A third (34%) of musicians are considering abandoning the industry completely, due to financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic. New research from the Musicians’ Union, reveals nearly half (47%) of its members have already been forced to seek work outside of the industry, with seven in 10 (70%) unable to undertake more than a quarter of their usual work.
With furlough schemes coming to an end, 87% of musicians who were covered by the schemes say they will be facing financial hardship, and a third (33%) didn’t even qualify for any of the support available. As a result, nine in 10 (88%) believe the Government has not done enough to support musicians during the pandemic.
The Union, which works to protect the rights of around 32,000 musicians, is issuing an urgent call to Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry.
Horace Trubridge, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, said, “These figures are devastating and show how many musicians are struggling financially and at real risk of leaving music for good. In better times, our members drive a £5bn music industry with their talent. One artist’s gig will create a domino effect of jobs – from lighting technicians to ticket sellers. If one musician is out of work, you can be sure many others will be affected too.
“We appreciate all the Government has done to support our members through the furlough and self-employment income support schemes so far, but they must not abandon musicians now. With social distancing measures still in place, venues can only sell at around 30% of usual capacity. We are calling on the Government to implement a seat-matching scheme, which would take venues’ potential revenue to 60%, providing a lifeline to musicians and the wider industry.
“Getting musicians back to work is the priority. However, this is simply not realistic for so many of our members while social distancing remains in place. We strongly urge the Government to recognise the unique situation that our members are in and to provide sector specific financial support for musicians.”
Following the success of her debut album, Before Love Came To Kill Us, Grammy-nominated Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez surprises fans with the 17-track Before Love Came To Kill Us+ album including two fresh takes “Sugar At Night” and “No One’s In The Room” out September 25. The original which rose to critical acclaim upon release in March is told from a fiery point of view, romanticizing love and contextualizing heartbreak and relationships from Reyez’s lens and uncanny storytelling ability.
Before Love Came To Kill Us+ is accompanied by the Emma Higgins directed visual for “No One’s In The Room,” a powerful offering about individuality and authenticity. Challenging the confines of self-identity, Reyez pleads over echoing bars: “Who am I when no one’s in the room?,” a notion reflected in the eyes of those who change who they are when people are not around. With symbolism of purity and strength throughout, the record empowers listeners to explore their deepest fears surrounding identity.
To note an incredible year, Reyez became the first artist to perform atop Toronto’s CN Tower during the NBA Playoffs, made an impressive cameo in Beyoncé’s Black is King visual album, and performed the title track “Kill Us” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon!. With both peer accolades and critical acclaim, Reyez’s debut album was praised by The New York Times, Variety, Pitchfork, Vibe, Time, etc. With over 350M global streams upon release the debut resulted in a nomination for the 2020 Polaris Music Prizefor best Canadian album, earning the title of Top Female Debut Album, Top R&B album of 2020, and charting in the Top 5 on Billboard’s R&B album chart where it has remained since release. The debut was then followed by a support run on global superstar Billie Eilish’s U.S. stadium tour which was abruptly stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is slated to be rescheduled at a later date. Shortly thereafter, Eilish introduced Reyez before she performed her hit single “Crazy” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The performance was then followed by a duet performance of her RIAA certified-platinum reimagined hit “Imported” with 6LACK on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Music production is an exciting industry to work in. If you have any thoughts of becoming a music producer then you probably already know something of what is needed but here is some background information on music production and the basics for anyone who has an interest but not any information about music production.
What does a music producer do?
The process of recording and producing a song is music production. This is overseen by a music producer. Their job is to make sure the track that is being recorded comes out the best it can. The job will entail listening to recordings, making or suggesting changes and edits to the track. They may bring in other professionals to assist with the process.
A producer for a top 40 band would have a group of music professionals around him to assist with arrangements, song writing, mixing and mastering. If you were what is known as a ‘bedroom producer’ you would find yourself having to do all of these things. Many bands began with very limited access to equipment and professional help. In a studio there is likely to be professional music equipment and instruments from suppliers like SoundHalo.
Careers in music production
Being a music producer is a rewarding job and if you are musically minded and want to work in a creative environment then this may be for you. There is a certain amount of training needed but this isn’t always formal training. You may also need to look at different areas of music production to find your niche. Music production is not just about working with the latest hip hop artist or boyband it could be that you are producing for video games, TV adverts or recording live bands.
So what are the actual basics of music production?
Songwriting
Songwriting is the process of connecting musical ideas into something that sounds melodious, harmonic and rhythmic. It should have a beginning, middle and an end and be musically coherent. You are looking at making something where the lyrics and music work together to form something creative and pleasing to the listener. It is not good enough to write clever lyrics; they must be arranged for your required musical style and fit that rhythm and harmonic structure.
Arranging
This refers to which instruments are played on a track and where and how often. You may have a great chorus and verse but repeating them over and over will not result in an interesting song. The arrangement is there to make the song more interesting. It allows the sections of the song to be moved along it’s timeline to take the song to a different level. Songs should have moments where they build up to a chorus and other parts where they slow down depending on the style of music and you can control this when arranging the sections. Arranging allows you to introduce an instrument for a subtle effect or perhaps to drop the beat to bring impact. Instruments can be used to almost endless results during the arrangement.
Tracking
So you have your song written and arranged and now it needs recording. This is also called tracking. The process of tracking is where you record all the instruments that you have used in your song. These are normally recorded one track at a time. You may have heard of multi track recording; as you record each new track you can hear all the previous recorded tracks too. This is what multi-track recording means.
Editing
This should be left until after all the recording is done. It can be used to fix some problems but ideally you want the recording to sound natural and if the song sounds great already then don’t edit it. You use the editing process to improve pitches or sync sections that are slightly out of time. Don’t over do the editing or the song can sound chopped up and glued together..
Mixing
Mixing is a complex area that many people decide to focus on solely as it can take years to master and be truly great at it. It is the process where you get to combine all the instruments recorded into a stereo 2 track mix. You get to decide which instruments will sound loudest and if they sound far back or out front. You can add effects where you think appropriate. Mixing allows a world of possibilities and can be a very exciting part of the music production process. This is why some people become mixers and stay away from the other areas of music production.
Mastering
Individual songs can be recorded in different studios and with different producers and sound engineers. When you want to put these individual songs into one collection or album this can become a problem. It can be clear this is a group of very separate entities. A mastering engineer’s job is to take these individual songs and make them sound like one coherent compilation. They can correct any small deficiencies that the mixing engineer may have missed and they will increase the levels of all the tracks so they all sound even. After they have been put through the same mastering equipment they will sound like they come from the same album.
Summary
Music production is simply about making music. If you are interested in any or all forms of music production then search the internet for more resources. Learn more about the processes and practice. By making music at home you will learn more about the different processes and everything will become easier. Many famous music producers started out with no formal training at all and rose to have great careers, think Dr Dre. In the UK many famous producers started out as sound engineers.
If you are serious about a career and want some formal training then you could look into courses at a music school. There are many places offering music production courses online now. They provide projects and support materials and you have the added benefit of fitting the course around your own daily life.
A customized gift is an expression that allows the giver an opportunity to transform an everyday item into a keepsake. Giving a custom photo gift makes your recipient feel special and loved. An exclusive customized gift comes with the name, picture, or a uniquely drafted message that gives people sentimental feelings with their cherished ones.
Custom photo gifts have become famous and the preferred pick for gift-givers. Photos are faithful memory custodians because they capture memories that would otherwise be forgotten. If you are thinking of appreciating a loved one on their wedding, birthday, graduation, or just being there for you, here are reasons that should affirm your decision.
Personalized Gifts have a Touch of Individuality
Whether you choose a pillow, comforter, mug, or photo frame, your recipient’s name or picture has to appear on it. Their image can be engraved, embossed, or imprinted to say that the gift is uniquely theirs. You can also write a short message that speaks on your behalf.
A gift is a long-term treasure
A personalized gift has more than a million-dollar tag attached to it. Everyday gifts like accessories, a tie, and chocolate are easily forgotten because they wear out or run out. However, a customized present connects the recipient and the giver forever. Such a gift evokes joyful memories of time spent together.
Grabs everyone’s attention
When choosing a gift for a loved one, you take time to pick the best- a freshly baked cake, the latest accessory, or a sweet-scented bouquet. You do this to impress your loved one and get a wow applause for your onlookers. However, these are gift options that anyone walking in a gift shop can pick. A customized gift stands out from the rest and makes a lasting first impression on the recipient.
Perfect for everyone and all occasions
Whether it’s a one-year-old, a teenager, parent, spouse, or friend, a customized gift would be a befitting present for anyone. A gift perfect for all occasions will still be fashionable and appropriate for a bridal shower, valentine, birthday, a wedding anniversary. Similarly, if you want to endear your daughter or son on their graduation, you can package a gift that bears their name and picture.
Strengths the bond between the two
A personalized gift enhances the personal connection between the giver and recipient. It speaks to the heart and uniquely says what you need to say. A customized gift expresses love, gratitude, pride, and joy. It tells the recipient that they’re loved and appreciated for who they are.
Keeps memorable moments for a lifetime
When adorned with doting pictures of an auspicious occasion, a customized present allows people to get lost in nostalgic moments. You give more than a gift. You offer a galore of memories that the recipient can display or show off to all and sundry.
Shows you took an extra mile
Anyone can grab a present from a gift shop and give it to the intended recipient. You can do this with your eyes closed and still place your finger on an item your loved one adores. Not so with a personalized gift. You have to put lots of thought and heart into a customized gift. Picking the gift and engraving the name and message makes it unique.
Acts as a marketing strategy
This advantage is from a business point of view. Business firms treat their staff with diaries, t-shirts, umbrellas, and other goodies, with their logo. Employees would feel more appreciated if the gift is more personalized and not the obvious kind. Such a workforce would have a sense of pride in marketing their firm.
Thoughtful ideas for your man’s gifts
A customized gift for your man is a unique way of telling him how much you love him. Because it bears his name and picture, he’ll never forget it. He will also use it because it is custom-made for him.
Guitar picks with photo
Guitar picks are a favorite pick for men who play the stringed instrument. Tiny as it is, it bears a photo on both sides. You’ll agree that the double sidedness compensates for its small size. These guitar picks are a definite inspiration. Don’t be surprised if he sings more love songs to you, inspired by your gift.
Postal photo stamps
Ever thought of having his image appearing on the postal stamp? A postal photo stamp is a perfect gift for the man who’s got his act together. He will not have to rush to the mail center to buy some stamps. He’ll always remember you throughout the seasons when he sends a mail. A photo of your best memories together is a sure bet.
Birthday wine box
Fine wine resonates with good relationships, both ferment and sweetens, with time. This gift has compartments that slide to open. On each of the boxes, you can engrave your man’s initials or personal mantra. Further, he can choose which anniversary he wants to open his wine bottle.
Stump-embossed ring
This gift replicates a tree stump. His initials are carved into it in a rustic style. You can choose to have your pet name engraved on it plus a cupid sign around it. This kind of gift usually comes with a matching necklace for him and another for you.
A personalized Photo Frame
Photo frames are an excellent gift that can be turned into best picks when his name is imprinted on the wood frame. If you appreciate him for being the best dad ever, you can add a photo that captures such moments and have it enclosed in the frame.
Embroidered Gym Bag
If your man is a gym-enthusiast or the sporty kind, he’ll appreciate this gift. He’ll never swap his bag with someone else’s. You can choose the embroidery thread’s color to make his initials, nickname, or pet name stand out. This gift will make him stand tall for you, any time he’s working out.
Customized locket cuff
Lockets are elegant pieces of jewelry. You can have initials on it and paste a picture of his favorite woman inside. Every time he buttons his shirt will be a reminder of the woman who keeps him locked. Romantic? Isn’t it?
by Maria Curreri, Young & Proud mom, cat mom, dog mom…
When it comes to the music scene, we’ve noticed a significant break from past practices in recent years. Both in terms of creation and promotion. Musicians can now stream their music and have full control from the distribution to promotion.
Even the little guys can now share their music with the world, independent of the big labels. This is precisely how the likes of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande got their names in the music world.
Aside from YouTube and streaming platforms, Instagram is another powerful medium to promote your music and reach millions. And not to mention that it is super cost-effective, and you get to keep complete control of your intellectual and artistic property.
Whether you’re new to Instagram for business, or you’re looking for ways to up your game, you’ll find our guide useful. From polishing up your IG profile to finding the best instagram marketing service, we’ve got all the best IG hacks to help you out.
Optimize your profile
First things first, be sure your profile is growth-ready. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to get to your audience faster, so prepare the basis for your Instagram success.
Business mode on – Switch to business mode, if you still haven’t. Not only will you get a ton of promotional features, such as the option to choose a category and add contact info, but you’ll also get a cool addition in the form of Insights. This feature will help you keep track of the critical growth metrics.
Bio – Make it cool, but informative. Let your future fans understand your genre and the overall vibe from the start.
Link – Ad the link to your YouTube, website, or landing page for your tour, concert, or the new release.
Profile picture – Use your photo, but add an artistic twist to it. Or if you have a signature style covers, add that element instead of a logo. Be sure to keep it authentic and on-brand.
Video content
As you’re probably familiar with, Instagram provides plenty of opportunities for content formats. IG Stories and IGTV are the perfect formats to post teasers to your new projects or a set from the latest show you’ve performed.
TryIG Live to get your audience behind the scenes at a concert, video making, or a studio recording session. It will help close the gap between the artist and the crowd, and the audience is loving the relatable and accessible approach.
Versatile posts
Use the versatile nature of Instagram post formats to your advantage and climb your way to the top of the music scene through Instagram.
Post photos and images with bits from your latest projects, and add the download link in the description.
Post 60-seconds videos in your posts to add to the mixture and engage your audience. Remember to include subtitles as most IG users are keeping the sound on mute.
To top off a cool photo, tell an engaging story about it in the captions. Share an interesting fact about your team/band, or a fun story from a show you performed.
Use hashtags to improve discoverability
Instagram hashtags are still the most powerful tool when it comes to getting discovered by your ideal audience. They serve like the roadmaps to your content and your profile in general.
Still, you can’t just throw a bunch of them (all 30) and call it a day. It takes some strategizing to really see the full effect.
In the music industry, you could use the most popular ones, like #music, #InstaMusic; however, be sure to limit your posts to only a few of those. Most of your hashtags should be super-specific to target the right audience. If you’re a hip hop music producer living and working in NYC, for example, your best bet would be to go for the hashtags like: #musicproducernys, #hiphopbeats, #hiphopnyc.
Give growth Instagram services a try
Once you’ve optimized your profile and content for the maximum growth, you can take things to the next level with a reliable IG growth service.
No, we’re not talking about buying a bunch of fake followers and risking your reputation for no real reasons.
You can do some research and get to the really awesome, completely organic results with cool partners like Flock Social and similar services that guarantee real results, without any possible unsafe methods.
HBO Documentary Films has acquired all North American rights to the feature length documentary THE BEE GEES: HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART about the legendary band who wrote more than 1,000 songs, including twenty number one hits throughout their career. The film chronicles the rise of the iconic group, consisting of brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, their music and its evolution over the years. THE BEE GEES: HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART will debut on HBO later this year and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
A Polygram Entertainment presentation of a Kennedy/Marshall and White Horse Pictures production in association with Diamond Docs, THE BEE GEES: HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART, is directed by Frank Marshall, Academy Award nominated filmmaker (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Seabiscuit”), and was an official selection for the 2020 Telluride Film Festival. Marshall also produces alongside Nigel Sinclair and Jeanne Elfant Festa, part of the award-winning team behind HBO’s “The Apollo” and producers of “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week” and HBO’s “George Harrison: Living in the Material World”, and Mark Monroe (“The Beatles: Eight Days a Week,” “Icarus”).
“Like so many people, I’ve loved the Bee Gees’ music all my life,” said Frank Marshall, “But discovering their uncanny creative instincts and the treasure trove of music, their humor, and loyalty was a great two-year journey. We are very happy and proud to be with HBO, and it has been an honor to work on this project.”
“It’s an honor to tell the story of the Bee Gees – as brothers, as superstars and iconic songwriters – and to shine a light on their incredible career and the global impact of their music,” said Executive Producer and Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, Jody Gerson.
Producer Nigel Sinclair said, “This is a story of how three brothers with paramount musical gifts created music that touched the collective unconscious across five continents for five decades straight,” said. “It is brotherhood and family, creativity, entertainment, joy, and tragedy. We all feel very privileged to be involved.”
THE BEE GEES: HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART is directed by Frank Marshall; produced by, Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Mark Monroe, Frank Marshall; executive produced by David Blackman, Jody Gerson, Steve Barnett, Nicholas Ferrall, Cassidy Hartmann, Ryan Suffern; written by Mark Monroe with story consultant, Cassidy Hartmann.
Songwriters behind hits from the likes of Beyoncé, David Guetta, Dua Lipa and Lewis Capaldi have worked with Holocaust survivor and educator Ben Lesser for an inspirational new global music campaign based on real-life stories and experiences from some of the world’s most extraordinary people.
Over the course of five days at a BMG Soundlab songwriting camp conducted in Los Angeles, Lesser met with a group of 14 songwriters, producers and artists from the US and Europe including Toby Gad (John Legend, Beyonce, Fergie), Lindy Robbins (Jason Derulo, David Guetta), Edd Holloway (Lewis Capaldi, Martin Garrix), Georgia Ku (Dua Lipa, Zedd), and Emily Vaughn (Netta), among others.
Drawing on Lesser’s deeply affecting stories and experiences during the Holocaust and his life, the songwriters and producers went on to write four songs that conveyed his message into their music. Lesser joined the sessions, gave feedback and even participated in one song with a recorded Jewish prayer (‘Zachor Intro’).
The campaign was launched by Ben Lesser in a special edition of The Global Classroom webcast on Tuesday September 22 to an audience of an estimated 1.8m schoolchildren worldwide.
Lesser, founder of ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and ZACHOR Holocaust Curriculum, said, “The opportunity to partner with BMG, WHO, UN, UNICEF, Microsoft and so many incredible artists to create unique music based off of my life story and then to bring this to students worldwide through the Global Classroom has been truly humbling….I hope the students worldwide feel the same way about the lessons we learned together.”
UK songwriter Edd Holloway, who co-wrote much of Lewis Capaldi’s Number One hit album Divinely Inspired To A Hellish Extent, said, “Ben Lesser’s words really inspired us to go and write some music about how we can hopefully change the world for the better in the future.”
These songs are now available as part of the Choose Love EP, available on all major streaming platforms (search for Ben Lesser).
The EP includes four tracks:
(1) ‘Zachor Intro’
Performed by Ben Lesser; written by Phil Schardt (David Bisbal, Alex Aiono) and Kady Taylor
(2) Change Somebody’ (ft. Oda Loves You)
Written by Magnus Bertelsen (Alan Walker, Marcus & Martinus), Georgia Ku (Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa, Zedd), and DWY
(3) ‘Letter To The World’ (ft. Emily Vaughn)
Written by Toby Gad (John Legend, Beyoncé, Fergie), Lindy Robbins (Jason Derulo, Demi Lovato, David Guetta), Edd Holloway (Lewis Capaldi, Dean Lewis), and Emily Vaughn (Netta, Simply Rayne)
(4) ‘Zachor’
Written by Phil Schardt and Kady Taylor
Standing in solidarity with the spirit behind National Voter Registration Day, HBO Max announced today that A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote will premiere on the platform on October 15, dropping just two weeks prior to the momentous national election. This timely special marks the first time in 17 years that the original cast of the Emmy- and Peabody Award–winning hit Warner Bros. Television drama series will come together with creator Aaron Sorkin and executive producer/director Thomas Schlamme for a special theatrical stage presentation of the “Hartsfield’s Landing” episode from the show’s third season. The West Wing stars Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and Martin Sheen will reprise their roles from the episode.
Additionally, A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote will include act breaks with guest appearances from When We All Vote co-chair Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Fans will also be treated to the musical talents of legendary Emmy® award–winning composer W.G. Snuffy Walden, who will take to his guitar to play the iconic score for The West Wing theme song. Folk rock band, The Avett Brothers, will also close out the special.
The creative team and cast organized this historic production in order to raise awareness for and support the vital mission of When We All Vote, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization co-chaired by Michelle Obama which was founded to increase participation in every election in America. In honor of the special, WarnerMedia will make a donation to When We All Vote.
A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote is produced by Casey Patterson Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and Casey Patterson are the executive producers. Rob Paine is co-executive producer and Schlamme will serve as director. The production will strictly follow COVID Safe Way Forward Protocols.
In a worldwide exclusive for Radio 2, to mark what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday, Sean Ono Lennon interviews Julian Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John in two-part documentary, John Lennon At 80 to be broadcast on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, 9-10pm.
And John Lennon At The BBC brings together from the archive, classic performances and interviews (Sunday 4 October, 7-9pm). All programmes will be broadcast on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, and will be available to listen again on BBC Sounds for 30 days.
Additionally, each of the conversations Sean has with Julian, Paul and Elton will be available to listen to in full on BBC Sounds after John Lennon At 80 has been broadcast.
John Lennon would have turned 80 years old on Friday 9 October. Hosted by his youngest son Sean in his first ever radio show about his father, this is a celebratory, musical, family portrait of the legendary musician. It sheds fresh light on John’s remarkable life in music – one which created some of the most important musical milestones of the 20th Century – and also delves deep into his incredible back catalogue.
Each of the hour-long programmes journey through his incomparable and prolific musical life as a Beatle, as a solo artist, with Yoko Ono, and as a collaborator. Sean, in conversation with his older brother Julian, bring their unique insights as John’s sons, sharing their thoughts and recollections about their father’s compositions and significant moments. This is the first time the brothers have ever spoken publicly together about their memories of their dad, and the first time Sean has talked about John publicly with his fellow Beatle and song-writing partner, Paul McCartney, and Sean’s godfather, Elton John. The programmes will be made by independent production company, Listen.
Helen Thomas, Head of Station, Radio 2, says: “John Lennon is one of the Radio 2 audience’s most popular and best loved musicians, so we’re thrilled and honoured that Sean’s first ever radio programme in which he talks at length about his father, alongside his brother Julian, Paul McCartney and Elton John, will be broadcast on our network.”
Sean and Julian talk personally about their father and how he taught them about music. Julian recalls his dad buying him a guitar when he was around 11 years old. It helped him get into playing music, and he remembers recording an early school gig which he sent to his dad on cassette. Together, Julian and Sean recall Lennon’s final album, Double Fantasy, with Sean describing it ‘overwhelming’ to listen to because some of his earliest memories are of being in the studio with his dad during the recording of it. They talk about their memories of finding out their dad was a Beatle, and not like everyone else’s dad, with Julian talking about seeing fans at the end of the garden each day when he was two or three years old growing up in England, and Sean recalling similar scenes outside their apartment building in New York.
Paul McCartney shares his memories of meeting John, talking about the combination of him and John, saying: “I look back on it now like a fan, how lucky was I to meet this strange teddy boy off the bus, who played music like I did and we get together and boy, we complemented each other!” Sean asks about his grandma, John’s mum, who had a massive influence on his life and music, but sadly died when John was a teenager. Paul shares some lovely memories; “She was a doll, you would have loved her”, and explains how much she was like John.
About their writing partnership, Sean asks if there were any songs he and John didn’t like or if they struck gold from the beginning? Paul says: “There were a few songs that weren’t very good… you know, clearly young songwriters who don’t know how to do it”, and then picks up his guitar and plays an example, an excerpt of a Lennon/McCartney track called Just Fun which they never recorded. He goes on to say: “Eventually, we started to write slightly better songs and then enjoyed the process of learning together so much that it really took off.” And on whether the Let It Be period (The Beatles broke up soon after) really was as gloomy as the press made it out to be, Paul says he always thought it was until he saw some recently discovered footage of the recording sessions and recalls a photo, taken by Linda, of them both writing during the sessions, saying it reminds him of the strength of his friendship with John with the photo showing a different, less gloomy side which gave him ‘hope’. Sean also asks about his father’s insecurities, with Paul replying that his confidence was a ‘shield’, explaining that his wit guarded him from his insecurities as: “Wait a minute, there’s this guy ‘John Lennon’ who’s like a genius, clever, witty, confident, and everything why would he have insecurities? Because we’re all fragile beings.”
For the first time, Sean speaks publicly to Elton John, who talks about what it was like being around John. He tells a great story about cycling eight miles to buy a copy of Sergeant Pepper in Hatch End because he was such a fan! And from being a fan to finally meeting John, he tells Sean: “When I met your Dad I felt like I’d known him all my life and that’s the biggest compliment I can pay him.” He talks about the Madison Square Garden performance John did with him in 1974, which became Lennon’s final live gig appearance, but was also where he was reunited with Yoko Ono after a period of separation. Soon after she was pregnant with Sean, hence the reason Elton is his godfather.
In John Lennon At The BBC, Liza Tarbuck explores the BBC’s archive of John Lennon, from his earliest days with The Beatles up to his final interview recorded just two days before his death in December 1980. His work, both as a musician and as a high profile peace activist, still resonates as loudly today as it did during his lifetime. He appeared frequently on BBC programmes and these provide a fascinating insight into his creative output and worldview. His contributions were articulate, often controversial and always searingly honest as he talked about subjects including the Vietnam War, his protracted struggles with the US authorities as he tried and eventually succeeded in securing residency there, the break-up of The Beatles, his treatment by the press and the development of his music throughout the 1960’s and 70’s.
The featured programmes include his 1971 appearance on Parkinson alongside his wife Yoko Ono, performing his own poetry on Not Only But Also, talking to current Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris about his Rock ‘N’ Roll And Walls And Bridges albums on The Old Grey Whistle Test, an early ‘pop profile’ for the BBC World Service with Brian Matthew, and his explosive 1969 interview with veteran New York Times war correspondent Gloria Emerson which was captured on film for the BBC’s 24 Hours. Also featured are tracks from throughout his solo career which have been painstakingly restored and remixed for the newly-released collection, Gimme Some Truth. These are heard alongside exclusive performances of some of his most celebrated songs including Imagine, Love, Woman and Happy Xmas (War Is Over) featuring Katie Melua, Roachford, Aloe Blacc and Jack Savoretti performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra. This is a BBC Audio production.
