It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.

In this conversation, Nick Banks from Pulp discusses the creation and impact of their iconic album 'Different Class' - released 30 years ago in 1995. Featuring 'Common People', we discuss the recording process, and the band's rise to fame during the Britpop era. Nick shares insights into the production choices, the significance of their Glastonbury performance, and the subsequent media attention and controversies surrounding the band. In this conversation, Simon Cardwell reflects on the journey of the band Pulp, highlighting the unsung heroes behind their success, the creative process, memorable concert experiences, and the impact of awards like the Mercury Prize and Brit Awards. Nick shares anecdotes about the band's rise to fame, the challenges they faced, and their ongoing legacy.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social

X: @simonmusicmaps

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Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell

Keywords: Pulp, Common People, Britpop, Glastonbury, Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, music production, 1990s, album release, British music, Different Class, music history, Brit Awards, Mercury Prize, concert experiences, behind the scenes, music industry

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Music Maps, Johnny Hopkins, former head of press and publicist for Oasis at Creation Records, shares his journey into the music industry, his early obsession with music, and the pivotal moments that led to Oasis's rise.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.

From his beginnings in Hull to his eventual role at Creation, Johnny recounts the excitement of discovering Oasis and the whirlwind of events that followed their signing. He reflects on the band's unique personality, their impact on the music scene, and the challenges faced during their early days.

This conversation delves into the early days of Oasis, exploring their rise from obscurity to fame, the challenges faced during the recording of their debut album 'Definitely Maybe', and the pivotal moments that shaped their career. Key themes include the importance of live performance energy, the strategic decisions made in promoting the band, and the role of media in crafting their image. The discussion also highlights memorable anecdotes from their journey, including a legendary trip to Amsterdam and the impact of their first single 'Supersonic'.

This conversation delves into the evolution of Oasis, exploring their connection to acid house music, the influence of the dance music scene, and the challenges of navigating the music press and tabloid culture. It highlights the band's unprecedented success with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and the cultural shift they represented in the music landscape, particularly in relation to football culture and the American market. In this conversation, Johnny Hopkins reflects on the journey of Oasis, detailing their experiences in America, the challenges they faced, and the dynamics within the band.

He discusses Noel Gallagher's prolific songwriting during a pivotal period, the rivalry with Blur, and the significance of headlining major venues. The conversation concludes with recommendations for music and reflections on the band's legacy.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On May 31st 1993 Alan McGee walked into King Tut's War War Hut in Glasgow & stumbled upon Oasis - immediately after the gig he rang Creation Records Press Officer Johnny Hopkins to enthuse about his new discovery - the calls were repeated every hour throughout the night. Johnny joins us this week for the first part of our conversation about the beginnings of Oasis & the making of their debut album Definitely Maybe.

It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps

It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it.

The day after King Tut's, Alan McGee arrives back at Creation HQ in Hackney with the famous Union Jack demo tape - Bring It On Down being the first track Johnny & the Creation staff heard.

Within a week Liam, Noel & Bonehead come into Creation & are sharp & funny - impressing everyone. Shortly after they sign with Creation in the UK & Sony worldwide.

The first thing many people hear is the Columbia white label 12" which appears towards the end of 1993 & is instantly played on Radio 1.

Also in late 1993 Oasis decamp to Monnow Valley Studios with original producer Dave Batchelor, however the results are deemed unsatisfactory & Noel Gallagher & Mark Coyle take over production duties for further sessions at Sawmills Studios, but again the recordings fail to capture the sound everyone is hearing at Oasis gigs.

Owen Morris has a go at mixing the record & nails it - producing the sound you hear on the finished album.

The first London gig takes place at the Water Rats in Kings Cross in January of 1994 & features the first known performance of debut single Supersonic, which comes out on April 11th.

This landmark gig is followed by a legendary trip to Amsterdam which is where we end Part 1 of our Definitely Maybe 30th Anniversary episode - part 2 will follow next week.

You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/

Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17

Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social

X: @simonmusicmaps

Facebook: E17rockbookclub

Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell

Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell

Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.