I Never Thought It Would Happen

In this episode, Chris invites singer-songwriter Tom Odell to discuss the highs and the lows of the fine art of songwriting. The pair also discuss their shared history which goes back to Tom's time as a music student in Brighton. The conversation also takes in the brilliance of Elton John, how it's hard to practice piano quietly and the dark side of Los Angeles.

Joining Chris in this episode is the world's foremost solo percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie. Topics covered in the conversation include her idyllic childhood in the spacious rural countryside of Aberdeenshire followed by the move to noisy, crowded London to study at the Royal Academy Of Music. The duo also touch upon the difficulties of touring the world with a selection of her 2000+ percussion instruments, the glass harp and Evelyn's admiration for Ed Sheeran.

In this episode of Chris' podcast, he's joined by the composer, multi-instrumentalist and multi-award winning Nitin Sawhney. Raised in Kent in a musical family, the young Nitin would pore over his dad's eclectic record collection and try his hand at any instruments that took his fancy. Later he would study law and dabble with comedy and accountancy, before deciding to follow his true calling - music. And given he's since worked with Paul McCartney, Sinead O'Connor, Jeff Beck, Brian Eno and Ellie Goulding, it's proven to have been a smart choice. Nitin has also composed for TV, gaming and theatre, as well as forging a much acclaimed solo career.

"I don't know who the man is that lives inside my body... but I'm so glad he turns up." - Thom Rylance.
Chatting with Chris in this episode is Thom Rylance of The Lottery Winners. The indie-pop 4 piece from Greater Manchester took their cues from bands like The Smiths and Orange Juice as well as the Britpop scene and have quickly risen to the top. Such is their wide-ranging appeal they've collaborated and toured with acts as diverse as Tom Jones, Sean Ryder, Boy George, Paul Weller and Sir Stephen Fry. And they've also just landed their second consecutive UK number 1 album with 'Koko'.
Topics in this engaging conversation include the influence of stadium-smashing frontmen like Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams, the importance of Manchester Apollo and how teachers can change lives. Plus there's a great story about Johnny Marr.
Find out more about The Lottery Winners' new album and tour here: https://www.thelotterywinners.co.uk/
Discover more about the amazing work of Help Musicians here:
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
'I Never Thought It Would Happen' is produced by Ian Callaghan and Ben Jones for Gimme Sugar Productions.
www.gimmesugar.co.uk