The Story Behind The Song

Consequence Podcast Network

The Story Behind the Song finds host Peter Csathy digging into some of the most iconic songs of all time with the artists who made them. Others may scratch the surface, but we go deeper than anyone into the musician’s fascinating creative journey of how their most lasting songs came to be – and the moment that sparked their inspiration.

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MusicMusic

Episodes

Jewel - "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands"
May 6 2024
Jewel - "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands"
To say singer-songwriter Jewel has come a long way since her days performing in an Alaskan bar would be an incredible understatement. With hits like "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands," Jewel is an undeniable force in popular music. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Jewel runs through her rise and dives into the two monumental hits that cemented her legacy.The songwriter and poet chats about "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands," from her debut record Pieces of You and Spirit respectively, and how they related to her struggle-filled path to fame.Jewel also touches on her activism, mental health advocacy, and work with organizations like InnerWorld and the Inspiring Children Foundation.Listen to Jewel tell the story behind "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands." For more of Jewel, grab tickets to her 2024 tour, which features a run of dates with Melissa Etheridge. The artist also recently opened "The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel" at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Heart - "Crazy On You" with Nancy Wilson
Apr 22 2024
Heart - "Crazy On You" with Nancy Wilson
Heart, undeniably, is a rock institution; they are an absolute powerhouse of guitars, drums, bass, and unmistakable vocals. Led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, few acts have left such a mark on the rock music canon, and "Crazy on You" might just be their masterpiece. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Heart's Nancy Wilson takes listeners behind the insanely iconic song. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts.Formed in 1973, Heart was on top of the musical world within just a few short years. Their 1975 full-length debut, Dreamboat Annie, housed such hits as the title track and the irresistible "Magic Man." Three songs into the tracklist, however, humbly lies what still stands as perhaps the band's most recognizable jam -- "Crazy on You."Listen to Heart's Nancy Wilson explore "Crazy on You" and more on your favorite podcast platform. For more of Heart, grab tickets to their recently-expanded 2024 tour, which features support from Cheap Trick.Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The-B52s - "Love Shack"
Apr 8 2024
The-B52s - "Love Shack"
The B-52s, beloved for their danceable new wave tunes, quirky lyrics, and wild outfits brought everyone to the "Love Shack" with their 1989 album Cosmic Thing. The song's playful energy and endlessly quotable lyrics brought the band new levels of fame, going on to become one of dance music's most inescapable tracks.On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, The-B52s' Kate Pierson talks to host Peter Csathy about the inspiration for "Love Shack," including how it almost didn't make the album and the session tale behind led to the famous, "T-i-i-i-n roof! Rusted." Pierson also dives into the band's origins and how the loss of bandmate Ricky Wilson almost marked the end of the group.Get tickets to The B-52s' upcoming tour dates, including the latest shows as part of their Las Vegas "Love Shack" residency in April, here: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/0eQdG2wListen to The B-52s' Pierson explore "Love Shake" on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nirvana's "Smell's Like Teen Spirit" - Butch Vig
Apr 1 2024
Nirvana's "Smell's Like Teen Spirit" - Butch Vig
Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was lightening in a bottle. It propelled Nevermind to the top of several album charts at the start of 1992 and was an event that is often marked as the point when grunge entered the mainstream. To tell the tale behind the song, we speak to songwriter, super record producer, drummer and co-producer of the alternative rock band Garbage, Butch Vig. Vig recounts how he went from recording indie bands in Madison, Wisconsin, to a fateful recording session with Nirvana. Then, he tells how he was called back to recreate that magic for Nevermind and how he translated Nirvana’s epic live sound into an epic album and, of course, the monumental "Smells Like Teen Spirit."Listen to Butch Vig explore Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Huey Lewis and the News - "I Want a New Drug" & Sports
Mar 25 2024
Huey Lewis and the News - "I Want a New Drug" & Sports
Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Their early work was a little new-wave for some, but when Sports came out in '83, the band had really came into their own, commercially and artistically. Hey, Paul, listen to Huey Lewis himself dive into the record, as well as standout "I Want a New Drug," on this episode of The Story Behind the Song!Featuring songs like"Heart and Soul," "The Heart of Rock & Roll," "I Want a New Drug," and "If This Is It," Sports spent a whopping 160 weeks on the charts. It's now sold over seven million copies in the United States alone, establishing itself as a commercial titan and a cultural signifier for the mid-1980s.Listen to Huey Lewis explore Sports, "I Want a New Drug," and more on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.The Huey Lewis and the News jukebox Broadway Musical, The Heart of Rock & Roll, begins previews on March 29th, and you can get tickets here. Also, make sure to check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop!You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Cure - "Boys Don't Cry"
Mar 18 2024
The Cure - "Boys Don't Cry"
"Boys Don't Cry" is one of the defining songs of The Cure's career — and it never even charted in the US. But the new wave classic is an undeniable slice of pop-rock perfection, and perhaps the most ubiquitously enduring track in The Cure's catalog.On this classic episode of The Story Behind the Song, The Cure's Lol Tolhurst, who co-wrote "Boys Don't Cry" with Robert Smith and Michael Dempsey, join host Peter Csathy to share his first-hand insight into the iconic song. Tolhurst also talks about his book Goth, a History, and his album with Suzie and the Banshees' Budgie and multi-instrumentalist Jacknife Lee, Los Angeles.Listen to the full conversation with The Cure's Lol Tolhurst as he tells first-hand tales about "Boys Don't Cry." Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2:! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Don McLean - "American Pie": The Story Behind the Nostalgic Classic
Dec 18 2023
Don McLean - "American Pie": The Story Behind the Nostalgic Classic
Don McLean earned the title of America's Troubadour with his iconic 1971 hit song "American Pie." This eight-and-a-half-minute folk rock track is considered a cultural touchstone in the annals of Americana, tracking the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation through oft-debated reference-rich lyrics about "the day the music died."On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, McLean joins host Peter Csathy to talk about how it took 10 years to write "American Pie," the song's legacy, and more. Then make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes.Also, check out Don McLean's holiday album Christmas Memories (Remixed and Remastered) here.This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Story Behind the Song. If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Story Behind the Song grow!You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Story Behind The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" with Lol Tolhurst
Nov 20 2023
The Story Behind The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" with Lol Tolhurst
The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" is a classic post-punk song about a lost love and the protagonist's inability to move on. An English rock band formed in 1978 in Crawley, West Sussex, by Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey and then drummer Lol Tolhurst. While Robert Smith has remained the only constant member, Tolhurst and Smith met as children before later founding the band together. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Tolhurst joins host Peter Csathy about his time in the group, writing "Boys Don't Cry,” his new book, Goth, a History, and his new album, “Los Angeles”, recorded with Budgie of Suzie and the Banshees, and producer, multi-instrumentalist, Garrett Jackknife Lee.Check out the new album here and learn more about Lol Tolhurst here. This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Story Behind the Song. If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Story Behind the Song grow!Listen to the full conversation with Lol Tolhurst and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Story Behind Air Supply's Soft Rock Smash "All Out of Love" with Graham Russell
Sep 18 2023
The Story Behind Air Supply's Soft Rock Smash "All Out of Love" with Graham Russell
Air Supply, the Australian soft rock duo has been melting hearts and serenading souls since 1975. In 1979, they created a succession of hits worldwide, including eight top-five hits on the US Billboard Hot 100: "Lost in Love”, "All Out of Love", "Every Woman in the World", "The One That You Love", "Here I Am", "Sweet Dreams", "Even the Nights Are Better”, and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All”.On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Air Supply's own Graham Russell joins host Peter Csathy to talk about perhaps the most endearing song in that string of smashes: "All Out of Love." Russell discusses how how “All Out of Love” came together, and how Clive Davis' input made the song an international success. He also talks about how he met Russell Hitchcock in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, how they became more famous, and their impact on popular culture.Air Supply are in the midst of celebrating their 45th anniversary on "The Lost in Love Experience" tour; get tickets to their upcoming dates here.Listen to the full conversation with Air Supply’s Graham Russell "I'm All Outta Love" and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Story Behind Run-DMC's Hip-Hop Classic "It's Tricky" with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Aug 28 2023
The Story Behind Run-DMC's Hip-Hop Classic "It's Tricky" with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Run-DMC (Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay," Mizell) was more than just a hip-hop group. They were a force of nature that transformed music, fashion, and history. Their deceptively simple, endlessly catchy lyrics and energetic live performances made them stars, and their use of rock and roll samples helped to break down the barriers between the two genres.In this special bonus Hip-Hop 50 episode of The Story Behind the Song, Peter Csathy talks to McDaniels himself about the group's history, their impact on popular culture, what it means to be a hip-hop legend. Of course, they also go into the story behind what is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, "It's Tricky." Also, the two discuss Darryl's upcoming appearance at the Park City Song Summit where Darryl will be on a panel with Public Enemy’s Chuck D to discuss hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.This episode is co-presented by the Park City Song Summit. You don’t want to miss out on this powerful, important music and wellness experience, so enter to win one of two sets of VIP Park City Song Summit tickets here, or get 20% all of PCSS' ticketed events by using the code SUMMIT here.Listen to the full conversation with Run-DMC's Darryl "DMC" McDaniels about “It's Tricky," Park City Song Summit, and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes.You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy