‘Wide-ranging and insightful’ - Guardian (pick of the week, January 2024)
A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised, written, or just enjoyed music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans?
With an enormous variety of guests ranging from well-known musicians, producers and industry figures through to those for whom music is central but who rarely have a voice, this show is unapologetically broad in scope.
In 'entertaining noises', Steve has musicians explain and demonstrate their instrument, giving fresh perspective on everything from the piano to modular synthesizers, via lesser-known folk instruments from around the world.
And in the flagship 'genre tombola' section, Steve is assigned a randomly-chosen genre from the list of 1334 music genres on Wikipedia, which he then goes away and researches, often talking to an expert in that music, before frequently attempting to make some music in that style... Whether he succeeds or not, there's lots of fascinating stuff to learn along the way!
As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in new ways.
http://www.originofthepieces.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Wide-ranging and insightful’ - Guardian (pick of the week, January 2024)
A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised, written, or just enjoyed music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans?
With an enormous variety of guests ranging from well-known musicians, producers and industry figures through to those for whom music is central but who rarely have a voice, this show is unapologetically broad in scope.
In 'entertaining noises', Steve has musicians explain and demonstrate their instrument, giving fresh perspective on everything from the piano to modular synthesizers, via lesser-known folk instruments from around the world.
And in the flagship 'genre tombola' section, Steve is assigned a randomly-chosen genre from the list of 1334 music genres on Wikipedia, which he then goes away and researches, often talking to an expert in that music, before frequently attempting to make some music in that style... Whether he succeeds or not, there's lots of fascinating stuff to learn along the way!
As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in new ways.
http://www.originofthepieces.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces
📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com
Welcome back to your favourite podcast for musically curious ears! This week, I’m talking to the brilliant Jeremy Deller, Turner Prize-winning artist and creator of the now-legendary Acid Brass project — a bold collision of working-class brass band tradition and squelchy late-80s acid house.
Join us as we trace the unexpected cultural connections between miners’ strikes, 303s, and knitting in the front row…
00:00 – Welcome and new format intro
Steve explains the new single-topic format and introduces today’s guest, Jeremy Deller.
02:00 – The story of Acid Brass
From a Turner Prize idea to a 30-year legacy: how Jeremy connected acid house and brass bands.
05:00 – Why it inspired Hackney Colliery Band
Steve reflects on how Acid Brass shaped his own journey.
07:00 – Interview Pt. 1: Backstage at rehearsal
Jeremy and Steve discuss working-class music, the politics of sound, and whether acid house is “folk.”
14:00 – What’s a 303, anyway?
Steve demos the iconic Roland TB-303 and compares it to traditional brass.
17:00 – Interview Pt. 2: Deeper dive
Jeremy reflects on his artistic intentions, early audience reactions, and the cultural fallout.
29:00 – The knitting incident
Yes, really. Knitting, brass bands and acid house. Who'd have thought?
32:00 – Musical roles and expectations
Steve discusses how Acid Brass plays with what music is for.
33:00 – The Big Question: What’s the point of music?
Jeremy shares his thoughts on connection, spirit, and why most artists are just frustrated musicians.
36:00 – Outro and rehearsal teaser
Steve wraps up and previews an exclusive clip from the Acid Brass rehearsal at EartH Hackney.
Catch Acid Brass live at EartH Hackney on 13th June 2025, followed by a late-night party with acid house pioneer A Guy Called Gerald. Limited tickets available!
🎥 Video extras & behind-the-scenes at: Patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.