EPISODES
  • The Story Behind Def Leppard's Glam Metal Smash "Pour Some Sugar on Me"

    In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with Def Leppard's Joe Elliot to discuss the unlikely story of how "Pour Some Sugar on Me" became the last entry into Def Leppard's second album Hysteria.

    In his interview, Joe Elliott humbly reflects on the group's success and so much more: how he came up with the group's name, why they changed the spelling, Def Leppard's connection to Def Jam, how Mutt Lang refused to work on the album and then changed his mind, how the writing of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" began while Joe Elliot was playing around during a tea break, producer Mutt Lang immediately forced the entire group to add the song to the album, and how American strippers took the song from being a flop into a national sensation one dance at a time. 

    Be sure to check out Drastic Symphonies Def Leppard's collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which is out May 19th - order here - and features original Leppard audio combined with new vocals and guitars to create epic symphonic arrangements as well as Def Leppard's new book which comes out June 13th you can pre-order here.

    Listen to the full Def Leppard's Joe Elliot conversation about "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. 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 Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    1h 1m | May 15, 2023
  • The Story Behind Howard Jones' Synth-driven New Wave Classic "New Song"

    In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with UK-based singer-songwriter Howard Jones to discuss how he broke all the rules when he arrived as a one-man band and topped the charts with "New Song," a song he wrote to be his debut and artist manifesto to the world.

    Literally singing, "I don't wanna be hip and cool. I don't wanna play by the rules," Jones was literally ahead of his time as Jones' use of drum machines and synthesizers ruffled so many feathers that the musicians union tried to ban him.

    In his interview, Howard Jones recounts being influenced by David Bowie, that epic Live Aid concert in 1985, his thoughts about AI and songwriting, and his 40th-anniversary tour, which kicks off later this year.

    Listen to Howard Jones' full conversation about "New Song" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. 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 Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    38m | Apr 17, 2023
  • The Story Behind Toto's Iconic, Instantly Recognizable "Africa," with David Paich

    There is something about the drums and trans-inducing hook of Toto's Africa. that draws you in every time you press play. The song is an earworm that has been streamed over 1 billion times on Spotify alone!

    David Paich of Toto joins us on the Story Behind the Song to talk about this timeless and cross-generational song, which celebrates its 40th year this year and almost didn't see the light of day to make it onto Toto IV.

    How did David Paich come up with Africa's hook and lyrics? What did the band think about the Weezer cover in 2017 to have their biggest hit in years? Find out about all that and more on the Story Behind the Song.

    Listen to the latest episode learn about it all from David Paich of Toto on The Story Behind the Song, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    36m | Mar 20, 2023
  • The Story Behind Devo’s Seminal Synth-Rock Single “Whip It”

    In this special bonus episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he revisits his interview with Gerald Casale of Devo about the band’s seminal 1980 single “Whip It.”

    Released as the second single off Devo’s Freedom of Choice, “Whip It” remains instantly recognizable with it’s hooky synthesizer lines, over-the-top vocal delivery, and overall silly tone. While it quickly became an anthem of fun, the tune was originally expected to flop. Devo’s left-field creativity proved to be too out-there for their label, who braced for the worst. Instead, it peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a relevant favorite over 40 years later.

    In this previously unreleased interview, Casale tells the tale of how the song came to be, speaks to the influence of R&B, and how the tune changed the trajectory of the band (who celebrate their 50th anniversary this year)

    Listen to Casale’s full conversation about Devo’s “Whip It” and more in the episode above, and watch some of the interview on YouTube. 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 Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    50m | Feb 20, 2023
  • The Story Behind A Flock of Seagulls' New Wave Classic "I Ran (So Far Away)"

    For the first episode of the New Year, The Story Behind the Song is celebrating the 40th anniversary of A Flock of Seagulls by diving into their new wave classic "I Ran (So Far Away)." The track and the band's look were some of the defining styles of the '80s, and their presence in our collective pop culture psyche flies right into today.

    On the episode, A Flock of Seagulls frontman Mike Score recounts the origins of the band, the hair, the song, and so much more. He also shares his experience of becoming an international sensation while not finding popularity in his home country and a connection to Bon Jovi that you might not be aware of.

    You can listen to this episode of The Story Behind the Song now, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch a segment of the interview on YouTube.

    You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    44m | Jan 16, 2023
  • The Story Behind Nirvana's Era-Defining Anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," As Told by Producer Butch Vig

    Some songs are songs and some songs are bangers. 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

    Butch recounts how he went from recording indie bands in Madison, Wisconsin to a fateful recording session with Nirvana that resulted in a mix tape that sparked a bidding war with major labels fighting to sign 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. 

    Then, Butch discusses his recent project with Silversun Pickups and Garbage. 

    Listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    47m | Dec 19, 2022
  • The Story Behind Billy Idol's Post-Punk Classic "White Wedding"

    To celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of his signature songs, Billy Idol joins The Story Behind the Song podcast to discuss "White Wedding."

    Who can forget that epic music video of Billy Idol attending a goth wedding where the bride is played by Perri Lister, Idol's real-life girlfriend at the time?

    We also learn about how his recent banger "Cage" was actually inspired by COVID and his granddaughter.

    You can listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    Keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    45m | Nov 21, 2022
  • The Story Behind Danny Elfman and Oingo Boingo's Halloween Classic "Dead Man's Party"

    In various incarnations for the last 40 years, true renaissance man Danny Elfman has delivered it all. As performer, frontman, composer, conductor, and visualizer, he is the consummate multi-dimensional innovator. Always unconventional, always out of place -- and always slightly dangerous because of it -- the man and his body of work is genius -- and also all a bit mad.

    The frenetic and haunted mind of so many mediums, Danny Elfman was meant for Halloween. For this special Halloween edition of The Story Behind the Song, Elfman -- Jack Skellington himself -- joins host Peter Csathy to discuss his jaw-dropping body of work and his remarkable journey. He begins with Oingo Boingo's 1986 "new wave" classic "Dead Man's Party," and takes us up to "sorry," a raging, shocking track form his recent album, Big Mess.

    (A remix version of the album, Bigger. Messier., was released in August, and the video for Boy Harsher's remix of "Happy" from that LP dropped last week.)

    Listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, or watch video of the chat via Consequence.

    You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    49m | Oct 31, 2022
  • The Story Behind Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper," Cowbell's Crowning Achievement

    Classic rock legends Blue Öyster Cult may be the first band to feature an umlaut in their name, but the band -- which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year -- was no gimmick. They released a string of major hits in the '70s, with their most transcendent classic of course being 1976's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The record that still haunts as deeply as ever, continually finding new ways to enter the zeitgeist.

    Of course, that's partially due to that iconic cowbell. The use of the instrument was given even more attention thanks to Will Ferrell's classic 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Christopher Walken’s inimitable deadpan as Bruce Dickinson incessantly demanding, “More cowbell!”

    Interestingly, Dickinson wasn't even involved in making the record -- and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" isn't about what you might think it is. In this 14th episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Blue Öyster Cult's Buck Dharma discusses "The Reaper" with host Peter Csathy, touching on the song's lasting impact, its position in the modern music pantheon, and, of course, that cowbell.

    Listen to the podcast above, or watch a segment of the discussion via YouTube. Make sure you're following The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcast, as there will be a special Halloween episode featuring Danny Elfman discussing Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party." You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.

    Blue Öyster Cult are currently on the UK leg of their 50th anniversary tour, but they have more US dates lined up for November. Get tickets here.



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    42m | Oct 17, 2022
  • The Story Behind Metric’s Breakout Hit “Help I’m Alive”

    Metric are an enigmatic, shape-shifting band -- always has been, always will be. Born out of Canada in 2001, they have built a discography that now spans eight studio albums that are difficult to box into any one genre (or two, for that matter). Part indie rock, part pop punk, part dance, part electronic -- why even try to put a label on it? The point is that it all works.

    At the center of it all is Emily Haines, who sings, writes songs, and plays synths and other instruments. Haines rocks it effortlessly with authenticity, energy, and swagger, despite confessing to suffering from deep bouts of stage fright. It's actually a topic she addressed on Metric's breakout single "Help I'm Alive," with its thumping beats and searing lyrics like, "I tremble, I tremble/ They're gonna eat me alive/ If I stumble."

    Haines joins The Story Behind the Song host Peter Csathy to talk about "Help I'm Alive" and how it and Metric's fourth album, 2008's Fantasies, helped save the band. Also on this episode, Haines discusses the dark but euphoric "Doomscroller," the 10-minute track that kicks off Metric's latest album, Formentera.

    Listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, or watch the full discussion via Consequence. This is the first of a trio of Halloween-themed bonus episodes coming this month on TSBTS, with future episodes centered on Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (October 17th) and Danny Elfman discussing Oingo Boingo's "Dead Man's Party" (October 31st). So, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts to be alerted when each new episode drops.

    You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    51m | Oct 3, 2022
  • The Story Behind Silversun Pickups' Gritty, Grinding Masterpiece "Lazy Eye"

    Southern California natives Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger front Silversun Pickups, one of rock music’s leading bastions of guitar glory. The band just recently released their sixth studio album, Physical Thrills, produced by the legendary Butch Vig of Garbage (who were highlight on July's episode of The Story Behind the Song). The LP is marked by an adventurous -- and intentional -- departure of sorts, a tone brilliantly set by the lead single, “Scared Together."

    But the path to this latest record starts back in 2006 with the band's first studio album, Carnavas, and its breakout track "Lazy Eye." The song has become something of a rock and roll staple over the last 15 years, making it a perfect topic for this latest episode of The Story Behind the Song.

    The pair also dive into "Scared Together" -- which was a perfect fit for the interview, as they called in from the road while staying in a hotel known to be haunted. It is a frequently playful, funny and lazy eye-opening interview of an extremely passionate and talented band that is still grateful and humble after all these years.

    Listen the the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, and then make sure to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    1h 2m | Sep 19, 2022
  • The Story Behind BeachLife Ranch, the New Home-Brewed LA Music Festival Amidst a Sea of Goliaths

    This special bonus episode of The Story Behind the Song shakes things up a bit -- let's call it The Story Behind the Festival. Musicians Jim Lindberg of SoCal punk band Pennywise and SoCal native son Donavon Frankenreiter, together with LA music entrepreneur Allen Sanford, join the podcast to talk about their new upcoming music festival BeachLife Ranch.

    Spinning off of the trio's OG BeachLife event, the fresh fest brings an Americana focus to the same stretch of beach in Redondo Beach on September 16th-18th. Brandi Carlile, Wilco, The Lumineers, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Dierks Bentley, and more are set to play the festival highlighting the ”Cowboy sSurfer Way of Life.” (Tickets are still available here!)

    Lindberg, Frankenfreiter, and Sanford speak with host Peter Csathy about how these three authentic surf-infused indie dudes started the little festival that could, competing against the big boy corporate festivals. Not only that, they do it their way -- directly on the beaches of LA (which is no small feat by itself!). BeachLife Ranch seeks to redefine the festival experience with a cohesive storyline that flows through the artists, the venue, the food, the drinks, and the merch, creating a consistent overall experience.

    Listen to this special bonus episode of The Story Behind the Song Festival now, and don't forget to make sure you like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts. As always, keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media



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    45m | Aug 29, 2022
  • The Story Behind Lykke Li's Dark Love Song "No Rest for the Wicked"

    Swedish-born Lykke Li has always been a musical enigma. She started her career seemingly happily at the age of 21 with her light, bouncy breakout track, “Little Bit.” But soon after she veered 180-degree into deep darkness, especially with her third full album, 2014’s I Never Learn. Li’s twisted journey continued thereafter with her 2018 latex-heavy album, so sad so sexy, before stripping down all of that album’s artifice to this year’s darkly haunting, spare and cinematic Eyeye that essentially rejects everything about its predecessor.

    Li has never been an industry “hit-maker.” That’s not her mission. Yet, at the same time, somehow her songs consistently find themselves at the forefront of pop culture and into our collective heads - from her song “Possibility” in the film Twilight, to the throbbing pop of “Get Some” in teen soap opera Pretty Little Liars. One her most iconic tracks certainly is “No Rest for the Wicked” from her I Never Learn album. Li wrote the song as she was exiting a relationship and packing her bags to move from Europe to New York, condemning herself for the damage wrought in the process. Of course she did. That’s just her way.

    In this latest episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy interviews Lykke Li about the genesis of “No Rest for the Wicked” – and why the song continues to haunt. The two also discuss Li’s new album Eyeye (pronounced simply “eye”) and its final track, “U&I.” The album and track represent yet another vintage departure for Li, and the results are the same. Li has always looked at her life as if it were a “movie,” and this latest film in Li’s life is literally just that. Eyeye is a visual album, with individual one-minute videos that transition each of the album’s eight tracks into the next. Li punctuates this point to supreme cinematic effect in “U&I” when she implores her now ex-lover to not turn his back and walk away, because “The movie is you and I.”

    Listen to the full episode now. Then make sure you like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts to catch each episode of the monthly series. Also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    53m | Aug 15, 2022
  • The Story Behind Why Garbage's Shirley Manson Is "Only Happy When It Rains"

    Garbage are an iconic, eclectic band that is anything but what their name implies. 

    Fronting the outfit is the charismatic and irrepressible Shirley Manson from Edinburgh, Scotland. Manson first met up with her three future bandmates in Wisconsin as a result of one of those strange, classic twists of rock and roll fate involving MTV, a phone call, and a disastrous first audition. In then end, Garbage was formed (even if Manson still isn't such a fan of the name), and with their self-titled debut came the iconic hit "Only Happy When It Rains," a record that feels as fresh today as it did nearly 30 years ago.

    In fact, as Manson tells it, the misery of that song pours down even more heavily now on audiences as they celebrate and dance to it on the band’s current North American tour with Alanis Morissette. (Get tickets to see for yourself via Ticketmaster.)

    In the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, Manson joins host Peter Csathy to share all about the misery behind "Only Happy When It Rains," including her initial thoughts upon reading the "nursery rhyme" lyrics. Manson also discusses "The Men Who Rule the World," the lead song on Garbage's No Gods No Masters, a track that perfectly encapsulates Manson's current state of mind and features lyrics that rained down on her in a moment of spontaneous inspiration.

    Listen to the full episode now, or check out the complete video interview at Consequence.

    Make sure you like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts to catch each episode of the monthly series. Also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    53m | Jul 18, 2022
  • The Story Behind "The Glamorous Life," Sheila E.'s Classic Pop Collab with Prince

    "The Glamorous Life" proved to be a major solo breakout for Sheila E. in 1984. The classic pop track was one of her man collaborations with the legendary Prince, but Sheila E. already had a long history of playing with legends. In fact, her professional career began at only 15, when her father (a percussionist himself) asked her to fill in for him as part of Santana's band before a crowd of thousands in a night she describes as a true "out of body experience."

    Sheila E. joins host Peter Csathy on the 13th episode of The Story Behind the Song to discuss how "The Glamorous Life" helped put her front-and-center for the first time. She talks about working with Prince and trying to outdo each other as they wrote, played, and sang in the studio. She also shares insights on a personal selection from her catalog: her recent salsa collab with B. Slade, "Bailar." Throughout the interview, Sheila E. shares personal stories about working with other legends, and discusses how she persevered when pursuing her passion for percussion in a world of frequent artistic male prejudice.

    Listen now, or you can watch the full interview over at Consequence.

    Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts to catch each episode of the monthly series. Also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.



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    54m | Jun 20, 2022
  • The Story Behind How They Might Be Giants Built a "Birdhouse in Your Soul"

    The transition from 1980s new wave and hair rock to 1990s far less follically-minded indie pop wasn’t always a smooth one. But enigmatic, idiosyncratic, and frequently non-grammatical duo They Might Be Giants made it all go down so easy with instantly catchy hooks and frequently hilarious lyrics.

    The band’s tongue-in-cheek non-sequiturs and unconventional instrumentation masked a knack for writing songs that made us hum the first time we heard them. Nowhere is that more evident than in their major label breakout hit “Birdhouse in Your Soul” from their 1990 album Flood, which is likely the first -- and only -- song ever sung from the POV of a night light. Yes, you read that right: The lyrics are from the perspective of a blue night light shaped like a canary -- something that only co-Giants John Linnell and John Flansburgh could pull off.

    In this 12th episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy interviews Linnell about how his mind found its way to concoct the addictive “Birdhouse in Your Soul.” As always on this podcast, Peter’s guest also discusses their personal choice for our journey into a second song; in this case Linnell selects the band’s recent surreal, sobering song “If Day For Winnipeg,” from their 2021 album BOOK.

    Linnell spoke with Peter from his flat in Brooklyn as he prepped for They Might Be Giants' forthcoming 40th anniversary tour (snag tickets here). Listen to the podcast now or check out full video of the discussion at Consequence.

    Then, make sure you’re subscribed to The Story Behind the Song to catch each episode of the monthly series. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at CREATV Media.



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    52m | May 16, 2022
  • The Story Behind Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" Becoming an Internet Phenomenon

    Rick Astley burst onto the pop scene 1987 seemingly out of nowhere when his debut single, the feel-good, earnest dance anthem “Never Gonna Give You Up,” grabbed the No. 1 spot in 25 countries, including the US and UK. In just a matter of weeks, Astley -- then only 21 -- traded his small town outside of Manchester, England for center stage on a global scale. 

    As fate would have it, "Never Gonna Give You Up" never gave up either. Two decades after its release, the song "Rickwolled" its way back into our hearts and the cultural conversation when it became a mid-2000s internet sensation. Fast forward to today, and the song’s video is creeping close to an astounding 1.2 billion views on YouTube. Perhaps even more impressive, at age 50 in 2016, Astley again topped the UK charts with his aptly titled album 50. While continuing to record new material, he's now sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Safe to say, Astley is no one-hit-wonder: He is a full-fledged artistic and cultural icon.

    In this 11th episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Astley joins host Peter Csathy to talk about "Never Gonna Give You Up," as well as a personal choice from his catalog: "Cry for Help." Penned by Astley for his 1991 album, Free, this soul track reflects the artist's vulnerability and generous heart, an openness that helped it reach the top 10 on both the US and UK pop charts. Speaking as he prepared for his upcoming "MixTape 2022 Tour" alongside New Kids on the Block, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue (tickets for which can be found here), Astley discussed his journey from breakout pop star to meme to respected soul artist.

    Listen to Rick Astley reveal the story behind "Never Gonna Give You Up" now, or watch the full interview via Consequence. Don't forget to like and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series. You can also keep up with host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and check out his company CREATV Media.





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    1h 6m | Apr 18, 2022
  • The Story Behind "Home" and "Truth," Edward Sharpe's Companion Songs of Darkness and Light

    Alex Ebert is lead singer, songwriter and resident shaman of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the hippie-inspired outfit that broke out in 2009 with a fresh sound that was difficult to pin down. Via his alter-ego messiah character Edward Sharpe, Ebert and the Magnetic Zeros' breakout single and signature song across four albums is, of course, "Home." An ebullient and endearing anthem of love and pure joy, the song has become iconic thanks to its instantly recognizable whistles and indelible opening lyric, "Alabama, Arkansas/ I do love my ma and pa."

    But the veneer of joy on "Home" hides an underlying truth: Ebert used Edward Sharpe to rise above his own personal demons. And out of that reality, Ebert later penned his solo song “Truth” – from his first solo album, Alexander – to set the record straight to his fans as a companion piece to "Home."

    Ebert joined host Peter Csathy for the 10th episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast to discuss his classic "Home." He takes listeners through the inspirations to the production (including that spoken-word ode to Castrinos), and reveals how the darker realities underpinning "Truth" connect to that original hit. Along the way, Ebert's candid, raw conversation reveals his musical journey from rapper to spiritual "Bad Guru" (the name of his philosophy and spirituality newsletter).

    Listen to the episode, and then be sure to like, subscribe, and review The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our podcasts, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and check out his company CREATV Media.



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    1h 20m | Mar 21, 2022
  • The Story Behind Manchester Orchestra's Unexpected Global Smash "The Silence"

    Manchester Orchestra is one of Indie music’s darlings, and deservedly so. The band is fearless in how it has evolved over the years, moving from the in-your-face guitar thrashes of 2014’s Cope to the much more cinematic and layered approach of their last two albums, 2017’s A Black Mile to the Surface and their recent The Million Masks of God.

    But something strange happened along the way to Million Masks. The video for "The Silence," the closing song from A Black Mile, began to gain traction on YouTube. Though never formally released as a single, the track did get a music video in December 2018 -- a visual that now boasts over 111 million views.

    In this bonus ninth episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy interviews Hull about "The Silence" phenomenon, touching on why the artist believes this particular track blew up around the world with such resonance. He also discusses the remarkable "Angel of Death" from Million Masks, the latest single from the gorgeously complex album. (Csathy previously wrote a guest column for Variety about how Million Masks had a special healing impact on him during the time of his mother's death.)

    Listen to this bonus episode about Manchester Orchestra's "The Silence" above, or check out the full video of the interview at Consequence.

    Make sure to like, subscribe, and review The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our podcasts, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and check out his company CREATV Media.



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    51m | Mar 7, 2022
  • The Story Behind Judy Collins' Classic Version of Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns"

    Judy Collins is a music icon, plain and simple. Collins' storied career, first inspired by folk legends Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, is now in its seventh decade and touches much of American music royalty. (Songwriting legend Leonard Cohen is just one such icon she elevated.) Her musical journey continues this month with the release of Spellbound – surprisingly, her first-ever full album of original songs.

    Amongst her respected oeuvre, Collins’ biggest hit -- a Grammy-winning Platinum smash -- is her emotional rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s classic A Little Night Music show tune “Send in the Clowns." In this eighth episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy speaks with Collins about how her rendition of "Send in the Clowns" came to be, and why it continues to resonate above the hundreds of other versions of the song. The two also discuss Collins' wistful new original country-folk song "When I Was a Girl in Colorado" from Spellbound.

    Throughout the conversation, Collins is warm, funny, and passionate -- about her music, her connection with fans, and what she believes in (including the latest Spotify controversy and performance royalties for musicians). Listen now, and watch the full discussion over at Consequence.

    Then make sure to like, subscribe, and review The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our podcasts, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and check out his company CREATV Media.



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    43m | Feb 21, 2022
The Story Behind The Song
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