are released the day each headlines the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.We've taken it a stage further for the Friday night headliners The 1975, as we will be hosting a live episode with touring band members that you can attend at The Courtyard Theatre in London on Friday 11th July. Come join us, as there will be live performances from John Waugh, Polly Money and Gabi King, plus Q and A, merch, and even a handful of soundcheck access tickets. Let's celebrate 10 years of the podcast, together!Go to The StageLeft Podcast bio on Instagram for a direct link to buy tickets.

In this episode of the StageLeft Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant Andrew Cushin for a deep dive into the artistry, collaboration, and chaos behind the music. We explore the evolving dynamic between frontman and musical director, the highs of working with Noel Gallagher at Lonestar Studios, and the unusual gift of a lightsabre to trusted ally Dave Eringa. Andrew opens up about his writing process and how it’s developed since earlier releases, as well as the pros and cons of recording to a click. Plus, he shares what he truly needs from his bandmates on stage as the man at the front.Massive thanks to Darcy Dewar for the episode edit.

Frontman of The Lathums, Alex Moore, joins us for a special episode, recorded on the eve of the release of their new album "Matter Does Not Define." We explore:- How to compartmentalise being friends from bandmates?- How he and the band decided which tracks to appear on their new album, and which would be b-sides?- The painstaking process of deciding concert setlists!- How to best choose external people (to work with you) that become part of your trusted circle....And loads more!Thank you to Darcy Dewar for editing the audio and filmed episode (available on Youtube), Tymon Firmin for socials, and Beth Iles for running our YouTube channel. We couldn't do it without you!Photo - Ewan Ogden.

The wonderful Beth Iles has chopped up our episodes from 2024 to give you a run down of our best bits as we enter our 10 year anniversary year. Enjoy the most insightful clips from episodes featuring Jess Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Ralph Rolle of Chic, Chris Maas of Sting 3.0, James Walsh of Starsailor, The 1975 touring band, Erron Baron Cohen, Seye Adelekan of Gorillaz & Self-Esteem, John Blease of Florence Welch, Robert Plant & Paolo Nutini's bands, plus Paul Weller bassist Andy Crofts. Thanks to Beth for putting this together, and the continued help from Tymon Firmin, Darcy Dewar, Annabel Jones & Kate Ward. If you want to get in touch about our upcoming tour, or sponsor the podcast, contact chris@thestageleftpodcast.com

It’s about time, after 9 years, we did an entirely filmed episode isn’t it? So, whilst you enjoy this audio only version, do feel free to search for ‘The StageLeft Podcast’ on Youtube and you’ll find this episode in beautiful 4K, filmed in Andy Crofts stunning seafront hit hut. “Chris and Andy, excellent interview. Informative. Heartwarming. Honest.” – Debra, StageLeft listener.Thank you to Sophia at Bearlane Productions for filming this, Darcy Dewar for editing, Beth Iles for making our YouTube page look gorgeous, and Tymon Firmin for the clipping on Socials such as Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok. We do this for free to ensure equity of access to music education globally, so if you can help sponsor us or locate us funding - email me at chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. You can also buy us a coffee at www.thestageleftpodcast.com. Should your day to day work need any leadership development programmes, executive coaching, bespoke eLearning or Mental Health First Aid training, you can support the podcast that way, as I’m qualified in each area. I deliver learning both face to face and online. #sidehustleHere we go, this is Andy Crofts!

An episode almost a decade in the making. Finally, James Walsh, frontman of Starsailor appears to discuss the final ever recordings with Phil Spector, the impact that episode had on his wellbeing, negotiating with Allen Klein, how he wrote 'Fever' and 'The Greatest Story Never Told', plus how to best work with a singer when you're a session musician. Thank you to Tymon Firin, Darcy Dewar, Beth Iles, Anabel-Rose Jones and Sophia Franklin at BearLane Productions for making this episode happen.

Ginger shots at the ready!What would someone learn from working with Damon Albarn they wouldn't learn from anyone else?How does sobriety work on gig days in an environment so conducive to drink and drugs?How is Self-Esteem approaching her new record, given the success of her last?When does practice end and rehearsing begin?What happened to the Youth of the Apocalypse (YOTA)?!All these questions, and more, answered by the visionary Seye Adelekan, songwriter and bassist with Gorillaz, Self-Esteem and Paloma Faith as he joins Chris Simpson for the newest episode of The StageLeft Podcast.Feedback on our episode welcome by contacting chris@thestageleftpodcast.com. Hustle - Please too reach out if your business is interested in equipping their staff with Mental Health First Aiders, as Chris is one of only two people in the UK who can deliver this fully accessibly.

After 8 years, we’ve finally done a live episode! We are joined by Polly Money, Gabi King and John Waugh (touring band with The 1975) in front of a live audience of BIMM students, recorded in London just before the European leg of The 1975s most recent tour. The interview begins with a 30mins interview with Chris, then then band jammed three songs of The 1975 with BIMM students (“If You’re Too Shy Let Me Know”, “About You”, and “UGH!”), before a Q and A from the students themselves.We discuss the value of music education, navigating external vs internal validation, fear of failure, how AI and creativity might entwine, playing Madison Square Garden and more.P.S. we’re going to do more of these – do get in touch if you’re a venue who’d like to host :)Thank you to BIMM London and in particular Seda Beysal and Sam Hong.Engineered by Matteo Cortinovis @waitate@thestageleftpod@thestageleftpodcastchris@thestageleftpodcast.comwww.thestageleftpodcast