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American singer, songwriter and pianist Ben Folds discusses his musical milestones with Matt Everitt in a programme first broadcast in 2013.

American singer, songwriter and pianist Ben Folds discusses his musical milestones with Matt Everitt in a programme first broadcast in 2013.

Ben Folds has always been an unlikely alternative rock hero. His studious, slightly bookish image was certainly at odd with the other bands around when he formed his piano bass and drums trio Ben Folds Five in 1993. More to the point. there weren't really many indie piano bass and drums trios around at that time. And if there were, they didn't rock as hard as Ben Folds Five.

From the off the band was always different, but that's what made them great. They married the piano dynamics and melodies of early Elton John and Randy Newman, with smart lyrics that focused on American life and Ben's personal history. And their musicianship was simply staggering.

Ben talks about his musical heroes, the early days of Ben Folds Five and how he managed to carve a niche for the band, which found fame with their hit song Brick. He also discusses his work with author Nick Hornby, putting his past behind him to reform Ben Folds Five in 2011 and what it's like recording an album with William 'Captain Kirk' Shatner!

1 hour

Last on

Thu 14 May 2020 01:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music

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Music Played

  • Ben Folds

    Rockin' The Suburbs

    • Epic.

  • Peter, Paul and Mary

    Puff The Magic Dragon

    • Peter Paul & Mary - Moving.
    • Warner Bros.

  • Rick Dees & His Cast Of Idiots

    Disco Duck

    • Hits Of The 60s, 70s & 80s (Various).
    • Kenwest.

  • Peter Frampton

    Show Me The Way

    • And The Road Goes On Forever Vol 1.
    • Debutante.

  • Dr. Hook

    Cover Of Rolling Stone

    • Completely Hooked.
    • Capitol.

  • Talking Heads

    Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town

    • Rhino.

  • Elton John

    Burn Down The Mission

  • Herbie Hancock

    Maiden Voyage

    • Evangeline Recorded Works.

  • Ben Folds Five

    Underground

  • Ben Folds Five

    Brick

    • Epic.

  • William Shatner

    Common People

    • Omnibus.

  • The Cure

    Charlotte Sometimes

    • Staring At The Sea: The Singles.
    • Fiction.

  • India.Arie

    Video

    • Motown.

  • The Divine Comedy

    Bang Goes The Knighthood

    • Sony.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 27 Oct 2013 12:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music
  • Sun 3 Nov 2013 02:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music
  • Fri 12 Jan 2018 01:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music
  • Thu 14 May 2020 01:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music

The first record I ever bought… by Noel Gallagher, Janelle Monae, Florence Welch, Thom Yorke, Elton John and many more

A selection of major artists reveal their first musical purchase.

Podcast

  • The First Time With...

    Interviews with major artists revealing the moments and songs that shaped their careers.