Graeme Thomson - Kate Bush, John Martyn, Simple Minds & More

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with previous podcast guest Graeme Thomson to talk about Under The Ivy, his biography of Kate Bush which has been updated as part of Omnibus Press' Remastered Series.

Graeme explains the challenges in writing about such a well-loved, and private, person, the reaction of those interviewed, the formative years of her seemingly idyllic childhood, the questionable press coverage of the artist and her career, and the renewed interest in her career due to Netflix' Stranger Things.

The two then discuss Small Hours, Graeme's book about the enigmatic, and problematic, John Martyn, and you could hardly get a more different subject from Bush than Martyn. Graeme discusses the difficulties in writing about controversy, the levels of research required, needing to admire your subject, and keeping the music to the fore.

The conversation also touches upon the differing approaches to writing biographies, the importance of being respectful, how the procedure varies depending on the subject, and his hopes for future projects. Graeme also talks about the warm reception to Themes for Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds which is now available in paperback, and which was the subject of our previous SWH! podcast with Graeme.

One of the finest music journalists and writers around, Graeme Thomson is always a pleasure to talk to as he offers further insight into his books and their subjects, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.

For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com