The Grateful Dead’s “Ripple” became a kind of cosmic spiritual after its debut 50 years ago. Since then, the universal appeal of Robert Hunter’s serene prose and the band’s heartfelt performance have made the song a popular choice at everything from weddings to funerals. As relevant now as ever before, the enduring optimism of “Ripple” is a welcome reminder of better days ahead, when songs will, once again, fill the air. The American Beauty 50th Anniversary Edition is available now. The 3CD features the original album with newly remastered audio plus one of the most requested archival recordings in the Dead’s vault – the unreleased concert recorded on February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Get your copy here https://rhino.lnk.to/AB50
Foo Fighters Launch Exclusive SiriusXM Radio Channel ‘Foo Fighters Radio’
Foo Fighters, the 12-time GRAMMY-winning rock band, and SiriusXM announced today the launch of ‘Foo Fighters Radio,’ a limited-engagement channel, hand-crafted by the band. The channel features a new, exclusive live concert performance, as well as unrivaled programming and special commentary from Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, and Rami Jaffee, beginning February 3 on channel 105.
To coincide with the release of the band’s 10th studio album, Medicine At Midnight, Foo Fighters Radio will debut an exclusive performance from the band on February 5, Foo Fighters LIVE from the SiriusXM Garage in Los Angeles. The event will be attended by a live virtual audience of SiriusXM subscribers and hosted by SiriusXM’s Kat Corbett. Additionally, as soon as Medicine At Midnight drops, at the stroke of midnight on February 5, the channel will broadcast the album in its entirety, as a part of a track-by-track album special, hosted by the band.
Beginning February 5 on Pandora, Foo Fighters will take over three stations: Today’s Alternative, Today’s Hard Rock and Foo Fighters radio with a new listening Mode, Backstage with Foo Fighters. Curated and hosted by the band, the Mode will take listeners behind the scenes with new songs from their new album, Medicine At Midnight, other key tracks from the band, and hand-picked favorites. Backstage with Foo Fighters is part of Pandora’s ongoing artist takeover series, giving Pandora listeners access to their favorite artists, their music, and the music that inspires them.
For all information on Foo Fighters Radio visit: siriusxm.com/foofightersradio
“From their inception in mid-90s, to their recent performance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration celebration, Foo Fighters remain one of America’s biggest rock bands,” said Scott Greenstein. “They have achieved critical acclaim for their music and on-stage energy, all while building a large and loyal audience. This special extended channel will draw new listeners, and as part of it we are very proud to present a Foo Fighters concert from our L.A. studios next week. They are a rock band that grabs you and won’t let go, and we love to bring their music and passion to our listeners.”
Foo Fighters Radio will feature the band sharing insight into their new album and the stories behind some of their biggest songs, demos, b-sides and rarities throughout their more than two-decade career. The channel will feature exclusive encores of Dave Grohl Presents Sound City, nine radio shows that feature Grohl discussing the music recorded at the iconic Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, including Nirvana’s Nevermind, which served as Grohl’s introduction to the iconic studio in 1991 when he was Nirvana’s drummer.
Foo Fighters Radio will feature a weekly series of live concerts from the band’s vaults, beginning with their 2018 performance from the Concrete and Gold Tour at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. Other artists and celebrities will also be showcased on the channel, as they Guest DJ, spinning their favorite Foo Fighters music. Listeners can also expect to hear music from other artists, hand-picked by the band, on the channel.
SiriusXM subscribers will have the opportunity to (virtually) watch Foo Fighters LIVE from the SiriusXM Garage, that will be promoted via an exclusive e-mail invitation to qualified subscribers who have registered their music interests at siriusxm.com/perks. For additional chances to win, fans can follow SiriusXM’s social channels.
Foo Fighters Radio begins Wednesday February 3 at 12 p.m. ET and airs through Thursday, April 4 on channel 105 via satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Foo Fighters LIVE from the SiriusXM Garage will air Friday, February 5 at 5 p.m. ET and PT on Foo Fighters Radio (Ch. 105).
Medicine At Midnight (out February 5th) was produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, engineered by Darrell Thorp and mixed by Mark “Spike” Stent, and packs nine new Foo Fighters songs into a tight-ass 37 minutes—including the #1 AAA smash “Shame Shame,” the ear-ringing “No Son of Mine,” and the newly released “Waiting on a War.”
Subscribers are able to listen to Foo Fighters Radio online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app, and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.siriusxm.com/ways-to-listen to learn more.
YouTube Originals Reveals Premiere Date for New Docuseries “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil”
YouTube Originals today announced the first details for “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil,” a powerful four-part documentary event from Director Michael D. Ratner. The first two episodes of the docuseries will premiere for free Tuesday, March 23rd only on Demi Lovato’s YouTube Channel, with new episodes to be released weekly on each of the next two Tuesdays.
“It’s been two years since I came face-to-face with the darkest point in my life, and now I’m ready to share my story with the world. For the first time, you’ll be able to see my chronicle of struggle and ongoing healing from my point of view. I’m grateful that I was able to take this journey to face my past head-on and finally share it with the world,” said Demi Lovato.
“We are excited to continue sharing Demi’s brave story,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “YouTube Originals is committed to telling real stories about the complexities of life and for Demi to use our global platform to open up about this chapter is something we are very proud of.”
“Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” is an honest look back at some of the most trying times in Lovato’s life as she unearths her prior traumas and discovers the importance of her physical, emotional, and mental health. For the first time, Lovato will open up about every aspect that led to her nearly fatal overdose in 2018, and her awakenings in the aftermath as viewers are granted unprecedented access to the superstar’s personal and musical journey over the past three years, including footage from when the initial production for this project began during Lovato’s 2018 Tell Me You Love Me World Tour. The docuseries is a follow up to her wildly popular 2017 YouTube Originals documentary “Simply Complicated,” which now has more than 35M views on YouTube.
“Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” continues YouTube’s commitment to bringing timely content to fans around the world including recent hits such as “Justin Bieber: Next Chapter,” a follow up to the record-breaking series, “Justin Bieber: Seasons”; “Hello 2021,” a five-part global New Year’s Eve celebration; “David Blaine Ascension,” which redefined magic once again when the world needed an uplifting distraction; “This Is Paris,” a documentary exploring the events that shaped the woman and iconic character she created; “Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women’s Gymnastics,” a documentary series that explores what it takes to be an Elite gymnast; Emmy-winning family series, “Create Together #WithMe,” hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt; and two installments of “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast,” plus a slate of new content through the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund aimed to amplify Black voices amidst the ongoing racial justice movement: “Bear Witness, Take Action 2” hosted by Common and Keke Palmer; “Resist” from Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors; and “HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard” hosted by 2 Chainz and La La Anthony.
Björk And The Chemical Brothers Unveil New Hand-Curated Radio Stations With Sonos
Sonos announces a new line-up of exclusive artists stations and original programming coming to Sonos Radio and Sonos Radio HD. Building on its success as the 3rd most streamed service on Sonos today, Sonos expands into new show formats and genres, offering even more of the human-curated content fans have grown to love.
Adding to its growing catalog of stations from artists, curators, and DJs, Sonos announces the launch of personal stations from Björk, The Chemical Brothers, D’Angelo and FKA twigs giving fans exclusive access to artist’s latest inspirations and obsessions through hand-selected songs and personal commentary. New radio shows from artists currently streaming on Sonos Radio, including Thom Yorke, Brittany Howard, Dolly Parton and Third Man Records, will also debut.
Additionally, new genre stations will be added including Blacksmith Radio from Corey Smyth, industry veteran and manager to renowned talent such as De La Soul, Vince Staples, Mos Def and Dave Chappelle. Smyth will give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his unprecedented career with reflections and lessons from his years in the industry, intimate conversations with his closest collaborators and of course, his favorite tracks.
The brand’s ad-free signature station, Sonos Sound System, will also launch new shows including Object of Sound, a weekly radio show and podcast that brings listeners in tune with the music shaping our culture. Hosted by poet and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib, each episode will be studded with personal interviews, profound questions and unparalleled playlists.
“Sonos’ original and artist-curated stations go beyond the playlist format to inspire listeners to discover new music with the personal context and stories that add meaning,” said Brian Beck, Global Head of Music at Sonos. “These stations are direct lines into the minds of creators, and opportunities to hear what fuels their creativity in a fresh, raw way. We’re giving listeners a chance to find new music by flipping through the personal record collections of some of the most private but influential artists of our time. It’s taking music discovery to the next level.”
Sonos will add new artist-curated stations to Sonos Radio HD, the ad-free, CD-quality audio tier of Sonos’ popular streaming service, Sonos Radio. The new stations offer fans access to the artists’ latest inspirations and obsessions through curated playlists and personal commentary. The first artist station to launch, D’Angelo’s Feverish Fantazmagoria, is available today, offering listeners a deep dive into his musical library.
“This is a curation of sorts – a collection of musical expressions that I call ‘Feverish Fantazmagoria’,” said D’Angelo. “It includes some crate digging; a lot of psych rock and funk rock in there, even some gospel and soul. Just a lot of incredible music that’s fun and inspires me.”
The full line-up and air dates include:
D’Angelo’s Feverish Fantazmagoria airing January 13
FKA twigs’ main squeeze airing February 10
Corey Smyth’s Blacksmith Radio airing February 24
Björk’s 21 years worth of wave files liquidated into a stream airing February 24
The Chemical Brothers’ Radio Chemical airing March 2
New Programming Debuting on Sonos Sound System and Sonos Radio
Created and hosted by Sonos, Sonos Sound System is Sonos Radio’s signature ad-free station to discover new artists, learn stories behind the music, and tune-in to artist-hosted Radio Hours. Artists currently streaming on Sonos Radio – Thom Yorke, Brittany Howard, Dolly Parton and Third Man Records – will be debuting additional radio shows and music on their stations.
New shows coming to Sonos Sound System include:
Object of Sound, a weekly music and culture podcast hosted by poet and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib, will dive deep into the music of the moment and the stories surrounding the songs of today. Two episodes of Object of Sound are streamable today and feature guests Jenna Wortham, Kimberly Drew, Sudan Archives, and Jeff Tweedy. The first weekly episode will air January 15 with guest Moses Sumney. Object of Sound will be available on Sonos Radio and podcast platforms everywhere.
Black is Black, hosted by ATL/NYC-based multi-hyphenate DJ Lindsey, offers a monthly look into music of the black diaspora and how it’s impacted modern music over time. The station debuts on February 4 on Sonos Radio and Mixcloud.
Unsung, hosted by independent British music publication Crack Magazine, speaks to contemporary artists about their heroes who never caught the spotlight. Unsung is live on Sonos Radio and podcast platforms everywhere, with new episodes launching bi-weekly.
New Artist Radio Hours with artists Tiwa Savage, Chris Stapleton, A$AP Ferg, Yola, Japanese Breakfast, Sun Ra Arkestra to air in the coming weeks.
Country Sensation Houston Bernard Lets Listeners In On New Single, “People We Are”
With well over 1.5 Million streams across platforms, Boston, MA’s Houston Bernard continues to croon his country and rockabilly roots in freshly pressed single, “People We Are” — available now.
True-blue country through-and-through, Bernard writes the majority of his own music, “but I’m always open to recording others,” Bernard shares of the new track penned by Nashville-based Billboard Top 20-charting songwriting powerhouse Cole Taylor (Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Chase Rice) and Kim Penz. “And when my manager asked me to listen to this song, I knew it was right for me.”
Known across previous album releases — including Knockin’ Boots (2015), Lucky Man (2018), and the self-titled EP, Houston Bernard (2013) — for upbeat, relatable music with powerhouse vocals, recent singles “People We Are” (2021), “The Drivin’” (2020) and “American Dream” (2020) further showcase the country gent’s timeless twang that transcends age and resonates far and wide.
Houston Bernard comes from a long line of country living — both musically, and otherwise. He has shared bills with Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, Granger Smith, Montgomery Gentry, Marshall Tucker Band, Clint Black, and more, and been featured across notable Spotify playlists, The Country Network, and The Heartland Network.
A direct descendent of the famous gunfighter George “Bittercreek” Newcomb — a ‘Most Wanted Man’ in the 1890s, and a member of the notorious ‘Wild Bunch’ (who inspired The Eagles hit, “Desperado”) — Bernard’s father and uncle were a local staple known as the Rebel Brother, playing in various country bands backing the likes of Tanya Tucker and Sleepy LaBeef.
“My dad’s family had a large farm in Norman, Oklahoma,” Bernard shares. “It was a small community at the time and my father was still going to a one-room school house. My dad told me that, when he was growing up on the farm as a small boy, they were still using an outhouse — only eventually putting their own plumbing and electricity in the home.
“It seems like that would be 100 years ago, but it was not.
“My Uncle Johnny Bernard made his entire life playing and writing country music until he passed in 2003,” Bernard offers, detailing his familial draw to the craft. “I’m coming from a long line of country musicians which, making a career of music is not an easy thing to do. I’m proud to carry the same ethics for hard work and outlook into both my life and my music.
“Quality over quantity.
“To me, the story in ‘People We Are’ upholds all the philosophies and ethics of the Bernard family, which I’m proud to represent,” he continues. “Growing up on the farm in Oklahoma, generation after generation… My dad’s family was all about the standards of doing the right thing, being self-sufficient, living within means, and building something that will stand the test of time.
“I think this song represents just that, and I hope others connect with it as I have.”
Catch the Season Finale of Acclaimed New Musical Fairy Tale Series, Outta The Books
The Land of Once Upon a Time is all abuzz; who will create the best song to save the Treasury of Tales? Acclaimed new musical fairy tale series Outta The Books concluded its first season this week with its seventh episode — available now!
Written by Canadian media icon Erica Ehm, the season one finale sees the librarian at the Treasury of Tales choose the winner of the “Once Upon A Tune Talent Contest.” But will the contestants themselves unfairly influence her decision? Only those who tune in to Outta the Books will find out.
Featuring an international team of musicians, producers, and actors, Outta The Books launched as a multi-platform entertainment series in November 2020. Originally set for a theatrical debut at the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the StorySongs creative team pivoted once the pandemic hit, and Outta the Books is now an entirely virtual multimedia experience for kids and families.
Outta The Books harnesses the power of music, the most universal of communicators, to tell simple, time-tested and meaningful tales, one StorySong at a time. Characters inspired by familiar fairy tales and fables come to life as they keep stories alive through song.
Alas, the world has nearly forgotten the joy and power of time-tested stories, and so The Librarian of the Treasury of Tales decides the best way to keep them alive is through music. She organizes a talent search, which attracts a motley crew of characters who perform their original songs, each based on a classic tale like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, the Ugly Duckling, Emperor’s New Clothes, the Tortoise and the Hare, Snow White, and more. Some of the contestants are shy (the Blue Fairy), some are a little bit wicked (the witch Trixie and the wolf C-Major), some very talented but hopelessly vain (Prince Pollywig), and two are so talentless and self-involved that they are disqualified from the competition (Warble the Ogre and Princess Euphony).
StorySongs and Outta the Books are the brain children of award-winning composer and producer Brian Banks. Banks assembled an accomplished cast of theatre actors, including star Karl Queensborough (“C Major,” who comes from a line of Big Bad Wolves) and Carl Spencer (Prince Pollywig) from the current cast of the London production of “Hamilton” and others based in Britain, Canada and the United States. The Librarian (Annie Kirkman, an accomplished Yorkshire based musical theater actor and producer) hosts each episode.
The show has evolved into a cooperative, creative lockdown production, with Banks in Los Angeles, director Neil Fisher in Liverpool, and writer Erica Ehm in Toronto, with all involved in every shoot remotely via Zoom.
Singles from Outta the Books have been released, and the full cast recording will be available from all music sources on February 26th (which happens to be National Tell a Fairy Tale Day). A new season of Outta the Books adventures is in pre-production, and a podcast and children’s book are in the works.
Ziggy Marley, Oscar-nominated Yalitza Aparicio And Brazilian Stars Natiruts Encourage The Union Of The Americas In “América Vibra”
“No queremos hambre, nosotros somos vida. No queremos armas, nosotros somos paz. No queremos odio, nosotros somos amor,” Yalitza Aparicio recites in “América Vibra”
Kicking off the year with a powerful song and crying out for a better 2021, Brazilian band Natiruts invited one of the world’s greatest names in Reggae, Ziggy Marley, and Oscar-nominated Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio to collaborate in “América Vibra.” More than a Reggae anthem, the song is a manifesto that calls on the peoples of the Americas to unite, demanding a world with more justice and love. At a time when duality and walls – both physical and structural – set us apart, “América Vibra” makes an urgent request for the bridging of barriers.
The song released on Wednesday 20th January, a symbolic day that marked an important change for the world, and the single radiates a desire for a more egalitarian continent.
Ziggy Marley says: “It’s a great pleasure to collab with Natiruts and Yalitza on this song “América Vibra”. My lyrics is talking about realizing what’s going on with the environment and wanting to see some justice in the world. If we don’t do anything, nothing is going to happen, so we have to do something. I have to do something, you have to do something – that’s what we’re talking about. If the future is not right, I will make it right. We can’t wait for somebody else to do it, we have to do it. We have to take care of the planet, take care of each other and just build a better world together. América vibra!”.
Composed by Alexandre Carlo and Ziggy Marley, and performed in Portuguese, English and Spanish, “América Vibra” is backed by an award-winning team: Felipe Tichauer, with 26 nominations for the Latin Grammy and the Grammy under his belt, is in charge of mastering; and mixing is handled by 10-time Grammy nominee Tony Maserati, one of the most successful sound engineers in the world, who has worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Adam Lambert, among others. The song also features exclusive cover art by Kobra, one of the most renowned muralists of our day, with works in five different continents.
Directed by Rick Brombal, the music video is an exciting profusion of iconic images from the Americas (Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S.), encircled by nature, as in a kind of oasis, free from the hostile environment that surrounds them. In unison, Natiruts, Ziggy Marley, and Yalitza Aparício make an appeal for the union of peoples.
Natiruts lead singer Alexandre Carlo spoke about the context that led the band to vibrate for a fairer America: “There are invisible walls in society, created mainly by human relationships and experiences in the past that still affect our daily lives. In the case of Brazil, and especially the Americas, the main relationship that gives rise to these invisible walls is the colonization process, which favored some and greatly disfavored others.” He emphasizes the meaningful role of music in this process: “Music is a very important tool, because it changes the vibration frequency, people’s energy, it leads the hopeless to believe in their own potential. In this sense, music becomes quite important to tear down these invisible walls, and that is what our song proposes, and we hope that it can captivate the hearts and minds of many people, not only in Brazil, not only in the Americas, but in the entire world.”
“The importance of ‘América Vibra’ is to show that music has no boundaries and it’s a way to send messages of peace, just as unity makes us stronger in the face of adversity. When there’s respect among people, you can witness a real transformation,” actress Yalitza Aparicio explained. “I was thrilled when Sony invited me to participate, because I’ve always been a fan of reggae, I never believed that Ziggy and Natiruts could choose me to collaborate with them. I accepted immediately, albeit with fear, as being a part of this industry makes us targets to all kinds of criticism. I try to focus on the purpose of each project, because, as you know, I’ve always accepted the challenges that come to me, especially when they’re accompanied by such a strong and hopeful message,” she concluded.
In the future, the song will be part of the worldwide release of Natiruts new original project, which will be available on all digital platforms by early April. A well-established band that’s been around for more than 25 years, Natiruts’ compositions have the ability to speak of hope and positivity without falling into the trap of detachment.
Carrie Underwood To Release “My Savior” Album Of Gospel Hymns On March 26
Seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Carrie Underwood will follow the extraordinary success of her recent Christmas album, My Gift, with an album of gospel hymns, titled My Savior. The new album will be released on CD and Digital March 26, 2021, just prior to the Easter holiday, and on vinyl April 30. My Savior is co-produced by Underwood and GRAMMY® Award winner David Garcia, with whom she co-produced her critically acclaimed 2018 album Cry Pretty, her seventh album to be certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
My Savior, which will consist of covers of traditional gospel hymns Underwood grew up singing, is a spiritual companion to Underwood’s first-ever Christmas album. “It’s been such a blessing to make music like this, inspirational music that is near and dear to my heart,” says Underwood. “These two albums have been on my musical bucket list since the beginning of my career and were planned long before the events of the past year, but somehow it feels like the perfect time to share these beloved songs with the world.”
Underwood’s co-producer on My Savior, David Garcia, is a multi-platinum selling, four-time GRAMMY Award-winning record producer and songwriter. With his early roots in Christian music, over the past decade he has achieved chart-topping success across multiple genres of music with over 20 #1 songs to his credit. He has twice been named ASCAP’s Christian Music Songwriter of the Year (2015 and 2019), has written three ASCAP Award winners for Christian Music Song of The Year, as well as won nine Dove Awards. In addition to co-producing the Cry Pretty album, Garcia and Underwood’s collaborations include co-writing tracks such as her #1 hit “Southbound” (with Josh Miller), “Drinking Alone” and “Love Wins (both with Brett James), all of which have been certified Gold by the RIAA, as well as the original tracks “Let There Be Peace” and “Sweet Baby Jesus” (both with Brett James) on My Gift, among others.
Released September 25, 2020, My Gift topped charts throughout the holiday season. It debuted at #1 across multiple global charts, including Billboard Country, Christian and Holiday charts, marking Underwood’s eighth straight album to debut #1 on the Billboard Country chart. The album went on to claim the #1 spot on that chart for six non-consecutive weeks (four consecutive weeks). The album remained at #1 on the Christian chart for 14 weeks and debuted #1 on the UK country chart (her fifth #1 on the chart) and #1 on the Canadian country chart. My Gift consistently remained in the Top 5 on the Billboard Holiday Album Chart throughout the season, including #1 for six non-consecutive weeks. It reached #5 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 and appeared in the Top 10 for six non-consecutive weeks. Additionally, My Gift was the #1 selling album for 2020 in all genres at Amazon.
Five songs from My Gift appeared on the Top 40 Holiday Radio Music Chart: “Hallelujah” (duet with John Legend), which was the third most played current title across all radio stations running holiday music in 2020; “Little Drummer Boy” (featuring her 5-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher); “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas;” “Let There Be Peace” and “Mary, Did You Know?” Underwood became the first woman to replace herself at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart when “Hallelujah” sent her Amazon Exclusive “Favorite Time of Year” to the #2 spot, marking her third #1 on that list. Additionally, for three straight weeks, she held the top three slots on the list, with her recording of “Silent Night” at #3, making her the first artist to hold the top three positions on Hot Christian Songs for multiple weeks.
My Gift featured a combination of beloved traditional favorites celebrating the spiritual nature of the holiday, as well as several new originals, including the two written by Underwood, Garcia and James. GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, mixer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Greg Wells produced and arranged the album.
New Documentary on Acclaimed British Singer-Songwriter Paloma Faith Announced
BBC Music TV today announces Paloma Faith – As I Am, a one hour film for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, which follows over a year in the life of the singer-songwriter, Paloma Faith.
Paloma has had number ones all over the world, multi-million albums sales, headlined Glastonbury and sung to tens of thousands every week, but in recent years, she has taken on her toughest challenge yet – having a baby.
With unlimited access to Paloma as a woman, a mother and an international pop-star in the public eye, this film follows Paloma on an emotional journey, as she balances the demands of a vital make-or-break tour with writing a new album, launching an acting career and being a first time mum.
The film observes Paloma’s life, both front and backstage, in the midst of a pivotal year in her career. It features appearances and contributions from Rag’n’Bone Man, Ty Taylor and Jonas Blue as well as her band, management and family members. We see her struggling with choices every mum will be familiar with, whilst embarking on enormous career challenges in a cut-throat business.
Paloma not only returns to work after having her baby, but also to huge expectations to break Australia and America. At every turn, we ask ‘Will Paloma pull it off? Will she be successful and if so, what sacrifices will she be forced to make?’
Paloma says: “I was very reluctant to let a camera into the very personal experience of working as a first time mum but Jane Mingay who made the film is also a mother and a friend so I felt safe. The result is very telling, exposed and at times emotional for me to watch. Also, I hope it’s a testament to all working mothers out there. As a feminist, I don’t believe in aiming for patriarchal ideals in order to be a success. I believe in embracing our feminine strengths and abilities in order to try and navigate success in a male dominated and judged world. The film I hope gives some insight into this.”
Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, BBC Music Television says: “Paloma Faith – As I Am, from first time director Jane Mingay, shines a light on Paloma’s incredible achievements in her career to date, whilst also taking an honest look at the reality of balancing the commitments of parenthood with a demanding career. It’s a warm and often moving film and I’m delighted that we’ll be able to bring Paloma’s inspiring story to viewers on BBC Two.”
Paloma Faith – As I Am is a 1 x 60 film produced by Andy Glynne for Mosaic Films and directed by Jane Mingay. It was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two and Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, BBC Music TV. It will be shown on BBC Two in the coming weeks.
The programme is also amongst a wide range of upcoming music programming on BBC TV.
Later…with Jools Holland returns to BBC Two, with two new series over the coming months to keeping viewers supplied with live musical performances as challenging times continue. Last year saw the highest average audience for Later…with Jools Holland in over 10 years and featured new performances from artists including Fontaines D.C., Jacob Collier and Laura Marling. The new series of Later… follows the success of Jools’ Annual Hootenanny on New Year’s Eve 2020, which attracted 4.56 million viewers – the highest audience for the show on record. The programme featured new and archive performances from artists including Celeste, Róisín Murphy and Ella Eyre.
Elsewhere in the coming months, BBC One, along with BBC Radio 2, raises the curtain with a very special show direct from the West End, the US and beyond. A glittering cast of UK and international stars, including Idina Menzel, Nicole Scherzinger, Amanda Holden and Sheridan Smith perform songs from the musicals at the London Palladium in Musicals: The Greatest Show. The programme forms the centrepiece of Radio 2 Celebrates Musicals, three days of programmes featuring the music of stage and screen for people to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. To accompany this, in January and February, BBC Four will be broadcasting West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic, Sings Musicals, Imagine – Cameron Mackintosh: The Musical Man, and Imagine – Andrew Lloyd Webber: Memories.
This coming Friday 22 January, BBC Four celebrates the legendary Neil Diamond in the week of his 80th birthday with Neil Diamond at the BBC – a brand new compilation film which looks back at some of Diamond’s best BBC moments. That same evening, audiences will have another chance to view his set from Glastonbury 2008 as well as from the Electric Proms, which took place at London’s Roundhouse in 2010.
Viewers can also catch up on BBC Music TV’s recent highlights on BBC iPlayer, including David Bowie: The Last Five Years (BBC Four), Dolly Parton’s 2014 Glastonbury performance (BBC Four), Idris Elba meets Paul McCartney (BBC One), Paul McCartney at the Cavern Club (BBC One), The Story of…Pulp’s Common People (BBC Four), Take That: We’ve Come A Long Way (BBC One), TOTP: The Story of 1987 (BBC One), Aretha Franklin: Respect (BBC One), Amazing Grace (BBC Two), TOTP Christmas and New Year specials (BBC One), featuring Ella Henderson, Becky Hill, Clean Bandit, Mabel and Arlo Parks, The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne (BBC Two), Whitney: Can I Be Me? (BBC Two), Whitney at the BBC (BBC Four) and more.
Coming soon to BBC Two is Billie – an arresting and powerful film about Billie Holiday, which features journalist Linda Lipnack Keuhl’s never-seen before recorded interviews with the star. Also coming soon to BBC Four is Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America, a 6-part series exploring some of the groundbreaking songs that had an impact on the evolution of American music and culture, with another chance to see Hip Hop at the BBC (BBC Four), Hits, Hype & Hustle: An Insider’s Guide to the Music Business (BBC Four).