Category Archives: Podcast Episodes

In this episode, Miles Leonard – a respected record executive, tastemaker, and lifelong music fan – shares rare insight into his years at the helm of Parlophone Records and his close working relationship with Paul Weller during the mid-2010s. Miles was Director of A&R between April 1995 and May 2003, before stepping up to chairmanContinue reading “Miles Leonard – Former Chairman, Parlophone Records / Warner Music”

In this episode, Sean O’Hagan – a songwriter, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist whose career has quietly woven its way through some of the most adventurous corners of pop and indie music. Born to Irish parents in England and raised in Cork, Sean first made his mark as half of the acclaimed duo Microdisney, whose blend of sharpContinue reading “Sean O’Hagan – The High Llamas, String Arranger on Paul Weller’s Sonik Kicks”

In this episode, I’m joined by Roger Pilling, who offers an intimate window into Paul Weller’s formative years- sharing memories from their early friendship at Sheerwater School right through to the pivotal moments that would define Paul Weller’s life and career. As one of Paul’s earliest confidants, before The Jam and the limelight, Roger’s perspectiveContinue reading “Roger Pilling – Paul Weller’s School Friend”

In this episode, recording and mixing engineer Joeri Saal shares a behind-the-scenes perspective on working with Paul Weller during the creation of the Studio 150 and As Is Now albums – capturing the collaborative Amsterdam sessions and the transition to mixing Weller’s original material. Click your preferred podcast platform to listen… From Studio Tech to Trusted Collaborator: Joeri joinedContinue reading “Joeri Saal – Recording Engineer and Producer, Studio 150 (Amsterdam)”

In this episode, Dutch jazz icon Benjamin Herman shares how his lifelong journey in music – and his creative outlook as a musician and bandleader – was profoundly shaped by working with Paul Weller. From contributing horns and arrangements on Weller’s Studio 150 and As Is Now albums to joining his touring band, Benjamin describes how these collaborations andContinue reading “Benjamin Herman – Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Bandleader talks Studio 150 and As is Now…”

In this episode, recorded for my book, Paul Lester -now editor of Record Collector and longtime music journalist – reflects on his career, his encounters with Paul Weller, and the makings of his celebrated Uncut Magazine cover story, ‘Paul Weller: Up Close and Personal – Last Man Standing‘ (December 1998). Discovering Music & Writing: PaulContinue reading “Paul Lester – Editor of Record Collector … Uncut, Melody Maker”

In this episode, Acid Jazz records co-owner, Dean Rudland shares his lifelong musical journey and personal relationship with the world of Paul Weller. From being pulled into music by The Beatles and The Jam, through finding his own identity in Mod, to eventually working with and around the Weller orbit, Dean gives an insider’s perspectiveContinue reading “Dean Rudland – Acid Jazz Records”

In this episode, music writer Chas De Whalley recalls discovering The Jam after a last-minute tip-off that led him to see them at the Nashville Rooms and review them for Sounds magazine. He reflects on the charged early gigs, their breakthrough shows at the The Roxy, and the fast-moving record deal with Polydor Records. ChasContinue reading “Chas De Whalley – Stories of The Jam for Sounds Magazine…”

In this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed live film director Matt Askem, a creative force behind some of the most iconic concert films of the last 25 years. From capturing the raw intensity of Paul Weller on stage to working with global superstars like Adele, U2, Muse and Take That, Matt has spent decades translatingContinue reading “Matt Askem, Live Music Director – Hyde Park, Braehead, Studio 150, As Is Now…”

In this episode, I’m joined by Roger Armstrong – co-founder of the legendary Rock On record shop and the Chiswick label – to talk about his unique vantage point on Paul Weller’s earliest days. Long before record deals, Roger knew Paul as a meticulous record buyer, hunting for Motown and soul 45s at his SohoContinue reading “Roger Armstrong – Rock On, Soho Market + Chiswick Records”

A journalist since 1988, Keith Cameron is currently a contributing editor at MOJO, with an impressive career that’s taken him from Sounds and NME to bylines in the Guardian, The Times, Kerrang! and Q. This episode is a real treat for anyone fascinated by the relationship between music, fandom, and journalism. In this conversation, recorded backContinue reading “Keith Cameron – Music Writer, Mojo, NME, Sounds”

In this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I talk to composer and arranger John Mealing, whose work helped define The Style Council’s orchestral and cinematic edge. John shares how he first connected with Paul Weller, starting with ‘Shout To The Top’, and goes into the making of Our Favourite Shop, The Cost ofContinue reading “John Mealing – Composer and Arranger – The Style Council”