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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…

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.

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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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

Wilton's Music Hall show 16th January

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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

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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

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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

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