Song Stories

Gavin Simpson

It's all about the song. We talk about influential songs with our guests and explore songwriting stories. If you're interested in how songs are written and how songs help make memories we think you'll like this show. Hosted by Gavin Simpson (@sourfishmusic) read less
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026 Raymond Meade - Songwriting, The Railway People and Going All in.
Apr 7 2021
026 Raymond Meade - Songwriting, The Railway People and Going All in.
Raymond was a great guest and shared insight into his songwriting process. He also shares some of the wisdom gained from the incredible projects he's worked on and artists he's worked with.  Three things we learn from this week episode include:·      The stories behind Nobodies and Plague Called Home  from his new EP; ·      How and what inspired his award winning documentary The Railway People; and ·      What Ray took from playing in Ocean Colour Scene and with Gerry Cinnamon to his own music. Ray's things:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dPY8n5kmip9KsWSYU6QmuWebsite http://www.raymondmeade.comThe Railway People http://therailwaypeople.raymondmeade.comGavin linksInstagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R4bDtY5VVOjPn7taECBPRYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A

Episodes

026 Raymond Meade - Songwriting, The Railway People and Going All in.
Apr 7 2021
026 Raymond Meade - Songwriting, The Railway People and Going All in.
Raymond was a great guest and shared insight into his songwriting process. He also shares some of the wisdom gained from the incredible projects he's worked on and artists he's worked with.  Three things we learn from this week episode include:·      The stories behind Nobodies and Plague Called Home  from his new EP; ·      How and what inspired his award winning documentary The Railway People; and ·      What Ray took from playing in Ocean Colour Scene and with Gerry Cinnamon to his own music. Ray's things:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dPY8n5kmip9KsWSYU6QmuWebsite http://www.raymondmeade.comThe Railway People http://therailwaypeople.raymondmeade.comGavin linksInstagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R4bDtY5VVOjPn7taECBPRYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
025 Tom McGuire & The Brassholes - Songwriting, Ric Flair and chasing your music dream..
Mar 17 2021
025 Tom McGuire & The Brassholes - Songwriting, Ric Flair and chasing your music dream..
Tom McGuire, lead singer and songwriter from Tom & The Brassholes talks us through the stories behind their hit songs:Super Solid Soul VehicleRic FlairGet OutThe Ballad of MC SickboyCaveman  Find out in the show exactly how Tom goes from song sketch idea to full formed nine-piece musical masterpiece. Also discover which of the songs came about following an encounter with a, soon to be jailed, drunken rapper. Tom & The Brassholes linksSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JnJgTo8cCtAQmtC0cJyjpWebsite https://www.tomandthebrassholes.comGavin linksInstagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R4bDtY5VVOjPn7taECBPRYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
024 Damien Mcfly - Writing great songs, getting 6 million YouTube views and Italian-English
Feb 23 2021
024 Damien Mcfly - Writing great songs, getting 6 million YouTube views and Italian-English
This weeks episode with Damien Mcfly catch up includes:1.     How Damien composes cover songs such as his 3.5m streamed Hey Brother 2.     The stories behind his hit songs including Vega, Underneath my Skin and Behind you3.     Why he goes by his stage name of Damien McFly and not his super sexy Italian birth name. NotesDamien LinksWebsite https://www.damienmcfly.com Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ft7APiBr9l00FbsSnu92xYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/damienmcfly Gavin linksSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R4bDtY5VVOjPn7taECBPRInstagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
023 The K's - Gigging, Songwriting, two million Spotify streams and a Caterpillar Cake
Feb 9 2021
023 The K's - Gigging, Songwriting, two million Spotify streams and a Caterpillar Cake
On this episode we speak with all band members of The K's; Jamie Boyle, Dexter Baker, Ryan Breslin and Jordan Holden.  We discuss the stories behind their songs; Aurora , Valley One, Got a Feeling, TV and Sarajevo. We also find out about why they're weighing up their options for a record deal and how they managed to get 2 million streams of their debut single on Spotify. The K's  LinksWebsite https://theksareonfire.comSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DlKk9ibc9dCgvyNPGNXdHFacebook https://www.facebook.com/theksofficialGavin linksSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R4bDtY5VVOjPn7taECBPRInstagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
022 Shed 7 - Chasing Rainbows, Better Days, Standby and hits from a Potato Shed.
Feb 2 2021
022 Shed 7 - Chasing Rainbows, Better Days, Standby and hits from a Potato Shed.
This episode's guest is Rick Witter from Shed 7. He talks openly about Shed 7's songs's and how they were formed. We talk about their latest album Instant pleasures and what Rick thinks has made Shed 7 continue to sell out arenas today. Three amazing things from the show are:1.     The stories behind his hit songs Chasing Rainbows and Stand by;2.    Riding the crest of the Britpop wave in the 90s; and   3.   Why a potato warehouse has a special place in their musical hearts.Shed 7 LinksWebsite  https://www.shedseven.comSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iejrAcqxYoVgyxp6zkWgsGavin linksSpotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R4bDtY5VVOjPn7taECBPRMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com Instagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
021 Joshua Grant - Songwriting, Chart Topping and Big Cheese
Jan 26 2021
021 Joshua Grant - Songwriting, Chart Topping and Big Cheese
This episode's guest Joshua was super fun. He's friendly, entertaining and has written some great songs. Three amazing things from the show are:1.     The stories behind his hit songs Edinburgh and Transparent2.     How Joshua hustled his way to number 1 in the Scottish charts; and3.     Where his diverse range of nicknames comes from.Joshua LinksSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1hBGtBGjmVvxqPUL7rrW7Y?si=6_j4BqSaQ_6CGF2AKpkUggFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/musicjoshuagrant/Gavin linksMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com Instagram  www.instagram.com/thesongstoriesYoutube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
020 Ben McKelvey - Songs, Boxing, Brighton Beach and Bond vs Rocky
Jan 19 2021
020 Ben McKelvey - Songs, Boxing, Brighton Beach and Bond vs Rocky
We catch up with the fantastic Ben McKelvey we cover the stories behind his songs; Johnny and June, Stronger, Life before You, Morning I'm Gone and the aptly timed Resolutions. Three other great thing we learn about are in the show are:1.    The magic that happens on Brighton beach2.    How Ben creates the desired mood of a song so well in the final production; 3.    And the key ingredient behind his 200k + streaming song Life before you.Links below Ben on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2yiJ8L2qlSvAzWiV2OFdF0Ben's Webpagehttps://www.bmckmusic.co.ukGavin linksMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
019 Andrew Cushin - Songwriting, Performing and Noel Gallagher.
Jan 12 2021
019 Andrew Cushin - Songwriting, Performing and Noel Gallagher.
In this episode we speak to Andrew on the stories behind his hit songs Waiting for the Rain, It's Gonna Get Better and Where's My Family Gone.We also chat about Andrew's journey as an aspiring songwriter and artist from penning songs as a 16 year old for his family to working on his latest single with Noel Gallagher. Links to Andrew's Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0mUufv9jrIi9BPpN9VHduc?si=J0CAe9g2T4GmlI3KpRSVDAGavin linksMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
018 Angus Powell - Songwriting, Monsters and getting his songs in TV shows
Dec 30 2020
018 Angus Powell - Songwriting, Monsters and getting his songs in TV shows
On this episode we speak to Angus Powell, on his songwriting graft. Great episode for anyone wanting to make or hear about impactful music. Three key takeaways from the episode. 1.     How Angus, following his voice breaking during a choir song Angus go through stage fright that he had until he was 20;2.     How, as an independent artist, he got his music placed into shows by CBC and movies by Universal; and3.     How he makes a live show that separates him from other singer songwriter guitar players. Link to Angus Websitehttps://www.musicglue.com/anguspowellLink to Angus Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2SWjKSdvZK4SKu0m6LcMtlGavin linksMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
017 Martin Stephenson - Songwriting, Cosmic Forces, Writing a Gay Anthem & Bob Dylan
Dec 22 2020
017 Martin Stephenson - Songwriting, Cosmic Forces, Writing a Gay Anthem & Bob Dylan
Great chat with Martin Stephenson of The Daintees. Martin shared some great stories of how his songs were written, tips of crafting and how he lets a greater force guide his work. Where to find Martinhttps://www.facebook.com/mgstephensonhttps://www.daintees.co.ukGavinMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
016 Natalie Shay: Songwriting, Naked, Performing and Artist Aspirations
Dec 8 2020
016 Natalie Shay: Songwriting, Naked, Performing and Artist Aspirations
Great catch up with Natalie Shay where she talks about her recent EP Naked, songwriting process and challenge of making it in the pop world today. More About Nataliehttps://www.natalieshay.co.ukNatalie on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6pDapjUwN36LXMdYk0WKuQGavinMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJS3VQ56EslZ2AqcMQHd2A
015 Mark Cawley: Songwriting - No 1 Hits, Creative Rituals, Finding Titles and The Daily Song Journal
Dec 2 2020
015 Mark Cawley: Songwriting - No 1 Hits, Creative Rituals, Finding Titles and The Daily Song Journal
We chat with 16 million record selling writer Mark Cawley about writing songs, daily rituals, collaborating and his new book The Daily Song Journal. We chat through some of his hit songs including the No.1 Billie Piper hit Day & Night and the Tina Turner classic Dancing in my Dreams. Link to Mark's latest bookhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Daily-Song-Journal-Takeaways-Songwriting/dp/1544517785/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+daily+song+journal&qid=1606926836&quartzVehicle=55-694&replacementKeywords=the+song+journal&sr=8-1More About Mark:https://www.markcawley.comGavinMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com
014 Frank Turner - Buddies II, Songwriting and Spreadsheets
Nov 10 2020
014 Frank Turner - Buddies II, Songwriting and Spreadsheets
We discuss the stories of the songs behind Frank's Buddies II album. We also delve into his hit songs; Mitten, The Way I Tend to Be and Sister Rosetta. Frank was a great guest, highly authentic and super insightful. One of the best episodes so far. Frank's Buddies II albumhttps://orcd.co/buddies2More About Frankhttps://frank-turner.comGavinMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com
013 Nasrene - Songwriting, Parties in the Park & Road Trips
Nov 4 2020
013 Nasrene - Songwriting, Parties in the Park & Road Trips
Catch up with the fantastic singer songwriter Nasrene. We hear the stories behind her hit songs; Parties in the Park, Girl With Feeling, Love You Through the Pain and Gold.  We also talk songwriting inspiration, working with producers and pop ambitions. Nasrene's Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OnltwuE09tqRxUgAK4UHB?si=GaC_LegvT0WF7MFWqXpFPANasrene's other placeshttps://www.getsl.ink/nasreneGavinMusic https://smarturl.it/168wi4Website www.sourfishmusic.com
012 Chris Helme (The Seahorses) - Songwriting and Busking to Glastonbury Main Stage in 6 months
Oct 27 2020
012 Chris Helme (The Seahorses) - Songwriting and Busking to Glastonbury Main Stage in 6 months
In this Episode we are joined by Chris Helme; former frontman, guitarist and  one of the songwriters of  chart topping band The Seahorses. We hear about his early busking days, the stories behind the hits Blinded by the Sun and You Can Talk To Me as well plans of his next album and collaboration with former front men of Dodgy (Nigel Clarke) and The Bluetones (Mark Morris). Links from the show:www.chrishelme.co.ukwww.sourfishmusic.comFor written lyric requestschrishelmewords@gmail.comFor meGavin@sourfishmusic.com
011 The Clockworks: Songwriting, making an album and making it.
Oct 20 2020
011 The Clockworks: Songwriting, making an album and making it.
Show featuring James and Tom from The Clockworks. Great chat on the stories behind their hit songs Bills & Bills and Stranded in Stansted. We talk about the bands plans for an album, getting signed, getting electrocuted on stage and what making it looks like. The Clockworks on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6Jg3DFzPWX2VIy01oqLGkz?si=Nc4JKdoWTq2W30fjZHm31Q&fbclid=IwAR01YjKMo8c99VEO64Vxdw-5aX9B4oNB6QnVVQEb0sLI6RRHwwr3VJqcuSYSourfishhttps://smarturl.it/168wi
010 Kevin Quantum - 7 Songs. Music, Science & Magic.
Oct 5 2020
010 Kevin Quantum - 7 Songs. Music, Science & Magic.
Links from the showKevin's websitehttps://quantummagician.com Spotify PlaylistSourfish musichttps://smarturl.it/168wi4
009 The Kondoors: Songwriting, gigging and making it in the music business.
Jul 24 2020
009 The Kondoors: Songwriting, gigging and making it in the music business.
Show featuring Gavin & Jessica aka The Kondoors.  We chat about touring, creativity in a marriage, being one of Noel Gallagher High Flying Birds, what makes a good song, playing at Andy Murray's wedding and their latest sing Mr Rain.The Kondoors single Mr Rainhttps://orcd.co/byqrerjThe Kondoorshttps://www.thekondoors.comSourfishhttps://smarturl.it/168wi4
008 Michael Garvin- 7 Songs writing 23 No. 1's, great collaborations and what makes a hit.
Jul 16 2020
008 Michael Garvin- 7 Songs writing 23 No. 1's, great collaborations and what makes a hit.
Conversation up with the legendary songwriter Michael Garvin. He has written over 33 top ten hits including the number songs Never Give Up on a Good Thing and Waiting for Tonight. We discuss his career journey, songwriting process the future of pop and much more. Links:Apple music https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/michael-garvin/pl.u-YvzyuPdxeqVSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/4u01g73dRfnvmYqIQTsNRj?si=SjVWVRYlQWC6iI7DKmeyZASourfish https://smarturl.it/168wi458Si6WVGR5SEnxudGFb5
007 Shambolics: Songwriting, signing with Alan McGee, their new album and Fife Accents
Jul 9 2020
007 Shambolics: Songwriting, signing with Alan McGee, their new album and Fife Accents
Catch up with one of Scotland's most exciting bands. We chat about the stories behind their songs, what they've been up to in lockdown and how they plan their debut album to stand the test of time. Shambolicshttps://www.facebook.com/shambolicsmusicSourfishhttps://smarturl.it/168wi4