Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes

Nick Coffer
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From the iconic Stables music and entertainment venue in Milton Keynes, hear world class performers in conversation (and in session) with broadcaster Nick Coffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. FEB 5

    Eric Bibb // Patti Boulaye // Gary Innes

    Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose work spans continents, genres, and generations of storytelling. Eric Bibb opens the episode reflecting on gratitude, purpose, and what it means to be "the happiest man in the world." The blues legend discusses how simplicity can be powerful, shares memories of meeting Bob Dylan at eleven, and explains why songs have a staying power that history books don't. He talks about his move to Sweden in his twenties, the miraculous string of events that shaped his career, and why music's role in social change matters more than ever. Patti Boulaye shares her extraordinary journey from accidentally auditioning for Hair to turning down major Hollywood contracts. In a moving conversation, she reflects on surviving the Biafran war as a child, why faith and family always come first, and how witnessing death shaped her perspective on fame, success, and what truly matters. She discusses her one-woman show bringing together stories, songs spanning musicals to Afrobeat gospel, and a lifetime of choosing purpose over easy success. Finally, Gary Innes takes us into the world of Shinty—the ancient Highland sport he played to top level—and explains how its discipline, teamwork, and community spirit mirror his work with Manràn. He reflects on the challenge of pushing Gaelic music into the mainstream, the moment their song Latha Math caught the nation's attention, and why traditional Scottish music now fills 14,000-seat arenas. Gary discusses the band's evolution, the lyrical beauty of the Gaelic language, and why intimate venues like The Stables remain at the heart of what they do. Eric Bibb - Monday 24 March, 8:00pm Patti Boulaye - Friday 16 May, 8:45pm Gary Innes / Manràn - Sunday 17 May, 8:00pm stables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m

  2. 12/18/2025

    Andy Fairweather Low // Luke Wright // Ally McErlaine

    In this December edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose stories span decades of British music history, personal revelation, and creative resilience. Andy Fairweather Low opens the episode reflecting on the passing of Steve Cropper, whose understated brilliance shaped Andy's entire approach to guitar. From fronting Amen Corner at the Royal Albert Hall with Jimi Hendrix to becoming the invisible bluesman behind Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, and Van Morrison, Andy shares stories of sixties Cardiff soul clubs, George Best football matches, and why being "good on the bus" matters as much as technical skill. His new album The Invisible Bluesman is a celebration of that quiet mastery. Next, Luke Wright brings his most personal work yet with Later Life Letter, a show exploring his adoption and the moment he discovered his birth mother on Facebook. In a deeply moving conversation, he discusses the slow journey of writing poems to understand his own story, the temptation and fear around making contact, and why adoption left him with a voracious appetite for life. It's a beautifully honest chat about identity, belonging, and taking control through art. Finally, Ally McErlaine joins from Red Sky July, whose new album Misty Morning showcases lush harmonies and Americana-tinged songcraft. He discusses the brain aneurysm in 2007 that nearly killed him, the eight months in hospital that followed, and how the determination to make that first album drove his recovery. With his wife Shelly and singer Haley Glenny Smith, he's created something gorgeously melodic - and he's grateful for every moment of it. Andy Fairweather-Low - Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February, 8pm Luke Wright - Wednesday 9 April, 8:45pm  Red Sky July - Saturday 22 February, 8:45pm stables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m

  3. 11/10/2025

    Clare Teal // Horse McDonald // Steve Knightley

    In this November edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose voices and stories have shaped decades of British music. Clare Teal opens the episode celebrating 25 years of touring, reflecting on vulnerability, finding joy in the moment, and how her fifties have brought a new appreciation for her craft. She shares the remarkable story of singing with Sam Smith at the BBC Proms and discusses why being an introvert actually makes performing easier. Next, Horse McDonald talks about performing The Same Sky 35 years after its release - the album that introduced her powerful, authentic songcraft to the world. In a deeply moving conversation, she discusses music as a lifeline, singing to her mother before she passed away, and why her audiences have become family. Finally, Steve Knightley of Show of Hands reflects on his musical godfathers - Bob Dylan, Martin Carthy and Ted Hughes - and shares his songwriting philosophy: write what you know, love and see. He discusses the challenge of staying connected to your roots as an artist and opens up about life after Show of Hands. Clare Teal Five - Saturday 29 November, 8pm Horse McDonald: The Same Sky 35th Anniversary - Tuesday 26 November, 8pm Steve Knightley's Winter Yards Band - Tuesday 3 December, 8pm (SOLD OUT - join waiting list) www.stables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m

  4. 10/10/2025

    Grace Petrie // Mike Lindup // Julie Fowlis

    In this October edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose music and stories capture the heart of what live performance is all about. Grace Petrie opens the episode with her trademark mix of conviction, wit and compassion. She talks about the political threads running through her album Build Something Better, why empathy matters more than ever, and how her new show No Time to Panic balances protest, reflection and humour. Next, Mike Lindup, co-founder of Level 42, looks back on a lifetime in music - from the jazz-funk that defined a decade to the creative freedom of his solo albums Changes and Changes 2. He shares memories of his musical upbringing, the story behind Something About You, and his personal link to Stables founders John Dankworth and Cleo Laine. Finally, Julie Fowlis joins from her US tour to talk about the power of Gaelic song, the connection between language and landscape, and the joy of bringing Scottish tradition to new audiences around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 29m

  5. 09/10/2025

    Nerina Pallot // Brian Bilston // Duke Special

    Turn Up The Volume! is back with a brand new season from The Stables in Milton Keynes. Nick welcomes singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot for a wide-ranging conversation about 25 years in music, the family and loss that have shaped her writing, and the inspiration behind her most recent album. She also shares the story of Madison, a song that arrived fully formed in a dream and has since become a powerful part of her live shows. We also meet poet Brian Bilston, the so-called “Banksy of poetry”, who talks about anonymity, humour and why his poems work just as well set to music as they do on the page. He reads a favourite piece and reflects on the journey from cult social-media presence to published author and performer with a band. And rounding off the episode, Duke Special reveals how curiosity has driven his career from songwriting to theatre and even collaborations with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. He talks about obsession, storytelling and the surprises audiences can expect when he returns to The Stables in November. As always, Turn Up The Volume shines a light on the artists and performances coming to The Stables. For tickets and full listings, visit stables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m

  6. 05/23/2025

    Eve Selis // Lee Mead // Peggy Seeger

    In possibly the post powerful episode yet of Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes, Eve Selis opens up about the personal trauma which led to the writing of her latest album "Dark Side Blue". She was faced with the kind of family tragedy which none of us could imagine ever having to face, let alone deal with and come back from. It's an absolutely compelling interview and really deserves your time. Equally touching is Peggy Seeger, as she embarks on her very final farewell tour, after 75 years of music and activism. She looks back on a musical life which has made such a difference to so many people, and looks ahead to her final gig at The Stables, with her two sons. And one of the loveliest people in music, Lee Mead, is coming to The Stables, with big songs and a great band. Which of the West End characters he has played would he most like to be? Listen to his interview to find out, as he talks about fame, talent and hard graft. To book tickets for these, and any other shows at The Stables, head off to www.stables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m

  7. 04/14/2025

    The Young'uns // Ashnaa // Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

    This lovely, sunny Spring episode’s all about stories, music, and the power of connecting - on stage and off. Joining Nick this time: 🎤 David Eagle – One third of award-winning folk trio The Young’uns, David chats about how singing turned into stand-up, why folk music still matters, and how songs can tell powerful, personal stories. Honest, funny, and full of heart. 🎶 Ashnaa - A local artist blending R&B, jazz, and Carnatic music, Ashna talks about growing up shy, finding her voice, and why singing in Tamil feels like home. Her music is full of emotion and authenticity - and it’s only the beginning. 🎸 George Hinchliffe – Founder of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, George shares 40 years of uke-playing tales - from local pubs to the Royal Albert Hall. Expect dry humour, a bit of musical nerdery, and real love for the instrument. Coming up at The Stables: – The Young’uns – May 25 – Ashna Sasekaran – June 7 (Stage 2) – Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – June 19 Tickets: stables.org 🎪 Also: Check out IF: Milton Keynes International Festival at ifmiltonkeynes.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m

  8. 03/18/2025

    Toby Lee // Liza Pulman // Martin Simpson

    Welcome to another episode of Turn Up The Volume!—your backstage pass to the incredible artists gracing the stage at The Stables. This week, host Nick Coffer dives into the worlds of three exceptional musicians, each bringing their own magic to the stage. 🎸 Toby Lee – From Viral Sensation to Guitar ProdigyHe went viral at age 10 in a tiger onesie, but make no mistake, Toby Lee is the real deal. Recently playlisted on BBC Radio 2, Toby shares the story of his rise from YouTube sensation to one of the most exciting guitarists on the scene. He talks about honing his craft, playing with legends like Joe Bonamassa and Brian May, and how he saw his first ever gigs at The Stables. This is a musician on the brink of something huge - catch him now before he’s filling arenas. Toby Lee at The Stables – Tuesday, June 3rd | Tickets: stables.org 🎸 Martin Simpson – A Life in SongFolk legend and guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson joins us fresh from shoulder surgery - but not even that can slow him down. With his latest album Skydancers winning critical acclaim, he reflects on 50 years of music-making, the stories that shape his songwriting, and the joy of always learning something new. He also shares his deep love of nature, recounting how a chance encounter with an old ballad in Linlithgow inspired a future track. And, of course, we hear two stunning tracks from Skydancers, including the hauntingly beautiful New Harmony. Catch Martin at The Stables – Sunday, May 11th | Tickets: stables.org 🎤 Liza Pulman – Born To ItSinger, actress, and all-round powerhouse Liza Pulman steps up to the mic, bringing warmth, wit, and some wonderful anecdotes. From growing up in a house filled with words and TV royalty (her father wrote I, Claudius, her mum was a consumate actress), to a career that’s spanned opera, musical theatre, and comedy, Liza’s journey is as rich as her voice. She talks about finding her own path, her deep love of language, and the chemistry that fuels her latest show Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells with Joe Stilgoe. Expect laughter, storytelling, and a glorious blend of voices. Liza & Joe Stilgoe at The Stables – Wednesday, May 21st | Tickets: stables.org 📌 Don’t miss this episode full of music, stories, and brilliant conversation. And if you love what we do, please do spread the word. Follow us on social media and tell your friends—Turn Up The Volume! is for everyone who loves live music, great artists, and the magic of The Stables. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m
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From the iconic Stables music and entertainment venue in Milton Keynes, hear world class performers in conversation (and in session) with broadcaster Nick Coffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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