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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tears for Fears ruled the pop charts for much of the 1980s with their unique mix of instantly catchy synth sounds, irresistible hooks, and confessional lyrics. Like everybody in music, the duo of singer/songwriter/guitarist Roland Orzabal and singer/bassist Curt Smith wanted to rule the world, and they certainly achieved that with a string of hits spanning several albums. It all began with their 1983 debut album, The Hurting. The LP's haunting breakthrough hit, "Mad World," was originally intended to just be a B-Side to lead single "Pale Shelter." It was the band's A&R exec David Bates who pushed for its release as a single, and the rest is history. The song took on a life of its own and still widely influences artists and delights new generations -- especially after it was completely reimagined by Gary Jules for the cult classic movie Donnie Darko. Tears for Fears' Roland Orzabal joins host Peter Csathy on The Story Behind the Song to discuss "Mad World," as well as Tears for Fears' new single "The Tipping Point," the title track on their newly announced album, which will be their first in 17 years.  Don't forget to like and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series. For more from our host, follow Peter on Twitter @pcsathy and check out his company CREATV Media. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this third episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy interviews Buckingham about the song “Tusk," diving into its inspiration, its meaning, its production, and its impact. In keeping with TSBTS’s mission, the guest musician also reveals the story behind one of their personal favorite tracks from their own catalog. In this case, Buckingham chose “On the Wrong Side,” his stand-out Fleetwood Mac-inspired track from his just-released self-titled solo album (his 7th and his first in ten years). Make sure you’re subscribed to The Story Behind the Song to catch each episode of the monthly series. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our podcasts. Theme music courtesy of Juan Pieczanski. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iconic UK new wave artist Gary Numan ushered in an entirely new form of electronic synth music with 1979's "Cars." While the sound would go on to define much of the next decade, the breakout smash came to Numan in mere minutes -- after nearly being attacked by thugs in his own vehicle. Yet Newman's artistic and personal journey has not been for the faint of heart, characterized by massive highs (his immediate superstardom with "Cars") and equally massive lows (struggles with not only recalibrating his music over server decades, but also his personal demons). In this second episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy interviews Gary Numan about all of this as the pair discuss the hypnotic classic "Cars." As always on TSBTS, the guest musician also reveals the story behind one of their personal favorite tracks from their own catalog; Numan chooses “The Gift,” a song off his most recent album, Intruder, which was released earlier this year to largely effusive reviews. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Story Behind the Song to catch each episode of the monthly series. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our podcasts. Theme music courtesy of Juan Pieczanski. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Story Behind the Song finds host Peter Csathy digging into some of the most iconic songs of all time with the artists who made them. Others may scratch the surface, but we go deeper than anyone into the musician’s fascinating creative journey of how their most lasting songs came to be – and the moment that sparked their inspiration. For episode 1, Peter sits with Men At Work frontman Colin Hay to discuss their seminal 80's hit, "Down Under." Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this epsiode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Lindsey Buckingham breaks down the Fleetwood Mac classic "Tusk." He dives into the song's inspiration, meaning, production, and impact.Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The B-52s, beloved for their danceable new wave tunes, quirky lyrics, and wild outfits brought everyone to the "Love Shack" with their 1989 album Cosmic Thing. The song's playful energy and endlessly quotable lyrics brought the band new levels of fame, going on to become one of dance music's most inescapable tracks.On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, The-B52s' Kate Pierson talks to host Peter Csathy about the inspiration for "Love Shack," including how it almost didn't make the album and the session tale behind led to the famous, "T-i-i-i-n roof! Rusted." Pierson also dives into the band's origins and how the loss of bandmate Ricky Wilson almost marked the end of the group.Get tickets to The B-52s' upcoming tour dates, including the latest shows as part of their Las Vegas "Love Shack" residency in April, here: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/0eQdG2wListen to The B-52s' Pierson explore "Love Shake" on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was lightening in a bottle. It propelled Nevermind to the top of several album charts at the start of 1992 and was an event that is often marked as the point when grunge entered the mainstream. To tell the tale behind the song, we speak to songwriter, super record producer, drummer and co-producer of the alternative rock band Garbage, Butch Vig. Vig recounts how he went from recording indie bands in Madison, Wisconsin, to a fateful recording session with Nirvana. Then, he tells how he was called back to recreate that magic for Nevermind and how he translated Nirvana’s epic live sound into an epic album and, of course, the monumental "Smells Like Teen Spirit."Listen to Butch Vig explore Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Their early work was a little new-wave for some, but when Sports came out in '83, the band had really came into their own, commercially and artistically. Hey, Paul, listen to Huey Lewis himself dive into the record, as well as standout "I Want a New Drug," on this episode of The Story Behind the Song!Featuring songs like"Heart and Soul," "The Heart of Rock & Roll," "I Want a New Drug," and "If This Is It," Sports spent a whopping 160 weeks on the charts. It's now sold over seven million copies in the United States alone, establishing itself as a commercial titan and a cultural signifier for the mid-1980s.Listen to Huey Lewis explore Sports, "I Want a New Drug," and more on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.The Huey Lewis and the News jukebox Broadway Musical, The Heart of Rock & Roll, begins previews on March 29th, and you can get tickets here. Also, make sure to check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop!You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Boys Don't Cry" is one of the defining songs of The Cure's career — and it never even charted in the US. But the new wave classic is an undeniable slice of pop-rock perfection, and perhaps the most ubiquitously enduring track in The Cure's catalog.On this classic episode of The Story Behind the Song, The Cure's Lol Tolhurst, who co-wrote "Boys Don't Cry" with Robert Smith and Michael Dempsey, join host Peter Csathy to share his first-hand insight into the iconic song. Tolhurst also talks about his book Goth, a History, and his album with Suzie and the Banshees' Budgie and multi-instrumentalist Jacknife Lee, Los Angeles.Listen to the full conversation with The Cure's Lol Tolhurst as he tells first-hand tales about "Boys Don't Cry." Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2:! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When it comes to truly timeless, ahead-its-time jams, few songs can hold a candle to the Violent Femmes’ "Blister in the Sun." The alt-rock, proto-folk-punk, now-ubiquitous tune still sounds so fresh that it's hard to believe it's over 40 years old. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, vocalist Gordon Gano explores the origins of the classic cut, revealing how it almost wasn't a Violent Femmes at all. He also clears up what the song is REALLY about.Listen to singer and songwriter Gordon Gano tell these "Blister in the Sun" stories, or on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Also, some exciting new to coincide with the launch fo The Story Behind the Song Season 2: We have merch! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now using the buy now buttons below!You can also follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media, and keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Legacy episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy as revisit an episode 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.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.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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & 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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy