Music That Left It's Mark

Michael

Ordinary, Everyday people talk to the host about song that, for what ever reason, have left a mark in their life. A song that has underlined a highpoint, Soundtracked a particular period in life or supported them through a tough time, we all know the kind of songs I'm talking about. Something that can connect us all. Want to be a guest? email us at musicthatleftitsmark@icloud.com

  1. 2d ago

    Sarah Whatmore on Pop Idol, “Guardian Angel”, and the Songs That Shaped Her

    Pop Idol is just one chapter in Sarah Whatmore’s story , not the whole book. In this episode, Sarah shares the songs, memories, and turning points that took her from a young girl obsessed with Michael Jackson and the Human League to the artist behind “Hate”, “When I Lost You”, and the deeply personal “Guardian Angel”. Sarah traces her musical journey from the first time she saw Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and knew music was her future, to hearing the Spice Girls’ “2 Become 1” and manifesting a path that would eventually bring her into Simon Fuller’s orbit. She also opens up about: The emotional story behind “Guardian Angel”, written after losing her dad The Royal Albert Hall performance that turned a technical disaster into a career‑defining breakthrough How those experiences shaped her resilience, reinvention, and return to her own artistic voice 80s Classics, Dance Anthems, and the Soundtracks of a Life You’ll hear why: Chicane’s “Offshore” still feels like “sunset in a song” The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” became an instant, impossible‑to‑ignore classic Bryan Ferry’s “Slave to Love” was the perfect wedding dance track Michael and Sarah get wonderfully nostalgic about mixtapes, Top of the Pops, vinyl, and the kind of music that doesn’t just sound good , it transports you somewhere else entirely. Sarah also shares what still drives her today, Writing and collaborating with Sholz‑y Trusting her instincts in the studio & Releasing music only when it truly feels right If you love 80s classics, atmospheric dance music, or honest stories about resilience, reinvention, and finding your way back to your own artistic voice, this conversation is for you. Listen to Sarah’s song choice here: Apple https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/sarah-whatmore/pl.u-d2b00GZIM482JJ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73cF3xGD3JnfmXS4Oi2SkB?si=1OvgPQiLSzaDi3gE-PUnTQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=juoG9glSTqSbT

  2. Sep 18

    Alexis Strum on Pop Comebacks, Writing for Kylie Minogue & the Billy Steinberg Tribute

    Alexis Strum is doing what the music industry told her not to do: making a bold, funny, deeply personal comeback on her own terms. In this podcast interview, the singer-songwriter behind tracks for Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens opens up about shelved albums, major-label detours, and how a 15-year hiatus, viral honesty, and a refusal to play it safe turned her from the internet’s favourite “nearly woman” into an actual one. In this conversation, Alexis talks about recording again, rediscovering why she loves making music, and the surprising freedom that comes with being older, more honest, and less obsessed with perfection. She shares the stories behind new projects including a cover of James’ Sit Down and an upcoming Billy Steinberg tribute album featuring songs like True Colours, Eternal Flame, and I Touch Myself. You’ll discover: ​ Why she set a rule to never do more than three takes on any cover​ How Billy Steinberg’s songwriting shaped some of the biggest pop songs of all time​ What it feels like to have Kylie Minogue record one of your songs​ Why she believes the best pop comes from playfulness, silliness, and not taking yourself too seriously​ How Swim became her most personal song yet—and why it hits harder than a standard pop anthemAlexis also traces the artists that made her, from Joni Mitchell and Pearl Jam to Hole, Outkast, and Charli XCX, showing how her taste runs from grunge to glock-pop without missing a beat. She talks about growing up with appointment-to-view television, taping the charts off the radio, and why music still matters most when it feels communal, strange, and alive. This episode is a reminder of what happens when you stop waiting for permission. Alexis speaks candidly about being a single mum, balancing auditions, recording, and family life, and building a career that’s less about chasing trends and more about making work that genuinely connects. If you love great songwriting, pop with heart, and comeback stories that feel bigger than nostalgia, this one is essential listening. Perfect for fans of pop history, behind-the-scenes songwriting, and anyone who needs proof that it’s never too late to make something brilliant. Guest credibility: Alexis Strum is a UK singer-songwriter who has written for Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens, released long-awaited solo albums after a major-label hiatus, and built a cult following through her viral honesty and fearless approach to pop. Listen to Alexis’ song choices and some of here music on Apple Music here- https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/alexis-strum/pl.u-11zBBdbh8bl9PP Or on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fKsvEUmLyc87XcJ5N2JUd?si=2sHXjHnrR326PLgbnxOGZg&utm_source=copy-link&pi=o3Hgf9e0RR-YB

  3. Aug 30

    BEHR on Glasgow Guitar Bands, 90s Anthems & Their New Single

    Glasgow guitar bands, 90s anthems, and one killer new single – Allan and Colin from BEHR reveal the songs that shaped their sound and songwriting. If you love Oasis, The Stone Roses, Guns N’ Roses, or the thrill of discovering a new band that still feels dangerous, this episode hits the sweet spot. What starts as a chat about influences turns into a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional tour through the records that made them. From “Don’t Cry” getting them through grief, to “Whatever” as a lifelong favourite, to the Stone Roses moment that changed the direction of a musical life, the conversation keeps landing on the songs that don’t just sound good – they mean something. You’ll discover: • Why Allan and Colin describe BEHR as “Glasgow punk” and what that really means • The songs that formed their taste, from post‑punk and baggy to Britpop, hard rock and indie • How a handwritten tape, a bootleg cassette and an old radio session sparked a songwriting obsession • Why live music still matters most when a crowd starts singing back • What made “Start Tonight” connect immediately, and how their upcoming release “Social Media” is building momentum Allan shares the long road from first guitar chords to drums, band line‑ups, lost years, and finally getting BEHR into shape with real intent. Colin brings the brotherly fire, the gig memories, and the kind of blunt honesty only a sibling in the same band can get away with. Together, they argue the great musical debates – Oasis vs The Stone Roses, the power of a perfect anthem, and why some songs become part of your life forever. This episode is for anyone who still gets excited by a great chorus, still believes small venues can feel bigger than stadiums, and still thinks music is about memory as much as melody. Perfect listening if you’re into British guitar music, band stories, or an episode that leaves you with a playlist full of songs to revisit. Listen to the playlist on Apple & Spotify at the links below; https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/the-behr-playlist/pl.u-DdANN5BIaq3B11 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/09sHehJ0B9eOBcF9P2j1Br?si=xuCFxviiSQ2sNlsLEWZxaQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=q13gT9IhRi6xt

About

Ordinary, Everyday people talk to the host about song that, for what ever reason, have left a mark in their life. A song that has underlined a highpoint, Soundtracked a particular period in life or supported them through a tough time, we all know the kind of songs I'm talking about. Something that can connect us all. Want to be a guest? email us at musicthatleftitsmark@icloud.com