Advertise on podcast: The Story Behind The Song

The Story Behind the Song is getting better all the time, so we're thrilled to be launching Season 2 with Modern English's post-punk dance classic "I Melt with You." The 1982 track launched the band to international success, became a frequently covered favorite, and featured in dozens of movies and TV shows. On this episode of TSBTS, Modern English singer and songwriter Robbie Grey joins host Peter Csathy to discuss the surprisingly apocalyptic origins of the song and how it set the stage for Modern English's enduring career -- right up to their new album, 1 2 3 4. He also discuss why it was so important to release that record's single, "Not My Leader," now. Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. We'll be dropping an archival episode next week, with another brand new episode arriving on Monday, March 11th (listen to this episode to see what song we'll be featuring!). Get tickets to Modern English's upcoming tour dates -- including the Totally Tubular Festival tour with the likes of Men Without Hats, Bow Wow Wow, Thomas Dolby, and more -- here. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Story Behind the Song is back with a new format for Season 2 beginning Monday, February 26th! We're switching to a weekly format, where brand new episodes will alternate with classic ones from the SBTS vault. So get ready for fresh interviews with The Killers, Heart, The B52s, Violent Femmes, Jewel, Huey Lewis, and Modern English as they reveal the real-life stories behind their most iconic hits! Make sure to subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts so you can catch all of Season 2. While you're at it, show us how much you love the show by rating and reviewing on Apple Podcasts. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Don McLean earned the title of America's Troubadour with his iconic 1971 hit song "American Pie." This eight-and-a-half-minute folk rock track is considered a cultural touchstone in the annals of Americana, tracking the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation through oft-debated reference-rich lyrics about "the day the music died." On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, McLean joins host Peter Csathy to talk about how it took 10 years to write "American Pie," the song's legacy, and more. Then make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. Also, check out Don McLean's holiday album Christmas Memories (Remixed and Remastered) here. This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Story Behind the Song. If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Story Behind the Song grow! You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" is a classic post-punk song about a lost love and the protagonist's inability to move on. An English rock band formed in 1978 in Crawley, West Sussex, by Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey and then drummer Lol Tolhurst. While Robert Smith has remained the only constant member, Tolhurst and Smith met as children before later founding the band together.  On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Tolhurst joins host Peter Csathy about his time in the group, writing "Boys Don't Cry,” his new book, Goth, a History, and his new album, “Los Angeles”, recorded with Budgie of Suzie and the Banshees, and producer, multi-instrumentalist, Garrett Jackknife Lee. Check out the new album here and learn more about Lol Tolhurst here.  This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Story Behind the Song. If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Story Behind the Song grow! Listen to the full conversation with Lol Tolhurst and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the most renowned American indie rock bands, The Shins have carved a lasting legacy with their distinctive blend of folk, pop, and indie rock. Formed in 1996 by frontman James Mercer, a chance inclusion of “New Slang” in the indie movie classic Garden State helped to take their indie buzz mainstream just as their breakout sophomore album, Chutes Too Narrow, propelled them to indie stardom. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Peter Csathy speaks with The Shins’ James Mercer just after the passing of former The Shins’ bassist Neal Langford to discuss how Neal helped push him to perform, the conception of “New Slang” and also the more recent “Phantom Limb.” Listen to the full conversation with The Shins James Mercer and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Air Supply, the Australian soft rock duo has been melting hearts and serenading souls since 1975. In 1979, they created a succession of hits worldwide, including eight top-five hits on the US Billboard Hot 100: "Lost in Love”, "All Out of Love", "Every Woman in the World", "The One That You Love", "Here I Am", "Sweet Dreams", "Even the Nights Are Better”, and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All”. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Air Supply's own Graham Russell joins host Peter Csathy to talk about perhaps the most endearing song in that string of smashes: "All Out of Love." Russell discusses how how “All Out of Love” came together, and how Clive Davis' input made the song an international success. He also talks about how he met Russell Hitchcock in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, how they became more famous, and their impact on popular culture. Air Supply are in the midst of celebrating their 45th anniversary on "The Lost in Love Experience" tour; get tickets to their upcoming dates here. Listen to the full conversation with Air Supply’s Graham Russell "I'm All Outta Love" and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Run-DMC (Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay," Mizell) was more than just a hip-hop group. They were a force of nature that transformed music, fashion, and history. Their deceptively simple, endlessly catchy lyrics and energetic live performances made them stars, and their use of rock and roll samples helped to break down the barriers between the two genres. In this special bonus Hip-Hop 50 episode of The Story Behind the Song, Peter Csathy talks to McDaniels himself about the group's history, their impact on popular culture, what it means to be a hip-hop legend. Of course, they also go into the story behind what is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, "It's Tricky." Also, the two discuss Darryl's upcoming appearance at the Park City Song Summit where Darryl will be on a panel with Public Enemy’s Chuck D to discuss hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. This episode is co-presented by the Park City Song Summit. You don’t want to miss out on this powerful, important music and wellness experience, so enter to win one of two sets of VIP Park City Song Summit tickets here, or get 20% all of PCSS' ticketed events by using the code SUMMIT here. Listen to the full conversation with Run-DMC's Darryl "DMC" McDaniels about “It's Tricky," Park City Song Summit, and more in this episode. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s, Culture Club was the original new wave boyband. They fused new wave, pop, and reggae to create a unique sound that was both catchy and stylish. The Story Behind the Song's Peter Csathy returns to talk to the ever-flamboyant and wise Boy George to discuss "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me." The two discuss the song's mix of love, loss, and social commentary, and how it resonated with audiences around the world. Additionally, as Boy George and Culture Club continue to tour and perform, how the song has grown from its origins to be something more powerful and healing in Boy George's life. Listen to the full conversation with Culture Club's Boy George about “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on X/Twitter @pcsathy and Deep Cuts Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Story Behind the Song's Peter Csathy is back to talk to legendary The Police drummer Stewart Copeland to talk about "Roxanne." Definitely known as "The Police Song," "Roxanne" is a song that changed the fortunes of the English rock band The Police. The song was written by lead singer and bassist Sting for their debut album Outlandos d'Amour, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. But it would not have found its rhythmic magic if Stewart Copeland hadn't reenvisioned the song's bossa nova and turned it into a reggae-rock anthem. Stewart Copeland also discusses his two recent grammies from DIVINE TIDES with Ricky Kej and the release of The Police's Police Deranged for Orchestra album, which learn more about here. Listen to the full conversation with The Police's Stewart Copeland about “Roxanne" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason to discuss “Time” from the epic The Dark Side of the Moon.  In the interview, Nick Mason reflects on the band's origins, the tragic story of founding member Syd Barrett's last contribution to Pink Floyd before exiting the band, The Beatles' influence on the band, and Nick Mason’s new band A Saucer Full of Secrets.  Listen to the full conversation with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason about “Time" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with Def Leppard's Joe Elliot to discuss the unlikely story of how "Pour Some Sugar on Me" became the last entry into Def Leppard's second album Hysteria. In his interview, Joe Elliott humbly reflects on the group's success and so much more: how he came up with the group's name, why they changed the spelling, Def Leppard's connection to Def Jam, how Mutt Lang refused to work on the album and then changed his mind, how the writing of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" began while Joe Elliot was playing around during a tea break, producer Mutt Lang immediately forced the entire group to add the song to the album, and how American strippers took the song from being a flop into a national sensation one dance at a time.  Be sure to check out Drastic Symphonies Def Leppard's collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which is out May 19th - order here - and features original Leppard audio combined with new vocals and guitars to create epic symphonic arrangements as well as Def Leppard's new book which comes out June 13th you can pre-order here. Listen to the full Def Leppard's Joe Elliot conversation about "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with UK-based singer-songwriter Howard Jones to discuss how he broke all the rules when he arrived as a one-man band and topped the charts with "New Song," a song he wrote to be his debut and artist manifesto to the world. Literally singing, "I don't wanna be hip and cool. I don't wanna play by the rules," Jones was literally ahead of his time as Jones' use of drum machines and synthesizers ruffled so many feathers that the musicians union tried to ban him. In his interview, Howard Jones recounts being influenced by David Bowie, that epic Live Aid concert in 1985, his thoughts about AI and songwriting, and his 40th-anniversary tour, which kicks off later this year. Listen to Howard Jones' full conversation about "New Song" and more in this episode, and watch some of the interview highlights on YouTube. Then, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to TSBTS wherever you get podcasts for updates on all our new episodes. You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy