The Story Behind The Song

Consequence Podcast Network
  • 4.7 (43)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
The Story Behind The Song

The Story Behind the Song finds host Peter Csathy digging into some of the most iconic songs of all time with the artists who made them. Others may scratch the surface, but we go deeper than anyone into the musician’s fascinating creative journey of how their most lasting songs came to be – and the moment that sparked their inspiration.

  1. DEC 9 · BONUS

    Encore: Rick Astley - "Never Gonna Give You Up

    On the season finale (and encore episode) of The Story Behind the Song, hear Rick Astley discuss his classic "Never Gonna Give You Up" and more. Rick Astley burst onto the pop scene 1987 seemingly out of nowhere when his debut single -- the feel-good, earnest dance anthem “Never Gonna Give You Up” -- grabbed the No. 1 spot in 25 countries. In just a matter of weeks, Astley traded his small town outside of Manchester, England for center stage on a global scale.  As fate would have it, "Never Gonna Give You Up" never gave up either. Two decades after its release, the song "Rickrolled" its way back into our hearts and the cultural conversation when it became a mid-2000s internet sensation. Fast forward to today, and the song’s video is creeping close to an astounding 1.2 billion views on YouTube. Perhaps even more impressive, at age 50 in 2016, Astley again topped the UK charts with his aptly titled album 50. While continuing to record new material, he's now sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Safe to say, Astley is no one-hit-wonder: He is a full-fledged artistic and cultural icon. Astley joins host Peter Csathy to talk about "Never Gonna Give You Up," as well as a personal choice from his catalog: "Cry for Help." Listen to the full episode now, or check out the complete video interview at Consequence. Make sure you like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts to catch each episode of the monthly series. Also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 6m

  2. DEC 2 · BONUS

    Encore: Garbage - "Only Happy When It Rains"

    On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, listen to Garbage's Shirley Manson discuss "Only Happy When It Rains," her origins with Garbage, and more. Manson first met up with her three future bandmates in Wisconsin as a result of one of those strange, classic twists of rock and roll fate involving MTV, a phone call, and a disastrous first audition. In then end, Garbage was formed (even if Manson still isn't such a fan of the name), and with their self-titled debut came the iconic hit "Only Happy When It Rains," a record that feels as fresh today as it did nearly 30 years ago. Manson shares the misery behind "Only Happy When It Rains," including her initial thoughts upon reading the "nursery rhyme" lyrics. Manson also discusses "The Men Who Rule the World," the lead song on Garbage's No Gods No Masters, a track that perfectly encapsulates Manson's current state of mind and features lyrics that rained down on her in a moment of spontaneous inspiration. Listen to the full episode now, or check out the complete video interview at Consequence. Make sure you like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts to catch each episode of the monthly series. Also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    52 min

  3. NOV 25

    Moby - “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad"

    On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, pioneering electronic producer and songwriter Moby joins host Peter Csathy for a deep dive into his groundbreaking album Play and the smash hit single "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?" Moby delves into his journey from a young musician experimenting with punk rock to his embracing of electronic music and DJ culture. It all led to Play, Moby's 1999 album that served as his global breakthrough and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year; with singles like "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?," Play brought Moby and his unique production and songwriting style to new critical and commercial heights. The producer reveals how he first encountered The Shining Light Gospel Choir, whose vocals appear on the track, and how the song actually ties all the way back to his 1991 single "Go" (which sampled Angelo Badalamenti's "Laura Palmer's Theme" from the TV classic Twin Peaks). Also in this episode, Moby discusses his latest album, Always Centered at Night. He also touches on his advocacy for animal rights and why raising money for charity is the only thing that will get him to tour. Listen to Moby talk about “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad" and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song,, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below! You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    58 min

  4. NOV 18 · BONUS

    Encore: Boy George - "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me"

    On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, hear Boy George discuss "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and more. One of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s, Culture Club could be considered the original new wave boyband. They fused the sounds of new wave, pop, and reggae to create a unique sound that was both catchy and stylish. Boy George discusses the hit song's mix of love, loss, and social commentary, and how it resonated with audiences around the world. Additionally, as he and Culture Club continue to tour and perform, the artist touches on how the song has grown from its origins. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song as Season 3 continues on, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for the series. Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now. You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 2m

  5. NOV 11

    The Church - "Under the Milky Way"

    On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy is joined by The Church bassist and vocalist Steve Kilbey to take a deep dive into the Australian band's beloved hit "Under the Milky Way." Listen to their conversation. Kilbey tracks the origins and production of "Under the Milky Way," which arrived as the lead single of The Church's 1988 debut album, Starfish. Kilbey recounts how the song was written quickly with his then-girlfriend to avoid doing dishes for his mother. Despite its humble beginnings, the song became a critical and commercial success, solidifying The Church's place in the 1980s music scene in their native Australia and beyond. The episode explores Kilbey's artistic journey and his reflections on the enduring legacy of "Under the Milky Way." Plus, the two discuss The Church's pandemic creation (and their 26th studio album), The Hypnogogue, which arrived last year. Listen to The Church talk about “Under the Milky Way" and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below! You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min

  6. NOV 4 · BONUS

    Encore: The Shins - "New Slang" and "Phantom Limb"

    In this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, hear James Mercer of The Shins talk about their indie classic "New Slang," the late bassist Neal Langford, and more. One of the most renowned American indie rock bands, The Shins have carved a lasting legacy with their distinctive blend of folk, pop, and indie rock. Formed in 1996 by frontman James Mercer, a chance inclusion of “New Slang” in the cult classic film Garden State helped to take their indie buzz mainstream just as their breakout sophomore album, Chutes Too Narrow, propelled them to indie stardom. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Peter Csathy speaks with The Shins’ James Mercer just after the passing of former The Shins’ bassist Neal Langford to discuss how Neal helped push him to perform, the conception of “New Slang,” and the more recent “Phantom Limb.” Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song as Season 3 continues on, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for the series. Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now. You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    43 min

  7. OCT 28

    The Jesus and Mary Chain's William Reid - "Just Like Honey"

    On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, William Reid, who co-founded influential UK duo The Jesus and Mary Chain with his brother Jim Reid, sits with host Peter Csathy to discuss one of the band's most iconic songs: "Just Like Honey." Listen now. After forming a band in the early '80s, brothers William and Jim Reid embarked on a punk rock journey that eventually led to their lauded 1985 debut album, Psychocandy. On this episode of TSBTS, William discusses the band's early days, the creation of their signature sound, and the lasting impact of their Psychocandy single "Just Like Honey." It also touches on the tumultuous journey that led to their recent album, Glasgow Eyes, which the band released back in March. The band is currently on the road in the US with fellow '80s favorites The Psychedelic Furs in support of Glasgow Eyes. The will continue through October and early November with shows still to come in Portland, San Francisco, and more. Get tickets to co-headlining run here. Listen to The Jesus and Mary Chain's William Reid, talk about “Just Like Honey" and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below! You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    39 min

  8. OCT 21 · BONUS

    Encore: Blue Öyster Cult -Don't Fear the Reaper

    In this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, Blue Öyster Cult's Bruce Dickinson (aka Buck Dharma) chats with host Peter Csathy about the band's iconic "Don't Fear the Reaper." Listen to his insight. Dharma takes listeners through the history of the band, what "Don't Fear the Reaper" was actually about, how a photo inspired Will Ferrell's classic 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch, and the lasting impact of the tune. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song as Season 3 continues on, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for the series. Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now. You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows. Blue Öyster Cult constantly touring, so learn about their latest tours and releases here. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    42 min
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Trailers

4.7
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

The Story Behind the Song finds host Peter Csathy digging into some of the most iconic songs of all time with the artists who made them. Others may scratch the surface, but we go deeper than anyone into the musician’s fascinating creative journey of how their most lasting songs came to be – and the moment that sparked their inspiration.

Information

  • Creator
    Consequence Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Consequence Podcast Network - 005006
  • Show Website
    The Story Behind The Song

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