We are kicking off Empathy For The Devil Season 2 with perhaps our most requested artist - Amy Winehouse. A once-in-a-generation talent, Amy burst onto the scene in the mid-2000’s with an inimitable soulful voice and deeply emotive lyrics. She shone brightly then flamed out right in front of our eyes, receiving an appalling lack of empathy as she became consumed by her addictions.
Her story is a tragic tale of a would-be jazz club singer who found herself thrust into the machine industry, coming of age under the weight of fame and in the unforgiving public eye.
Matt Thomas - Creative Lead and Co-Founder of Attune - guides us through the first episode of the season, and examines the harsh criticism and cruel mockery (often laced with thinly veiled misogyny) which Amy endured right when she needed help the most. Taking a kind and compassionate approach, he unpacks the modern tragedy of a unique talent taken far too soon, remembering just how fortunate we were to hear that extraordinary voice.
This week’s ‘One For The Road’ is the podcast ‘A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs’, written and presented by Andrew Hickey. It’s a brilliantly researched, eye-opening look at the history of rock from the swing era to the end of the millennium. Find it on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Content Warnings: substance use, addiction, alcoholism, alcohol poisoning, depression, eating disorders, bulimia.
IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast
Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries.
You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/
Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune
and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/
Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard
Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB
This is a Message Heard Production.
Producer and Editor - Emma Werner
Senior Producer - Harry Stott
Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari
Videographer - Ethan Judd
Audio and Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews
Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean
Filmed at ID Studios
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Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records.
Check out their podcast ‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’, a deep dive into the legendary label behind some of the most iconic hits of the last 50 years, featuring illuminating interviews with artists such as Bananarama, Allsaints and many more.