Mike Batt shares his fascinating journey from writing Wombles hits to collaborating with Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues on their new orchestral cover of "Like in a Northern Town." His career spans decades of evolution as a songwriter, producer, composer, and arranger working with everyone from Art Garfunkel to the London Philharmonic Orchestra.• Collaborated with Justin Haywood on a new recording using the London Philharmonic Orchestra• First gained fame writing songs for The Wombles television show after negotiating for character rights instead of a one-time payment• Wrote Art Garfunkel's hit "Bright Eyes" and has worked with numerous other artists• Balances classical orchestral influences with contemporary music in his compositions• Currently working on a symphonic project he calls "Symphony No. 9"• Released his memoir titled "The Closest Thing to Crazy" about his music career and adventuresVisit mikebatt.com for more information about Mike's projects and to purchase signed copies of his memoir.
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25:54
Rufus Wainwright Shares His Musical Path and Family Legacy
Rufus Wainwright, acclaimed by The New York Times for his genuine originality, shares updates on his diverse musical projects and reflects on his artistic journey spanning pop, classical, and collaborative work.• Currently promoting "Dream Requiem" featuring narrators including Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda• Preparing his second opera "Hadrian" for Italy's Spoleto Festival in June• Scheduled to perform for King Charles of England• Working on his 11th studio album, planning to begin recording this fall• Reflects on how studio recording has evolved from lavish early days at DreamWorks to today's more focused approach• Credits his mother Kate McGarrigle as "the greatest musician I ever met" and major influence• Discusses his Carnegie Hall performances, including shows with David Bowie and Philip Glass• Notes his audience appreciates his technical vocal abilities and dedication to performance craft• Shares bucket list items including a French-language album and more musical theater work• Recently renewed his passion for visual art, with drawings exhibited at the Royal Drawing Academy• Emphasizes the importance of balancing touring with family life and being present as a father
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25:29
Peter Samuelson: Finding Happy: Every act of empathy creates waves that never end
Peter Samuelson shares how his transition from successful film producer to nonprofit founder has led to his greatest happiness and inspired his new book "Finding Happy."• Produced iconic films like "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Wild"• Co-founded Starlight with Steven Spielberg to help seriously ill children• Created First Star to propel foster youth to college success• Started EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof) providing mobile shelters for homeless individuals• New book "Finding Happy" combines life lessons with film industry anecdotes• Identifies three levels of happiness: short-term (immediate pleasure), medium-term (security), and long-term (helping others)• Believes creating "ripples on the pond" by helping others leads to lasting fulfillment• Teaches Random Acts of Kindness classes where foster youth get to donate money to causes they care about• Emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing societal divides• Advocates for embracing failure as a necessary part of success• Notes the powerful connection between foster youth and music due to its portability"Finding Happy" releases June 10th through Simon & Schuster and will be available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and e-book formats.
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35:35
The Evolution of Cimarron 615: From Poco to Nashville's Harmony Masters
Michael Webb of Cimarron 615 shares the band's origin story and their deep connections to legendary country rock band Poco. The Nashville-based quartet brings harmony-driven California country rock to life with their unique blend of musical expertise and collaborative spirit.• Band name combines "Cimarron" from Rusty Young's classic Poco song with "615," Nashville's area code• Members Michael Webb, Jack Sundred, Rick Lono, and Ronnie Guilbeau connected through Poco and the Flying Burrito Brothers• Their musical style emphasizes rich vocal harmonies inspired by bands like Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Eagles• Recently released their second single "The Truth," co-written by Jack Sundred and Nashville songwriter Kent Agee• Album release show scheduled for February 28th at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville• East Coast tour beginning in March with shows in Virginia, New York, Philadelphia, Louisville, and Cincinnati• The band prioritizes connecting with fans through live performances over extensive social media presenceCome see Cimarron 615 on their upcoming East Coast tour starting this March. Visit cimarron615.com for all show dates and information.
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24:35
Billy Corgan's Evolution: Smashing Pumpkins journey
Billy Corgan, frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, shares his journey from rock star to wrestling promoter while reflecting on music industry transformations. Through conversations about his current projects and upcoming tours, Corgan reveals how he's maintained creative control and relevance over a four-decade career spanning 600+ songs.• Working on Melancholy 30th anniversary recordings and preparing for special shows at Chicago's Lyric Opera• Planning multiple tours including solo shows under "Machines of God" and Smashing Pumpkins European tour• Navigating the shift from record label control to artist-driven business models• Witnessing younger audiences discover the band through streaming services and social media• Owning the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the oldest professional wrestling organization in the world• Balancing music career with family life, including raising three children under 10• Reflecting on how work ethic and songwriting set Smashing Pumpkins apart from their contemporaries• Sharing the crucial advice from his father: "Write your own songs"
Tony Mantor talks with entertainment industry people in the U.S. and internationally that have made a mark for themselves.Conversations with those behind the scenes people that help them achieve their success along with up and coming entertainers as well.Stories that give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry.Whether listening for entertainment or for tips on how others faced their challenges this has something for everyone.
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