Recorded Live On Stage At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy
During the early '90s, Simon Williams pioneered the renowned indie label Fierce Panda, which became synonymous with launching singles by iconic bands such as Coldplay, Supergrass, Death Cab For Cutie, Ash, Keane, The Maccabees, and numerous others. Serving as a cornerstone of London's independent music scene, Fierce Panda bridged the gap between the UK's vibrant musical underground and mainstream charts.
In one of four special episodes filmed at SXSW, we delve into the Britpop era of the '90s, addressing topics ranging from coping with suicide and mental health struggles to emphasising the importance of vocalising one's experiences.
We discuss:
- Childhood in Clapton
- Coping with the loss of your father at the tender age of 5
- Emergence of Britpop and Grunge movements
- Transitioning from NME to establishing your own record label, Fierce Panda
- Collaborating with renowned artists such as Coldplay, Keane, The Bluetones, and others
- Releasing the single that transformed Coldplay's trajectory
- Navigating mental health challenges during a difficult period in 2019
- Offering advice and support for individuals grappling with their mental health
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Finding a Way Out
(00:01:00) Unscripted Journeys of Inspirational Figures
(00:02:14) Simon Williams: The Journey
(00:03:22) Celebrating Life
(00:04:29) Uncovering a Childhood Trauma
(00:05:38) The Subconscious Impact of Personal Trauma
(00:06:42) The Birth of the Camden Town Scene
(00:07:45) Starting Out with Compilation EPs
(00:08:50) Bands on Major Labels and Cold Play's Journey
(00:09:54) Changing the Music Scene in 1999
(00:10:58) Reflecting on the Journey of Fierce Panda
(00:11:58) Mental struggles and the music industry
(00:13:05) A Personal Journey through Mental Health
(00:14:07) A Close Call and a Lifeline
(00:15:13) Seeking Help for Mental Health
(00:16:14) A Mission to Keep You Alive
(00:17:18) Writing as Therapy and Reflection
(00:18:17) Embracing Life and Overcoming Mental Challenges
(00:19:21) Celebrating 30 Years
(00:20:31) Ignoring the Advice of Others
(00:21:33) Challenges in the Music Industry
(00:22:32) The Power of Being Honest with Yourself
(00:23:37) Celebrating 30 Years of Fierce Panda
(00:24:44) A Boiling Pot: The Journey of an Artist
(00:26:07) Birthday Wishes from Friends and Fans
(00:27:33) Happy 30th Anniversary to Fierce Panda Records
(00:28:38) Not actually dead yet
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: info@weunify.co.uk This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Editor: Catherine Singh