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BBC Radio 2 announces celebration of songwriters and songwriting
By Chris Cooke | Published on Monday 15 November 2021
BBC Radio 2 has announced a series of programmes “exploring the art and craft of the world’s songwriters” under the banner ‘BBC Radio 2 Celebrates Songwriting’. It all kicks of this weekend with ‘Adele At The BBC’, in which the musician will mark the release of her new album ’30’ by looking back at her history with the BBC station.
Other artists and songwriters who will appear across the series – that will air on Radio 2 itself and within the BBC Sounds app – include Ed Sheeran, Cerys Matthews, Gary Barlow, Emeli Sandé, John Legend and Craig David.
Sheeran will present a programme looking at the songwriters of Nashville, while Cerys Matthews will talk to other music-makers about the first and most recent songs they wrote. The series will also put the spotlight back on Barlow’s existing ‘We Write The Songs’ podcast, in which he chats to a whole bunch of super successful songwriters.
Want some quotes from Sheeran, Matthews and Barlow? Oh, go on then. Given you asked so nicely.
Sheeran: “As part of ‘Radio 2 Celebrates Songwriting’, I’m happy to introduce this special programme on the music of Nashville. It’s the best song town on the planet and I’ve spent a lot of time there myself, with friends like Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Eldredge. I hope it’ll give you an idea of exactly what it takes to be a successful songwriter in Nashville”.
Matthews: “I can’t wait to explore the journeys our songwriting guests have been on – from their first ever song, right up to their last. Join me as I discover the twists and turns, the highs and lows, and lessons learnt along the way”.
Barlow: “I thoroughly enjoyed hearing these fantastic musicians share insights into their songwriting processes and how they crafted some of the biggest songs ever. As a songwriter, you’re constantly looking for inspiration and who better to hear from than the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Sam Smith, Max Martin, Paloma Faith and more. I hope people enjoy listening to this series on BBC Sounds”.
Meanwhile, Radio 2 chief Helen Thomas says: “Fabulous music is played on Radio 2 from start to finish every day, so ‘Radio 2 Celebrates Songwriting’ is our way to pay tribute to the incredible talents and skills of those who start with an empty sheet of paper – the people who help make our station sound so brilliant, superb songwriters from the UK and across the world!”
