The Strange Brew - artist stories behind the greatest music ever recorded

Terry Britten talks about writing huge songs for Lenny Kravitz, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Cliff Richard. We start from his early days in the 1960s Australian band The Twilights and work our way up to his new album ‘Other Side of the Tracks.’ Hear the incredible stories behind ‘Heaven Help’, ‘Devil Woman’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It&#821...

Nick Kershaw discusses his upcoming UK tour dates, songwriting process, and collaborations with other artists. He recalls writing ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’ and ‘The Riddle’, his influences and his excellent recent solo work. Nik also shares insights into his songwriting approach, emphasising the importance of following the melody and incorporating humour into his lyrics....

Robin Trower remembers his classic album ‘Bridge Of Sighs’, its the recording process and the inspiration behind its songs. He also covers his time in Procol Harum, solo highlights, the everlasting voice of James Dewar, collaborations with Jack Bruce and upcoming live shows. Further information Bridge Of Sighs (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) Robin Trower live dates Robin Trower podca...

Terri Thal shares her memories of the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the 1960s. She covers her long association with Dave Van Ronk and her role in managing Bob Dylan’s early career. Terri shares the excitement of witnessing the birth of a new musical movement and personal insights into Dylan, Van Ronk, and other key figures of the time. Further information ‘My Greenwich Village:...

Beatles biographer Philip Norman talks about the life and legacy of John Lennon. He shares insights into John’s childhood, personality, relationship with Yoko Ono, and the breakup of The Beatles. Philip recounts meeting The Beatles and Yoko, providing behind-the-scenes stories. He analyses Lennon’s debut solo album ‘Plastic Ono Band’, exploring its themes of vulnerability,...

Martin Gordon, bassist for Sparks’ ‘Kimono My House’ takes us behind-the-scenes of this classic album. For its 50 anniversary, Martin shares details about the rehearsals, studio sessions, and interactions with the band members and the team involved. He discusses the creative input he had in shaping the basslines and arrangements, as well as the tensions that arose from differing...

Billy Morrison discusses The Morrison Project and shares insights into the collaborative process behind the album, working with various artists including Ozzy Osbourne and Linda Perry. He also reflects on his musical influences and playing with The Cult and Billy Idol. Further information Billy Morrison ‘The Morrison Project’ Billy Morrison podcast tracks Strange Brew Podcasts also ava...

John Fiddler of Medicine Head traces his musical journey from the 1960s to present. John covers new album ‘Heartwork’, forming Medicine Head, getting their break through John Peel and support from John Lennon and Pete Townshend, his major 1970s hits, and time in British Lions and Box of Frogs. Further information medicinehead.rocks Medicine Head’s new album, ‘Heartwork&#821...

Ian Hunter takes us through new album Defiance Part 2: Fiction , solo highlights and his past in Mott the Hoople. Ian covers his approach for songwriting and evolution over his career spanning the 1960s Hamburg music scene, leading Mott and collaborating with Brian May, David Bowie and Mick Ronson. Further information ianhunter.com Ian Hunter podcast tracks Ian Hunter written interview Podcasts al...

Paul Hanley is in conversation with Jason Barnard for The CAT Club in Pontefract, Yorkshire. Guided by Paul’s book ‘Sixteen Again’ , he highlights the critical and lasting influence of Buzzcocks. He reveals the special bond between a teen and their beloved band, reflects on the significance of their album ‘A Different Kind of Tension’ and the legacy of Pete Shelley. F...

Phil Manzanera discusses his life covered in his new memoir, Revolución to Roxy . Phil reveals his unique childhood across the word including Cuba and Hawaii, meeting David Gilmour which inspired him to pursue music professionally, joining Roxy Music and their intense schedule of albums and touring in the 1970s. Phil also explores Roxy’s creative process and solo career highlights including...

David Wells delves into the Laurel Canyon music community of the late 60s and early 70s, tracing its evolution from Love and The Doors to the emergence of country-rock and singer-songwriters. Situated near Los Angeles, Laurel Canyon attracted a diverse array of musicians, from The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield to Frank Zappa. The scene fostered collaboration, culminating in the rise of a sleeker s...

Wesley Stace delves into the lyrical landscapes of his songs, transition from John Wesley Harding and collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Rosanne Cash, The Attractions, The Minus Five and The Jayhawks. With his anticipated UK tour , Wesley steps out from the shadows to claim his well-deserved spotlight as an outstanding songwriter. Further information Wesley Stace UK tour: 10 to 27 May The Good...

Dave Scott-Morgan explores his highlights intertwined with the Birmingham music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. From his formative years with The Uglys to crafting songs embraced by The Move, Carl Wayne, The Mindbenders, and Wishful Thinking, his mark on the era’s sound is undeniable. Transitioning into the 1980s, Dave’s role developed into playing with ELO, Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy,...

Mike Vickers, co-founder of Manfred Mann, digs deep into his career. Mike covers his early years with the Manfreds, work on songs like ‘All You Need Is Love’, collaborations with artists including The Beatles, The Hollies, Cilla Black and The Scaffold, as well as his pioneering use of the Moog synthesizer. The interview also explores Mike’s highlights as an arranger and composer...

Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas speaks about her life and time in the group. From their inception, hits, and the tangled web of their demise, she unearths the soul behind ‘California Dreamin’, ‘Creeque Alley’, and ‘Monday, Monday’. The interview takes us back to the 1960s, where the music soared, tensions simmered, and legacies were etched into vinyl. Phillips’ words resonate with t...

In a bonus podcast, Tim Arnold and Kevin Godley discuss the resonance today of the U2 song ‘Numb’ and its music video directed by Godley. They explore themes of technology overload, social media, censorship, algorithms, and maintaining creative integrity highlighted by Tim in his album ‘ Super Connected ‘. Key points include people becoming numb due to constant digital stim...

Philip Norman provides a revealing portrait of George Harrison. Despite being acknowledged as one of the era’s best guitarists and latterly, songwriters, George grappled with feelings of inferiority. Philip delves into Harrison’s complex character, from railing against the material world to writing the first pop song about income tax. He captures Harrison’s multifaceted nature, d...

Dion shares insights from his latest album ‘Girl Friends’, where he collaborates with talented female artists to showcase the ‘female genius’ in music. He takes us behind behind his timeless hits including ‘The Wanderer’ and ‘Abraham, Martin and John’, reflects on lessons learned from Sam Cooke and Buddy Holly and the transformative power of song. Di...

David Wells delves into the British hits, captivating misses, and pivotal album tracks of 1974. The innovative side of glam rock served as a catalyst for a wave of emerging bands, among which Cockney Rebel stood out, solidifying their presence alongside established groups Roxy Music, T. Rex, and Slade. Meanwhile, in London’s pub rock circuit, Brinsley Schwarz found new companions with the li...

Chester Thompson take us through his extraordinary life in drumming. He outlines his early jazz and soul influences that shaped his unique style, to the demanding repertoire of Frank Zappa and Weather Report. Chester talks about joining Genesis live from 1977, where he brought Phil Collins’ recorded drum parts to life. He highlights his latest solo album ‘Wake Up Call’ as he shar...

Tom McGuinness, a founding member of Manfred Mann, invites us to listen to highlights from his life. As we explore the Manfreds compilation Hits From The Sixties , Tom discusses the role of chance, with hits like ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’, ‘Pretty Flamingo’ and ‘Mighty Quinn’ coming about partly by luck. Along the way Tom recalls playing with Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce...

Derek Forbes is renowned for crafting the unforgettable bass riffs for Simple Minds up until ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me).’ This podcast delves into their formative years, chronicling Simple Minds’ journey from 1970s Glasgow to global stardom. Derek recounts tales from life on tour, experiences with mind-altering substances, and helping to compose many of the band’s e...

Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals reveals his influences and highlights. From writing timeless hits including ‘Groovin’ and ‘How Can I Be Sure’, topping the charts, dissolution of original Rascals lineup to his solo work culminating in his new album ‘Then And Now’. Further information felixcavalieremusic.com Felix Cavaliere podcast tracks Podcasts also available: Steve Cropper , Maggie Bell , Tony Va...

Farewell to Melanie Safka, who passed away today (January 24, 2024) at the age of 76. Almost two years to the day she gave an extensive interview on her life and music. Melanie covered her performance at Woodstock in 1969, hits ‘Brand New Key’ and ‘Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)’, and songwriting highlights. Further information Melanie podcast tracks melaniesafka.com Podcasts also available: ...