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ACE OF BASE with Jens von Reis
48:37A new documentary of Ace of Base, directed by Jen von Reis has been released. Siblings Jonas, Jenny, and Linn Berggren, along with their friend Ulf Ekberg, took the world by storm in late 1992 with their record-breaking debut album Happy Nation (Later reissued as The Sign)Watch on YouTube here.https://youtu.be/zfsTAWzjyNk?si=ufF2V9jJYA5-zwHIIf you want to see an interview on YouTube with Ulf Ekberg of Ace of Base go here:https://youtu.be/TQKgJ5Q1Zls?si=6Vl0y509ghxDic5RWith success came immense pressure to continue delivering hits and sales similar to that of their groundbreaking debut. By 1996, the stress brought the Gothenburg natives close to breaking point. At the height of their fame, a crazed fame broke into the Berrgren home and held a knife to Jenny's throat. Ulf's flirtation as a teenager with the far-right came out, which he has consistently apologised for. And Linn, who suffered from the fallout with the crazed fan, took a back seat, eventually officially leaving the band in 2005.By 2010, Jenny Berggren set her sights on a solo career with Jonas and Ulf deciding to recruit two new female vocalists and continue as Ace of Base. This led to a rift between Jenny and her former bandmates. Beginning in 2011, Jonas Berggren, through the group's official Facebook account, and the website ReverbNation, began releasing previously unreleased material on a semi-regular basis; this was referred to as "Ace Thursdays".The story of Ace of Base is surprising and sometimes shocking.
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The Story of ABBAMANIA - THE SHOW
34:48Continuing the ABBA themed shows as we approach Eurovision, this is the story of ABBAMANIA -THE SHOW, an electrifying tribute to the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA that dazzles audiences with its energetic performances and faithful renditions of ABBA's greatest hits.If you want to see this on YouTube - go here:The story of how ABBA won EUROVISION 50 years ago; Carl Magnus Palmhttps://youtu.be/P6qeCPFBjMsThe next one in the ABBA series is Björn Again. You can see that here:https://youtu.be/cnlDDpGZaAk?si=MEbkm6cxn5Pz-X69This interview with Hauke Wendt, the Musical Director of the show, we talk about what goes into creating a show that transports fans back to the golden era of disco, capturing the essence of ABBA's music and spirit. From the irresistible grooves of "Waterloo" to the anthemic choruses of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)," "Abbamania: The Show" delivers an immersive experience that leaves audiences dancing in the aisles and singing along with every chorus. Whether you're a lifelong ABBA aficionado or discovering their music for the first time, "Abbamania: The Show" is an unforgettable evening of pure entertainment and nostalgia.
BJÖRN AGAIN
47:59An amazing interview that highlights the importance of the cover band. Their role in helping ABBA'S revival. How they played for the Queen, and even more bizarrely, for Putin, and how they became one of the most successful tribute acts in the world.Please share and like this interview!https://youtu.be/cnlDDpGZaAk?si=MEbkm6cxn5Pz-X69This is the second part in a series of interviews celebrating ABBA's 50th anniversary of winning Eurovision.1. The story of how ABBA won EUROVISION; Carl Magnus Palmhttps://youtu.be/P6qeCPFBjMsRod Stephen, the mastermind behind the internationally acclaimed tribute band Björn Again, has become synonymous with bringing the magic of ABBA's music to audiences around the globe. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep admiration for the iconic Swedish pop group, Stephen has crafted an unforgettable musical experience that pays homage to ABBA's legendary sound. Founded in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia, Björn Again quickly gained popularity for their faithful renditions of ABBA's greatest hits, captivating fans with their infectious energy and authentic performances.
Ralf Hildenbeutel
01:02:00Ralf Hildenbeutel, electronic music maestro and sonic architect, lauded for his work in the 90s with Sven Väth, has carved out a successful career in film music, including his highly acclaimed soundtrack to the new Netflix series SUPERSEX. The latest podcast covers his whole life, including his masterful work with Sven Väth, his work with other renowned artists to scoring for films and documentaries, and of course this latest soundtrack. You'll get a clear idea of how his background has fed into his work, and why he continues to push boundariesIf you want to watch it on YouTube please go here:Producer/Musician RALF HILDENBEUTEL; Sven Väth's Electro MAESTRO, Netflix SUPERSEX Composerhttps://youtu.be/71NARYFh4acAnd please SUBSCRIBE
How ABBA won EUROVISION
37:08NOTE - Photo Ola Lager (Premium Rockshot)It's 50 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, and leading up to this year's event, I'm running a series of interviews around the theme.First up is ABBA authority Carl Magnus Palm telling how ABBA won Eurovision - what led up to the competition, the genesis of the song Waterloo and what came afterwards. To share use this link:Carl Magnus Palm has released a new book - ABBA on Record. It’s available now!To order the book:http://www.abbaonrecord.com/Watch out every Tuesday for another interview in this series!
Bill Sharpe - Shakatak
55:14Bill Sharpe, British keyboardist and composer, was a founding member of the jazz-funk group Shakatak. Born in 1952, Sharpe developed a love of the piano at an early age, studied music at University, and after a period of being in a band with Trevor Horn, formed Shakatak with Nigel Wright, Roger Odell and Keith Winter. With vocals from Jill Saward, who later became an official member of the band, they quickly rose to fame in the early 1980s with a unique blend of jazz, funk, and pop. "Night Birds" and "Down on the Street," amongst their successes in that era, both in Britain and in the States. Watch on YouTube.https://youtu.be/qryJJSGqwo0?si=YOTKSB_fs77JAVpmBill's success continues today, alongside touring as Shakatak, he's just released an album with the Imagination frontman Leee John. INTIMATE GLOW is full of smooth jazz sounds from both these legends, and the first single release “Take Me Back” features the phenomenal Mark King from Level 42 on bass, and also MEZZOFORTE’s Friðrik Karlsson.
Hollywood Screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos
43:02Evan Spiliotopoulos, reveals the ups and downs on the way to become a Hollywood Screenwriter.Best known for Beauty and the Beast which starred Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Luke Evans, Spiliotopoulos was born in Greece, left as a teenager to go to the University of Delaware to study film theory, followed by a Masters Degree in Screenwriting at the American University.His career has spanned over 20 years, but before his break came with Disney, where he wrote several animation projects, he spent many years in Los Angeles honing his craft and getting continually rejected.10 years ago, Spiliotopoulos was hired to rewrite Hercules, the Brett Ratner produced film, then later The Huntsman; Winter’s War along with Craig Mazin (who later wrote Chernobyl), and which starred Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron. His career reached new heights and led to Beauty and the Beast.In 2021, Evan released his horror movie, The Unholy, which he wrote, produced and directed, and more recently has worked with Russell Crowe on The Pope’s Exorcist.