FEATURE:
Into the Groove
PHOTO CREDIT: Rex
Trying to Create That ‘Ultimate’ Music Podcast
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THAT title at the top…
PHOTO CREDIT: @moco1384/Unsplash
is a bit of a placeholder and I am not sure whether that will be an actual reality – Into the Groove seemed to fit what I want to do but, inevitably, something more apt will appear and form closer to completion. There are some great music podcasts around and there are lists and features that point you the way of the best around – there is a podcast designed for every music-loving soul, it seems. I have been trying to set up my own podcast for the longest time and I have also tried to get a Kate Bush podcast going. That might take a little while to get going but there are few Kate Bush podcasts so I think I can fill a hole. In terms of broader music, it is harder being unique and providing something different. I think a long running radio show such as Desert Island Discs gets into the heart because it features interesting people simply choosing eight songs (or discs) that mean a lot to them. There are great podcasts/shows like Matt Everitt’s The First Time with… that brings together famous figures from music and they literally talk about their first times – records, gigs and memories. It is another simple and popular format that combines interviewing with personal musical choices. There are a lot of podcasts around that are similar and each have their own little touches and special fabrics.
IMAGE COMPOSITE: Vinyl Me Please
It is challenging coming into the podcast market with something completely fresh that will take people by storm. You also need to think about finance and paying for the thing. The initial set-up and equipment is affordable enough but, when it comes to song clearance/licensing and paying for that; sorting out guests and other expenses…that can add up and you need to look at the other end: getting some revenue back and being able to afford a podcast. One might look at advertisers and sponsors but, if you are new, you might not be able to command big sponsors and get that much from advertising revenue. I have thought of all of this and, with a small budget, I think I can put a first series together. I have pitched ideas before but I think the latest incarnation holds promise. It will be a ninety-minute show divided into two: like a record’s A and B side, guests would pick six tracks in the first half and four in the second. Like a lot of music podcasts, the categories (relating to the songs chosen) would be specific. It would start with the first song the guest remembers – they recall that special moment when music came into their life. They would talk about the first album they bought and select a song from that; their most-treasured/favourite album (and select a track); their favourite artist and band – ditto regarding songs – and, oddly, pick a song from their favourite NOW That's What I Call Music! compilation.
PHOTO CREDIT: @oceanswide/Unsplash
I wanted to choose a couple of categories that are unusual because, not only was NOW That's What I Call Music! born the same year as me (1983) but because it sort of joins us all. We all have the series in common and, whether at school or later/earlier in life, we have some degree of exposure to NOW That's What I Call Music! That would end the first side/half. Like a record, it would then end and we would flip over. Throughout the opening half, the interview/process takes the same sort of form as Desert Island Discs where guests talk about their musical tastes and upbringing. Unlike most other options, this podcast is purely about the music – there will be personal discussions but, for the most part, it is all about music! That first side would last forty minutes and, before the second forty minutes, there would be an intermission/pause. We would lift the needle up and there would be a chat/special section that would last ten minutes. I am still working on the idea in full but I think it is important to break up the music and usual format and provide that transition. When the second half comes on, there would be four more tracks and a ‘bonus track’. The first track off of the break continues where the first side left off: a rather unusual category and, again, I think it would join us all: a favourite track from The Beatles.
PHOTO CREDIT: Wilma
Everyone loves The Beatles – or they will do if they are on MY podcast – so it is a chance to chat about the band and select a song from them. The next track selection would be a track from a film soundtrack – the guest chooses their favourite film soundtrack and, after brief discussion, they can select a cut from it. The guest would then move on to new music: talking about a band/act that is fresh to them and setting up a song. The last choice would be their favourite track; the song that means everything to them. The ‘bonus track’ that I allude to can last no longer than one minute. It can be anything: from a T.V. theme to an interview or a very short song – something that ends that guest’s ‘album’ and would add a lovely finishing touch. That would commence the show and, whilst the podcast is digital and all the music would be sourced online, each track is included onto a record the guest can take away with them – the selection of songs from each guest is included in a playlist; the podcast would have its own Spotify channel and all songs featured are on there. It has elements of existing formats but the concentration on music discussion and those different categories means that it would set itself apart from everything else. It – whatever I choose to call the podcast series – would have bespoke playlists where guests get to talk about their musical experiences and would take interviewees from all corners of the media.
IN THIS PHOTO: Lauren Laverne (who would make a perfect guest)/PHOTO CREDIT: Boden Diaries
From radio presenters and actors to writers and directors, it would be an interesting mix. I have not considered all of the ten names I want for the first series but I am thinking about BBC Radio 6 Music/BBC Radio 4’s Lauren Laverne – as she hosts Desert Island Discs – and musician Hayden Thorpe (formerly of Wild Beasts); also The Guardian’s deputy music editor, Laura Snapes. The idea is to go in-depth with the guests and explore what music means to them and the artists they were exposed to. I am still concocting what will fill that between-sides segment but it is a chance to kick back with the guests and do something different. In time that will come but I have always wanted to put together a music podcast that has a similar feel to the best around but has its own skin and dynamic. Coming in at ninety minutes a go, it is not too long but would allow enough time to go deep and feature an array of great tracks. Everyone’s tastes are different so getting that ‘ultimate’ podcast made might not be possible. Perhaps it is too subjective a thing but I do feel that striking that balance of relaxed and detailed is hard but, if done right, it is a perfect blend. My podcast (I will have to decide on a title: maybe Self-Titled?!). I am quite optimistic and I think I can get some great guests on.
IN THIS PHOTO: Hayden Thorpe (who would make another ideal guest)/PHOTO CREDIT: Phil Smithies
There are a lot of great music podcasts but, with so many music-lovers out there, you can find room and a market if you do it right. Just thinking about it, the guest can come up with their own album cover. During the conversation, they would reveal their favourite album covers and, when it comes to their own album (they take away at the end), they can design the cover – the album, as a possible title suggests, is self-titled and the album cover would be the cover image for each episode. I shall leave things there but, as I have been searching for a podcast I can invest in and push forward, I do think that this might be it. It is simple enough but has that deep conversation that urges a guest to look back to their childhood and when music arrived; bring it right up-to-date and really open up their vinyl collection. I have other ideas that I will add to the concept but I think, as it stands, it has legs. The guests are important and, whilst I have only two or three clear names in mind for the first series, I want to divide it between radio presenters, musicians; actors and directors/producers with a journalist and writer in there – making sure there is an even split of male and female guests. The podcast market is crowded but the demand is there and, when it comes to music, there is always going to be a place – if the idea has potential and the promise of longevity. The idea of chatting with a special guest, getting serious about music and playing some top tunes sounds like…
PHOTO CREDIT: @brookecagle/Unsplash
PERFECTION to me.