Kate Moss and Beth Ditto to present new programmes on BBC Radio 6 Music as autumn schedule revealed
Kate Moss hosts Music Uncovered, David Bowie: Changeling, a world exclusive, eight-part podcast exploring David Bowie's artistic evolution between 1970-1975
Beth Ditto joins the 6 Music family with a new series, Indie Forever Disco, and a regular spot on Nick Grimshaw's Breakfast Show
In a 12-part series titled Grounding, four neurodivergent artists share their lived experiences: composer, DJ and radio host, 6 Music's AFRODEUTSCHE, author and podcaster Blindboyboatclub, musician, producer and DJ Emma-Jean Thackray and singer, songwriter and musician Gary Numan
Music Uncovered, David Bowie: Changeling
Music Uncovered, David Bowie: Changeling (8 x 15'), hosted by Kate Moss, examines how Bowie, one of music's most transformative figures, reinvented himself in the first half of the 1970s to become an era-defining rock legend.
Kate says: 'David Bowie was a very special person. Someone who was much more than a friend - he was an enigma. So, when the chance came to dive into this extraordinary five-year chapter of Bowie's life for 6 Music and BBC Sounds, hearing from those who joined him on his creative journey and those he continues to inspire, I was excited to help share the story of such an incredible transformation. This podcast is a real celebration of my friend, a true British icon."
Available on BBC Sounds from 6am on Wednesday 10 September and broadcast on 6 Music on Monday 22 September (12-2am), the podcast features rare and unheard archive interviews with Bowie – including an exclusive interview from 2001 with podcast creator Des Shaw, and recently unearthed audio from the BBC Archive. It also includes new interviews with those who knew Bowie, and who continue to be inspired by his legacy, including Boy George, Chrissie Hynde, Dave Gahan, Edward Enninful, Elton John, Goldie, Iggy Pop, Harris Reed, Robbie Williams and Twiggy, with archive interviews from Lady Gaga, Sinéad O'Connor, Lou Reed, Tracey Emin and more. Episodes explore David's early performances with The Hype, his fascination with Andy Warhol, the creation of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars and the legacy of his iconic Ziggy Stardust image, the famous Hammersmith Odeon show - which Bowie announced on stage would be the final Ziggy Stardust performance - his 'The 1980 Floor Show' at London's Marquee Club in 1973, the recording of Diamond Dogs and his creation of The Thin White Duke.
The series comes as BBC partners, the V&A, launch the David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse. The David Bowie Centre is a new working archive for the world's largest collection dedicated to Bowie's life and works, with free rotating displays of highlights from the collection.
What Would Beth Ditto Do?
What Would Beth Ditto Do? Beth Ditto joins Nick Grimshaw on the 6 Music Breakfast Show (weekdays 7-10am) every Tuesday from 16 September. The singer, songwriter and Gossip frontwoman will share her take on life's small dilemmas, responding to listeners' quandaries with her signature wit, wisdom and unique honesty. What Would Beth Ditto Do? will also be available in vision each week on 6 Music's YouTube channel.
Beth says: 'I'm so excited to be joining 6 Music and to get to work with Nick every week is just the cherry on top. I've always been a huge fan of the station, so honestly… I'm so excited, I'm speechless. Which should work out great for radio!'
In November, Beth will also host a new series, Indie Forever Disco with Beth Ditto (20 x 120') for BBC Sounds, in which she'll celebrate the biggest and best indie hits for the dance floor - from classic tracks to the hits of tomorrow.
Grounding (12 x 120'), a series which celebrates the unique perspectives and creativity of neurodivergent artists, will be broadcast Monday – Thursday, 11pm-1am from 15 September – 2nd October. Emma-Jean Thackray (15 – 17 September), Gary Numan (18 and 22 – 23 September), Blindboyboatclub (24 – 25 and 29 September) and AFRODEUTSCHE (30 September and 1 – 2 October) each present three, two-hour episodes.
Across the series, they share their stories, explore how their neurodivergence shapes their relationship with music and highlight the songs that hold personal significance.
The following quotes are presented in full to preserve the integrity and context of each artist's experience.
Emma-Jean says: 'I feel like I've been really brave making these shows about my neurodivergences. I've opened up more on these shows than I do with my loved ones, particularly about my OCD, in the hope that sharing my experiences will help others feel less alone or illuminate them. Telling my story with music is the only way I know how to express myself and my story is inextricably woven with my neurodivergence. It's how I make the art that I do.'
Gary says: 'When I was asked to record some radio shows and express, through the music I listen to, how I get through life as a neurodivergent musician, I failed instantly. The problem is, when I'm not writing music, I don't listen to music at all. Not to relax, not to remember, not to soothe my worries or lift my spirits. I write music to cope with the world. That's how music helps me. I am Autistic and I know I interact with the world differently, awkwardly. It's often difficult, challenging, even frightening at times, but I see my neurodivergence as a gift, not a disorder. It gives me so much more than it takes. I hope people take away from the shows this one simple truth; we are not damaged, not broken, we are just different.'
Blindboyboatclub says: 'I've worked in TV for years and have gone through great lengths to come across as 'normal'. I've always wanted to share my love and passion for music on the radio, but have never been given the opportunity because of a fear that I'd be perceived as being too strange or eccentric for such a mainstream platform. It was a pleasure to make these Grounding episodes, because I got to be my authentic autistic self.'
AFRODEUTSCHE says: 'When I was asked to put music together for these Grounding shows, I'll admit - I felt a bit overwhelmed, then I realised it was a rare chance to let people in on the quieter, more personal moments of my life. (That's what I love about radio) I can share stories through music, without being right in the spotlight. I really don't like being in the front, or being seen… (Some might find surprising). This is my journey - from before my diagnosis to now - with songs I've written and music that's touched my heart. Some of it no one's ever heard before. Stories of love, understanding love, relationships to music/art/light/colour, and parts of my private life I've often kept hidden… It's not easy sharing the deeper parts of myself, I tend not to, but I'm taking a brave stand and opening up! I'm taking some of my own advice 'If it scares you Henrietta and a voice says that you can't do this, you're no good…. DO IT'. So here I am, I'm opening up and sharing the hidden corners of my life that music makes a little less lonely and fills me up with connection and joy.'
Episodes delve into themes that shape the host's world: AFRODEUTSCHE will share how being neurodivergent informs her experience of love, privacy and relationships; Blindboyboatclub explores his identity as an autistic adult, with programmes centring on creativity, escape and solitude; Emma-Jean, an autistic artist with ADHD and OCD, discusses intrusive thoughts, sleep and solitude. Gary reflects on being autistic, focusing on themes of obsession, emotion and misunderstanding.
Grounding
Grounding is produced by Granny Eats Wolf, working with The Donaldson Trust, The National Body for Neurodiversity, which delivers services and improves access and opportunity for neurodivergent people.
Louise Storie, Head of Connect at The Donaldson Trust says: 'Our work with individuals and organisations is all about shifting the focus from 'deficit' to 'difference.' We help them understand and harness the incredible talents and creativity of neurodivergent individuals. Working with the Grounding project is a perfect example of this, where we supported the team in creating a neuro-affirming context for their work, including helping them to prepare for interviews with neurodivergent artists, advising on neuro-inclusive terminology, language, and approach. Ultimately, this new series is a wonderful celebration of some of the most brilliant and creative minds in the industry and highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity.'
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music says: 'There's so much to look forward to on 6 Music this autumn. It's a joy to welcome Kate Moss to celebrate an artist close to her heart and ours - David Bowie. I'm proud to be working with four incredible neurodivergent artists, Emma-Jean Thackray, Gary Numan, Blindboyboatclub and our very own AFRODEUTSCHE, who will lead conversations exploring music, identity and creativity in our new series, Grounding. And then there's Beth Ditto, who will be doing all of that and more with Nick Grimshaw on our Breakfast Show, and later this year with Indie Forever Disco.'
Will Wilkin, Commissioning Executive, BBC Music for David Bowie: Changeling says: 'David Bowie and Kate Moss both transcend fashion, music, and art - true creative forces constantly reshaping culture. This podcast offers a personal look at Bowie's transformation, revealing his impact and legacy nearly a decade on. With Kate's narration, the Bowie archive at V&A East Storehouse, 6 Music's connection to his sound, and Zinc Media's award-winning production, David Bowie: Changeling gathers the voices of those he inspired. As Bowie said, 'I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring' - this is Kate Moss on that constant reinvention that made him an icon.'
Contributors featuring in Music Uncovered, David Bowie: Changeling
Contributors providing new interviews for the podcast are: Anya Wilson, Boy George, Brian Eno, Cherry Vanilla, Chris Duffy, Christine and the Queens, Chrissie Hynde, Dana Gillespie, Dave Gahan, Edward Enninful, Elton John, Ezra Furman, George Underwood, Goldie, Harris Reed, Iggy Pop, John Cambridge, John Mendelssohn, Jules Fisher, Ken Scott, Mark Ravitz, Mike Garson, Nick Knight, Paul Smith, Peter Frampton, Rick Owens, Robbie Williams, St. Vincent, Toni Basil, Tony Defries, Tony Visconti, Tony Zanetta, Twiggy, and Wendy Kirby.
Archive interviews come from: Florence Welch, Gene Simmons, Geoff MacCormack, Ian Hunter, Joe Dallesandro, Lady Gaga, Leee Black Childers, Lindsay Kemp, Lou Reed, Lulu, Marianne Faithfull, Mick Rock, Mick Ronson, Rick Wakeman, Sinéad O'Connor, Suzi Ronson, Tracey Emin, Trevor Bolder and Woody Woodmansey.
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