Welcome to a new series of podcast conversations featuring many of the huge talents that have been involved in the creation of the 17th solo studio album from singer, songwriter and musician, Paul Weller.
In this boxset of episodes – all landing a week after the album’s release – I chat to song-writing collaborators Noel Gallagher, Suggs (and his best mate Chalky), Dr. Robert, Tom Doyle (White Label) and Christophe Vaillant from Le Super Homard – taking a deep dive into Jumble Queen, Ship of Fools, Nothing, Rise Up Singing, In Full Flight, My Best Friend’s Coat and A Glimpse of You.
Band mates Jacko Peake, Tom Van Heel, Ben Gordelier and newbie Jake Fletcher share tales of touring and studio recording for the LP.
We also hear from contributors ranging from Paul’s ol’ mate, Steve Brookes, guitar wizard Josh McClorey (formerly of The Strypes, now of Soft Launch), the horn section of Steve Trigg and Dave Boraston from Stone Foundation, composer Hannah Peel who has created such wonderful string arrangements on five of the songs, and singers Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka who provide such great BVs on Soul Wandering & Jumble Queen.
You’ll also hear the full conversation between Paul Weller, Pete Paphides and the legend that is Sir Peter Blake around the 66 album cover.
Plus we spend time with journalist and author, Will Hodgkinson to chat about his PW Mojo Magazine cover story.
Plus an ultra exclusive in-studio chat with engineer/producer Charles Rees AKA The Wizard about the creation of this special LP, in an episode that’s packed full of surprises.
I very much hope that this series gives you a deeper insight into the creation of the new album.
I was tempted to say the blood, sweat and tears – but all I’ve discovered in my conversations is a creative process filled with pure joy.
Ultimately it all comes back to the songs, and what you’ll hear about this LP, possibly more than any other, is an album packed full of collaboration – and special songs that take you on an emotional journey from start to finish.
If you enjoy these episodes – please share on social media – and if you’d like to grab a virtual coffee to show your appreciation for £3 then click here…
Podcast Playlist…
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AcastMy thanks go to everyone involved in the making of this series – to Paul Weller for the music and inspiration, Claire Moon for the support, access, and trust to be part of the marketing push for the album, to Charles Rees for letting me spend hours in the studio firing questions at him about the making of 66, and to all of my amazing guests for giving up their time for free. I absolutely loved hearing your stories about this album and beyond.
Special thanks also go to my friend – Keely Shaw – for all of the amazing art designs for this new series.
An absolute legend – thanks so much for making this look so incredible.
Thanks also to my amazing / long-suffering / wonderful wife Kate and my two boys – Henry and Freddie.
I hope that this journey makes them as proud as seeing their daddy looking bloody awful in high definition on the ITV evening news after 2 weeks of Christmas eating… Thanks so much for letting me indulge my podcast itch on this project.