60 acast.com Steve Pretty On The Origin of the Pieces http://www.originofthepieces.com/ en Steve Pretty music,history,neuroscience,musicology,trumpet,jazz Steve Pretty Helping you to hear, understand and enjoy music in new ways ‘Wide-ranging and insightful’ - Guardian (pick of the week, January 2024)


A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised, written, or just enjoyed music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans?


With an enormous variety of guests ranging from well-known musicians, producers and industry figures through to those for whom music is central but who rarely have a voice, this show is unapologetically broad in scope.


In 'entertaining noises', Steve has musicians explain and demonstrate their instrument, giving fresh perspective on everything from the piano to modular synthesizers, via lesser-known folk instruments from around the world.


And in the flagship 'genre tombola' section, Steve is assigned a randomly-chosen genre from the list of 1334 music genres on Wikipedia, which he then goes away and researches, often talking to an expert in that music, before frequently attempting to make some music in that style... Whether he succeeds or not, there's lots of fascinating stuff to learn along the way!


As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in new ways.


http://www.originofthepieces.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> ‘Wide-ranging and insightful’ - Guardian (pick of the week, January 2024)


A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised, written, or just enjoyed music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans?


With an enormous variety of guests ranging from well-known musicians, producers and industry figures through to those for whom music is central but who rarely have a voice, this show is unapologetically broad in scope.


In 'entertaining noises', Steve has musicians explain and demonstrate their instrument, giving fresh perspective on everything from the piano to modular synthesizers, via lesser-known folk instruments from around the world.


And in the flagship 'genre tombola' section, Steve is assigned a randomly-chosen genre from the list of 1334 music genres on Wikipedia, which he then goes away and researches, often talking to an expert in that music, before frequently attempting to make some music in that style... Whether he succeeds or not, there's lots of fascinating stuff to learn along the way!


As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in new ways.


http://www.originofthepieces.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Steve Pretty podcast@stevepretty.com 651cae7e315af9001131d55f steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/651cae7e315af9001131d55f/1718099740604-b512eb49802c0a6f1a64f66921dd26e2.jpeg http://www.originofthepieces.com/ Steve Pretty On The Origin of the Pieces A Cave, A Conch, An Algorithm A Cave, A Conch, An Algorithm Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:26:51 GMT 1:22:32 69b963e65bf984346a9f3f46 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/a-cave-a-conch-an-algorithm-steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-th 69b963e65bf984346a9f3f46 651cae7e315af9001131d55f a-cave-a-conch-an-algorithm-steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-th A collaboration with the excellent What We Did Before podcast on the deep history of music, from prehistoric instruments and ritual to place, technology and AI. full 39 A collaboration with What We Did Before on the deep history of music, from prehistoric instruments and ritual to place, technology and AI. 


A slightly different episode this time. Instead of the usual format, I’m sharing an interview I did for the excellent podcast What We Did Before. This particular episode, Before Music: Cave Rituals and Ancient Instruments | Steve Pretty explores where music may have come from, what it might have looked and sounded like before recorded history, and what those origins can still tell us now. 


We get into prehistoric conch shells and bone flutes, the role of ritual, why location and environment matter to how music develops, and how some of those ancient questions suddenly loop back round when you start thinking about AI-generated music. In other words: caves, culture, creativity, and the usual big weird human questions. 


I also mention a couple of live dates at the top of the episode. Ocean Songs is at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft on Saturday 21st March, and the album launch is at Theatreship in London on Tuesday 24th March. My next live edition of Steve Pretty On the Origin of the Pieces is at Wilton’s Music Hall on Tuesday 19th May, featuring Jim Bob. 


In this episode


  • a collaboration with What We Did Before
  • where music may have come from
  • prehistoric instruments, including conch shells and bone flutes
  • music, ritual and early human culture
  • why place and environment shape musical traditions
  • some thoughts on AI and what it means for music now 


Also mentioned



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A collaboration with What We Did Before on the deep history of music, from prehistoric instruments and ritual to place, technology and AI. 


A slightly different episode this time. Instead of the usual format, I’m sharing an interview I did for the excellent podcast What We Did Before. This particular episode, Before Music: Cave Rituals and Ancient Instruments | Steve Pretty explores where music may have come from, what it might have looked and sounded like before recorded history, and what those origins can still tell us now. 


We get into prehistoric conch shells and bone flutes, the role of ritual, why location and environment matter to how music develops, and how some of those ancient questions suddenly loop back round when you start thinking about AI-generated music. In other words: caves, culture, creativity, and the usual big weird human questions. 


I also mention a couple of live dates at the top of the episode. Ocean Songs is at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft on Saturday 21st March, and the album launch is at Theatreship in London on Tuesday 24th March. My next live edition of Steve Pretty On the Origin of the Pieces is at Wilton’s Music Hall on Tuesday 19th May, featuring Jim Bob. 


In this episode


  • a collaboration with What We Did Before
  • where music may have come from
  • prehistoric instruments, including conch shells and bone flutes
  • music, ritual and early human culture
  • why place and environment shape musical traditions
  • some thoughts on AI and what it means for music now 


Also mentioned



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Nathaniel Dye: Public Service Announcement Nathaniel Dye: Public Service Announcement Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT 55:13 698bd523337b2a3b2e35b2ec false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/nathaniel-dye-public-service-announcement 698bd523337b2a3b2e35b2ec 651cae7e315af9001131d55f nathaniel-dye-public-service-announcement What music means when life gets shortened: joy, purpose, and making noise anyway. full 38 In this episode, I’m dedicating the show to Nathaniel Dye — musician, music teacher, brass band obsessive, ultramarathon runner, and one of the most quietly extraordinary people I’ve met. We begin with Nat performing his song “Public Service Announcement” (recorded live at my Wilton’s Music Hall show in November 2024) — a funny, furious, razor-sharp call to take bowel cancer symptoms seriously.


Nat sadly died recently from complications related to bowel cancer. This episode is part tribute, part replay, part attempt to hold onto the actual substance of what he stood for: making things, teaching people, and choosing music — not as escapism, but as a meaningful way to use the time you’ve got.


You’ll also hear excerpts from my “Listen like a musician” series, and then a replay of my earlier interview with Nat (from Episode 10), where he talks about his diagnosis, his fundraising, his trombone marathon plans, and what music became for him after everything changed.



In this episode


  • Nat’s live performance of “Public Service Announcement” 
  • Why he threw himself back into teaching and music-making after treatment 
  • The story behind Bowel Cancer Bucket List and the fundraising work
  • A replay of our earlier chat: music, mortality, and doing the thing anyway
  • The episode outro: Nat’s music, accompanied by bass/tuba greats Guy Pratt and Theon Cross 


Links & references



Stay musically curious.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode, I’m dedicating the show to Nathaniel Dye — musician, music teacher, brass band obsessive, ultramarathon runner, and one of the most quietly extraordinary people I’ve met. We begin with Nat performing his song “Public Service Announcement” (recorded live at my Wilton’s Music Hall show in November 2024) — a funny, furious, razor-sharp call to take bowel cancer symptoms seriously.


Nat sadly died recently from complications related to bowel cancer. This episode is part tribute, part replay, part attempt to hold onto the actual substance of what he stood for: making things, teaching people, and choosing music — not as escapism, but as a meaningful way to use the time you’ve got.


You’ll also hear excerpts from my “Listen like a musician” series, and then a replay of my earlier interview with Nat (from Episode 10), where he talks about his diagnosis, his fundraising, his trombone marathon plans, and what music became for him after everything changed.



In this episode


  • Nat’s live performance of “Public Service Announcement” 
  • Why he threw himself back into teaching and music-making after treatment 
  • The story behind Bowel Cancer Bucket List and the fundraising work
  • A replay of our earlier chat: music, mortality, and doing the thing anyway
  • The episode outro: Nat’s music, accompanied by bass/tuba greats Guy Pratt and Theon Cross 


Links & references



Stay musically curious.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A Clap, a Slap and a Stomp (with Aluá Nascimento) A Clap, a Slap and a Stomp (with Aluá Nascimento) Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:02:45 GMT 38:29 697177355393caa84835d96e false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/a-clap-a-slap-a-stomp-with-alua-nascimento 697177355393caa84835d96e 651cae7e315af9001131d55f a-clap-a-slap-a-stomp-with-alua-nascimento Body percussion, Brazilian rhythm, and the strange power of shared time full 37 Episode 37 - A clap, a Slap and a Stomp


What actually is musical time? In this episode, Steve kicks off 2026 with the first four days of his “12 Days of Listening” mini-series — all about pulse, groove, and how our brains latch onto patterns (sometimes to our advantage, sometimes not).


Then we jump to Wilton’s Music Hall (January 2025) for a live guest spot from Aluá Nascimento — Brazilian percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, and former STOMP cast member — starting with a trumpet + pandeiro duet on “Brazil” and expanding into body percussion, Afro-Brazilian rhythm traditions, and the wonderfully low-tech joy of making music out of whatever’s around.


Along the way, Aluá talks about growing up around capoeira, how culture and history shaped these sounds, and demonstrates instruments including berimbau (musical bow), caxixi (shaker), and pandeiro — with a bit of audience participation thrown in too.





In this episode


  • A practical listening upgrade: pulse vs rhythm (try it while walking)
  • “The pocket”: groove as micro-timing, not just the pattern
  • Why your brain is basically a pattern-hunting drummer
  • Shared time / entrainment: why humans sync up (and why it matters in music)
  • Live at Wilton’s: trumpet + pandeiro on “Brazil”
  • Aluá’s story: capoeira roots, Afro-Brazilian traditions, and the STOMP years
  • Instruments you’ll hear: body percussion, pandeiro, berimbau, caxixi (and more)





Find Aluá






Also in this episode






Support the show



Stay musically curious!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode 37 - A clap, a Slap and a Stomp


What actually is musical time? In this episode, Steve kicks off 2026 with the first four days of his “12 Days of Listening” mini-series — all about pulse, groove, and how our brains latch onto patterns (sometimes to our advantage, sometimes not).


Then we jump to Wilton’s Music Hall (January 2025) for a live guest spot from Aluá Nascimento — Brazilian percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, and former STOMP cast member — starting with a trumpet + pandeiro duet on “Brazil” and expanding into body percussion, Afro-Brazilian rhythm traditions, and the wonderfully low-tech joy of making music out of whatever’s around.


Along the way, Aluá talks about growing up around capoeira, how culture and history shaped these sounds, and demonstrates instruments including berimbau (musical bow), caxixi (shaker), and pandeiro — with a bit of audience participation thrown in too.





In this episode


  • A practical listening upgrade: pulse vs rhythm (try it while walking)
  • “The pocket”: groove as micro-timing, not just the pattern
  • Why your brain is basically a pattern-hunting drummer
  • Shared time / entrainment: why humans sync up (and why it matters in music)
  • Live at Wilton’s: trumpet + pandeiro on “Brazil”
  • Aluá’s story: capoeira roots, Afro-Brazilian traditions, and the STOMP years
  • Instruments you’ll hear: body percussion, pandeiro, berimbau, caxixi (and more)





Find Aluá






Also in this episode






Support the show



Stay musically curious!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Five Notes, Maisy Mouse and a Sacred Flute Five Notes, Maisy Mouse and a Sacred Flute Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:45:00 GMT 40:03 6949d94e07910b1244b41833 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/five-notes-a-cartoon-mouse-and-a-sacred-flute 6949d94e07910b1244b41833 651cae7e315af9001131d55f five-notes-a-cartoon-mouse-and-a-sacred-flute Pentatonic scales, playgrounds, and the sound of childhood full 36 From a Colombian ritual flute heard backstage at Oslo Mela to a children’s TV theme tune played on a London school playground, this episode explores why pentatonic scales turn up everywhere — and why they feel so immediately playable, memorable, and emotionally direct. Along the way, Steve unpacks the thinking behind the theme tune he wrote for My Friend Maisy (also available on NOW), based on the books by Lucy Cousins, and how five carefully chosen notes can shape an entire musical world.


The episode takes a gentle detour into Colombian traditional music with a backstage conversation recorded in 2024 with El León Pardo of Mestizo Collective, exploring the gaita — a ritual wind instrument built around paired male and female voices, deep cultural symbolism, and tightly limited pitch material. That sound becomes a useful reference point for the episode’s main thread: how scales function less like theory and more like palettes of identity.


Back in TV land, Steve breaks down the Maisy theme in detail, showing how pentatonic scales sit at the heart of children’s musical toys, playground instruments, and early musical experiences — and why avoiding semitone clashes makes music feel instantly safe, inclusive, and playable. Using live demonstrations, playground recordings, and some creative repitching in Melodyne, the episode shows how tiny changes to a scale can completely transform a melody’s emotional character.



In this episode:


• A backstage conversation with León Pardo about the Colombian gaita, its ritual use, construction, and sound-world.

• How male and female gaita flutes are paired, and what that reveals about musical identity.

• Why pentatonic scales appear in folk traditions, playground instruments, and children’s musical toys worldwide.

• A breakdown of the theme tune Steve wrote for My Friend Maisy, based on the books by Lucy Cousins.

• Why playground bells and boomwhackers are almost always pentatonic — and why that matters.

• A live experiment repitching the Maisy theme into an Ethiopian-inflected pentatonic.

• Why thinking of scales as identities or colour palettes can make musical listening feel less intimidating.



Also in this episode, Steve reflects on why many people drift away from music when theory becomes detached from sound — and why listening itself is a learnable, creative skill, whether or not you play an instrument.


Plus details of the upcoming Steve Pretty On the Origin of the Pieces live shows at Wilton’s Music Hall on 24th January, including the first ever Origin KIDS matinee at 2pm and the evening show at 7pm. Full details and tickets at originofthepieces.com/live.



🎧 Listen, rate and share to help more musically curious ears find the show.


💻 More episodes, transcripts, and extras at

originofthepieces.com


🪶 Patreon:

patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


Stay musically curious.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From a Colombian ritual flute heard backstage at Oslo Mela to a children’s TV theme tune played on a London school playground, this episode explores why pentatonic scales turn up everywhere — and why they feel so immediately playable, memorable, and emotionally direct. Along the way, Steve unpacks the thinking behind the theme tune he wrote for My Friend Maisy (also available on NOW), based on the books by Lucy Cousins, and how five carefully chosen notes can shape an entire musical world.


The episode takes a gentle detour into Colombian traditional music with a backstage conversation recorded in 2024 with El León Pardo of Mestizo Collective, exploring the gaita — a ritual wind instrument built around paired male and female voices, deep cultural symbolism, and tightly limited pitch material. That sound becomes a useful reference point for the episode’s main thread: how scales function less like theory and more like palettes of identity.


Back in TV land, Steve breaks down the Maisy theme in detail, showing how pentatonic scales sit at the heart of children’s musical toys, playground instruments, and early musical experiences — and why avoiding semitone clashes makes music feel instantly safe, inclusive, and playable. Using live demonstrations, playground recordings, and some creative repitching in Melodyne, the episode shows how tiny changes to a scale can completely transform a melody’s emotional character.



In this episode:


• A backstage conversation with León Pardo about the Colombian gaita, its ritual use, construction, and sound-world.

• How male and female gaita flutes are paired, and what that reveals about musical identity.

• Why pentatonic scales appear in folk traditions, playground instruments, and children’s musical toys worldwide.

• A breakdown of the theme tune Steve wrote for My Friend Maisy, based on the books by Lucy Cousins.

• Why playground bells and boomwhackers are almost always pentatonic — and why that matters.

• A live experiment repitching the Maisy theme into an Ethiopian-inflected pentatonic.

• Why thinking of scales as identities or colour palettes can make musical listening feel less intimidating.



Also in this episode, Steve reflects on why many people drift away from music when theory becomes detached from sound — and why listening itself is a learnable, creative skill, whether or not you play an instrument.


Plus details of the upcoming Steve Pretty On the Origin of the Pieces live shows at Wilton’s Music Hall on 24th January, including the first ever Origin KIDS matinee at 2pm and the evening show at 7pm. Full details and tickets at originofthepieces.com/live.



🎧 Listen, rate and share to help more musically curious ears find the show.


💻 More episodes, transcripts, and extras at

originofthepieces.com


🪶 Patreon:

patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


Stay musically curious.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Mulatu Astatke, Ethio-jazz and Pentatonic Worlds Mulatu Astatke, Ethio-jazz and Pentatonic Worlds Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:14:00 GMT 48:39 6928fc3a635c16d6404a9300 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/mulatu-astatke-ethio-jazz-and-pentatonic-worlds 6928fc3a635c16d6404a9300 651cae7e315af9001131d55f mulatu-astatke-ethio-jazz-and-pentatonic-worlds How a singular voice, five notes and ancient traditions shaped a globally recognised sound full 35 From Addis to the Barbican and back again, this episode dives into the sound-world shaped by Mulatu Astatke — the father of Ethio jazz. With Mulatu having recently completed his farewell tour, Steve goes back to a long, previously-unreleased interview he recorded with him during the making of Hackney Colliery Band’s Collaborations: Volume One. What emerges is a portrait of a true pioneer: a composer trained in London and at Berklee, a collaborator with Duke Ellington, and the architect of a style heard across film soundtracks, samples and stages worldwide.


Expect discussions of Ethio jazz’s roots in traditional modes and tribal instruments; a journey through pentatonic and diminished scales; and Mulatu’s deep reflections on African musical heritage and collaboration. There’s even a live extract of Derashe from HCB’s Barbican show — the tune he discusses in the interview.


In this episode:


• How Mulatu fused Ethiopian pentatonic traditions with jazz harmony and improvisation.

• Why some Ethiopian tribes use diminished (whole–half) scales, and how that changes the emotional palette.

• The story of Duke Ellington’s Jazz Ambassadors tour — and how Ellington ended up performing one of Mulatu’s arrangements in Addis.

• The embilta, washint and other Ethiopian wind instruments that parallel trumpets, trombones and baritone sax.

• The link between African “bush” instruments, mbira/“African piano” traditions, and Western harmonic thinking.

• A rare 2018 interview captured at Livingston Studios during the HCB/Mulatu recording sessions.

• A live performance of Derashe from the Barbican, featuring Hackney Colliery Band and Mulatu Astatke.


Also in this episode, Steve welcomes listeners from the New Scientist Podcast and explores the science–music crossover behind shell acoustics, underwater sound, and the physics of musical evolution. Plus a reminder that the new Origin of the Pieces website now includes full transcripts, an interactive world-map archive of every episode, and a growing library of extras.


And don’t miss the upcoming Wilton’s Music Hall shows on 24th January 2026, including the first ever Origin KIDS matinee at 2pm and the evening performance at 7pm. TICKETS.


🎧 Listen, rate and share to help more musically curious ears find the show.

💻 More episodes and extras at originofthepieces.com

🪶 Patreon: https://patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From Addis to the Barbican and back again, this episode dives into the sound-world shaped by Mulatu Astatke — the father of Ethio jazz. With Mulatu having recently completed his farewell tour, Steve goes back to a long, previously-unreleased interview he recorded with him during the making of Hackney Colliery Band’s Collaborations: Volume One. What emerges is a portrait of a true pioneer: a composer trained in London and at Berklee, a collaborator with Duke Ellington, and the architect of a style heard across film soundtracks, samples and stages worldwide.


Expect discussions of Ethio jazz’s roots in traditional modes and tribal instruments; a journey through pentatonic and diminished scales; and Mulatu’s deep reflections on African musical heritage and collaboration. There’s even a live extract of Derashe from HCB’s Barbican show — the tune he discusses in the interview.


In this episode:


• How Mulatu fused Ethiopian pentatonic traditions with jazz harmony and improvisation.

• Why some Ethiopian tribes use diminished (whole–half) scales, and how that changes the emotional palette.

• The story of Duke Ellington’s Jazz Ambassadors tour — and how Ellington ended up performing one of Mulatu’s arrangements in Addis.

• The embilta, washint and other Ethiopian wind instruments that parallel trumpets, trombones and baritone sax.

• The link between African “bush” instruments, mbira/“African piano” traditions, and Western harmonic thinking.

• A rare 2018 interview captured at Livingston Studios during the HCB/Mulatu recording sessions.

• A live performance of Derashe from the Barbican, featuring Hackney Colliery Band and Mulatu Astatke.


Also in this episode, Steve welcomes listeners from the New Scientist Podcast and explores the science–music crossover behind shell acoustics, underwater sound, and the physics of musical evolution. Plus a reminder that the new Origin of the Pieces website now includes full transcripts, an interactive world-map archive of every episode, and a growing library of extras.


And don’t miss the upcoming Wilton’s Music Hall shows on 24th January 2026, including the first ever Origin KIDS matinee at 2pm and the evening performance at 7pm. TICKETS.


🎧 Listen, rate and share to help more musically curious ears find the show.

💻 More episodes and extras at originofthepieces.com

🪶 Patreon: https://patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ciphers, Picks and the Art of the Jam Ciphers, Picks and the Art of the Jam Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT 53:52 6915309a7728b8766c71da40 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/ciphers-picks-and-the-art-of-the-jam 6915309a7728b8766c71da40 651cae7e315af9001131d55f ciphers-picks-and-the-art-of-the-jam How bluegrass picking and hip-hop ciphers end up in the same groove. full 34 From the high lonesome sound of Appalachia to the flow of a Bronx cipher, this episode explores what happens when two traditions of storytelling and rhythm collide. Recorded at the WOMEX 2024 world-music gathering in Finland, Steve talks with Gangstagrass — the trailblazing American group fusing bluegrass instrumentation with hip-hop lyricism and beats.


Expect fiddles, banjo and beats; live sessions that blur the line between folk jam and freestyle; and a conversation about community, curiosity and the shared language of groove. There’s even a spontaneous rap about Origin of the Pieces and a bus-ride performance that somehow turned into a cipher on wheels.



In this episode:


  • How Gangstagrass blend banjo, fiddle and MCs without losing the soul of either style.
  • Why hip-hop ciphers and bluegrass picks are closer than you might think.
  • The jam session as a universal language — connecting folk musicians, rappers and improvisers worldwide.
  • How genre boundaries were drawn by history, and how artists can redraw them.
  • A stripped-back version of Do Better plus a freestyle that plugs their UK tour entirely in rhyme.



Gangstagrass UK Tour — November 2025



Also in this episode, Steve launches the new Origin of the Pieces website — featuring full transcripts, an interactive world-map archive, the Darwin-trumpet T-shirt shop, and exclusive extras via Patreon.


And don’t miss the upcoming Wilton’s Music Hall shows on 24 January 2026, including the first ever Origin KIDS matinee and an evening performance featuring new guests and experiments in sound.



🎧 Listen, rate and share to help more musically curious ears find the show.

💻 More episodes and extras at originofthepieces.com

🪶 Patreon: patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From the high lonesome sound of Appalachia to the flow of a Bronx cipher, this episode explores what happens when two traditions of storytelling and rhythm collide. Recorded at the WOMEX 2024 world-music gathering in Finland, Steve talks with Gangstagrass — the trailblazing American group fusing bluegrass instrumentation with hip-hop lyricism and beats.


Expect fiddles, banjo and beats; live sessions that blur the line between folk jam and freestyle; and a conversation about community, curiosity and the shared language of groove. There’s even a spontaneous rap about Origin of the Pieces and a bus-ride performance that somehow turned into a cipher on wheels.



In this episode:


  • How Gangstagrass blend banjo, fiddle and MCs without losing the soul of either style.
  • Why hip-hop ciphers and bluegrass picks are closer than you might think.
  • The jam session as a universal language — connecting folk musicians, rappers and improvisers worldwide.
  • How genre boundaries were drawn by history, and how artists can redraw them.
  • A stripped-back version of Do Better plus a freestyle that plugs their UK tour entirely in rhyme.



Gangstagrass UK Tour — November 2025



Also in this episode, Steve launches the new Origin of the Pieces website — featuring full transcripts, an interactive world-map archive, the Darwin-trumpet T-shirt shop, and exclusive extras via Patreon.


And don’t miss the upcoming Wilton’s Music Hall shows on 24 January 2026, including the first ever Origin KIDS matinee and an evening performance featuring new guests and experiments in sound.



🎧 Listen, rate and share to help more musically curious ears find the show.

💻 More episodes and extras at originofthepieces.com

🪶 Patreon: patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Malawian Madalitso, Vampire Vamps & Sofa Songs]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 07:00:00 GMT 31:06 69056e483906f8011ae93347 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/malawian-madalitso-vampire-vamps-singing-what-you-see 69056e483906f8011ae93347 651cae7e315af9001131d55f malawian-madalitso-vampire-vamps-singing-what-you-see From living-room experiments to Malawian street stages — and a few unexpected noises in between. full 33 From living-room experiments to Malawian street stages — and a brief stop-off in Transylvania.


This week, Steve explores what it means to sing what you see: making music that’s spontaneous, handmade and gloriously human. There’s a Halloween detour into his live Nosferatu score, a new Clip n Mix, and a look at the brilliant Madalitso Band from Malawi — two musicians whose home-built instruments and hypnotic grooves turn simplicity into joy.


Plus: the mystery of a slightly windy theme tune proves that accidents can be the best kind of inspiration.


👇 Full timestamps + links below!



⏱️ Chapters


00:00 – A suspiciously familiar theme

02:30 – Living-room experiments & musical accidents

06:40 – Clip n Mix – turning everyday sounds into music

10:45 – Vampire Vamps: Nosferatu score (watch)

16:30 – Introducing Madalitso Band (Malawi)

22:00 – Homemade instruments & street recordings

32:00 – Singing what you see

44:30 – Finding beauty in simple sounds

55:20 – Wilton’s shows, Patreon & Universe of Music tour


🔗 Links & Extras


🎧 Listen / Watch

YouTube | Apple Podcasts | More platforms


🎬 Nosferatu live score → Full video


🎛 Support / Extras → Patreon


🪐 Universe of Music Tour (with Chris Lintott)

Corsham (20 Nov) | Cambridge (27 Nov) | Shoreham-by-Sea (15 Jan)

🎟 Full info → universeofmusic.co.uk


🎟️ Live at Wilton’s Music Hall – 24 Jan 2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 KIDS matinee (2 pm) – interactive family show

🌙 Evening show (7 pm) – live podcast with guests & musical surprises

💸 Code SPRETTY15 = £15 best available seats

Book Kids | Book Evening


💬 Got a weird sound you’d like Steve to turn into music? Email podcast@stevepretty.com or comment with #ClipnMix.


🙌 Like, subscribe & stay musically curious.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From living-room experiments to Malawian street stages — and a brief stop-off in Transylvania.


This week, Steve explores what it means to sing what you see: making music that’s spontaneous, handmade and gloriously human. There’s a Halloween detour into his live Nosferatu score, a new Clip n Mix, and a look at the brilliant Madalitso Band from Malawi — two musicians whose home-built instruments and hypnotic grooves turn simplicity into joy.


Plus: the mystery of a slightly windy theme tune proves that accidents can be the best kind of inspiration.


👇 Full timestamps + links below!



⏱️ Chapters


00:00 – A suspiciously familiar theme

02:30 – Living-room experiments & musical accidents

06:40 – Clip n Mix – turning everyday sounds into music

10:45 – Vampire Vamps: Nosferatu score (watch)

16:30 – Introducing Madalitso Band (Malawi)

22:00 – Homemade instruments & street recordings

32:00 – Singing what you see

44:30 – Finding beauty in simple sounds

55:20 – Wilton’s shows, Patreon & Universe of Music tour


🔗 Links & Extras


🎧 Listen / Watch

YouTube | Apple Podcasts | More platforms


🎬 Nosferatu live score → Full video


🎛 Support / Extras → Patreon


🪐 Universe of Music Tour (with Chris Lintott)

Corsham (20 Nov) | Cambridge (27 Nov) | Shoreham-by-Sea (15 Jan)

🎟 Full info → universeofmusic.co.uk


🎟️ Live at Wilton’s Music Hall – 24 Jan 2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 KIDS matinee (2 pm) – interactive family show

🌙 Evening show (7 pm) – live podcast with guests & musical surprises

💸 Code SPRETTY15 = £15 best available seats

Book Kids | Book Evening


💬 Got a weird sound you’d like Steve to turn into music? Email podcast@stevepretty.com or comment with #ClipnMix.


🙌 Like, subscribe & stay musically curious.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> RE-UPLOAD: Sampling Firepits, Feeling Flamenco, Finding Tonás RE-UPLOAD: Sampling Firepits, Feeling Flamenco, Finding Tonás Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:04:37 GMT 52:43 68f776d540b81f7a8906a555 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/re-upload-sampling-firepits-feeling-flamenco-finding-tonas 68f776d540b81f7a8906a555 651cae7e315af9001131d55f re-upload-sampling-firepits-feeling-flamenco-finding-tonas Turning campsite sounds into beats, and diving deep into flamenco’s rawest style. full 32 ⚠️ Note: This is a re-upload


The original episode was taken down due to a copyright strike on the theme tune — even though I wrote and produced it myself. While I sort that out, you’re treated to a gloriously bad placeholder version.

Also, I’ve trimmed down the Clip n Mix segment — I was clearly having too much fun with firepits last time, and it got a bit… indulgent. This one gets to the good stuff faster.


🔥 Can you make music from a campsite firepit?


And what is Tonás — the raw, unaccompanied flamenco style with roots in secrecy, survival, and soul?


In this episode, I launch a new segment called Clip n Mix, where I turn everyday sounds into music. This time? A campsite firepit. My son and I hit it with sticks, sample it using Ableton Note, and turn it into a crunchy little beat — which you’ll hear later in the episode.


Then we dive into one of flamenco’s most haunting styles: Tonás. My guest is the brilliant Josie Sinnadurai, a flamenco dancer based in Seville, who helps unpack the history, sound, and emotional depth of this unaccompanied vocal tradition.


👇 Full chapters and links below!


⏱️ Chapters


00:00 – Intro + why the theme tune sounds different

02:20 – Clip n Mix: sampling a firepit in Dorset

09:45 – What is Tonás?

10:20 – Interview with Josie Sinnadurai

34:50 – Why I didn’t make a Tonás track

35:20 – Turning firepit samples into music

49:15 – Sound, play, and curiosity

54:25 – Live shows + Patreon + sign-off


🔗 Links


🎬 Watch the Tonás video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7vpU5zLl-A


👣 Follow Josie Sinnadurai:

Website: https://www.josielaurelflamenco.com/

Instagram: @josie_sinna


📱 Try Ableton Note (free app):

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/ableton-note/id1611814758

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ableton.note


🎧 Download the firepit samples + Ableton Note session:

https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


🎟️ Live at Wilton’s Music Hall – 24th Jan 2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids show (2pm):

https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces-kids/

🌙 Evening show (7pm):

https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces-2/


💬 Got a weird sound you’d like me to turn into music?

Drop it in the comments or email podcast@stevepretty.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> ⚠️ Note: This is a re-upload


The original episode was taken down due to a copyright strike on the theme tune — even though I wrote and produced it myself. While I sort that out, you’re treated to a gloriously bad placeholder version.

Also, I’ve trimmed down the Clip n Mix segment — I was clearly having too much fun with firepits last time, and it got a bit… indulgent. This one gets to the good stuff faster.


🔥 Can you make music from a campsite firepit?


And what is Tonás — the raw, unaccompanied flamenco style with roots in secrecy, survival, and soul?


In this episode, I launch a new segment called Clip n Mix, where I turn everyday sounds into music. This time? A campsite firepit. My son and I hit it with sticks, sample it using Ableton Note, and turn it into a crunchy little beat — which you’ll hear later in the episode.


Then we dive into one of flamenco’s most haunting styles: Tonás. My guest is the brilliant Josie Sinnadurai, a flamenco dancer based in Seville, who helps unpack the history, sound, and emotional depth of this unaccompanied vocal tradition.


👇 Full chapters and links below!


⏱️ Chapters


00:00 – Intro + why the theme tune sounds different

02:20 – Clip n Mix: sampling a firepit in Dorset

09:45 – What is Tonás?

10:20 – Interview with Josie Sinnadurai

34:50 – Why I didn’t make a Tonás track

35:20 – Turning firepit samples into music

49:15 – Sound, play, and curiosity

54:25 – Live shows + Patreon + sign-off


🔗 Links


🎬 Watch the Tonás video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7vpU5zLl-A


👣 Follow Josie Sinnadurai:

Website: https://www.josielaurelflamenco.com/

Instagram: @josie_sinna


📱 Try Ableton Note (free app):

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/ableton-note/id1611814758

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ableton.note


🎧 Download the firepit samples + Ableton Note session:

https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


🎟️ Live at Wilton’s Music Hall – 24th Jan 2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids show (2pm):

https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces-kids/

🌙 Evening show (7pm):

https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces-2/


💬 Got a weird sound you’d like me to turn into music?

Drop it in the comments or email podcast@stevepretty.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Earwax, Echoes and Entropy Earwax, Echoes and Entropy Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:08:45 GMT 57:22 68dfd06c41c3159ff0469bd2 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/earwax-echoes-and-entropy 68dfd06c41c3159ff0469bd2 651cae7e315af9001131d55f earwax-echoes-and-entropy From whale earwax to the sound of cosmic decay, with Richard Sabin (Natural History Museum) and Chris Lintott (Sky at Night) full 31 What can a lump of whale earwax tell us about human history?

What does the end of the universe sound like?

And how do you play the sea like a synthesiser?


This episode of Steve Pretty On The Origin of the Pieces goes from marine mammal physiology to cosmological heat death, taking in hydrophones, cultural transmission in humpbacks, the physics of underwater sound, and an improvised trumpet elegy for the end of everything.


My guests are:


  • Chris Lintott – astrophysicist, broadcaster, and co‑host of The Sky at Night. We open with a live extract from our Universe of Music show, performed at Gresham College — exploring what sound and music can tell us about the ultimate fate of the cosmos.
  • Richard Sabin – whale expert and lead curator of mammals at the Natural History Museum, who shares sonic insights from the deep — including how 150 years of whale earwax is helping scientists track stress in marine life.


We also:


  • Hear vintage 78 rpm whale recordings, played on a £60k system at Audio Gold
  • Use filters to “play the sea” like a scale
  • Drop a hydrophone into a water tank and see how sound behaves
  • Discuss echolocation, underwater acoustic pollution, and whale “culture”
  • Recreate underwater acoustic effects via processing and pitch shifting
  • Reflect on what it means to really listen — to whales or the cosmos


Recorded live at the brilliant First Light Festival in a sweltering tent by the sea (thanks again to them for hosting us).



🧠 Bonus content


🎥 The full, uncut interview with Richard Sabin — including audience Q&A and extended hydrophone demos — is available on Patreon.






👯 Mentioned in this episode





💌 How to support the show


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What can a lump of whale earwax tell us about human history?

What does the end of the universe sound like?

And how do you play the sea like a synthesiser?


This episode of Steve Pretty On The Origin of the Pieces goes from marine mammal physiology to cosmological heat death, taking in hydrophones, cultural transmission in humpbacks, the physics of underwater sound, and an improvised trumpet elegy for the end of everything.


My guests are:


  • Chris Lintott – astrophysicist, broadcaster, and co‑host of The Sky at Night. We open with a live extract from our Universe of Music show, performed at Gresham College — exploring what sound and music can tell us about the ultimate fate of the cosmos.
  • Richard Sabin – whale expert and lead curator of mammals at the Natural History Museum, who shares sonic insights from the deep — including how 150 years of whale earwax is helping scientists track stress in marine life.


We also:


  • Hear vintage 78 rpm whale recordings, played on a £60k system at Audio Gold
  • Use filters to “play the sea” like a scale
  • Drop a hydrophone into a water tank and see how sound behaves
  • Discuss echolocation, underwater acoustic pollution, and whale “culture”
  • Recreate underwater acoustic effects via processing and pitch shifting
  • Reflect on what it means to really listen — to whales or the cosmos


Recorded live at the brilliant First Light Festival in a sweltering tent by the sea (thanks again to them for hosting us).



🧠 Bonus content


🎥 The full, uncut interview with Richard Sabin — including audience Q&A and extended hydrophone demos — is available on Patreon.






👯 Mentioned in this episode





💌 How to support the show


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Music therapy, Swedish standards and clinical improvisation Music therapy, Swedish standards and clinical improvisation Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:30:00 GMT 45:42 687f8023fd9acfeba47a100d false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/music-therapy-swedish-standards-and-clinical-improvisation 687f8023fd9acfeba47a100d 651cae7e315af9001131d55f music-therapy-swedish-standards-and-clinical-improvisation Steve chats to Kassandra e’Silva about music therapy, dementia care, and the healing power of a well-timed egg shaker. full 30 This week I speak to Kassandra e’Silva, a saxophonist, improviser and NHS music therapist. We caught up just before a gig at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival to talk about the power of music in care settings — from dementia wards and mental health clinics to the BBQ playlist at home.


We cover:


  • Baby‑wearing during soundcheck 👶
  • Pre‑verbal communication in music
  • Clinical improvisation and jazz
  • Whether all music is a kind of therapy
  • And why rhythm might be the most important bit


—



⏱️ Highlights


00:00 – Intro – ALSO Festival, Nosferatu live score, and a conch bath update

03:00 – Edinburgh Jazz Festival – A tribute to The Jazz Bar and Bill Kyle

08:30 – Interview with Kassandra e’Silva – Backstage at the Spiegeltent

10:00 – What music therapy is – Presence, trauma, and non-verbal expression

13:30 – Lighting up the brain – Music as reconnection

16:00 – Music at both ends of life – Parenting and dementia

20:00 – Letting go of ‘good’ music – From jazz standards to egg shakers

23:10 – Rhythm as anchor – Repetition, stability, and mental health

25:40 – Creative expression – Instruments, blocks, and tambo-responsiveness

29:40 – Teaching vs therapy – When learning becomes part of healing

31:40 – Improvisation as diagnostic mirror – Sound as resistance

34:40 – Participation matters – Why passive listening isn’t enough

36:10 – What’s the point of music? – A beautiful closing answer


—


🎶 Check out Resounding, co-written with Nicole Cassandra Smit, on Hackney Colliery Band – Collaborations: Volume Two

👉 Listen on Bandcamp


—




💬 Resource: 

Music in Dementia (NHS Lothian)


Kassandra helped develop this practical guide for carers, families and practitioners.

Includes activity ideas, playlists, and real examples from NHS care.


🎵 Explore the guide

Note: Kassandra’s views are her own, not those of NHS Lothian.


—


🎧 Support the show:

💌 originofthepieces.com

☕ patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


#musictherapy #jazz #musicanddementia #improvisation #originofthepieces #kassandraesilva #stevepretty

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week I speak to Kassandra e’Silva, a saxophonist, improviser and NHS music therapist. We caught up just before a gig at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival to talk about the power of music in care settings — from dementia wards and mental health clinics to the BBQ playlist at home.


We cover:


  • Baby‑wearing during soundcheck 👶
  • Pre‑verbal communication in music
  • Clinical improvisation and jazz
  • Whether all music is a kind of therapy
  • And why rhythm might be the most important bit


—



⏱️ Highlights


00:00 – Intro – ALSO Festival, Nosferatu live score, and a conch bath update

03:00 – Edinburgh Jazz Festival – A tribute to The Jazz Bar and Bill Kyle

08:30 – Interview with Kassandra e’Silva – Backstage at the Spiegeltent

10:00 – What music therapy is – Presence, trauma, and non-verbal expression

13:30 – Lighting up the brain – Music as reconnection

16:00 – Music at both ends of life – Parenting and dementia

20:00 – Letting go of ‘good’ music – From jazz standards to egg shakers

23:10 – Rhythm as anchor – Repetition, stability, and mental health

25:40 – Creative expression – Instruments, blocks, and tambo-responsiveness

29:40 – Teaching vs therapy – When learning becomes part of healing

31:40 – Improvisation as diagnostic mirror – Sound as resistance

34:40 – Participation matters – Why passive listening isn’t enough

36:10 – What’s the point of music? – A beautiful closing answer


—


🎶 Check out Resounding, co-written with Nicole Cassandra Smit, on Hackney Colliery Band – Collaborations: Volume Two

👉 Listen on Bandcamp


—




💬 Resource: 

Music in Dementia (NHS Lothian)


Kassandra helped develop this practical guide for carers, families and practitioners.

Includes activity ideas, playlists, and real examples from NHS care.


🎵 Explore the guide

Note: Kassandra’s views are her own, not those of NHS Lothian.


—


🎧 Support the show:

💌 originofthepieces.com

☕ patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


#musictherapy #jazz #musicanddementia #improvisation #originofthepieces #kassandraesilva #stevepretty

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Access, ancestry and a flute made from a leg Access, ancestry and a flute made from a leg Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:00:00 GMT 43:58 6865afa4af58ad3de768944a false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/access-ancestry-and-a-flute-made-from-a-leg 6865afa4af58ad3de768944a 651cae7e315af9001131d55f access-ancestry-and-a-flute-made-from-a-leg Steve explores music, disability, and DIY flutes made from your own amputated leg in this unforgettable chat with Jono Enser. full 29 This week, Steve shares a powerful, surprising, and often jaw-dropping conversation with musician, composer and activist Jono Enser.


Jono is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and a member of Nubiyan Twist, but he’s also a disabled artist whose recent experiences as an amputee have sparked a radical rethinking of performance, access, and the body as instrument — quite literally. Together, they explore:


  • The challenges and realities of touring as a disabled musician
  • How venue design (or lack of it) creates systemic barriers to inclusion
  • The radical creativity of reclaiming trauma — including Jono’s current project turning his amputated leg bone into a working flute
  • Musical ancestors: from Neanderthal bone flutes to Tibetan thighbone trumpets
  • Why accessibility isn’t just a bolt-on feature — it’s a cultural responsibility
  • And what it means to give your pain a voice, breath, and song


Plus, Steve shares a clip from his Ocean Songs sunrise performance at Benacre Broad — part of his work with the Blue Machine project, inspired by Dr. Helen Czerski’s oceanography book of the same name.


There’s a lot packed in here, and it’s one of the most wide-ranging and deeply personal episodes yet.


🎟 Jono’s band Nubiyan Twist are touring this summer – check them out.

🎶 His solo project Matters Unknown is also worth diving into.

🎤 Steve is performing live at ALSO Festival and on July 11th at the National Maritime Museum with Blue Machine – see originofthepieces.com for details.


—


🧡 Support the podcast and get exclusive content at:

patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


🎧 Listen, watch, share and review: it all helps the podcast grow.

📍 More info at originofthepieces.com


00:00 – Welcome back + Acid Brass recap

Steve introduces the episode and reflects on his recent chat with Jeremy Deller.


02:00 – Meet Jono Enser

Jono’s musical upbringing, his shift from trumpet to tuba, and the spiritual resonance of breath.


07:00 – Life as a touring amputee

The hidden and not-so-hidden barriers for disabled musicians on the road.


10:00 – Access is everywhere (or isn’t)

From venue layouts to door weights and bar heights — access means more than ramps.


14:00 – What artists and venues can actually do

Practical steps, responsibility, and why checking access before the gig matters.


18:00 – Ocean Songs interlude

Steve shares a clip from his beachside dawn performance as part of the Blue Machine project.


23:00 – A flute made from his own amputated leg

Jono’s extraordinary project connecting trauma, ancestry, and sonic experimentation.


28:00 – Resonance, ritual, and reclaiming space

Caves, Ambisonics, somatic practice and ecological listening.


32:00 – Music as breath and transformation

Why giving pain a voice — literally — matters.


36:00 – What’s the point of music?

Jono’s heartfelt answer to Steve’s recurring question.


40:00 – Wrap-up and upcoming gigs

Tour dates, ALSO Festival, and National Maritime Museum performance previews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, Steve shares a powerful, surprising, and often jaw-dropping conversation with musician, composer and activist Jono Enser.


Jono is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and a member of Nubiyan Twist, but he’s also a disabled artist whose recent experiences as an amputee have sparked a radical rethinking of performance, access, and the body as instrument — quite literally. Together, they explore:


  • The challenges and realities of touring as a disabled musician
  • How venue design (or lack of it) creates systemic barriers to inclusion
  • The radical creativity of reclaiming trauma — including Jono’s current project turning his amputated leg bone into a working flute
  • Musical ancestors: from Neanderthal bone flutes to Tibetan thighbone trumpets
  • Why accessibility isn’t just a bolt-on feature — it’s a cultural responsibility
  • And what it means to give your pain a voice, breath, and song


Plus, Steve shares a clip from his Ocean Songs sunrise performance at Benacre Broad — part of his work with the Blue Machine project, inspired by Dr. Helen Czerski’s oceanography book of the same name.


There’s a lot packed in here, and it’s one of the most wide-ranging and deeply personal episodes yet.


🎟 Jono’s band Nubiyan Twist are touring this summer – check them out.

🎶 His solo project Matters Unknown is also worth diving into.

🎤 Steve is performing live at ALSO Festival and on July 11th at the National Maritime Museum with Blue Machine – see originofthepieces.com for details.


—


🧡 Support the podcast and get exclusive content at:

patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


🎧 Listen, watch, share and review: it all helps the podcast grow.

📍 More info at originofthepieces.com


00:00 – Welcome back + Acid Brass recap

Steve introduces the episode and reflects on his recent chat with Jeremy Deller.


02:00 – Meet Jono Enser

Jono’s musical upbringing, his shift from trumpet to tuba, and the spiritual resonance of breath.


07:00 – Life as a touring amputee

The hidden and not-so-hidden barriers for disabled musicians on the road.


10:00 – Access is everywhere (or isn’t)

From venue layouts to door weights and bar heights — access means more than ramps.


14:00 – What artists and venues can actually do

Practical steps, responsibility, and why checking access before the gig matters.


18:00 – Ocean Songs interlude

Steve shares a clip from his beachside dawn performance as part of the Blue Machine project.


23:00 – A flute made from his own amputated leg

Jono’s extraordinary project connecting trauma, ancestry, and sonic experimentation.


28:00 – Resonance, ritual, and reclaiming space

Caves, Ambisonics, somatic practice and ecological listening.


32:00 – Music as breath and transformation

Why giving pain a voice — literally — matters.


36:00 – What’s the point of music?

Jono’s heartfelt answer to Steve’s recurring question.


40:00 – Wrap-up and upcoming gigs

Tour dates, ALSO Festival, and National Maritime Museum performance previews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Jeremy Deller, 303s and knitting Jeremy Deller, 303s and knitting Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:30:00 GMT 38:10 684b65911c97ce2ed126aca4 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/jeremy-deller-303s-and-knitting 684b65911c97ce2ed126aca4 651cae7e315af9001131d55f jeremy-deller-303s-and-knitting Steve talks brass bands, acid house and unexpected cultural collisions with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, whose visionary project Acid Brass fused pit village tradition with rave-era rebellion. full 28 ❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com


Welcome back to your favourite podcast for musically curious ears! This week, I’m talking to the brilliant Jeremy Deller, Turner Prize-winning artist and creator of the now-legendary Acid Brass project — a bold collision of working-class brass band tradition and squelchy late-80s acid house.


Join us as we trace the unexpected cultural connections between miners’ strikes, 303s, and knitting in the front row…




⏱️ 

Chapters and Highlights

:


00:00 – Welcome and new format intro

Steve explains the new single-topic format and introduces today’s guest, Jeremy Deller.


02:00 – The story of Acid Brass

From a Turner Prize idea to a 30-year legacy: how Jeremy connected acid house and brass bands.


05:00 – Why it inspired Hackney Colliery Band

Steve reflects on how Acid Brass shaped his own journey.


07:00 – Interview Pt. 1: Backstage at rehearsal

Jeremy and Steve discuss working-class music, the politics of sound, and whether acid house is “folk.”


14:00 – What’s a 303, anyway?

Steve demos the iconic Roland TB-303 and compares it to traditional brass.


17:00 – Interview Pt. 2: Deeper dive

Jeremy reflects on his artistic intentions, early audience reactions, and the cultural fallout.


29:00 – The knitting incident

Yes, really. Knitting, brass bands and acid house. Who'd have thought?


32:00 – Musical roles and expectations

Steve discusses how Acid Brass plays with what music is for.


33:00 – The Big Question: What’s the point of music?

Jeremy shares his thoughts on connection, spirit, and why most artists are just frustrated musicians.


36:00 – Outro and rehearsal teaser

Steve wraps up and previews an exclusive clip from the Acid Brass rehearsal at EartH Hackney.





🎟️ 

Event Promo (if catching in time!)


Catch Acid Brass live at EartH Hackney on 13th June 2025, followed by a late-night party with acid house pioneer A Guy Called Gerald. Limited tickets available!


🎟️ Check ticket availability

🎥 Video extras & behind-the-scenes at: Patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> ❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com


Welcome back to your favourite podcast for musically curious ears! This week, I’m talking to the brilliant Jeremy Deller, Turner Prize-winning artist and creator of the now-legendary Acid Brass project — a bold collision of working-class brass band tradition and squelchy late-80s acid house.


Join us as we trace the unexpected cultural connections between miners’ strikes, 303s, and knitting in the front row…




⏱️ 

Chapters and Highlights

:


00:00 – Welcome and new format intro

Steve explains the new single-topic format and introduces today’s guest, Jeremy Deller.


02:00 – The story of Acid Brass

From a Turner Prize idea to a 30-year legacy: how Jeremy connected acid house and brass bands.


05:00 – Why it inspired Hackney Colliery Band

Steve reflects on how Acid Brass shaped his own journey.


07:00 – Interview Pt. 1: Backstage at rehearsal

Jeremy and Steve discuss working-class music, the politics of sound, and whether acid house is “folk.”


14:00 – What’s a 303, anyway?

Steve demos the iconic Roland TB-303 and compares it to traditional brass.


17:00 – Interview Pt. 2: Deeper dive

Jeremy reflects on his artistic intentions, early audience reactions, and the cultural fallout.


29:00 – The knitting incident

Yes, really. Knitting, brass bands and acid house. Who'd have thought?


32:00 – Musical roles and expectations

Steve discusses how Acid Brass plays with what music is for.


33:00 – The Big Question: What’s the point of music?

Jeremy shares his thoughts on connection, spirit, and why most artists are just frustrated musicians.


36:00 – Outro and rehearsal teaser

Steve wraps up and previews an exclusive clip from the Acid Brass rehearsal at EartH Hackney.





🎟️ 

Event Promo (if catching in time!)


Catch Acid Brass live at EartH Hackney on 13th June 2025, followed by a late-night party with acid house pioneer A Guy Called Gerald. Limited tickets available!


🎟️ Check ticket availability

🎥 Video extras & behind-the-scenes at: Patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Eurovision Special with Frances Ruffelle Eurovision Special with Frances Ruffelle Sat, 17 May 2025 05:07:00 GMT 23:49 6827d644ee813e8be25172db false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/episode-25c-eurovision-special-with-frances-ruffelle 6827d644ee813e8be25172db 651cae7e315af9001131d55f episode-25c-eurovision-special-with-frances-ruffelle Steve talks Eurovision, music hall vinyls and musical impostor syndrome with Frances Ruffelle (while proudly defending his lovingly crafted backing track) full 27 In this Eurovision-week bonus episode, Steve Pretty is joined by actor, singer, and former UK Eurovision contestant Frances Ruffelle, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.


📺 Watch Frances’s Eurovision performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXtXpj2FGF8

🌐 Visit Frances Ruffelle’s website: http://www.francesruffelle.com

❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com


00:00 – Intro from Steve

Steve explains this emergency Eurovision-themed sub episode and gives updates on the podcast relaunch, including work with the Natural History Museum and upcoming Wilton’s shows.


02:30 – Why Eurovision?

Steve admits he was a bit of a Eurovision skeptic — until diving into the history while preparing for this chat with Frances.


03:45 – Meet Frances Ruffelle

Tony Award-winning actor, West End and Broadway star, and the UK’s 1994 Eurovision entry. Frances joins Steve for a live conversation and performance at Wilton’s Music Hall.


05:55 – Opening music: Mood Indigo

Live duet of Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo.


07:00 – Am I a ‘proper’ musician?

Frances reflects on musical self-doubt, and Steve challenges the idea that you need classical training to be ‘real.’


08:40 – Storytelling through song

Frances talks about music as a storytelling tool — especially in theatre.


10:30 – Growing up with music hall

Frances shares her roots in music hall, her mum Sylvia Young’s legacy, and her first performance at age five.


14:00 – The history of Wilton’s

A deep dive into the family connection to Wilton’s Music Hall and its restoration.


17:00 – Musicals vs ‘play with music’

Frances discusses a new show she’s writing with Alan Cumming and how it blends genres.


19:00 – Eurovision 1994: Behind the Scenes

How the BBC approached her, why she initially said no, and how it all unfolded — including singing eight songs for the selection show.


21:30 – Live orchestra, no nerves

Frances recounts the Eurovision performance experience in Dublin — nerves, glam, and all.


23:00 – On music’s purpose

Steve asks: “What’s the point of music?” Frances’s answer: “Togetherness and freedom.”


24:00 – Live Eurovision performance

Frances sings her 1994 song Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free) live — her first public performance of it in 30 years.


26:00 – Outro

Steve teases upcoming content, invites contributions for Clip n Mix, and encourages sign-ups to the newsletter and Patreon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this Eurovision-week bonus episode, Steve Pretty is joined by actor, singer, and former UK Eurovision contestant Frances Ruffelle, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.


📺 Watch Frances’s Eurovision performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXtXpj2FGF8

🌐 Visit Frances Ruffelle’s website: http://www.francesruffelle.com

❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com


00:00 – Intro from Steve

Steve explains this emergency Eurovision-themed sub episode and gives updates on the podcast relaunch, including work with the Natural History Museum and upcoming Wilton’s shows.


02:30 – Why Eurovision?

Steve admits he was a bit of a Eurovision skeptic — until diving into the history while preparing for this chat with Frances.


03:45 – Meet Frances Ruffelle

Tony Award-winning actor, West End and Broadway star, and the UK’s 1994 Eurovision entry. Frances joins Steve for a live conversation and performance at Wilton’s Music Hall.


05:55 – Opening music: Mood Indigo

Live duet of Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo.


07:00 – Am I a ‘proper’ musician?

Frances reflects on musical self-doubt, and Steve challenges the idea that you need classical training to be ‘real.’


08:40 – Storytelling through song

Frances talks about music as a storytelling tool — especially in theatre.


10:30 – Growing up with music hall

Frances shares her roots in music hall, her mum Sylvia Young’s legacy, and her first performance at age five.


14:00 – The history of Wilton’s

A deep dive into the family connection to Wilton’s Music Hall and its restoration.


17:00 – Musicals vs ‘play with music’

Frances discusses a new show she’s writing with Alan Cumming and how it blends genres.


19:00 – Eurovision 1994: Behind the Scenes

How the BBC approached her, why she initially said no, and how it all unfolded — including singing eight songs for the selection show.


21:30 – Live orchestra, no nerves

Frances recounts the Eurovision performance experience in Dublin — nerves, glam, and all.


23:00 – On music’s purpose

Steve asks: “What’s the point of music?” Frances’s answer: “Togetherness and freedom.”


24:00 – Live Eurovision performance

Frances sings her 1994 song Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free) live — her first public performance of it in 30 years.


26:00 – Outro

Steve teases upcoming content, invites contributions for Clip n Mix, and encourages sign-ups to the newsletter and Patreon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> World Poetry Day Special! Robin Ince, conch baths and BRIAN BLESSED (kind of) World Poetry Day Special! Robin Ince, conch baths and BRIAN BLESSED (kind of) Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:10:36 GMT 15:56 67ddab9cfa98b54cface7df1 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/world-poetry-day-special-robin-ince-conch-baths-and-brian-bl 67ddab9cfa98b54cface7df1 651cae7e315af9001131d55f world-poetry-day-special-robin-ince-conch-baths-and-brian-bl full 26 Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


Description:

To mark World Poetry Day, Steve drops a surprise bonus episode featuring writer, comedian, and poet Robin Ince, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.


Robin performs a series of poems—some whimsical, some urgent—including one inspired by Steve’s conch bath performance at ALSO Festival. That performance also makes an appearance here in audio form, with seashells and electronics combining into something… well, unusual.


The episode closes with reflections on music, abstraction, and the emotional power of sound.


Timecodes:

00:00 – Intro: why this bonus episode exists

01:04 – Robin Ince at Wilton’s: poems and reflections

02:06 – Poem: The Conch Bath (plus excerpt from Steve’s performance at ALSO Festival)

09:00 – Poem: Not All Men

12:08 – Poem: Creation Envy

13:47 – Poem: Let Me Celebrate You Now

15:24 – Robin and Steve on the point of music


Watch the video version (including Robin onstage and Steve in the lake at ALSO Festival):

📺 youtube.com/@StevePretty


Extras and support:

🎟 £15 tickets for Wilton’s show on 30 April with code PRETTYAPR25

🌐 Website, mailing list, Patreon and more: originofthepieces.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


Description:

To mark World Poetry Day, Steve drops a surprise bonus episode featuring writer, comedian, and poet Robin Ince, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.


Robin performs a series of poems—some whimsical, some urgent—including one inspired by Steve’s conch bath performance at ALSO Festival. That performance also makes an appearance here in audio form, with seashells and electronics combining into something… well, unusual.


The episode closes with reflections on music, abstraction, and the emotional power of sound.


Timecodes:

00:00 – Intro: why this bonus episode exists

01:04 – Robin Ince at Wilton’s: poems and reflections

02:06 – Poem: The Conch Bath (plus excerpt from Steve’s performance at ALSO Festival)

09:00 – Poem: Not All Men

12:08 – Poem: Creation Envy

13:47 – Poem: Let Me Celebrate You Now

15:24 – Robin and Steve on the point of music


Watch the video version (including Robin onstage and Steve in the lake at ALSO Festival):

📺 youtube.com/@StevePretty


Extras and support:

🎟 £15 tickets for Wilton’s show on 30 April with code PRETTYAPR25

🌐 Website, mailing list, Patreon and more: originofthepieces.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Re: a wake, a sample, a rebirth Re: a wake, a sample, a rebirth Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:30:00 GMT 52:53 67d23a41fa7cec3676dcce08 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/re-a-wake-a-sample-a-rebirth 67d23a41fa7cec3676dcce08 651cae7e315af9001131d55f re-a-wake-a-sample-a-rebirth full 25 Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


In this special 25th episode of Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces, Steve takes a moment to reflect, celebrate, and introduce something new.


00:00 - Intro & Live Shows

Steve reflects on recent gigs at Wilton’s & Also Festival.


04:57 - Podcast Evolution & Short Break

Big changes ahead: new website, workflow, and video podcast format.


09:05 - The Video Podcast Upgrade

From Episode 26, watch on Spotify, YouTube, and more.


11:34 - New Segment: Clip n Mix

Listeners send in audio/video snippets, and Steve turns them into music.

Submit via podcast@stevepretty.com or social media.


14:52 - The Story Behind ‘Reawake’

How surviving the 2004 tsunami and attending his own memorial gig led to this song.


20:39 - Making Music from a Heartbeat

Steve records his daughter’s first ultrasound heartbeat and turns it into music.


26:26 - Sound Design Breakdown

Steve demos how he transforms the heartbeat into a full track using sampling & processing.


36:21 - Full Track: ‘Reawake’

Hear Hackney Colliery Band’s emotional piece, featuring his daughter’s heartbeat.


44:37 - Reflections on Survival & Creativity

How the tsunami shaped Steve’s outlook and approach to music.


49:34 - What’s Next?

Steve takes a short break before the video relaunch.

Send in your Clip n Mix submissions!


👉 Stay connected:

📧 Join the mailing list for updates, exclusive content & ticket offers: www.originofthepieces.com

💰 Support the show on Patreon: Get behind-the-scenes access and bonus goodies.

📲 Follow Steve on social media: @stevepretty on Instagram, @steveprettymusic on TikTok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


In this special 25th episode of Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces, Steve takes a moment to reflect, celebrate, and introduce something new.


00:00 - Intro & Live Shows

Steve reflects on recent gigs at Wilton’s & Also Festival.


04:57 - Podcast Evolution & Short Break

Big changes ahead: new website, workflow, and video podcast format.


09:05 - The Video Podcast Upgrade

From Episode 26, watch on Spotify, YouTube, and more.


11:34 - New Segment: Clip n Mix

Listeners send in audio/video snippets, and Steve turns them into music.

Submit via podcast@stevepretty.com or social media.


14:52 - The Story Behind ‘Reawake’

How surviving the 2004 tsunami and attending his own memorial gig led to this song.


20:39 - Making Music from a Heartbeat

Steve records his daughter’s first ultrasound heartbeat and turns it into music.


26:26 - Sound Design Breakdown

Steve demos how he transforms the heartbeat into a full track using sampling & processing.


36:21 - Full Track: ‘Reawake’

Hear Hackney Colliery Band’s emotional piece, featuring his daughter’s heartbeat.


44:37 - Reflections on Survival & Creativity

How the tsunami shaped Steve’s outlook and approach to music.


49:34 - What’s Next?

Steve takes a short break before the video relaunch.

Send in your Clip n Mix submissions!


👉 Stay connected:

📧 Join the mailing list for updates, exclusive content & ticket offers: www.originofthepieces.com

💰 Support the show on Patreon: Get behind-the-scenes access and bonus goodies.

📲 Follow Steve on social media: @stevepretty on Instagram, @steveprettymusic on TikTok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Vocal coaching, twanging and Matters of Life and Death Vocal coaching, twanging and Matters of Life and Death Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:17:17 GMT 45:06 6787993d21ed2db9f7426df0 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/vocal-coaching-twanging-and-matters-of-life-and-death 6787993d21ed2db9f7426df0 651cae7e315af9001131d55f vocal-coaching-twanging-and-matters-of-life-and-death Steve chats to vocal coach to the stars Juliet Russell, recorded live at ALSO festival 2024, learns about how the voice works and gets the audience practising their twangs and belts...then we revisit an illustrious guest from episode 10 who is now an MBE! full 24 Wilton's Music Hall show 16th January: use code PRETTYJAN25 for best available seats for £15

Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


In this episode of 'Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces', Steve Pretty returns after a long hiatus to share his exciting adventures, including a trip to Morocco. He discusses the erratic podcast schedule, future plans for the show, and reflects on notable past episodes, such as the interview with Finnish throat singer Pelkkä Poutanen.


The episode features an in-depth conversation with vocal coach Juliet Russell about the mechanics of the human voice, vocal techniques, and the importance of emotional connection in music. The show concludes with an update on previous guest Nathaniel Dye, who has recently been honored with an MBE for his contributions to cancer awareness and NHS campaigning.


00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:12 Recent Adventures and Moroccan Music

02:52 Exciting Plans for 2025

03:41 Recap of Episode 23 and Wilton's Music Hall Show

08:31 Upcoming Wilton's Show and Special Guests

11:31 Interview with Vocal Coach Juliet Russell

24:47 Unlocking Your Natural Musicality

25:59 Learning by Listening and Copying

27:33 Understanding Timbre and Instrumental Voices

29:20 Breathing Techniques for Singing and Playing Instruments

32:00 Interactive Vocal Exercises

36:56 Celebrating Musical Achievements and Personal Stories

38:47 Nathaniel Dye's Inspiring Journey and Album

41:03 Closing Remarks and Final Song

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wilton's Music Hall show 16th January: use code PRETTYJAN25 for best available seats for £15

Wilton's Music Hall show 30th April: use code PRETTYAPR25 for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


In this episode of 'Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces', Steve Pretty returns after a long hiatus to share his exciting adventures, including a trip to Morocco. He discusses the erratic podcast schedule, future plans for the show, and reflects on notable past episodes, such as the interview with Finnish throat singer Pelkkä Poutanen.


The episode features an in-depth conversation with vocal coach Juliet Russell about the mechanics of the human voice, vocal techniques, and the importance of emotional connection in music. The show concludes with an update on previous guest Nathaniel Dye, who has recently been honored with an MBE for his contributions to cancer awareness and NHS campaigning.


00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:12 Recent Adventures and Moroccan Music

02:52 Exciting Plans for 2025

03:41 Recap of Episode 23 and Wilton's Music Hall Show

08:31 Upcoming Wilton's Show and Special Guests

11:31 Interview with Vocal Coach Juliet Russell

24:47 Unlocking Your Natural Musicality

25:59 Learning by Listening and Copying

27:33 Understanding Timbre and Instrumental Voices

29:20 Breathing Techniques for Singing and Playing Instruments

32:00 Interactive Vocal Exercises

36:56 Celebrating Musical Achievements and Personal Stories

38:47 Nathaniel Dye's Inspiring Journey and Album

41:03 Closing Remarks and Final Song

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ass-haling, skateboard zithers and golden audio Ass-haling, skateboard zithers and golden audio Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:46:12 GMT 1:17:10 6749ce5cd67d53d9b3953590 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/ass-haling-skateboard-zithers-and-golden-audio 6749ce5cd67d53d9b3953590 651cae7e315af9001131d55f ass-haling-skateboard-zithers-and-golden-audio Steve talks about breathing through your butt with Finnish throat singer Pelkkä Poutanen, then straps some microphones to his ears for a listening test at that temple of vintage hifi, Audio Gold full 23 Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

Wilton's Music Hall show 16th January

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


A typically eclectic episode this, with a fascinating demonstration of and discussion about throat singing from Finnish composer/performer Pelkkä Poutanen, recorded at the WOMEX world music summit in Manchester. Learn about 'asshaling' (inhaling through your bum) and zithers made out of skateboards, and then listen to Steve make the notoriously tricky skill of throat singing sound even harder than it is...


And then it's over to north London for some insight into all things HiFi - specifically beautiful vintage hifi - from legendary home audio shop Audio Gold. Steve gets a tour of the premises, including an old bank vault full from floor to ceiling with rare vintage goodies, then sits down for an extended chat with Alex Barwise from the shop. They discuss the relative merits of old vs. new technology, touch on the great analog vs. digital debate and talk about the fact that using gorgeous old sound equipment is both the most intentional and even greenest way to enjoy music. Then Steve clips some microphones to his ears and checks out the podcast theme played on a setup costing £180 and then a setup costing more than £23,000... Can you hear the difference?!


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:54 Recap of Previous Episode

01:51 Upcoming Wilton's Music Hall Show

02:09 Special Guests and Performances

06:23 Interview with Petra Podnan

11:40 Petra's Musical Journey

15:34 Throat Singing Techniques

34:34 Cultural Sensitivity in Throat Singing

37:20 The Essence of Music

37:50 Artist Promotion and Social Media

38:19 Thank You and Farewell

38:47 Exploring Audio Gold

39:50 Hi-Fi Shop Tour

42:33 The Appeal of Vintage Hi-Fi

44:00 Understanding Stereo and Mono

58:04 Analog vs Digital Debate

01:08:34 Listening Test and Conclusion

01:15:21 Final Thoughts and Announcements

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

Wilton's Music Hall show 16th January

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


A typically eclectic episode this, with a fascinating demonstration of and discussion about throat singing from Finnish composer/performer Pelkkä Poutanen, recorded at the WOMEX world music summit in Manchester. Learn about 'asshaling' (inhaling through your bum) and zithers made out of skateboards, and then listen to Steve make the notoriously tricky skill of throat singing sound even harder than it is...


And then it's over to north London for some insight into all things HiFi - specifically beautiful vintage hifi - from legendary home audio shop Audio Gold. Steve gets a tour of the premises, including an old bank vault full from floor to ceiling with rare vintage goodies, then sits down for an extended chat with Alex Barwise from the shop. They discuss the relative merits of old vs. new technology, touch on the great analog vs. digital debate and talk about the fact that using gorgeous old sound equipment is both the most intentional and even greenest way to enjoy music. Then Steve clips some microphones to his ears and checks out the podcast theme played on a setup costing £180 and then a setup costing more than £23,000... Can you hear the difference?!


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:54 Recap of Previous Episode

01:51 Upcoming Wilton's Music Hall Show

02:09 Special Guests and Performances

06:23 Interview with Petra Podnan

11:40 Petra's Musical Journey

15:34 Throat Singing Techniques

34:34 Cultural Sensitivity in Throat Singing

37:20 The Essence of Music

37:50 Artist Promotion and Social Media

38:19 Thank You and Farewell

38:47 Exploring Audio Gold

39:50 Hi-Fi Shop Tour

42:33 The Appeal of Vintage Hi-Fi

44:00 Understanding Stereo and Mono

58:04 Analog vs Digital Debate

01:08:34 Listening Test and Conclusion

01:15:21 Final Thoughts and Announcements

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Rock n roll defibrillators, bierhall melodies and tech trance Rock n roll defibrillators, bierhall melodies and tech trance Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:28:27 GMT 54:05 6723ec28efece44b6ce68e1a false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/rock-n-roll-defibrillators-bierhall-melodies-and-tech-tra 6723ec28efece44b6ce68e1a 651cae7e315af9001131d55f rock-n-roll-defibrillators-bierhall-melodies-and-tech-tra A German special, with featuers on both bierhall music from Munich and tech trance from Berlin, as well as some insight into what connects lifesaving defibrillators to skate punk full 22 Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


In this (yet again) slightly delayed episode - this time due to computer meltdown in the middle of some major deadlines, which is FUN - Steve serves up a tasty German special, inspired by Oktoberfest and his recent visits to Munich and Berlin. He promotes an upcoming gig at Wilton’s Music Hall, including announcing incredible guests Guy Pratt, Robin Ince, and Theon Cross. The episode then goes on to explore German beer hall music, with insights from Wolfgang King in Munich, and dives into tech trance through a visit to Berlin's techno scene. The Genre Tombola section presents Steve's tech trance adaptation of a traditional drinking song, Prosit, because of course it does. Upcoming plans include episodes on avant-garde metal and the eagerly awaited flamenco genre, Tonas.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 Podcast Updates and Listener Feedback

02:43 Special Guests Announcement

06:07 Genre Tombola: German Special

08:44 DefibFest: A Musical Charity Event

21:36 Exploring Munich's Beer Halls

25:37 The Evolution of Music in Bavarian Beer Halls

26:18 Composing Beer Hall Music

26:40 Unique Instrument Lineup in Beer Hall Band

28:08 The Role of the Harp in Beer Hall Music

31:05 The Tradition of Stammtisch

33:10 The Prosit Song Tradition

34:39 The Purpose of Music in Beer Halls

36:24 Exploring Tech Trance

37:12 Understanding EDM and Its Elements

42:37 The Techno Experience in Berlin

46:22 Creating a Tech Trance Track

50:40 Upcoming Genres and Closing Remarks

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


In this (yet again) slightly delayed episode - this time due to computer meltdown in the middle of some major deadlines, which is FUN - Steve serves up a tasty German special, inspired by Oktoberfest and his recent visits to Munich and Berlin. He promotes an upcoming gig at Wilton’s Music Hall, including announcing incredible guests Guy Pratt, Robin Ince, and Theon Cross. The episode then goes on to explore German beer hall music, with insights from Wolfgang King in Munich, and dives into tech trance through a visit to Berlin's techno scene. The Genre Tombola section presents Steve's tech trance adaptation of a traditional drinking song, Prosit, because of course it does. Upcoming plans include episodes on avant-garde metal and the eagerly awaited flamenco genre, Tonas.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 Podcast Updates and Listener Feedback

02:43 Special Guests Announcement

06:07 Genre Tombola: German Special

08:44 DefibFest: A Musical Charity Event

21:36 Exploring Munich's Beer Halls

25:37 The Evolution of Music in Bavarian Beer Halls

26:18 Composing Beer Hall Music

26:40 Unique Instrument Lineup in Beer Hall Band

28:08 The Role of the Harp in Beer Hall Music

31:05 The Tradition of Stammtisch

33:10 The Prosit Song Tradition

34:39 The Purpose of Music in Beer Halls

36:24 Exploring Tech Trance

37:12 Understanding EDM and Its Elements

42:37 The Techno Experience in Berlin

46:22 Creating a Tech Trance Track

50:40 Upcoming Genres and Closing Remarks

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Oud, microtones and underwater soundscapes Oud, microtones and underwater soundscapes Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:08:57 GMT 55:22 66fea1829c11fb17d2a8ee29 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/oud-microtones-and-underwater-soundscapes 66fea1829c11fb17d2a8ee29 651cae7e315af9001131d55f oud-microtones-and-underwater-soundscapes full 21 Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community

Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

Hackney Colliery Band Earth show 8th October: use code ORIGIN! for £5 off


In this episode, Steve chats about recent adventures and musical projects, including trips to Berlin, Portugal, and Norway. He reflects on a previous episode about Arctic music, featuring unique artists and bands. Steve jokes about the challenge of keeping up with podcast episodes due to his busy schedule. He introduces his band, Hackney Colliery Band, and their upcoming album, 'Collaborations Volume Two,' showcasing a variety of musical styles and guests. The episode includes a live performance and an interview with Nawar Alnaddaf, a Syrian refugee musician, about her journey and traditional instruments, and a couple of exclusive tracks from Hackney Colliery Band. Also quite a lot of Steve apologising.


00:00 Welcome

00:43 Apologies for the Delay

01:54 Recap of the Last Episode

03:36 Upcoming Show Highlights

04:15 Hackney Colliery Band's New Album

06:16 Live Interview at Wilton's Music Hall

11:27 The History and Inspiration Behind Hackney Colliery Band

28:38 Interview with Syrian Musician Nawar Alnaddaf

32:36 Exploring Quarter Tones on the Oud

34:47 The Unique Shape and Strings of the Oud

35:38 Tuning the Oud and Demonstration

40:23 Introduction to the Ney

42:29 Playing Techniques and History of the Ney

48:10 The Spiritual and Social Importance of Music

50:23 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

52:51 Musical Outro: Sure Feels Good

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community

Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

Hackney Colliery Band Earth show 8th October: use code ORIGIN! for £5 off


In this episode, Steve chats about recent adventures and musical projects, including trips to Berlin, Portugal, and Norway. He reflects on a previous episode about Arctic music, featuring unique artists and bands. Steve jokes about the challenge of keeping up with podcast episodes due to his busy schedule. He introduces his band, Hackney Colliery Band, and their upcoming album, 'Collaborations Volume Two,' showcasing a variety of musical styles and guests. The episode includes a live performance and an interview with Nawar Alnaddaf, a Syrian refugee musician, about her journey and traditional instruments, and a couple of exclusive tracks from Hackney Colliery Band. Also quite a lot of Steve apologising.


00:00 Welcome

00:43 Apologies for the Delay

01:54 Recap of the Last Episode

03:36 Upcoming Show Highlights

04:15 Hackney Colliery Band's New Album

06:16 Live Interview at Wilton's Music Hall

11:27 The History and Inspiration Behind Hackney Colliery Band

28:38 Interview with Syrian Musician Nawar Alnaddaf

32:36 Exploring Quarter Tones on the Oud

34:47 The Unique Shape and Strings of the Oud

35:38 Tuning the Oud and Demonstration

40:23 Introduction to the Ney

42:29 Playing Techniques and History of the Ney

48:10 The Spiritual and Social Importance of Music

50:23 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

52:51 Musical Outro: Sure Feels Good

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Afro-joik, arctic ukuleles and 'Big Boobies Is A State Of Mind']]> Fri, 06 Sep 2024 03:30:26 GMT 1:03:27 66da24200ef29103a1a4d2c9 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/afro-joik-arctic-ukuleles-and-big-boobies-is-a-state-of-mind 66da24200ef29103a1a4d2c9 651cae7e315af9001131d55f afro-joik-arctic-ukuleles-and-big-boobies-is-a-state-of-mind In this arctic special, Steve learns about what indigenous Sami music has in common with African rhythms, why the arctic circle is the best place to pick up a custom 8 string ukulele, and meets the amazing women of the Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band full 20 Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community

Wilton's Music Hall show: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15


In this arctic special, Steve heads to northern Norway to meet a whole variety of fascinating musical characters.


First up, it's the turn of the Bitch Big Boobies Bang Band from Hemnesberget, who are exactly as you'd expect from a band with such an unexpected name...

Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Youtube

Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Facebook

Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Instagram


Then Steve chats to the equally unexpectedly-named Igor Kill, a touring musician with decades of experience, and one of the only makers of the rare 8 string ukulele outside of Honolulu.

Some of Igor Kill's beautiful handmade instruments

A bit of Igor Kill's discography


And then it's time to head up to the far north east of Norway and the brilliant Varangerfestival. After their set, Steve has a fascinating conversation with a group of indigenous Sami musicians, exploring the role of music in a society built around reindeer herding, how central the vocal style of 'joiking' is to Sami culture, and the unexpected and beautiful links between this arctic vocal style and drum music from east and west Africa.


AfroJoik (incomplete list, sorry!):

John André Eira, Viktor Wilhelmsen and Ola Brandsnes Vårtun


Afro-Joik's Varangerfestival listing


Gabba band's Instagram

Gabba band's Spotify


As always, please spread the word, rate and review the show. All manner of diverse and interesting musically-curious stuff coming up, so let's get some new ears on board!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community

Wilton's Music Hall show: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15


In this arctic special, Steve heads to northern Norway to meet a whole variety of fascinating musical characters.


First up, it's the turn of the Bitch Big Boobies Bang Band from Hemnesberget, who are exactly as you'd expect from a band with such an unexpected name...

Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Youtube

Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Facebook

Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Instagram


Then Steve chats to the equally unexpectedly-named Igor Kill, a touring musician with decades of experience, and one of the only makers of the rare 8 string ukulele outside of Honolulu.

Some of Igor Kill's beautiful handmade instruments

A bit of Igor Kill's discography


And then it's time to head up to the far north east of Norway and the brilliant Varangerfestival. After their set, Steve has a fascinating conversation with a group of indigenous Sami musicians, exploring the role of music in a society built around reindeer herding, how central the vocal style of 'joiking' is to Sami culture, and the unexpected and beautiful links between this arctic vocal style and drum music from east and west Africa.


AfroJoik (incomplete list, sorry!):

John André Eira, Viktor Wilhelmsen and Ola Brandsnes Vårtun


Afro-Joik's Varangerfestival listing


Gabba band's Instagram

Gabba band's Spotify


As always, please spread the word, rate and review the show. All manner of diverse and interesting musically-curious stuff coming up, so let's get some new ears on board!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Narco music, Ola Onabulé and turf wars Narco music, Ola Onabulé and turf wars Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:29:55 GMT 1:12:02 66a032d48eb1dacc5fd083a8 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/ola-onabule-narco-music-and-turf-wars 66a032d48eb1dacc5fd083a8 651cae7e315af9001131d55f ola-onabule-narco-music-and-turf-wars Steve talks to singer/songwriter Ola Onabulé, premieres a brand new Hackney Colliery Band track and then takes a deep dive into Mexican Corrido music with trumpeter Alex Gonzalez full 19 Introduction (0:00:07 - 0:14:55):

Steve kicks off the episode with updates on his live shows, including upcoming recordings at the Into the Wild Festival and a special event at Wilton's Music Hall on 30th November. He encourages listeners to join his Patreon for discounted tickets and exclusive offers.


Steve then recaps highlights from episode 18 before diving into an engaging interview with Ola Onabulé.


Exploring Genre Flexibility (0:14:55 - 0:18:40):

Steve reflects on the journey of embracing multiple genres in music. He emphasises the importance of maintaining authenticity and the unique human touch that differentiates their music from AI-generated content. The discussion includes the creative process behind their track "Hacked Soul," highlighting its unpredictable evolution and polyrhythmic elements - and you can listen to the entire song at the end of the episode.


Musical Influence of Nigerian Heritage (0:18:40 - 0:23:44):

Steve and Ola discuss the deep sense of rhythm ingrained from growing up in Nigeria and how these African rhythms translate into genres like hip hop, rock, and blues.


Journey of a Soul Singer (0:23:44 - 0:39:11):

Ola shares his musical journey, starting with the impact of Stevie Wonder's album "Songs in the Key of Life" on his upbringing. He recounts a chance encounter that led him from law school to becoming a renowned singer. Ola then demonstrates his impressive baritone-to-tenor range.


Mexican Corrido (0:39:11 - 0:49:21):

Steve explores the genre of corrido, a traditional Mexican music style. He discusses the evolution of corridos from historical narratives to modern themes tied to narco culture. Insights from an interview with Mexican trumpeter Alex Gonzalez reveal the genre's progression and the blending of traditional and modern elements in corridos tumbados.


The Political Impact of Corridos (0:49:21 - 0:57:35):

They delve into the political undertones of corridos and their influence on Mexican culture. Steve discusses different types of corridos, their coded messages, and his experience attempting to create music in the corrido style. The segment concludes with a reflection on the broader purpose of music in conveying positive messages to future generations.


Genre Exploration (0:57:35 - 1:07:04):

Steve continues to explore corrido music, sharing his journey into understanding the genre and its connections to outlaw narco culture. Inspired by, and featuring Alex, Steve creates his own piece of corrido music. The episode finishes by choosing the next genre for the genre tombola.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Introduction (0:00:07 - 0:14:55):

Steve kicks off the episode with updates on his live shows, including upcoming recordings at the Into the Wild Festival and a special event at Wilton's Music Hall on 30th November. He encourages listeners to join his Patreon for discounted tickets and exclusive offers.


Steve then recaps highlights from episode 18 before diving into an engaging interview with Ola Onabulé.


Exploring Genre Flexibility (0:14:55 - 0:18:40):

Steve reflects on the journey of embracing multiple genres in music. He emphasises the importance of maintaining authenticity and the unique human touch that differentiates their music from AI-generated content. The discussion includes the creative process behind their track "Hacked Soul," highlighting its unpredictable evolution and polyrhythmic elements - and you can listen to the entire song at the end of the episode.


Musical Influence of Nigerian Heritage (0:18:40 - 0:23:44):

Steve and Ola discuss the deep sense of rhythm ingrained from growing up in Nigeria and how these African rhythms translate into genres like hip hop, rock, and blues.


Journey of a Soul Singer (0:23:44 - 0:39:11):

Ola shares his musical journey, starting with the impact of Stevie Wonder's album "Songs in the Key of Life" on his upbringing. He recounts a chance encounter that led him from law school to becoming a renowned singer. Ola then demonstrates his impressive baritone-to-tenor range.


Mexican Corrido (0:39:11 - 0:49:21):

Steve explores the genre of corrido, a traditional Mexican music style. He discusses the evolution of corridos from historical narratives to modern themes tied to narco culture. Insights from an interview with Mexican trumpeter Alex Gonzalez reveal the genre's progression and the blending of traditional and modern elements in corridos tumbados.


The Political Impact of Corridos (0:49:21 - 0:57:35):

They delve into the political undertones of corridos and their influence on Mexican culture. Steve discusses different types of corridos, their coded messages, and his experience attempting to create music in the corrido style. The segment concludes with a reflection on the broader purpose of music in conveying positive messages to future generations.


Genre Exploration (0:57:35 - 1:07:04):

Steve continues to explore corrido music, sharing his journey into understanding the genre and its connections to outlaw narco culture. Inspired by, and featuring Alex, Steve creates his own piece of corrido music. The episode finishes by choosing the next genre for the genre tombola.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Serpents, shanties and shells Serpents, shanties and shells Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:50:26 GMT 1:07:30 6683205dd805340b4c6a2947 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/serpents-shanties-and-shells 6683205dd805340b4c6a2947 651cae7e315af9001131d55f serpents-shanties-and-shells Dawn shells, evolutionary brass, Vangelis and songs of the sea. full 18 In this episode of "Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces," host Steve Pretty chats with Jeff Miller, a specialist in early brass instruments. They explore the origins and evolution of low brass instruments, particularly the serpent, and its historical significance. The discussion covers the cultural and physical aspects of music, the unique characteristics of various instruments, and the universal nature of musical languages. Steve also recaps his recent experiences at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft. The episode rounds off with an interview with and performance from the Lowestoft Longshoremen, a sea shanty choir, highlighting the cultural importance of their music.


Recap of Last Episode (00:00:07)

Steve summarizes the previous episode, including a session with a BBC engineer, discussion on Debussy and Arabesque music, and experiences at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft.


First Light Festival in Lowestoft (00:02:22)

Steve shares his experiences at the First Light Festival, including performances, interactions, and the festival's significance.


Performances at First Light Festival (00:03:34)

Steve details his performances at the festival, including a parade, concerts, and a dawn set on the beach.


Emotional Experience at Dawn Set (00:05:35)

Steve recounts the emotional impact of playing shells at dawn.


Introduction to Jeff Miller (00:08:41)

Steve introduces Jeff Miller, a multi-instrumentalist and low brass specialist, and their musical collaborations.


Evolution of Low Brass Instruments (00:09:55)

Jeff discusses the origins and evolution of low brass instruments and cultural influences on music.


Cultural Perspectives on Music (00:14:49)

Jeff and Steve explore cultural differences in musical harmony and its impact on music experience.


Classification of Musical Instruments (00:19:21)

Jeff explains the classification of musical instruments and his experience with various brass and woodwind instruments.


The origin of brass instruments (00:20:34)

Discussion on the historical evolution of brass instruments from animal horns to the cornet.


Design and structure of the serpent (00:23:31)

Description of the serpent, its components, and design.


Challenges of playing the serpent (00:27:07)

Explanation of the difficulties in playing the serpent.


Range and performance of the serpent (00:33:19)

Demonstration of the serpent's range and its use in orchestral performances.


Musical examples and timbre of the serpent (00:36:16)

Performance of a cello piece on the serpent and discussion of its unique timbre.


Challenges of playing the serpent (00:38:44)

Exploration of the difficulties in playing the serpent.


Serpent musical performance (00:39:39)

Musical performance on the serpent.


Challenges of playing traditional brass instruments (00:40:49)

Frustrations faced by modern brass players with traditional instruments.


Exploring the nature of sound through synths (00:42:28)

Jeff's journey into sound manipulation through electronic instruments.


Passing down heritage through sea shanties (00:58:06)

The importance of passing down heritage through sea shanties.


Singing Shanties (00:58:59)

Discussion on the tradition and history of singing shanties.


Diversity of Shanties (01:00:12)

Exploration of the diverse origins of shanties and their global influence.


Performance and Audience Interaction (01:01:51)

Reflection on shanty performances and audience engagement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode of "Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces," host Steve Pretty chats with Jeff Miller, a specialist in early brass instruments. They explore the origins and evolution of low brass instruments, particularly the serpent, and its historical significance. The discussion covers the cultural and physical aspects of music, the unique characteristics of various instruments, and the universal nature of musical languages. Steve also recaps his recent experiences at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft. The episode rounds off with an interview with and performance from the Lowestoft Longshoremen, a sea shanty choir, highlighting the cultural importance of their music.


Recap of Last Episode (00:00:07)

Steve summarizes the previous episode, including a session with a BBC engineer, discussion on Debussy and Arabesque music, and experiences at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft.


First Light Festival in Lowestoft (00:02:22)

Steve shares his experiences at the First Light Festival, including performances, interactions, and the festival's significance.


Performances at First Light Festival (00:03:34)

Steve details his performances at the festival, including a parade, concerts, and a dawn set on the beach.


Emotional Experience at Dawn Set (00:05:35)

Steve recounts the emotional impact of playing shells at dawn.


Introduction to Jeff Miller (00:08:41)

Steve introduces Jeff Miller, a multi-instrumentalist and low brass specialist, and their musical collaborations.


Evolution of Low Brass Instruments (00:09:55)

Jeff discusses the origins and evolution of low brass instruments and cultural influences on music.


Cultural Perspectives on Music (00:14:49)

Jeff and Steve explore cultural differences in musical harmony and its impact on music experience.


Classification of Musical Instruments (00:19:21)

Jeff explains the classification of musical instruments and his experience with various brass and woodwind instruments.


The origin of brass instruments (00:20:34)

Discussion on the historical evolution of brass instruments from animal horns to the cornet.


Design and structure of the serpent (00:23:31)

Description of the serpent, its components, and design.


Challenges of playing the serpent (00:27:07)

Explanation of the difficulties in playing the serpent.


Range and performance of the serpent (00:33:19)

Demonstration of the serpent's range and its use in orchestral performances.


Musical examples and timbre of the serpent (00:36:16)

Performance of a cello piece on the serpent and discussion of its unique timbre.


Challenges of playing the serpent (00:38:44)

Exploration of the difficulties in playing the serpent.


Serpent musical performance (00:39:39)

Musical performance on the serpent.


Challenges of playing traditional brass instruments (00:40:49)

Frustrations faced by modern brass players with traditional instruments.


Exploring the nature of sound through synths (00:42:28)

Jeff's journey into sound manipulation through electronic instruments.


Passing down heritage through sea shanties (00:58:06)

The importance of passing down heritage through sea shanties.


Singing Shanties (00:58:59)

Discussion on the tradition and history of singing shanties.


Diversity of Shanties (01:00:12)

Exploration of the diverse origins of shanties and their global influence.


Performance and Audience Interaction (01:01:51)

Reflection on shanty performances and audience engagement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Sound balancers, Bowie's favourite studio and Debussy]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:30:13 GMT 1:00:20 6663ca6fb18e7e001378da4b false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/sound-balancers-bowies-favourite-studio-and-debussy 6663ca6fb18e7e001378da4b 651cae7e315af9001131d55f sound-balancers-bowies-favourite-studio-and-debussy full 17 Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve Pretty embarks on a sonic journey with Martin Appleby, a seasoned sound engineer with over nearly four decades of experience at BBC's Maida Vale studios. They delve into Martin's illustrious career, exploring his role in capturing live music for prestigious BBC programs and his the challenges and opportunities of live recording. The episode further explores the philosophical dimensions of recording live ensembles and the unique challenges of live studio recording.


Key Topics Discussed


Introduction to Martin Appleby

- Overview of Martin's 40-year career at the BBC.

- Martin's background as a musician and sound engineer.

- His studies on the Appalachian dulcimer and its connections to West African music traditions.

- The rich history and significance of Maida Vale studios.


Live Studio Recording

- The art and pressure of recording live music in a studio setting.

- The benefits of musicians performing together in the same room without headphones.

- Highlighting a memorable session with singer Jamie Cullum.

- The role of sound engineers in capturing authentic, dynamic performances.


Technical Aspects of Recording

- Use of omni and stereo cardioid microphones.

- Shaping the sound with artistic precision, akin to photography.

- The importance of perspective in music recording.


Exploration of Arabesque Music and Debussy

- The influence of Islamic art on Debussy's compositions.

- Debussy's revolutionary approach to music, seeking to establish a distinct French identity.

- Insights from pianist Benjamin Steinhardt on Debussy's inspirations.


Debussy's Musical Legacy

- Debussy's use of older modes and Eastern pentatonic scales.

- The impact of his relationship with his patron Nadja and admiration for Chopin.

- Steve's own attempts at composing in Debussy's style and its analysis.


Evolving Music Industry

- Discussion on AI-generated music and its potential limitations.

- Updates on the music industry landscape, including genre explorations and the transformation of the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh into a community-owned arts hub.

- The closure of the Towersley Festival and the challenges faced by live music events today.


Notable Quotes

- "Capturing the performance is the one thing you really can't fake." - Martin Appleby

- "The great thing we can do that nobody else can is we've got the space. The musicians can all come in, be in one place, do their thing, go away, and we just mix it." - Martin Appleby


Additional Information

- **Patreon:** Listeners can support the show and access exclusive content on Steve Pretty's Patreon page.

- **Previous Episode:** Exploration of the double bass with Charlie Pine.


Next Episode Teasers

- Upcoming explorations of genres like Tona and Corrido.

- Further discussions on the evolving landscape of the music industry.


Listeners are encouraged to tune in for a deep dive into the world of sound engineering, the legacy of Debussy, and the vibrant history of Maida Vale studios.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve Pretty embarks on a sonic journey with Martin Appleby, a seasoned sound engineer with over nearly four decades of experience at BBC's Maida Vale studios. They delve into Martin's illustrious career, exploring his role in capturing live music for prestigious BBC programs and his the challenges and opportunities of live recording. The episode further explores the philosophical dimensions of recording live ensembles and the unique challenges of live studio recording.


Key Topics Discussed


Introduction to Martin Appleby

- Overview of Martin's 40-year career at the BBC.

- Martin's background as a musician and sound engineer.

- His studies on the Appalachian dulcimer and its connections to West African music traditions.

- The rich history and significance of Maida Vale studios.


Live Studio Recording

- The art and pressure of recording live music in a studio setting.

- The benefits of musicians performing together in the same room without headphones.

- Highlighting a memorable session with singer Jamie Cullum.

- The role of sound engineers in capturing authentic, dynamic performances.


Technical Aspects of Recording

- Use of omni and stereo cardioid microphones.

- Shaping the sound with artistic precision, akin to photography.

- The importance of perspective in music recording.


Exploration of Arabesque Music and Debussy

- The influence of Islamic art on Debussy's compositions.

- Debussy's revolutionary approach to music, seeking to establish a distinct French identity.

- Insights from pianist Benjamin Steinhardt on Debussy's inspirations.


Debussy's Musical Legacy

- Debussy's use of older modes and Eastern pentatonic scales.

- The impact of his relationship with his patron Nadja and admiration for Chopin.

- Steve's own attempts at composing in Debussy's style and its analysis.


Evolving Music Industry

- Discussion on AI-generated music and its potential limitations.

- Updates on the music industry landscape, including genre explorations and the transformation of the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh into a community-owned arts hub.

- The closure of the Towersley Festival and the challenges faced by live music events today.


Notable Quotes

- "Capturing the performance is the one thing you really can't fake." - Martin Appleby

- "The great thing we can do that nobody else can is we've got the space. The musicians can all come in, be in one place, do their thing, go away, and we just mix it." - Martin Appleby


Additional Information

- **Patreon:** Listeners can support the show and access exclusive content on Steve Pretty's Patreon page.

- **Previous Episode:** Exploration of the double bass with Charlie Pine.


Next Episode Teasers

- Upcoming explorations of genres like Tona and Corrido.

- Further discussions on the evolving landscape of the music industry.


Listeners are encouraged to tune in for a deep dive into the world of sound engineering, the legacy of Debussy, and the vibrant history of Maida Vale studios.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Double bass, planetary resonance and jam Double bass, planetary resonance and jam Wed, 22 May 2024 09:04:54 GMT 1:01:10 664d50de4f58ea0012f78a0d false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/double-bass-planetary-resonance-and-jam 664d50de4f58ea0012f78a0d 651cae7e315af9001131d55f double-bass-planetary-resonance-and-jam Featuring bassist Charlie Pyne, astronomer Professor Chris Lintott and a distant planetary system full 16 Steve invites jazz double bassist/singer Charlie Pyne to the studio for a fascinating chat about all things bass. As well as a tour of her beautiful, historic instrument (affectionately named Claude), Charlie talks about the role of the bass in jazz and swing, and we hear some incredibly soulful playing. Charlie is so warm and joyful, and this really

comes across in her music, which she gives us a live snippet of here, before an impromptu jam

with Steve and trombonist/occasional podcast assistant Joel Knee.


Before this deep dive (sorry…), we hear an excerpt of the live podcast recording at Wilton’s Music Hall from earlier in the year. Astronomer Chris Lintott introduces us to a planetary system many light years away, and Steve explains how this distant star system can teach us about music, and vice versa, with the help of Filament Choir, Valeria Clarke and Hackney Colliery Band’s rhythm section.


Oh, and stay right to the end for a very special offer…


Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


Charlie Pyne: https://charliepyne.co.uk/

First Light Festival: https://firstlightlowestoft.com/

Chris Lintott: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/our-people/lintott and his brilliant podcast that I forgot to mention in the show (sorry Chris!): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dog-stars

Valeria Clarke: https://www.valeriaclarke.com/

Hackney Colliery Band: http://www.hackneycollieryband.co.uk

Also Festival: https://www.also-festival.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Steve invites jazz double bassist/singer Charlie Pyne to the studio for a fascinating chat about all things bass. As well as a tour of her beautiful, historic instrument (affectionately named Claude), Charlie talks about the role of the bass in jazz and swing, and we hear some incredibly soulful playing. Charlie is so warm and joyful, and this really

comes across in her music, which she gives us a live snippet of here, before an impromptu jam

with Steve and trombonist/occasional podcast assistant Joel Knee.


Before this deep dive (sorry…), we hear an excerpt of the live podcast recording at Wilton’s Music Hall from earlier in the year. Astronomer Chris Lintott introduces us to a planetary system many light years away, and Steve explains how this distant star system can teach us about music, and vice versa, with the help of Filament Choir, Valeria Clarke and Hackney Colliery Band’s rhythm section.


Oh, and stay right to the end for a very special offer…


Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


Charlie Pyne: https://charliepyne.co.uk/

First Light Festival: https://firstlightlowestoft.com/

Chris Lintott: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/our-people/lintott and his brilliant podcast that I forgot to mention in the show (sorry Chris!): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dog-stars

Valeria Clarke: https://www.valeriaclarke.com/

Hackney Colliery Band: http://www.hackneycollieryband.co.uk

Also Festival: https://www.also-festival.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Spirited Away, modular expression and mild despair Spirited Away, modular expression and mild despair Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:08 GMT 1:36:02 663a85ae1a65230012c7152a false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/spirited-away-modular-expression-and-mild-despair 663a85ae1a65230012c7152a 651cae7e315af9001131d55f spirited-away-modular-expression-and-mild-despair An extended episode featuring a detailed chat with John Caird and the creative team behind the smash hit stage version of the Studio Ghibli film Spirtied Away, a fascinating look at (and listen to) modular synths with Jay Chakravorty, and Steve whinges full 15 In a specially-extended episode, Steve has a detailed conversation with some of the creative team behind the smash hit stage version of the Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. Director John Caird, co-adaptor Maoko Imai and Musical Supervisor/Orchestrator Brad Haak tell Steve how the show came to be, and give some absolutely fascinating insights into composer Joe Hisaichi's work, including Brad demonstrating some beautiful examples on John and Maoko's gorgeous grand piano.


But first, Steve chats with Jay Chakravorty, composer, producer and promoter of brilliant London crossover classical music night Counter Chamber. Jay demonstrates his incredible modular synthesiser setup, and he and Steve discuss how expressive and emotional these wobbly, warbly voltage controllers can be, before Jay jams on his amazing machines.


And before that, Steve shares his mild despair at the state of the music industry at the moment, prompted both by off-mic chats with his guests and musician colleagues, and also by a recent article in the Guardian about the plight of musicians in 2024.


Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/25/shocking-truth-money-bands-make-on-tour-taylor-swift

Jay Chakravorty: https://jaychakravorty.com/

Spirited Away: https://www.spiritedawayuk.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In a specially-extended episode, Steve has a detailed conversation with some of the creative team behind the smash hit stage version of the Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. Director John Caird, co-adaptor Maoko Imai and Musical Supervisor/Orchestrator Brad Haak tell Steve how the show came to be, and give some absolutely fascinating insights into composer Joe Hisaichi's work, including Brad demonstrating some beautiful examples on John and Maoko's gorgeous grand piano.


But first, Steve chats with Jay Chakravorty, composer, producer and promoter of brilliant London crossover classical music night Counter Chamber. Jay demonstrates his incredible modular synthesiser setup, and he and Steve discuss how expressive and emotional these wobbly, warbly voltage controllers can be, before Jay jams on his amazing machines.


And before that, Steve shares his mild despair at the state of the music industry at the moment, prompted both by off-mic chats with his guests and musician colleagues, and also by a recent article in the Guardian about the plight of musicians in 2024.


Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/25/shocking-truth-money-bands-make-on-tour-taylor-swift

Jay Chakravorty: https://jaychakravorty.com/

Spirited Away: https://www.spiritedawayuk.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Eliza, a cello made of U boats and Igbo flow Eliza, a cello made of U boats and Igbo flow Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:41:34 GMT 52:38 6627df2dd1e1b20011a36afe false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/eliza-a-cello-made-of-u-boats-west-african-rhythms 6627df2dd1e1b20011a36afe 651cae7e315af9001131d55f eliza-a-cello-made-of-u-boats-west-african-rhythms Featuring soul singer Eliza (and baby Rex), Verity Simmons and her beautiful cello, and a musical exploration of Igbo Rap from Nigeria full 14 In another varied episode, Steve talks to soul singer Eliza about revealing her pregnancy live on stage, cellist Verity Simmons demonstrates her beautiful cello (and explains how it's partly made from a German U boat), and then Steve breaks down the fascinating genre of Igbo Rap in the Genre Tombola, including an in-depth transcription of some of the brilliantly complex rhythms.


Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


Eliza's website: https://www.elizalovechild.com/


Eliza's instagram, including the pregnancy reveal: https://www.instagram.com/elizalovechild/


Verity Simmons: https://maslink.co.uk/client-directory?client=SIMMV1&


Three in a Bar podcast: https://www.threeinabar.com/


Razz Mataz (Episode 8) by Chucky P, Khenyzee, Space, Chumzy (Igbo Rap track): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXWhvYDftMo


Additional Igbo Rap tracks to check out:


https://youtu.be/LXWhvYDftMo?si=7LpEr-v4TKa5oZjR 


https://youtu.be/AckJs1noxMw?si=E9o41r7dSpxEjfO8


https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLup2K0PBFlK1tY45LtqRKnfvOfY6scdqp&si=g705zAhYFbrZX4fw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In another varied episode, Steve talks to soul singer Eliza about revealing her pregnancy live on stage, cellist Verity Simmons demonstrates her beautiful cello (and explains how it's partly made from a German U boat), and then Steve breaks down the fascinating genre of Igbo Rap in the Genre Tombola, including an in-depth transcription of some of the brilliantly complex rhythms.


Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


Eliza's website: https://www.elizalovechild.com/


Eliza's instagram, including the pregnancy reveal: https://www.instagram.com/elizalovechild/


Verity Simmons: https://maslink.co.uk/client-directory?client=SIMMV1&


Three in a Bar podcast: https://www.threeinabar.com/


Razz Mataz (Episode 8) by Chucky P, Khenyzee, Space, Chumzy (Igbo Rap track): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXWhvYDftMo


Additional Igbo Rap tracks to check out:


https://youtu.be/LXWhvYDftMo?si=7LpEr-v4TKa5oZjR 


https://youtu.be/AckJs1noxMw?si=E9o41r7dSpxEjfO8


https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLup2K0PBFlK1tY45LtqRKnfvOfY6scdqp&si=g705zAhYFbrZX4fw

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]]> Worldwide Washboard Registry, autistic art, rockets and zydeco Worldwide Washboard Registry, autistic art, rockets and zydeco Sat, 06 Apr 2024 12:02:48 GMT 1:15:03 6610f6a262e1bc001605990a false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/worldwide-washboard-registry-autistic-art-rockets-and-zydeco 6610f6a262e1bc001605990a 651cae7e315af9001131d55f worldwide-washboard-registry-autistic-art-rockets-and-zydeco An autism and washboards special! Not very often you see those words together in a sentence. THREE fantastic guests take Steve through zydeco, autistic expression, inclusive gigs and sharpened spoons full 13 To celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, Steve has two brilliant autistic artists on the show - poet Maddi Crease and musician Robyn Rocket. They talk autistic art, inclusive gigs, autistic joy, space trumpet and much more.


And in between Steve takes us back to New Orleans for an interview with one of the world's leading exponents of the musical washboard! Alex Macdonald has made his living from playing the washboard for over 20 years, and here takes Steve on a quick tour through zydeco and cajun music, as well as demonstrating some techniques on this unique percussion instrument. He even agrees to let Steve have a go...


Full, unedited interviews with Alex, Maddi and Robyn are available, along with much more (including the full, professionally-recorded live show from Wilton's Music Hall) on the show Patreon. Sign up for exclusive bonus content, special offers, chat and much more: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> To celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, Steve has two brilliant autistic artists on the show - poet Maddi Crease and musician Robyn Rocket. They talk autistic art, inclusive gigs, autistic joy, space trumpet and much more.


And in between Steve takes us back to New Orleans for an interview with one of the world's leading exponents of the musical washboard! Alex Macdonald has made his living from playing the washboard for over 20 years, and here takes Steve on a quick tour through zydeco and cajun music, as well as demonstrating some techniques on this unique percussion instrument. He even agrees to let Steve have a go...


Full, unedited interviews with Alex, Maddi and Robyn are available, along with much more (including the full, professionally-recorded live show from Wilton's Music Hall) on the show Patreon. Sign up for exclusive bonus content, special offers, chat and much more: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Frank Turner, Trumpet Mafiosi and not talking about Jimmy Frank Turner, Trumpet Mafiosi and not talking about Jimmy Sun, 24 Mar 2024 07:15:25 GMT 1:22:53 65ff7388e414a6001663a257 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/frank-turner-trumpet-mafiosi-and-not-talking-about-jimmy 65ff7388e414a6001663a257 651cae7e315af9001131d55f frank-turner-trumpet-mafiosi-and-not-talking-about-jimmy Featuring TWO incredible guests, an examination of what the point of music is, late night jazz lingo, and a social history of Hardcore Punk full 12 A bit of an interview special this time, with TWO incredible guests - Grammy-winning trumpet player Ashlin Parker and number 1 UK singer/songwriter Frank Turner.


Steve asks these brilliant guests about the point of music, the history of hardcore punk in the UK, the challenges and opportunities of working as a musician in New Orleans, and how angry hippies and neo nazis can sometimes find themselves liking the same music...


Ashlin Parker: http://www.ashlinparker.com/main/

Frank Turner: https://frank-turner.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A bit of an interview special this time, with TWO incredible guests - Grammy-winning trumpet player Ashlin Parker and number 1 UK singer/songwriter Frank Turner.


Steve asks these brilliant guests about the point of music, the history of hardcore punk in the UK, the challenges and opportunities of working as a musician in New Orleans, and how angry hippies and neo nazis can sometimes find themselves liking the same music...


Ashlin Parker: http://www.ashlinparker.com/main/

Frank Turner: https://frank-turner.com/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Lofi hip hop, Zigaboo grooves and New Orleans explorations Lofi hip hop, Zigaboo grooves and New Orleans explorations Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:44:37 GMT 52:51 65eaf8778e0ea400169d77f6 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/lofi-hip-hop-zigaboo-grooves-and-new-orleans-explorations 65eaf8778e0ea400169d77f6 651cae7e315af9001131d55f lofi-hip-hop-zigaboo-grooves-and-new-orleans-explorations Steve takes a trip to New Orleans to discuss community music and the origins of funk, and takes a look at the role of a producer as he demonstrates taking a lofi hip hop track from demo to release full 11 In this first episode since coming back from New Orleans, Steve discusses the importance of that city to the history of music, and, with his guest, New Orleans resident (and former London-based musician) Hannah Davis, examines its present, from the community nature of music making, through to the idea of music as a 'service industry' and what this means to both musicians and audiences.


He also features a track he produced for lofi hip hop artist rruaris, and uses it to demonstrate the role of a mix engineer/producer in the creative process, and wraps up the episode with a dive into the genre tombola - this time to break down the sound of New Orleans residents and Deep Funk pioneers The Meters.


Show website: http://www.originofthepieces.com

Patreon (including access to full recording of Wilton's Music Hall show): https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

rruaris: https://open.spotify.com/track/3Q8op7naEyrNZvtoTRTKd6?si=240d19effdf64be7

Pat Levett: https://patlevett.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this first episode since coming back from New Orleans, Steve discusses the importance of that city to the history of music, and, with his guest, New Orleans resident (and former London-based musician) Hannah Davis, examines its present, from the community nature of music making, through to the idea of music as a 'service industry' and what this means to both musicians and audiences.


He also features a track he produced for lofi hip hop artist rruaris, and uses it to demonstrate the role of a mix engineer/producer in the creative process, and wraps up the episode with a dive into the genre tombola - this time to break down the sound of New Orleans residents and Deep Funk pioneers The Meters.


Show website: http://www.originofthepieces.com

Patreon (including access to full recording of Wilton's Music Hall show): https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

rruaris: https://open.spotify.com/track/3Q8op7naEyrNZvtoTRTKd6?si=240d19effdf64be7

Pat Levett: https://patlevett.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Down in New Orleans Down in New Orleans Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:14:59 GMT 1:29 65d9d5e94fa56a0016602c0c false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/down-in-new-orleans 65d9d5e94fa56a0016602c0c 651cae7e315af9001131d55f down-in-new-orleans Steve travels to New Orleans for the show, which ironically means that episode 11 is delayed while he works through the hours of interviews, music, chats and more from this great city. Back bigger and better very soon! trailer 10.5 Steve finds himself in New Orleans for some on-the-ground research into Deep Funk (check out last episode if this doesn’t make any sense to you!), and more interviews, gigs, chats and music than you could shake a big voodoo stick at.


Episode 11 will be along soon, but meanwhile check out the first 10 episodes for a pretty broad variety of weird, curious and fun musical shenanigans, and sign up to Patreon for access to my full 2 hr live show recorded at Wilton’s Music Hall with a full choir, Hackney Colliery Band rhythm section and much more.


Back in your feed in the next week or two once there’s been a chance to digest the many hours of fascinating stuff generated from a week’s immersion in New Orleans culture and music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Steve finds himself in New Orleans for some on-the-ground research into Deep Funk (check out last episode if this doesn’t make any sense to you!), and more interviews, gigs, chats and music than you could shake a big voodoo stick at.


Episode 11 will be along soon, but meanwhile check out the first 10 episodes for a pretty broad variety of weird, curious and fun musical shenanigans, and sign up to Patreon for access to my full 2 hr live show recorded at Wilton’s Music Hall with a full choir, Hackney Colliery Band rhythm section and much more.


Back in your feed in the next week or two once there’s been a chance to digest the many hours of fascinating stuff generated from a week’s immersion in New Orleans culture and music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[East Anglian cowpunk, trombone marathons, the 'i' word and reverb]]> Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:28:54 GMT 54:16 65c4f48cf377ea00174c6100 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/east-anglian-cowpunk-trombone-marathons-the-i-word-and-rever 65c4f48cf377ea00174c6100 651cae7e315af9001131d55f east-anglian-cowpunk-trombone-marathons-the-i-word-and-rever Featuring Nathanial Dye (who is about to run the London marathon playing the trombone whilst suffering with terminal cancer), a deep dive into cowpunk and a brief musing on the importance of reverb full 10 In maybe the most varied episode yet, Steve speaks to Nathanial Dye about how terminal cancer reinforced his passion for music (and running the London marathon whilst playing the trombone), then, via a brief foray into the importance of reverb (as performed at Wilton's Music Hall on 20th January), finds himself making a cowpunk song set in East Anglia, with the help of his trusty AI lyricist.


Show website: http://www.originofthepieces.com

Patreon (including access to full recording of Wilton's Music Hall show): https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Nathanial Dye: https://bowelcancerbucketlist.com/


Please rate, review and share!


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In maybe the most varied episode yet, Steve speaks to Nathanial Dye about how terminal cancer reinforced his passion for music (and running the London marathon whilst playing the trombone), then, via a brief foray into the importance of reverb (as performed at Wilton's Music Hall on 20th January), finds himself making a cowpunk song set in East Anglia, with the help of his trusty AI lyricist.


Show website: http://www.originofthepieces.com

Patreon (including access to full recording of Wilton's Music Hall show): https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Nathanial Dye: https://bowelcancerbucketlist.com/


Please rate, review and share!


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Naked gigs, choral musings and Filament Choir with Hackney Colliery Band LIVE at Wilton's Music Hall]]> Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:01:18 GMT 36:49 65b27767a2246e0017046852 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/naked-gigs-choral-musings-and-filament-choir-with-hackney-co 65b27767a2246e0017046852 651cae7e315af9001131d55f naked-gigs-choral-musings-and-filament-choir-with-hackney-co Steve plays some music naked (good thing this is an audio medium), and then we hear from the amazing Filament Choir, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall full 9 Steve talks about and plays some music from recent live gigs (including one with a rather special dress code), and we hear a beautiful performance and fascinating chat from Filament Choir. No genre tombola this time, so strap in for an exploration of Cowpunk next episode…



Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Steve talks about and plays some music from recent live gigs (including one with a rather special dress code), and we hear a beautiful performance and fascinating chat from Filament Choir. No genre tombola this time, so strap in for an exploration of Cowpunk next episode…



Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Samplers, orchestras and fancy dress harpists Samplers, orchestras and fancy dress harpists Sat, 13 Jan 2024 02:08:40 GMT 47:57 65a1eac919c91600172063ab false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/samplers-orchestras-and-fancy-dress-harpists 65a1eac919c91600172063ab 651cae7e315af9001131d55f samplers-orchestras-and-fancy-dress-harpists full 8 Steve kicks off 2024 in typically contrasting style by celebrating the London Symphony Orchestra's school outreach program, and getting lost in a world on samplers and synthesisers as he sets out to create a UK Hardcore version of the podcast intro, courtesy of the genre tombola...


Wilton's Music Hall tickets for 20th January: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Steve kicks off 2024 in typically contrasting style by celebrating the London Symphony Orchestra's school outreach program, and getting lost in a world on samplers and synthesisers as he sets out to create a UK Hardcore version of the podcast intro, courtesy of the genre tombola...


Wilton's Music Hall tickets for 20th January: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> End of year space and slides special, with Chris Hadfield, Rosie Turton and 1201 Alarm End of year space and slides special, with Chris Hadfield, Rosie Turton and 1201 Alarm Sat, 30 Dec 2023 10:38:41 GMT 1:13:13 658fdebeb474d300161d3f8e false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/end-of-year-space-and-slides-special-with-chris-hadfield-ros 658fdebeb474d300161d3f8e 651cae7e315af9001131d55f end-of-year-space-and-slides-special-with-chris-hadfield-ros In a special extended show to end the year, Steve is joined by THREE trombonists (though it is true that one of them is better known as an astronaut and ISS Commander) to chat music, exploration, silly noises and changing guitar strings in orbit full 7 To close out the year, in this bumper Space Special, Steve is joined by astronaut Chris Hadfield, trombonist Rosie Turton and composer Steve Thompson - all of them trombonists with a number of additional skills in their portfolio!


Steve Thompson tells us about his project 1201 Alarm and how his album Hello World will be the first album on the moon! Then trombonist, composer and stalwart of the recent UK jazz revival Rosie Turton is in the studio to give us a binaural tour of the simultaneously most comedic and melancholy instrument of all: the trombone. And to close out the episode - and in fact the year - Steve interviews astronaut Chris Hadfield, former Commander of the International Space Station, experienced musician and bestselling author. Chris doesn't really do podcast interviews usually, so this is quite a coup, and in this extended, wide-ranging chat, Steve and Chris discuss the links between exploration and music, the evolution of music and its links to mankind's restless, travelling nature, international jam sessions on the ISS, and changing guitar strings in orbit.


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


Chris Hadfield's Space Oddity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo

Chris' books: https://chrishadfield.ca/books/

Rosie Turton: https://www.rosieturton.com/

1201_Alarm: http://www.1201-alarm.com/home.html

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> To close out the year, in this bumper Space Special, Steve is joined by astronaut Chris Hadfield, trombonist Rosie Turton and composer Steve Thompson - all of them trombonists with a number of additional skills in their portfolio!


Steve Thompson tells us about his project 1201 Alarm and how his album Hello World will be the first album on the moon! Then trombonist, composer and stalwart of the recent UK jazz revival Rosie Turton is in the studio to give us a binaural tour of the simultaneously most comedic and melancholy instrument of all: the trombone. And to close out the episode - and in fact the year - Steve interviews astronaut Chris Hadfield, former Commander of the International Space Station, experienced musician and bestselling author. Chris doesn't really do podcast interviews usually, so this is quite a coup, and in this extended, wide-ranging chat, Steve and Chris discuss the links between exploration and music, the evolution of music and its links to mankind's restless, travelling nature, international jam sessions on the ISS, and changing guitar strings in orbit.


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


Chris Hadfield's Space Oddity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo

Chris' books: https://chrishadfield.ca/books/

Rosie Turton: https://www.rosieturton.com/

1201_Alarm: http://www.1201-alarm.com/home.html

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A (Space) Christmas Carol, with Chris Hadfield A (Space) Christmas Carol, with Chris Hadfield Sun, 24 Dec 2023 23:41:13 GMT 3:58 6588c1996fa7630016a9b38b false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/a-space-christmas-carol-with-chris-hadfield 6588c1996fa7630016a9b38b 651cae7e315af9001131d55f a-space-christmas-carol-with-chris-hadfield Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield treats us to his amazing Christmas song, written whilst he was commanding the International Space Station full 6.5 In a little Christmas gift to the listeners, Steve offers us a little taste of the forthcoming interview with Commander Chris Hadfield, astronaut, musician and author, but most of all an incredibly generous and wonderful individual.


Chris performs a song which he wrote and originally recorded whilst he was commander of the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting earth and looking through his window at the 7.8 billion people living on the beautiful blue sphere below him.


Episode 7 will feature an interview with Chris about music, exploration, the logistics of recording songs in space, and much more. TUNE IN!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In a little Christmas gift to the listeners, Steve offers us a little taste of the forthcoming interview with Commander Chris Hadfield, astronaut, musician and author, but most of all an incredibly generous and wonderful individual.


Chris performs a song which he wrote and originally recorded whilst he was commander of the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting earth and looking through his window at the 7.8 billion people living on the beautiful blue sphere below him.


Episode 7 will feature an interview with Chris about music, exploration, the logistics of recording songs in space, and much more. TUNE IN!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Festive phasing, guitar percussion and Nitin Sawhney Festive phasing, guitar percussion and Nitin Sawhney Fri, 15 Dec 2023 02:48:17 GMT 58:17 657b567849699900169f78d8 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/festive-phasing-guitar-percussion-and-indo-spanish-melanchol 657b567849699900169f78d8 651cae7e315af9001131d55f festive-phasing-guitar-percussion-and-indo-spanish-melanchol Nitin Sawhney joins Steve for a deep dive into flamenco, and Steve loses his festive mind with a minimalist Christmas song full 6 Christmas is coming, so of course we had to have a little look at Christmas music, but not quite in the way you would expect, unless minimalist classical composer Steve Reich is a kind of santa figure for you. Steve performs a festive version of Reich's piece Clapping Music, and is nearly driven completely mad as a result.


But then the day is saved by legendary composer and music producer Nitin Sawhney. Steve heads to Nitin's studio to learn about Soleá, the genre he was allocated in episode 5, and along the way discovers a lot of commonalities between Indian classical music and flamenco, how the guitar can be used as a percussion instrument to accompany itself, and some fascinating technical insights into the sounds of flamenco. This free-flowing interview with a musical legend covers all the usual show bases in one go as we learn about the Entertaining Noises of the flamenco guitar, dig deep into Music Feary as we examine the nuts and bolts of flamenco, and of course the Genre Tombola as we look at the commonalities between musical traditions so geographically distinct.


Oh, and Steve gives you a little reminder of his brand new Patreon, where you can help support the show for just $5 a month, as well as getting access to a huge treasure trove of unedited interviews and songs from the show, ticket discounts, exclusive offers and much more.


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Nitin's website: https://www.nitinsawhney.com/

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Little playlist of music referenced in the episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQPkPcql9kp8MovgfBM0u0Z-BXVWzNAR_&si=HwQLzYIDcsKmY8CJ



Please spread the word, rate and review the show if you enjoy it! It's a HUGE help in these early days. Seriously.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Christmas is coming, so of course we had to have a little look at Christmas music, but not quite in the way you would expect, unless minimalist classical composer Steve Reich is a kind of santa figure for you. Steve performs a festive version of Reich's piece Clapping Music, and is nearly driven completely mad as a result.


But then the day is saved by legendary composer and music producer Nitin Sawhney. Steve heads to Nitin's studio to learn about Soleá, the genre he was allocated in episode 5, and along the way discovers a lot of commonalities between Indian classical music and flamenco, how the guitar can be used as a percussion instrument to accompany itself, and some fascinating technical insights into the sounds of flamenco. This free-flowing interview with a musical legend covers all the usual show bases in one go as we learn about the Entertaining Noises of the flamenco guitar, dig deep into Music Feary as we examine the nuts and bolts of flamenco, and of course the Genre Tombola as we look at the commonalities between musical traditions so geographically distinct.


Oh, and Steve gives you a little reminder of his brand new Patreon, where you can help support the show for just $5 a month, as well as getting access to a huge treasure trove of unedited interviews and songs from the show, ticket discounts, exclusive offers and much more.


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Nitin's website: https://www.nitinsawhney.com/

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

Little playlist of music referenced in the episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQPkPcql9kp8MovgfBM0u0Z-BXVWzNAR_&si=HwQLzYIDcsKmY8CJ



Please spread the word, rate and review the show if you enjoy it! It's a HUGE help in these early days. Seriously.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Nordic creativity, grand pianos and AI emo Nordic creativity, grand pianos and AI emo Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:54:22 GMT 55:13 6568af546e8b4c00127de542 false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/nordic-creativity-grand-pianos-and-ai-emo-pop 6568af546e8b4c00127de542 651cae7e315af9001131d55f nordic-creativity-grand-pianos-and-ai-emo-pop Featuring some incredibly talented arctic-based young people, and self-confessed emo pop lover (and Christmas EP maker) L K Francis full 5 This episode sees Steve recording in not one but TWO idyllic studios in Norway, where he's been working with some incredibly talented young people, helping them to compose and create music to support a forthcoming Hackney Colliery Band tour there. We hear some of the things he's been up to, as well as chatting with some of the musicians in question about creativity, how to overcome blank page syndrome, and the intricacies of a grand piano. Then, back in Blighty, Steve talks to emo pop fan, album listening club founder and Christmas EP maker L K Francis to get to grips with what emo pop is all about, before he teams up with Chat GPT to create a whole new emo song just for this show!


Oh, and Steve launches his brand new Patreon, where you can help support the show for just $5 a month, as well as getting access to a huge treasure trove of unedited interviews and songs from the show, ticket discounts, exclusive offers and much more.


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

L K Francis on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/song/this-is-our-christmas/1711865299

L K Francis on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kceyBEKSyxcH8ffqcgH1n?si=ygPpCLm8Tsam4Z3-2Eg2rQ

North Norway Jazz Centre: https://www.europejazz.net/profile/nordnorsk-jazzsenter

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com


Please spread the word, rate and review the show if you enjoy it! It's a HUGE help in these early days. Seriously.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode sees Steve recording in not one but TWO idyllic studios in Norway, where he's been working with some incredibly talented young people, helping them to compose and create music to support a forthcoming Hackney Colliery Band tour there. We hear some of the things he's been up to, as well as chatting with some of the musicians in question about creativity, how to overcome blank page syndrome, and the intricacies of a grand piano. Then, back in Blighty, Steve talks to emo pop fan, album listening club founder and Christmas EP maker L K Francis to get to grips with what emo pop is all about, before he teams up with Chat GPT to create a whole new emo song just for this show!


Oh, and Steve launches his brand new Patreon, where you can help support the show for just $5 a month, as well as getting access to a huge treasure trove of unedited interviews and songs from the show, ticket discounts, exclusive offers and much more.


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

L K Francis on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/song/this-is-our-christmas/1711865299

L K Francis on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kceyBEKSyxcH8ffqcgH1n?si=ygPpCLm8Tsam4Z3-2Eg2rQ

North Norway Jazz Centre: https://www.europejazz.net/profile/nordnorsk-jazzsenter

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com


Please spread the word, rate and review the show if you enjoy it! It's a HUGE help in these early days. Seriously.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Harmonic remembrance, blues shouting and deathgrind taxonomy Harmonic remembrance, blues shouting and deathgrind taxonomy Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:22:30 GMT 1:02:44 65549d75076466001249597d false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/harmonic-remembrance-blues-shouting-and-deathgrind-taxonomy 65549d75076466001249597d 651cae7e315af9001131d55f harmonic-remembrance-blues-shouting-and-deathgrind-taxonomy full 4 In the most varied episode yet of this podcast helping you to hear and understand music in new ways, musician Steve Pretty uses a moving experience performing at a Remembrance Day service to talk about musical harmonics, before learning about blues shouting, whistle tones and microphones from singer Nicole Cassandra Smit (including a brief appearance by Jamie Cullum and the Hackney Colliery Band), and finishing off with a deep dive into the niche crossover metal genre of deathgrind, and a discussion about the taxonomy of heavy metal with comedian, musician, and author of the History of Heavy Metal, Andrew O'Neill.


Oh, and there's a track Steve's written which will surely launch his deathgrind career into the stratosphere. But which legendary poet wrote the lyrics Andrew sang? Tune in to find out!


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Abney Park Cemetery: https://abneypark.org/

Nicole Cassandra Smit: https://nicolecassandrasmit.com/

Andrew O'Neill: https://www.andrewoneill.co.uk/

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com


Please spread the word, rate and review the show if you enjoy it! It's a HUGE help in these early days. Seriously.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In the most varied episode yet of this podcast helping you to hear and understand music in new ways, musician Steve Pretty uses a moving experience performing at a Remembrance Day service to talk about musical harmonics, before learning about blues shouting, whistle tones and microphones from singer Nicole Cassandra Smit (including a brief appearance by Jamie Cullum and the Hackney Colliery Band), and finishing off with a deep dive into the niche crossover metal genre of deathgrind, and a discussion about the taxonomy of heavy metal with comedian, musician, and author of the History of Heavy Metal, Andrew O'Neill.


Oh, and there's a track Steve's written which will surely launch his deathgrind career into the stratosphere. But which legendary poet wrote the lyrics Andrew sang? Tune in to find out!


Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

Abney Park Cemetery: https://abneypark.org/

Nicole Cassandra Smit: https://nicolecassandrasmit.com/

Andrew O'Neill: https://www.andrewoneill.co.uk/

Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com


Please spread the word, rate and review the show if you enjoy it! It's a HUGE help in these early days. Seriously.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Pubs, flutes, township rhythms and tape delay Pubs, flutes, township rhythms and tape delay Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:56:55 GMT 1:01:40 654984b04618070012adf00b false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/pubs-flutes-township-rhythms-and-tape-delay 654984b04618070012adf00b 651cae7e315af9001131d55f pubs-flutes-township-rhythms-and-tape-delay full 3 Steve Pretty helps you to listen to and understand music in new ways, looking at where music comes from, why it exists, and what it is.


This episode, in a bonanza of interviews, Steve speaks to landlords helping to keep the grassroots music scene alive in the UK, invites renowned UK musician and composer Tamar Osborn into his studio to talk about and experience the beauty of flutes, big saxophones and warbly magnetic tape, and then South African trumpet player and educator Claude Deppa valiantly attempts to help Steve pronounce mbaqanga, the South African township music it turns out Steve has actually loved for years, despite not really knowing its name.


But what will be the music Steve will pluck from his virtual genre tombola next week? With 1298 genres left, there is some very real jeopardy there as you may find out at the end of the show...


Timecodes:

Intro: 0.00 - 3.45

Pub musings (with Lesley and Frankie from The Eleanor Arms, Bow): 4.00 - 17.05

Entertaining Noises/Music Feary (with Tamar Osborn): 17.27 - 33.07

Genre tombola (mbaqanga with Claude Deppa): 34.10 - 57.32

Outro and next genre tombola: 57.32 - 60.40


Links:


www.stevepretty.com


Eleanor Arms: https://romanroadlondon.com/eleanor-arms-pub/


Tamar Osborn aka Collocutor: https://collocutor.uk/


Tape delay: https://rvb-img.reverb.com/image/upload/s--Xya5c3HJ--/a_0/f_auto,t_supersize/v1687255861/ckz7j68gd5rhpvikiepo.jpg


Claude Deppa: https://www.grandunion.org.uk/claude-deppa


Mbaqanga playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAQy7UGhyv932ZIgGO5SfIdjru-2DOjNx

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Steve Pretty helps you to listen to and understand music in new ways, looking at where music comes from, why it exists, and what it is.


This episode, in a bonanza of interviews, Steve speaks to landlords helping to keep the grassroots music scene alive in the UK, invites renowned UK musician and composer Tamar Osborn into his studio to talk about and experience the beauty of flutes, big saxophones and warbly magnetic tape, and then South African trumpet player and educator Claude Deppa valiantly attempts to help Steve pronounce mbaqanga, the South African township music it turns out Steve has actually loved for years, despite not really knowing its name.


But what will be the music Steve will pluck from his virtual genre tombola next week? With 1298 genres left, there is some very real jeopardy there as you may find out at the end of the show...


Timecodes:

Intro: 0.00 - 3.45

Pub musings (with Lesley and Frankie from The Eleanor Arms, Bow): 4.00 - 17.05

Entertaining Noises/Music Feary (with Tamar Osborn): 17.27 - 33.07

Genre tombola (mbaqanga with Claude Deppa): 34.10 - 57.32

Outro and next genre tombola: 57.32 - 60.40


Links:


www.stevepretty.com


Eleanor Arms: https://romanroadlondon.com/eleanor-arms-pub/


Tamar Osborn aka Collocutor: https://collocutor.uk/


Tape delay: https://rvb-img.reverb.com/image/upload/s--Xya5c3HJ--/a_0/f_auto,t_supersize/v1687255861/ckz7j68gd5rhpvikiepo.jpg


Claude Deppa: https://www.grandunion.org.uk/claude-deppa


Mbaqanga playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAQy7UGhyv932ZIgGO5SfIdjru-2DOjNx

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Tiny trumpets, harps, jazz and Robbie Williams Tiny trumpets, harps, jazz and Robbie Williams Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:45:17 GMT 51:14 653115424d9af300121de67a false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/tiny-trumpets-harps-jazz-and-robbie-williams 653115424d9af300121de67a 651cae7e315af9001131d55f tiny-trumpets-harps-jazz-and-robbie-williams full 2 In the second episode of this new podcast helping you to hear music in new ways, Steve talks about the challenges of going on holiday as a musician, introduces his friend, harpist Valeria Clarke who makes some entertaining noises both angelic and demonic, gives a little demonstration of how jazz works and how it’s not as scary as you might think, and plays his new, Robbie Williams-inspired pop rock track for comedian Alexander Bennett.


Soundbox Ensemble: https://www.stevepretty.com/soundbox-ensemble

The Last Skeptik: https://www.instagram.com/thelastskeptik/?hl=en 

Jazz Vanguard: https://www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/the-old-court-jazz-vanguard-p2109621 

Old Court, Windsor: https://oldcourt.org/ 

Hackney Colliery Band: https://www.stevepretty.com/hackney-colliery-band 

Wilton’s Music Hall show: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In the second episode of this new podcast helping you to hear music in new ways, Steve talks about the challenges of going on holiday as a musician, introduces his friend, harpist Valeria Clarke who makes some entertaining noises both angelic and demonic, gives a little demonstration of how jazz works and how it’s not as scary as you might think, and plays his new, Robbie Williams-inspired pop rock track for comedian Alexander Bennett.


Soundbox Ensemble: https://www.stevepretty.com/soundbox-ensemble

The Last Skeptik: https://www.instagram.com/thelastskeptik/?hl=en 

Jazz Vanguard: https://www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/the-old-court-jazz-vanguard-p2109621 

Old Court, Windsor: https://oldcourt.org/ 

Hackney Colliery Band: https://www.stevepretty.com/hackney-colliery-band 

Wilton’s Music Hall show: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Hearing music in new ways Hearing music in new ways Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:15:34 GMT 48:23 651dfc1109346500108384dd false https://shows.acast.com/steve-pretty-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces/episodes/hearing-music-in-new-ways 651dfc1109346500108384dd 651cae7e315af9001131d55f hearing-music-in-new-ways full 1 For the first episode of this brand new podcast, musician Steve Pretty starts to explore the origins of music, stopping off to blow into conch shells, have a binaural audio adventure in his studio (headphones on!), discuss the limitations of music theory and start his mammoth attempt to explore every one of Wikipedia's list of over 1300 music genres, including nearly 60 varieties of metal...


A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised or written music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans? As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in a new way.


http://www.stevepretty.com/mailing-list

https://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-

use priority code EARLYORIGIN to make a booking

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> For the first episode of this brand new podcast, musician Steve Pretty starts to explore the origins of music, stopping off to blow into conch shells, have a binaural audio adventure in his studio (headphones on!), discuss the limitations of music theory and start his mammoth attempt to explore every one of Wikipedia's list of over 1300 music genres, including nearly 60 varieties of metal...


A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised or written music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans? As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in a new way.


http://www.stevepretty.com/mailing-list

https://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-

use priority code EARLYORIGIN to make a booking

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>