Episode 5: John Altman - BAFTA and Emmy award winning composer, arranger and musician
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
Release Date: 07/29/2025
Episode 14: Cheryl Baker - Part 2: From Music to TV and Back Again
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this engaging conversation, Me'sha quizes Cheryl into the intricacies of making music videos, the transition to television presenting, and the challenges faced while hosting the popular show Record Breakers. Cheryl reflects on the impact of parenthood on her career, shares heartfelt memories of the late Roy Castle, and discuss the evolution of her identities within the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of returning to music and the importance of maintaining a professional persona while navigating fame. Cheryl reflects on her journey through fame,...
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Episode 13: Cheryl Baker - Part 1: A Journey Through Music and Fame
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this engaging conversation, Me’sha chats to Cheryl Baker, known for her role in the iconic pop group Bucks Fizz, shares her journey through the music industry, from her early days in a band called Coco to her experiences with Eurovision and the dynamics of being in a manufactured pop group. She reflects on her love for harmony singing, the challenges of transitioning to a professional career, and the relationships formed within her band. Cheryl's warmth and humour shine through as she recounts memorable moments and the serendipitous nature of her career. In this engaging conversation,...
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Episode 12: Behind the Mic: Darren's Cold & Navigating the Entertainment Industry
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this episode, Me'sha Bryan shares personal updates, reflections on recent podcast episodes, and discusses the challenges faced in the entertainment industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support among artists and the need for open communication about industry issues. Me'sha also encourages audience engagement for future episodes, particularly with upcoming guests. Takeaways It's important to acknowledge one's own contribution to any issues you're having. Singing requires proper technique and foundation behind it. The entertainment industry can be challenging, and support...
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Episode 11: Emer McParland - Part 2: Unlocking the Secrets of Sight Singing
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this conversation, Me’sha & Emer delve into the intricacies of sight singing, its importance in the music industry, and Emer’s personal journey in creating a comprehensive sight singing course. They discuss the challenges faced in sight singing, humorous anecdotes from their experiences, and the impact of AI on music. The conversation also touches on finding balance in life and work, the joy of teaching, and future endeavours in the entertainment industry. Takeaways Sight singing is a crucial skill for musicians. Many musicians struggle with sight singing despite having...
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Episode 10: Lee Hall - Part 2: From Billy Elliot to New Horizons
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this conversation, Me'sha & Lee dive into the intricacies of writing, storytelling, and the collaborative nature of theatre. They discuss the evolution of the musical 'Billy Elliot', the importance of audience engagement, and the emotional depth in storytelling. Their dialogue touches on the writer's journey, the significance of feedback, and the political power of writing to foster empathy. The speakers share insights into their creative processes and the challenges of navigating collaboration in the arts, while also hinting at future projects and the unpredictability of the creative...
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Episode 9: Emer McParland - Part 1: Navigating the music industry as an elite session singer.
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this delightfully engaging conversation, session vocalist Emer McParland shares her extensive journey through the music industry, highlighting her early influences, the importance of family support, and her education at Trinity College of Music. She discusses the significance of adaptability in her career as a session singer, the techniques she employs to maintain vocal health, and the creative process behind interpreting various musical styles. Emer's insights into the challenges and joys of performance provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a versatile artist. In this...
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Episode 8: Behind the Mic: Migraine Musings and Interview Insights
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this episode, Me’sha Bryan reflects on the journey of the podcast, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from previous guests. She discusses the importance of audience engagement and the learning experiences that come with podcasting. Me’sha emphasises the value of thoughtful reflection and community building within the entertainment industry. Links: Takeaways Me’sha has chronic migraines, which he openly discusses. The podcast has reached a significant milestone with its episodes. Engagement with the audience is crucial for the podcast's success. Me’sha's presenting style is...
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Episode 7: Mike Nolan - Part 2: Bucks Fizz and Beyond
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
In this, the second part of Me’sha Bryan’s interview, listeners are taken on a captivating journey through the life and career of Mike Nolan, a key member of the iconic band, Bucks Fizz. The discussion delves into the origins of the band's name, the whirlwind experience of winning Eurovision, and the dynamics within the group. Mike shares candid thoughts on his solo career and the creative freedom it brought and a heartfelt recount of his final performance with Bucks Fizz and the emotional standing ovation he received. Key Highlights: The story behind the name "Bucks Fizz" and its...
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Episode 6: Lee Hall - Part 1: From Billy Elliot to New Horizons
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
Join host Me'sha Bryan as she delves into the creative journey of acclaimed writer and lyricist Lee Hall. Known for his work on "Billy Elliot," Lee shares insights into his multifaceted career spanning film, theatre, and radio. Discover the stories behind his latest projects, including a new screenplay and a unique adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage and Her Children." Key Highlights: Lee Hall's reflections on the success of "Billy Elliot" and its impact. The creative process behind adapting classic works for modern audiences. Lee's thoughts on collaboration and the importance of...
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Episode 5: John Altman - BAFTA and Emmy award winning composer, arranger and musician
Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of John Altman, a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning composer and arranger. From working with legends like Diana Ross and Amy Winehouse to scoring iconic scenes in films like "Titanic" and "GoldenEye," John shares his incredible experiences and insights into the world of music composition. Key Highlights: John's early musical influences and family background. The story behind arranging "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" for Monty Python. Insights into composing for films and the unique challenges it presents. Anecdotes from working with renowned...
info_outlineJoin us as we delve into the fascinating career of John Altman, a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning composer and arranger. From working with legends like Diana Ross and Amy Winehouse to scoring iconic scenes in films like "Titanic" and "GoldenEye," John shares his incredible experiences and insights into the world of music composition.
Key Highlights:
John's early musical influences and family background. The story behind arranging "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" for Monty Python. Insights into composing for films and the unique challenges it presents. Anecdotes from working with renowned artists and directors. The evolution of music in commercials and TV shows.
John’s Web and social links:
John’s Altman's Book - Hidden Man - My many musical lives
https://www.instagram.com/johnaltmanofficial
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lOzXZOSd2FAQ8LBcJWFdL?si=IPKtL1QqTMih2qt9jgTueQ
IMDb
John’s Wikipedia Page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Altman_(composer)
Me'sha and the Stage & Screen links:
Stage & Screen Links:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Early Musical Influences and beginnings
04:56 Career Progression and Collaborations
11:10 The Creative Process of Composing Music
16:40 Navigating Music Copyright and Originality
22:15 Collaborations with Directors and Artists
32:02 Navigating Royalties and Historical Context
33:30 Collaborating with Renowned Artists
35.24 The Birth of the 10 Room
38:35 Memorable Performances and Celebrity Encounters
40:05 The 10 Room’s Unique Atmosphere
46:32 The Evolution of Live Music Venues
49:24 The Importance of Community in Music
52:04 Reflections on Musical Connections
56:02 The Creative Process and Pressure
01:03:40 The Musical Journey of Titanic
01:07:57 The Haunting Legacy of Titanic’s Orchestra
01:09:55 Artistic Choice in Film and Music
01:11:59 Reflection on Career and (no) Regrets
01:15:57 The Importance of Collaboration
01:20:00 Recognition and Awards in the Music Industry