Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes

In this November edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose voices and stories have shaped decades of British music.Clare Teal opens the episode celebrating 25 years of touring, reflecting on vulnerability, finding joy in the moment, and how her fifties have brought a new appreciation for her craft. She shares the remarkable story of singing with Sam Smith at the BBC Proms and discusses why being an introvert actually makes performing easier.Next, Horse McDonald talks about performing The Same Sky 35 years after its release - the album that introduced her powerful, authentic songcraft to the world. In a deeply moving conversation, she discusses music as a lifeline, singing to her mother before she passed away, and why her audiences have become family.Finally, Steve Knightley of Show of Hands reflects on his musical godfathers - Bob Dylan, Martin Carthy and Ted Hughes - and shares his songwriting philosophy: write what you know, love and see. He discusses the challenge of staying connected to your roots as an artist and opens up about life after Show of Hands.Clare Teal Five - Saturday 29 November, 8pmHorse McDonald: The Same Sky 35th Anniversary - Tuesday 26 November, 8pmSteve Knightley's Winter Yards Band - Tuesday 3 December, 8pm (SOLD OUT - join waiting list)www.stables.org

In this October edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose music and stories capture the heart of what live performance is all about.Grace Petrie opens the episode with her trademark mix of conviction, wit and compassion. She talks about the political threads running through her album Build Something Better, why empathy matters more than ever, and how her new show No Time to Panic balances protest, reflection and humour.Next, Mike Lindup, co-founder of Level 42, looks back on a lifetime in music - from the jazz-funk that defined a decade to the creative freedom of his solo albums Changes and Changes 2. He shares memories of his musical upbringing, the story behind Something About You, and his personal link to Stables founders John Dankworth and Cleo Laine.Finally, Julie Fowlis joins from her US tour to talk about the power of Gaelic song, the connection between language and landscape, and the joy of bringing Scottish tradition to new audiences around the world.

Turn Up The Volume! is back with a brand new season from The Stables in Milton Keynes. Nick welcomes singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot for a wide-ranging conversation about 25 years in music, the family and loss that have shaped her writing, and the inspiration behind her most recent album. She also shares the story of Madison, a song that arrived fully formed in a dream and has since become a powerful part of her live shows.We also meet poet Brian Bilston, the so-called “Banksy of poetry”, who talks about anonymity, humour and why his poems work just as well set to music as they do on the page. He reads a favourite piece and reflects on the journey from cult social-media presence to published author and performer with a band.And rounding off the episode, Duke Special reveals how curiosity has driven his career from songwriting to theatre and even collaborations with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. He talks about obsession, storytelling and the surprises audiences can expect when he returns to The Stables in November.As always, Turn Up The Volume shines a light on the artists and performances coming to The Stables. For tickets and full listings, visit stables.org

In possibly the post powerful episode yet of Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes, Eve Selis opens up about the personal trauma which led to the writing of her latest album "Dark Side Blue". She was faced with the kind of family tragedy which none of us could imagine ever having to face, let alone deal with and come back from. It's an absolutely compelling interview and really deserves your time.Equally touching is Peggy Seeger, as she embarks on her very final farewell tour, after 75 years of music and activism. She looks back on a musical life which has made such a difference to so many people, and looks ahead to her final gig at The Stables, with her two sons.And one of the loveliest people in music, Lee Mead, is coming to The Stables, with big songs and a great band. Which of the West End characters he has played would he most like to be? Listen to his interview to find out, as he talks about fame, talent and hard graft.To book tickets for these, and any other shows at The Stables, head off to www.stables.org

This lovely, sunny Spring episode’s all about stories, music, and the power of connecting - on stage and off.Joining Nick this time:🎤 David Eagle – One third of award-winning folk trio The Young’uns, David chats about how singing turned into stand-up, why folk music still matters, and how songs can tell powerful, personal stories. Honest, funny, and full of heart.🎶 Ashnaa - A local artist blending R&B, jazz, and Carnatic music, Ashna talks about growing up shy, finding her voice, and why singing in Tamil feels like home. Her music is full of emotion and authenticity - and it’s only the beginning.🎸 George Hinchliffe – Founder of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, George shares 40 years of uke-playing tales - from local pubs to the Royal Albert Hall. Expect dry humour, a bit of musical nerdery, and real love for the instrument.Coming up at The Stables:– The Young’uns – May 25– Ashna Sasekaran – June 7 (Stage 2)– Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – June 19Tickets: stables.org🎪 Also: Check out IF: Milton Keynes International Festival at ifmiltonkeynes.org

Welcome to another episode of Turn Up The Volume!—your backstage pass to the incredible artists gracing the stage at The Stables. This week, host Nick Coffer dives into the worlds of three exceptional musicians, each bringing their own magic to the stage.🎸 Toby Lee – From Viral Sensation to Guitar ProdigyHe went viral at age 10 in a tiger onesie, but make no mistake, Toby Lee is the real deal. Recently playlisted on BBC Radio 2, Toby shares the story of his rise from YouTube sensation to one of the most exciting guitarists on the scene. He talks about honing his craft, playing with legends like Joe Bonamassa and Brian May, and how he saw his first ever gigs at The Stables. This is a musician on the brink of something huge - catch him now before he’s filling arenas.Toby Lee at The Stables – Tuesday, June 3rd | Tickets: stables.org🎸 Martin Simpson – A Life in SongFolk legend and guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson joins us fresh from shoulder surgery - but not even that can slow him down. With his latest album Skydancers winning critical acclaim, he reflects on 50 years of music-making, the stories that shape his songwriting, and the joy of always learning something new. He also shares his deep love of nature, recounting how a chance encounter with an old ballad in Linlithgow inspired a future track. And, of course, we hear two stunning tracks from Skydancers, including the hauntingly beautiful New Harmony.Catch Martin at The Stables – Sunday, May 11th | Tickets: stables.org🎤 Liza Pulman – Born To ItSinger, actress, and all-round powerhouse Liza Pulman steps up to the mic, bringing warmth, wit, and some wonderful anecdotes. From growing up in a house filled with words and TV royalty (her father wrote I, Claudius, her mum was a consumate actress), to a career that’s spanned opera, musical theatre, and comedy, Liza’s journey is as rich as her voice. She talks about finding her own path, her deep love of language, and the chemistry that fuels her latest show Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells with Joe Stilgoe. Expect laughter, storytelling, and a glorious blend of voices.Liza & Joe Stilgoe at The Stables – Wednesday, May 21st | Tickets: stables.org📌 Don’t miss this episode full of music, stories, and brilliant conversation. And if you love what we do, please do spread the word. Follow us on social media and tell your friends—Turn Up The Volume! is for everyone who loves live music, great artists, and the magic of The Stables.

Welcome to February’s edition of Turn Up the Volume with Nick Coffer.This month, the wonderful Eddi Reader reflects on a whirlwind year - reuniting with Fairground Attraction, touring the world, and even starting a PhD. She opens up about her home city of Glasgow, reconnecting with old bandmates, rediscovering her passion for music, and what it means to be a working musician after 40 years in the industry.Author and broadcaster Charlie Connelly shares his fascination with the Shipping Forecast and how it inspired his best-selling book and new stage show, Attention All Shipping. He takes us on a journey through the poetic place names and the enduring magic of this iconic broadcast.Meanwhile, folk singer-songwriter Reg Meuross brings Woody Guthrie’s legacy to life in Fire and Dust, a powerful musical tribute commissioned by Pete Townshend. He explores Guthrie’s influence, his own creative process, and why these songs still matter today.Plus, Alison Young picks out some of the must-see shows coming up at The Stables.Upcoming Events at The Stables:Eddi Reader – April 10 & 11Charlie Connelly: Attention All Shipping – March 19Reg Meuross: Fire and Dust – The Woody Guthrie Story – March 23For tickets and more info, visit stables.org.

A bumper episode for you, full of wonderful, long-format interviews. Nick speaks to Graham Gouldman, one of the country's all-time great songwriters. Best known for his role in 10CC, he has also collaborated with, and written hit songs for, innumerable peers and contemporaries. He talks with such clarity and intelligence about his career, about songrwriting, about the influence of his family and his roots. It's a great listen.Joanna Eden is an accomplished and compelling jazz performer, and a long-time friend of The Stables. She was also Sam Smith's singing teacher for nearly 10 years. Hear her talk about working with them, her passion for jazz and her love of... Uruguay.Simon Nicol is one of British music’s great characters. Founding member of Fairport Convention, he has the best part of forty albums under his belt and still loves performing and playing live as much as in the early days in Muswell Hill. He also, always, tells a good story and he completes a great trio of guests on today's show.For more info and to book your tickets, go to https://stables.org/.A Boutique Broadcast production for The Stables

A really lovely episode to finish the year with. Nick catches up with the wonderful Seth Lakeman, who will be celebrating the release of his new album, The Granite Way, when he comes to The Stables on February 25th 2025. As ever, Seth is a warm and engaging story teller in this extended interview. You can also hear an exclusive preview of a track from his new album.The Cinelli Brothers are one of the best live blues bands on the circuit. Their music is both instantly recognisable and fresh at the same time. Thing 70s American rock with a very modern twist. Nick speaks to Alessandro, who is currently on tour in Europe.And finally, a truly gorgeous duo - The Breath. Their shimmering music speaks of love and heartbreak, of mythology and history. If you haven't. heard them before, you will love discovering them in this podcast.For more information, head to www.stables.org, or call the Box Office on 01908 280800.