Straight Up

The pop culture podcast with no filter, brought to you by besties and journalists Kathleen and Ellie. New episodes out every Thursday!

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256 episodes
Updated Thursday
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Episodes256

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Jun 16, 2022 · 1 hr 14 min
Sean Paul: handcuffs, spacecakes, and a $25,000 suit
Honeys, we’re home!!! Did you miss us? We had not forgotten you – in fact over the last few months we’ve been working SO hard to bring you the biggest and best season of Straight Up yet, fuelled by our spiciest trademark margs, obv. And doing the launch honours for us today is none other than the ICON that is Sean Paul, one of the world’s most successful artists who has billions of streams to his name. I mean, if Temperature and Get Busy didn’t have a defining moment in your teens, then where TF were you?? Over his fave drink, a Guinness Foreign Extra, Sean had us both in stitches with stories about getting arrested and accidentally getting his 90-year-old grandmother high, the weirdest gift from his most adoring fan, his most surreal showbiz moment and the $25,000 freebie he still can’t believe he got away with…Plus, we talk about everything from cooking and travel to love and friendship, with some, ahem, interesting life lessons from Sean along the way. Sean also reveals a whole new side to him by getting candid about the dark side of fame: how rumours circulated by the press have caused him angst, how the weight of always creating another hit can be so overwhelming, and why he’s needed marriage counselling. Enjoy gorgeous listeners! And for anyone new here… allow us to introduce ourselves. Hosted by best friends and noseyest pop culture journalists on the planet Kathleen and Ellie, Straight Up goes behind-the-scenes with some of the world’s biggest celebs to hear what being famous in 2022 is really like. Are showbiz parties really as wild as we think? Do famous people ever embarrass themselves in public? How big are the freebies and how crazy are the fans? Plus, how does fame affect everything from your romantic life to your mental health? And are celebrities…normal? We get our guests to answer all of this and SO much more, over their favourite drink (because the first rule of journalism school is to get your interviewee drunk….right?) Which basically means subscribing to Straight Up is like eavesdropping on the juiciest cocktail debrief with your favourite A-Listers. Let us know what you think of the new episode and don’t be shy, leave us a little review, or DM us on our brand new Insta @straightuppod . See you next Thursday! Straight Up’s music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Find him on Instagram @MarlonPercy Thank you to our longtime sponsor Q Acoustics for supporting Straight Up for another season and for being the best in the business when it comes to quality, affordable audio. Q Acoustics’ new product, the M20 HD wireless music system, is the most powerful, immersive and convenient way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere at home. We love ours and know you’ll love it too. Snap it up at www.qacoustics.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 1, 2022 · 53 min
Maya Jama on imposter syndrome, creepy DMs and Drake's name-drop
From the song that soundtracked her first dance with a boy to her bad bitch breakup anthem, Maya Jama shares the music that means the most to her in this extremely cute episode. We also chatted about Maya's struggles with imposter syndrome and finding a work life balance after three years of no holidays, her ambitions to get more women behind the camera, her funniest radio fails and her top tips for success. This episode of Straight Up has three wonderful sponsors. First up Vivir Tequila, which we drank in our Paloma cocktails with Maya. It's also perfect in margaritas! Fans of Straight Up can get a 10 per cent discount with the code MAYAJAMA10 via vivirtequila.com Then we have Chick n Sours, who make the best fried chicken burgers and sour cocktails in London that are loved by everyone from Mike Skinner to Usher. They've just launched a range of DIY meal kits for delivery across London, which are utterly delicious. Order yours from chicknsours.co.uk And finally the independent jeweller Katie Mullally, whose gorgeous handmade collections are all hallmarked at either the London or Dublin Assay Office and are therefore an investment for life. Check out her designs at katiemullally.co.uk Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2022 · 1 hr 7 min
Mahalia’s lessons in love, life and money
It’s the last episode of S2 and, as sad as we are, we’re SO excited to be ending on a high with this very special chat with one of our favourite artists, Mahalia. Fuelled by some gorgeous Whitley Neill gin and tonics, the 23-year-old, who was signed at 13, gets candid about everything from the myth of the overnight success story, to reframing the “crazy ex-girlfriend” trope and being friends with your first love. We also chat about her weekend rituals, what she likes to spend her money on (spoiler: globally successful artists aren’t as wealthy as you think) and the one thing she’d like to thank her therapist for. Follow Mahalia on all platforms @mahalia and find her epic merch store here: lnk.to/Mahalia-Store. Find Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 and drop us a DM, or reach out via email hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Our music and editing is by Marlon Percy, who you can find on IG @marlonpercy. Culture recommendations discussed: Don Toliver The Handmaid’s Tale Lost in Space Selling Sunset Desperate Housewives Modern Family Thank you so much to our amazing partners for this episode: The delicious gin and tonics Ellie, Kathleen and Mahalia enjoyed during this episode were provided by Whitley Neill, the UK’s no1 premium gin brand which offers an amazing 15 flavours of luxury, hand-crafted gin, including blood orange and raspberry. Get yours at all major supermarkets, good independents or at WhitleyNeill.com Dame, the world’s first climate positive period brand, making products that are both healthier for you and the planet and which has already saved hundreds of millions of pieces of plastic from going into landfill. This female founded green brand is changing the game with its amazing products including the reusable tampon applicator, tampons and reusable pads – and we are never going back. Enjoy 25 per cent off Dame products with the exclusive code UP25 at wearedame.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 12, 2022 · 58 min
The hottest gossip of 2022: from Molly Mae to The Weeknd
No guest again this week, gang, but what we’ve got in store might just be even better! Instead, we chat all about the hottest cultural gossip of the year so far, from music, TV and film, to the biggest talking points that have had the internet in overdrive over the past week. Covering *that* Molly Mae interview on Steven Bartlett’s podcast, The Lost Daughter (Netflix’s most exciting new film) and why having children can be a huge, life-defining regret; we also get deep into The Weeknd’s excellent new album and one of our most mortifying, joint professional faux pas ever. Recommendations discussed: Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast The Lost Daughter (Netflix) Magpie by Elizabeth Day “This is what I tell friends who are torn about having children” by Hadley Freedman (Guardian) White Lotus (HBO) Euphoria S2 (HBO) Dawn FM by The Weeknd Max Martin on Table Manners podcast Find Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 and drop us a DM, or reach out via email hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Our music and editing is by Marlon Percy, who you can find on IG @marlonpercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2021 · 1 hr 32 min
Bastille’s Dan on his wildest fan story, imposter syndrome and the power of therapy
We've got a real Christmas treat for you this week: a hilarious, insightful, thought-provoking interview from Dan Smith of Bastille. Eased along by some red wine, Dan spills the beans on what it's really like to be the frontman of one of the world's biggest bands – 11 million records sold and counting – while also having made the conscious choice to keep as far from the public eye as possible, ever since the four-piece broke through with "Pompeii" back in 2013. Highlights include the time he got spiked at the Brits and embarrassed himself in front Frank Ocean, a hilarious Guatemalan backpacking trip up a volcano, Dan's top culture picks (he's a big film fan) and where he likes to go out in London, plus how much he enjoys having songs that are far more famous than he is. Dan also opens up about his experiences with therapy, including his struggles with performance anxiety and imposter syndrome, as well as giving us a sneak-peek of the band's upcoming, sci-fi wonderland-set album Give Me The Future (out in Feb). Follow Dan on IG @bastilledan, Twitter @bastille and preorder the album here: https://bastille.lnk.to/BastilleGMTF Thank you to this episode’s amazing sponsor, the books and beer subscription service Books Plus Beer, a thoughtful and unique gift for Christmas for the book lovers in your life who need some quality R&R. Choose a DIY box as either a one off purchase or a subscription, and fill it with two amazing new releases across nonfiction and fiction, two cans of craft beer and some tasty snacks. Can you think of a more luxurious way to unwind at home? Head to booksplusbeer.com to order! Find Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 and drop us a DM, or reach out via email hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Our music and editing is by Marlon Percy, who you can find on IG @marlonpercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 3, 2021 · 1 hr 12 min
HRVY on fame, finding himself and the Strictly curse
Our guest today is HRVY, the 22-year-old pop sensation and former Strictly semi-finalist who is basically the British, Gen-Z answer to Justin Bieber. HRVY (real name, obviously, Harvey) has been in the music game since 13 and has amassed a crazily dedicated following of more than 4 million fans on Instagram and 4.4 million on Tik Tok. He, is as you might suspect, a big hit with the ladies, lusted after by everyone from the nation's population of teenage girls, to Strictly-watching nans. He recently switched record labels, having had the exact realisation so many young stars do, where he decided to take the reins and change his musical direction. Now, he's given up being a "yes man" and is doing it for himself. His new single "Talking To The Stars" is out NOW so make sure you go and check it out. We love it and you will too. HRVY made for the most hilarious, honest and vulnerable guest, opening up about everything from being a new-gen sex symbol and why he 100 per cent believes in the Strictly curse, to how the school-days mortification of being Facebook-famous has helped in finding the humour in hate comments, plus his thoughts on male objectification, cancel culture, toxic masculinity and what it's like to be on MTV Cribs. HRVY's album Views From The 23rd Floor is out in January. Thank you so much to our two amazing sponsors for this episode: Katie Mullally, the beautiful, independent luxury jewellery brand that is beloved by everyone from Niall Horan to Dua Lipa. From delicate wishbones to chic engraved coins, the gorgeous, vintage-inspired charms are a match made in heaven for anyone who cares about quality and sustainability (all of the pieces from her collections are hallmarked at either the Dublin or the London Assay Office). To get yours, or to do some next-level Christmas shopping, head to katiemullally.co.uk. Check IG for exclusive discounts and styling inspo: @katiemullallyjewellery Manscaped , the male grooming brand revolutionising male personal grooming with its excellent and hilariously named body trimmers. Manscaped's best products come in one neat Performance Package, which is the perfect stocking filler! After all, 85 per cent of people prefer a man groomed below the waist. Get 20% Off and Free shipping with code STRAIGHTUP20 at ukManscaped.com Find HRVY @HRVY on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter. Find Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 and drop us a DM, or reach out via email hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Our music and editing is by Marlon Percy, who you can find on IG @marlonpercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 19, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min
On Emrata, Sally Rooney, sex and power
We’ve got another departure from our usual format for you this week, where this time we chat culture recommendations, from the book everyone’s talking about to Netflix’s latest hits. Strap in for our thoughts on Emily Ratajowski’s collection of essays, My Body, and the furore around it, as well as Maid (starring Margaret Qualley and her mother Andie McDowell), Squid Game and Sally Rooney’s latest novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You?. Over some spicy margaritas from Tom Savano, we cover how Emily’s book captures our own feelings about our younger-selves, looking back at the gendered power dynamics that shape teenagedom, how status and beauty intersect, the utterly brilliant gossip from one of the world’s biggest models, plus the male gaze, motherhood (hello, Maid), The Harry Potter reunion and why John Legend really needs to confiscate Chrissy Teigen’s phone. Thank you to our amazing sponsor for this episode, Tom Savano, from which you can get the tastiest bottled cocktails just in time for Christmas, from a spicy Mezcal Margarita to a Mai Tai and Mojito. Unapologetically strong, the cocktails are made with spirits sourced solely from craft distilleries - with sustainable, local links to the regions they are from - and are all inspired by Tom Savano’s travels across the world. Each beautifully presented Christmas delivery box includes a drinks menu, glassware, snacks and coasters, while each bottle holds a generous five serves. Perfect for a special seasonal gift to loved ones, or to enjoy a cosy night in at home! Head to tomsavano.com. *Please drink responsibly* Find Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 and drop us a DM, or reach out via email hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Our music and editing is by Marlon Percy, who you can find on IG @marlonpercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 4, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Pandora Sykes talks friendship, career hacks and life after The High Low
Our guest today is Pandora Sykes, the author and podcaster who also happens to be one of our absolute *favourite* journalists ever (top fangirls over here). Pandora got her first big break at The Sunday Times Style magazine and has been one of the most beloved voices in the UK since – you’ll likely know her from No1 podcast The High Low and more recently, her BBC Radio 4 podcast Pieces of Britney. She’s written for everywhere from Vogue and GQ to The Cut and The Observer, her book How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? Is a Sunday Times bestseller and she also hosts podcasts The Missing and Doing It Right, as well as IRL book events. We sat down for a fascinating, wide-ranging chat about everything from friendship, motherhood and anxiety to Britney, how she and Dolly made The High Low so successful (including the possibility of another joint project!) and what her working day looks like. Over some insanely delicious lychee martinis from Bottle Bar and Shop, Pandora also spoke about balance, her flute phase, first heartbreak, how she’s grown from an anxious child to a contented adult and carving out her own space, plus musical bluffs, The Spice GIrls and why she doesn’t do spon con. Thank you so much to our two amazing sponsors for this episode: Bottle Bar and Shop, one of our favourite bottled cocktail brands, which makes delicious, small batch natural blends in South East London. Winner of a whopping four Great Taste Awards, these cocktails are made by husband and wife duo Natalie and Xhulio on site at their cocktail bar of the same name in Catford. Visit IRL or buy online for nationwide delivery at www.bottlebarandshop.com Dame, the world’s first climate positive period brand, making products that are both healthier for you and the planet and which has already saved hundreds of millions of pieces of plastic from going into landfill. This female founded green brand is changing the game with its amazing products including the reusable tampon applicator, tampons and reusable pads – and we are never going back. Enjoy 25 per cent off Dame products with the exclusive code UP25 at wearedame.co Find Pandora on IG @pandorasykes, listen to series two of Doing It Right here and order her book from Waterstones here. Find Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 and drop us a DM, or reach out via email hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Our music and editing is by Marlon Percy, who you can find on IG @marlonpercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 21, 2021 · 43 min
From interview disasters to A-List parties: what it’s really like to be a celebrity journalist
This week, Kathleen and Eleanor put themselves in the hot seat, and talk all about what it’s really like to chat to celebrities for a living and becoming best friends while working at British GQ. Expect hilarious and juicy gossip about everyone from Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid to Stormzy and Tom Jones. We don’t hold anything back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 7, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Tanya Burr on overcoming anxiety, becoming an actor and finding love at 30
Tanya Burr, who first found fame uploading makeup tutorials to YouTube in 2009 that reached millions of views and made her one of the UK’s very first “influencers”, comes on Straight Up to talk to Kathleen and Eleanor all about her pivot to acting and the launch of her lifestyle brand Authored. As well as recommending her favourite beauty products and explaining their sustainability, Tanya also reveals how her anxiety as a teen stopped her from pursuing her love of drama, but how hours of therapy gave her the confidence to take up acting classes in her mid-twenties and become a professional actress across theatre, TV and film. Over some gin cocktails from Lockdown Liquor, Tanya also talked battling body image issues and why she never reads reviews, as well as finding love in her thirties after going through a divorce at 29. Plus, the music that reminds her of her best memories with friends as well as of her new relationship. Thank you to our two amazing sponsors for this episode: Lockdown Liquor, which sent Straight Up and Tanya the gorgeous Pepino cocktails to enjoy on air. Lockdown Liquor’s range of nine pre blended cocktails are crafted by expert mixologists and include everything from Espresso Martinis to a killer Old Fashioned. Perfect for gifts, nights at home with friends or special events. Order yours from lockdown-liquor.com Dame, the world’s first climate positive period brand, making products that are both healthier for you and the planet and which has already saved hundreds of millions of pieces of plastic from going into landfill. This female founded green brand is changing the game with its amazing products including the reusable tampon applicator, tampons and reusable pads – and we are never going back. Enjoy 25 per cent off Dame products at wearedame.co. with the exclusive code UP25! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 21, 2021 · 53 min
Glass Animals’ Dave Bayley talks swapping medicine for music, conspiracies and sea slugs
What's it like to quit a seven-year medicine degree to chance it on a music career? Over some spicy margaritas, the lead singer, writer and producer of psych-pop band Glass Animals tells Straight Up all about how he swapped a career as a neuroscientist to launch a No1 band with a record-breaking one billion streams for their 2020 single Heat Waves. Also in this episode, Dave busts some myths around life as a musician, including how the band had to wash their own underpants while on a major tour, how he spent the band's minimal advance from their record label, and his escape strategy for when fans recognise him in public. Plus, Dave recalled his funniest drunken story, his strangest conspiracy theories and the one internet black hole he always falls into. Thank you to our two amazing sponsors: First up, hometipple, which provided the amazing Ambhar Tequila Plata for Dave's spicy margaritas, and is the one-stop-shop for creating your own at-home bar all the while giving back to winemakers, brewers and distillers all around the world. Use the discount code straighthome21 to open a PRO account that gets you 10% off every purchase. Open yours now at hometipple.com VOX, which has everything any amateur or professional guitarist needs for the home and studio, from noise-cancelling headphones to retro-looking electric guitars and amps. Check their brand-new VOX Bobcat V90 & S66 semi-hollow body guitars and VH-Q1 smart noise-cancelling headphones for guitarists voxamps.com Follow Eleanor on Instagram @elliehalls1 and Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Follow him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 27, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
London Grammar's Hannah Reid on how the music industry almost broke her
What do you do when you're about to embark on a world tour but are suffering from burnout? London Grammar frontwoman Hannah Reid sat down with Kathleen and Eleanor to trace her journey from the band forming at Nottingham University to coping with a chronic illness and industry misogyny all the while going to No1. Hannah spoke powerfully about her experiences of sexism in the music business (from getting her lyrics called "vacuous" by critics to being dismissed as "irrational"), as well as the problematic adoration of the complicated male genius and how macho culture can also corrode men in the music business as well as women. Straight Up also drilled into why some male critics write about women’s music so patronisingly, and how Hannah felt pressured to desexualise her image to be taken seriously. Plus, Hannah revealed what she blew one of her first paycheques on, the one person she stalks religiously from the London Grammar Instagram account and the career she secretly fantasises about if she ever calls it quits on music. And of course, as always, shares the songs that have soundtracked her highs and lows. This episode of Straight Up is supported by two brilliant sponsors: Strykk, the no-alcohol, calorie-light spirit range that will save you from your worst mornings. By swapping to Strykk, you'll be waving goodbye to hangovers without compromising on taste or the fun of a fancy drink. All of the spirit, none of the alcohol - what's not to love? It’s as simple as using each one as a straight swap for its namesake spirit, bringing some much needed balance for those who want to take a flexible approach to drinking. We are so happy to be offering listeners of Straight Up 25% off site wide with code STRAIGHTUP25. Check out the amazing Not Vanilla V*dka, perfect for pornstar or espresso martinis, and the rest of the range, from Not G*n to Not R*m, s at strykk.com Q Acoustics, the must-have wireless, widescreen speakers that can connect with everything from your phone and tablet to your TV and turntable. They will upgrade your listening experience as well as your living room, and are perfect for listening to London Grammar's new album Californian Soil at home with friends. Snap up your pair at qacoustics.co.uk Follow Eleanor on Instagram @elliehalls1 and Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Follow him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 3, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
KSI on crypto, cancel culture, and coming offline
How do you keep your privacy when you're one of the most famous YouTubers in the entire world, and have shared your entire life online? One of the first YouTubers to make his name on the platform (where he has 23 million subscribers) KSI spoke to Kathleen and Eleanor about the pressures of being in the public eye from such a young age. Over Bacardi rum cocktails, KSI also talked through the songs that have soundtracked his life's highs and lows, from the song he wrote for his first romance (and which he has tried to scrub from the internet) to the songs he associates with heady nights of success. Plus, KSI spills the beans on how he met his girlfriend of three years – and how he has managed to keep her identity from prying fans – his reflections on getting cancelled for using a transphobic slur, and whether we will ever see him come offline completely. Also in this episode, KSI reveals his favourite cryptocurrency, whether he will let his kids use social media and the songs he loves to sing in the shower. Thank you to this episode's two brilliant sponsors: Bacardi, who provided the amazing Coco Colada Spritzes we drank with KSI during the record: a simple but delicious mix of pineapple juice, soda water and Bacardi's coconut flavoured white rum. It's the perfect drink for the holiday season, immediately bringing the tropical island vibes we are all so sorely missing. Get your bottle from major retailers including Asda, Sainsburys, Ocado and Tesco. Q Acoustics, the must-have wireless, widescreen speakers that can connect with everything from your phone and tablet to your TV and turntable. They will upgrade your listening experience as well as your living room. Snap up your pair at qacoustics.co.uk Follow Eleanor on Instagram @elliehalls1 and Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Follow him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 14, 2021 · 1 hr 13 min
Ray Blk on money, dating and the dark side of X Factor
Should women pay on the first date? Should men date women with more money than them? In this very juicy episode, South London RnB musician Ray BLK chats to Kathleen and Eleanor all about dating do's and don'ts ahead of her debut album Access Denied. Ray also shared hilarious anecdotes around first paycheques, her very first experiences of success and her craziest moments from the last few years (including her funniest drunken night out in Ghana). Plus, Ray reveals how the music industry forced her to make pop music at the expense of her true self, and Ray shares for the very first time a traumatic X Factor audition that happened when she was 16, and a song from a few years ago that she regrets making today. Follow Ray on Instagram @rayblk and pre-order Access Denied on iTunes or Amazon Music. Follow Eleanor on Instagram @elliehalls1 and Kathleen @kathleen.m.johnston This episode of Straight Up has two wonderful sponsors. First up hometipple, the one-stop-shop for creating your own at-home bar all the while giving back to winemakers, brewers and distillers all around the world. Use the discount code straighthome21 to open a PRO account that gets you 10% off every purchase. Open yours now at hometipple.com And second, the independent jeweller Katie Mullally, whose gorgeous handmade collections are all hallmarked at either the London or Dublin Assay Office and are therefore an investment for life. Check out her designs at katiemullally.co.uk Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Follow him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 9, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Zack Snyder on music and vulnerability
One of the world’s most adored film directors Zack Snyder comes on the brand-new second series of Straight Up to talk all about the music that made him: from the songs that soundtracked his childhood and his first romance to the song that always makes him cry. Zack also chats to Kathleen and Eleanor all about his favourite songs from across his films, as well as getting stuck into topics around being a provocateur, reading reviews, vulnerability and the power of fandoms. Plus, Zack picks his favourite character from Justice League and Army of the Dead, gives us a sneak peak at the Army of the Dead TV series and what‘s happening with Fountainhead. Thank you to our three amazing sponsors for this episode: Polaroid, the game-changing instant camera legend which has just launched the world’s smallest instant analog camera and 2021's coolest little gadget: the Polaroid Go. It's a must-have for young creatives, with a newly developed selfie mirror, self-timer, a battery life for 15 packs of film, dynamic flash, and double exposure. Check it out at uk.polaroid.com hometipple, the one-stop-shop for creating your own at-home bar all the while giving back to winemakers, brewers and distillers all around the world. Use the discount code straighthome21 to open a PRO account that gets you 10% off every purchase. Open yours now at hometipple.com Q Acoustics, the must-have wireless, widescreen speakers that can turn your sitting room into a mini at-home cinema: perfect for watching all of Zack's incredible films and hearing the soundtracks in all their glory! Snap up your pair at qacoustics.co.uk Find Kathleen on Instagram @kathleen.m.johnston and Eleanor @elliehalls1 Thank you to Marlon Percy for our music and editing. Find him on Instagram @marlonpercy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 2, 2021 · 58 min
Chicken Shop Date's Amelia Dimoldenberg on dating everyone from Dave to Aitch
No one puts the UK's biggest musicians in their place like Amelia Dimoldenberg, CEO of Chicken Shop Date, the cult YouTube series in which the comedian and broadcaster takes stars to their favourite chicken shop, and grills them about everything from their love lives to their most embarrassing moments. Both deliciously awkward and completely hilarious, Chicken Shop Date has become a massive viral hit, racking up millions of views, and with guests including AJ Tracey, Dave, D Double E, Sean Paul, and Maya Jama. Amelia talked to us about her favourite Chicken Shop Date episodes, the musicians who have turned her down, the one date that went disastrously wrong and the musician she still keeps thinking about. Also on this episode, Amelia dissects the behind-the-scenes of how Chicken Shop Date is filmed, how she prepares her questions and who she still wants to get on the show. Also this week: the wild success of pop prodigy Billie Eilish, who has become the youngest writer of the Bond song. Keep listening right until the end to hear all about her pet tarantula, her brother Finneas and her sleep paralysis. Follow Amelia on IG @ameliadimz and shoot us a DM at @staightuppod Loved this episode of Straight Up? Have any suggestions for our next episode? Are you a brand wanting to chat to us about sponsorship opportunities? We'd love to hear from you: hello@straightuppodcast.co.uk Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy: @marlonpercy Straight Up was recorded at club and co-working space The Ministry by Chris Bailey of The Boy in the Corner @cornerHQ Straight Up is sponsored by online spirits specialist Master of Malt, where you can buy Amelia's bottle of Artigianale Prosecco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 26, 2021 · 56 min
Behind the Music miniseries: Hélène Pambrun on the stories behind her Harry Styles photographs
What's it like to tour the world with Harry Styles, capturing some of the most intimate and symbolic moments of his life and career? Paris-based photographer Hélène Pambrun talks to Kathleen and Eleanor all about how she first met Harry, and why her interest in his fans is the reason she was hired by his team. Also in this episode, Straight Up and Hélène talk all about the power of seduction in photoshoots, as well as her most striking memories shooting everyone from Lenny Kravitz and Ed Sheeran to Tom Hanks. Plus, Hélène reveals what she wants to do next. Have a listen! Thank you to this episode's three wonderful sponsors: Polaroid, the game-changing instant camera legend, which has just launched the Polaroid Go, the world’s smallest instant analog camera. Portable, wearable, and take-anywhere-able, the Polaroid Go is set to be the next generation’s creative collaborator, featuring a newly developed selfie mirror, self-timer, a battery life for 15 packs of film, dynamic flash, and double exposure. polaroid.com Piper-Heidsieck champagne, which we enjoyed while recording this episode to toast to Hélène's incredible career. Eliou jewellery, which Harry Styles fans will know is loved by the pop star himself. Fans of Straight Up get 15 per cent off at Eliou using the discount code STRAIGHTUP15, via www.eliou-eliou.com. Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 17, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
Behind the Music miniseries: Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis on how Hipgnosis is flipping the music industry upside down
Chic co-founder and super producer Nile Rodgers, along with his longtime manager Merck Mercuriadis, joins Straight Up to chat about how they’ve made a decades-long professional partnership work, what they love most about each other and why they’ve never had an argument (except a small one in this episode). They also told us all about their new business venture, Hipgnosis, which is essential to anyone who loves music and cares about the fair treatment of performing artists and songwriters. It is completely changing the way the music industry works by challenging the power of the big record companies, redressing an uneven power balance that has been corroding the music industry for decades. How? By buying some of the most famous songs in the world, because Hipgnosis believes that songs are just as valuable as gold and oil, completely unaffected by economic cycles, and basically just about the safest investment you can make. By buying up these songs and "actively managing" them, they are giving these old songs a new lease of life, protecting their cultural legacy, while giving songwriters more money. Merck and Nile also chat about why songwriters are so undervalued, how it feels to disrupt music industry from the inside when its top execs are the people they go on holiday with, and the UK artists they love right now. Thank you to our three wonderful sponsors: Q Acoustics, which has just launched the most handsome active speakers on the market, ideal for music lovers who want rich, beautiful, widescreen sound as well as a living room upgrade. The Q Active 200 speakers will transform your interiors and listening experience in equal measure. Check them out at qacoustics.co.uk. Eve bar, our favourite Covent Garden bar from Adam Handling, which serves some of the most luxurious and theatrical cocktails in the city. Their espresso martini (laced with white chocolate) will have you coming back every Friday. Book a table at evebar.co.uk and you can buy their beautiful cocktails for home delivery at adamhandling.co.uk/hame. VOX, which has everything any amateur or professional guitarist needs for the home and studio, from noise-cancelling headphones to retro-looking electric guitars and amps. Check their brand-new VOX Bobcat V90 & S66 semi-hollow body guitars and VH-Q1 smart noise-cancelling headphones for guitarists voxamps.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2021 · 42 min
Behind the Music miniseries: Creative director Willo Perron on designing tours for Lady Gaga, Rihanna and JAY Z
How did Drake build his floating yellow ferrari and who owns it now? What inspires Gaga's theatric performances or JAY Z's political visuals? And what's it like to edit Kanye West's wardrobe? Willo Perron, creative director to the stars and co-founder of Los Angeles based architect studio Perron–Roettinger, talks to Straight Up about all of this and more. Also in this episode, we chat about how the best ideas come from our subconscious, what happened when his Rihanna show went wrong, and why his favourite artists are the ones with "shitty attitudes". Thank you to this episode's wonderful sponsor Shop Cuvée, the hugely successful lockdown project from renowned North London restaurant Top Cuvée, which launched a gorgeous online shop at the start of the pandemic and has since become one of the leading sellers of natural wine in the UK. Shop Cuvée also stocks incredible cocktails from Three Sheets bar in London, as well as beautiful store cupboard essentials and deli items including charcuterie and cheese. With Willo we drank a super fresh bottle of Austrian orange wine, the Joiseph Muskat Ottonel, that came specially recommended by the team. Enjoy 10 per cent off shop-wide with the code STRAIGHT UP Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 5, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
Behind the Music miniseries: DJ Semtex on gaining Drake's trust and the tortured genius of Kanye West
How do you bag the only interview with Drake, and get Kanye to open up to you? DJ Semtex’s interviews are the stuff of legend, so over a bottle of Semtex’s favourite drink – Ruinart champagne – Straight Up quizzed him on how he gets the biggest names in music to open up to him and nobody else, his most amazing behind-the-scenes anecdotes with everyone from Travis Scott to J Cole, and his surprising interview fails. Semtex also revealed who from the UK rap scene throws the most iconic parties, how he’d pulled together a Drake interview at a DM’s notice and what he thinks of cancel culture, including which artists and songs he no longer feels comfortable playing in his sets. In this episode, Semtex and Straight up also discuss the damaging impact of fame on artists’ mental health, and the complicated and corrosive nature of artistic genius. This episode of Straight Up has two incredible sponsors. First up, Pioneer DJ, the biggest DJ focused electronic hardware brand in the business, stocking everything from players, mixers and controllers to speakers and headphones, and where every DJ, producer or music lover in the know gets their kit. For DJs just starting or music fans after studio quality sound at an affordable price, then check out Pioneer DJ’s new (and super compact) HDJ-CUE1 headphones. Head to Pioneerdj.com Our second sponsor is the unbeatable Bleecker Burger – winner of the National Burger Award and hands down London’s juiciest burger (don’t believe us? Check out its mouthwatering Instagram). Excitingly for those not lucky enough to live near one of Bleecker’s London restaurants for local delivery, Bleecker has now launched an epic range of DIY burger kits for delivery nationwide, which includes a full bottle of Bleecker's signature house sauce for you to enjoy long after the burgers are gone. That’s our Friday night sorted...forever. Head to Bleeckerburger.co.uk Straight Up's music and editing is by Marlon Percy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.