The Culture Bar

Music, Mind and Brain

How does your brain respond to music? We discuss the links between music psychology and neuroscience, investigating topics such as exposure to music in young children, music perception and the cognitive neuroscience of music.

We are joined by three expert panellists to help us navigate this fascinating topic:

Professor Lauren Stewart

Lauren is a Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths where she founded the MSc in Music Mind and Brain and co-leads a research group in this area. She has published widely on topics including learning and plasticity, congenital amusia, earworms and therapeutic aspects of music. She has been engaged in several citizen science and public engagement projects, including a Silent Disco earworm experiment at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, a live experiment on musical plagiarism at the Science Museum’s Dana Centre and an in-depth discussion on the ​‘Tingle Factor’ in music as part of Radio 3’s Wellcome Collection residency.

Professor Daniel Müllensiefen

Daniel is a Professor in Psychology at Goldsmiths and also a research fellow with the University of Music, Drama, and Media at Hannover, Germany.

He is interested in (almost) all questions relating to music psychology, ranging from industry-related work on music and advertising (working as Scientist in Residence with adam&eveDDB) to individual differences in musical ability and to musical memory and plagiarism. Daniel was awarded the prestigious Anneliese-Maier award by the Humboldt- Foundation in 2016 and is the editor of the international open-access journal Empirical Musicology Review. He is currently heading the LongGold project, a longitudinal study on the development of musical and other cognitive and social abilities during adolescence.

Dr Diana Omigie

Diana Omigie is a cognitive neuroscientist and member of the Music, Mind and Brain research group at Goldsmiths where she co-directs the MSc programme in Music, Mind and Brain with Daniel Müllensiefen. Her research interests revolve around the behavioural, physiological and neural correlates of music-induced emotions and the aesthetic experience.

Hosted by HP’s Lissy Kelleher-Clarke (MSc Music, Mind & Brain alumnus)

Useful links and resources:
Music Mind and Brain blog
PANC Blog
MSc Music, Mind & Brain course information

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Creative Iceland: Inspired by Nature?

Welcome to Creative Iceland – a special The Culture Bar mini-podcast series focusing on the creative scene in Iceland. 

This series is hosted by Icelander Arna Margrét Jónsdóttir from HarrisonParrott. Arna will be speaking with fellow Icelanders about various topics related to the creative scene in Iceland.

In this first episode, we are joined by Dr. Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen an Icelandic music journalist and scholar, and we discuss the popular assertion that the unique natural environment is the source of creative inspiration for artists and creatives in Iceland.

Iceland has long been associated with a high level of creativity and many believe the country’s striking natural environment is a major contributing factor when it comes to creative inspiration. During this interview, we focus on the music scene and explore why this connection between nature and creativity has become so dominant in the discourse around the creative scene in Iceland and how it affects the artists and the scene as a whole.

Thoroddsen is the director of the undergraduate media and communication studies programme at The University of Iceland. He earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2013 and a PhD in 2019 from the same university, where he carried out a research on the social dynamics of Icelandic musicians under the supervision of Professor Simon Frith. He is the author of three books on Icelandic music with the fourth in the writing stage. He’s been writing about music and popular culture since 1999, mainly for Morgunblaðið daily but his writings have also appeared in article collections and music sites abroad.

Technology and the Arts: Future Predictions

In this bonus episode of The Culture Bar podcast, we are sharing something a little bit different with you; a compilation of responses to a special bonus question we asked some of our guests from previous episodes.

We asked this post-interview question: ‘How will technology influence arts and culture?'.

These informative, insightful ideas, predictions and thoughts have been edited together so you can hear how music and arts experts think digital and tech will impact the sector, and what this might look like.  

You will hear opinions from:

• Professor Anatol Lieven of Georgetown University in Qatar, from our first episode ‘The Green New Deal and the Arts’, thinking about technology in the context of architecture, sustainability and public spaces.
• Arts development and fundraising experts Diana Williams, Simon Fairclough from CBSO, and Charlotte Appleyard from Royal Academy of Arts appeared in our second episode ‘Sponsorship in a Pandemic', and talked about the need for a blended approach of live and digital.
• Guests Nadia Race Director of International Engagement at the British Museum, Roy Luxford Planning and Operations Director from Edinburgh International Festival and Rafi Gokay-Wol Director of Touring at HarrisonParrott talked in-depth about technology and culture in episode Number 3 'International Cultural Exchange’, and gave us an international perspective on tech and the arts.
• Our fourth podcast ‘Tech, COVID and the Future’ was exactly about this topic and explored in-depth by Till Janczukowicz from Idagio, Ben Hogwood from Naxos, and Silvia Pietrosanti from Pentatone, and provided insights into how tech gives greater access to new audiences and breaks down barriers.
• Choral experts Paul Evans, Canon of Ely Cathedral, Sofi Jeannin Chief Conductor BBC Singers and Music Director of the Maîtrise de Radio France, and Tido Visser Artistic Director of Netherlands Chamber Choir from episode Number 5 'How can sacred music be relevant in a secular society?' discussed how we need to increasingly think about music as a visual medium. 
• Finally, in episode Number 10 ‘Oil & Water: Can Art and Digital Mix?’ mixed media artist Laura Hendricks and Assistant Art Gallery Curator Wells Fray-Smith from Whitechapel Gallery reflected on how technology can help communicate artworks to audiences. 

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Find us on Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, Deezer, Stitcher, Pocket Casts and all good podcatcher sites.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases.

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

After Hours: Bringing Diverse Voices to Theatre and Audio Drama

“…it’s not who you are, but what you bring”

In this After Hours fireside chat, we spoke to playwright Fin Kennedy. Our conversation focussed on Bringing Diverse Voices to Theatre and Audio Drama. 

In this insightful and inspirational interview you will hear:

>Fin’s approach to writing dramas and topic focus

>insights into his BBC Radio 4 play ​‘On Kosovo Field’ and the inspiration and message behind it

>his new audio drama series ​‘Out of the Woods’ supporting emerging Balkan writers

>Fin's role as Artistic Director at Tamasha Theatre Company and Tamasha Playwrights

>what more needs to be done in the theatre and audio drama industry to ensure marginalised voices are heard

> what more could have been done during COVID19 to support theatres and playwrights

Interviewed and hosted by HP’s Fiona Livingston

Useful links and resources:

Connect with Fin:
Fin’s Twitter: @finkennedy

Resources:
Out of the Woods podcast series
On Kosovo Field on BBC Radio 4
Tamasha Theatre Company
Fin’s In Battalions report
Mulberry School
Intent New Theatre
Hope 6 Demolition Project
Under the Mask by Shaan Sahota

This is the fourth episode in our spin-off series of short After Hours chats discussing issues relating more broadly to the arts and culture sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases.

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

After Hours: Smashing the Glass Ceiling - Women in Publishing

In this After Hours fireside chat, we spoke to Katie Packer, Commissioning Editor at Headline Publishing. Our conversation focussed on the role and importance of women in the publishing sector, achievements and where improvements can be made.

In this frank and insightful interview you will hear:

>how the publishing industry has evolved

>where and in what roles can women be found

>where women lead in publishing

>what support is there for women wanting to progress through the ranks 

>does gender matter when signing an author?

>are there gender-specific authoring sectors?

>identifying gender bias and lack of BAME representation

>inspirational women in publishing

>pinpointing gaps for improvement in the industry

>key words of advice for women wanting to get into publishing or becoming an author

Interviewed and hosted by HP’s Fiona Livingston

Useful links and resources:

Connect with Katie:
Katie’s Twitter: @katierpacker
Katie’s Instagram: @katiepacker

Books and podcast recommendations:
Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
This is Why I Resist by Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
Lil’ Kim: The Queen Bee autobiography (not yet published)
The Receipts Podcast

Inspirational women in publishing:
Mireille Harper — Editor Squarepeg Books
Katie Espiner — Managing Director Orion Books
Sharmaine Lovegrove — Founder Dialogue Books

This is the third episode in our spin-off series of short After Hours chats discussing issues relating more broadly to the arts and culture sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases.

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

After Hours: Future of Museums

In celebration of International Museum Day (18 May 2021), we spoke to Sarah Kirkham, Museum Officer at the Museum of Enfield in London. Our conversation focussed on the key theme of the Day 'The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine’. 

Sarah draws on her museum career to set the tone and incorporates her diverse collections experience. She shares with us how to manage a collection during a crisis, her insights on what changes museums have implemented, what's here to stay, and what the future might look like.

In this insightful and personal experience-based interview you will hear:

>how to rethink a COVID hit museum project in 7 hours

>a new working life pattern

>the importance of digital in making museums and collections accessible and to reach new visitors

>taking museums outside

>increasing importance of nurturing and encouraging local communities to engage with museums

>a renewed focus on partnerships and collaborations across the museum sector

Sarah is interviewed by HP’s Fiona Livingston

Useful links and resources:
Museum of Enfield: dugdalecentre.co.uk/page/museum/
Richmond Museum: The Kings Observatory online exhibition
Brunel Museum: escape room
Black Country Museum: TikTok campaign
Museums from Home: #museumsfromhome
Association of Leading Visitor Attractions: 2020 visitor numbers report

This is the second episode in our spin-off series of short After Hours chats discussing issues relating more broadly to the arts and culture sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases.

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

Under the Spotlight: How the Arts can respond to the Climate Emergency

To celebrate Earth Day (22 April 2021) we discuss how the arts can respond to the climate emergency.

"if we can turn those powerful machines and those artists and those platforms into the direction of normalising the changes that need to happen, and the shift that people need to make, and the sacrifices that people need to bring into their lives, supported by government, then I think the arts is going to be one of the most powerful influences. 'Culture eats strategy for breakfast'... we just need to make sure that art can survive, can proliferate, be back to the same capacity that it was a year ago. And that we’re supporting artists in helping to paint a better future, for everyone" - Sam Lee

We are excited to be joined by three expert panellists:

Sam Lee - Mercury Prize-nominated folk singer, conservationist, song collector, and award-winning promoter, broadcaster and activist. 
Alex Sobel - MP for Leeds North West and Shadow Minister for the arts, heritage and tourism. 
Crispin Woodhead - Chief Executive of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Hosted by HP's Henry Southern

Useful links and resources

Connect with Sam:
Website: samleesong
Instagram: @samleesong
Sam Recommends:
Music Declares Emergency: @musicdeclares
Nest Folk: @nestfolk
Friday for Futures: @fridaysforfuture
Julie's Bicycle: @julies_bicycle

Connect with Alex:
Alex Sobel: alex​so​bel​.co​.uk
Twitter: @alexsobel
Instagram: @alexsobelforleedsnorthwest

Connect with Crispin:
OAE website: oae.co.uk
Poland and Hungary Tour: press release
Instagram: oae_photos
facebook: @orchestraoftheageofenlightenment
Twitter: @theoae

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries.

This is the third episode in our ​‘Under the Spotlight’ podcast mini-series where we shine a light on ​‘challenging’ topics in the arts, and focus on guests living these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases.

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

Under the Spotlight - Contested Heritage

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of understanding and clarifying what contested heritage means, the importance of sharing stories to reveal history, the crucial role of education in schools, and ensuring voices are heard.

We are joined by two expert panellists to help us navigate this complicated and emotive topic:

Professor Corinne Fowler - Professor of Postcolonial Literature at the University of Leicester, and Director of the 'Colonial Countryside National Trust Houses Reinterpreted' project. 
Lord Ed Vaizey - Member of the House of Lords, who served as Culture Minister from 2010-16, and co-host of 'Breakout Culture' podcast.

Hosted by HP’s Henry Southern

Useful links and resources

Connect with Corinne:
Green Unpleasant Land: Creative Responses to Rural England's Colonial Connections
Twitter: @corinne_fowler

Connect with Ed:
Breakout Culture Podcast - Itunes and Spotify
Twitter: @edvaizey

Resources:
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Basildon Park National Trust property
Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain by Sathnam Sanghera
Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga

Book recommendations:
Mick Heron thriller novelist
Spring Cannot be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy by Martin Gayford

This is the fourth episode in our ​‘Under the Spotlight’ podcast mini-series where we shine a light on​‘challenging’ topics in the arts and focus on guests living and engaging with these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

After Hours: Fireside chat with Alex Sobel MP

Alex Sobel is a member of the UK Parliament whose constituency is Leed’s North West, and he is also Shadow Minister for the arts, heritage and tourism. 

In this honest and pertinent interview you will hear:

>the UK Government’s budget and its impact on the arts

>how UK arts and culture have been impacted by Brexit and the COVID19 pandemic

>Leeds as European Capital of Culture 2023 bid

>North-South divide

>contested heritage

>DCMS and the heritage sector

Alex is interviewed by HP’s Henry Southern

Useful links and resources:
Alex Sobel: alex​so​bel​.co​.uk

This is the first in our spin-off series of short After Hours chats discussing issues relating more broadly to the arts and culture sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

Find us on Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, Deezer and all good podcatcher sites.

#theculturebar 

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

Under the Spotlight: Celebrating Women in Music

In this special podcast episode, we celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March 2021). 

An episode not only celebrating the achievements of women in music, but also music itself, and all of those who are engaged with it and making the effort to take it out of any one particular box.

In this lively conversation, we are excited to be joined by three knowledgeable and passionate panellists:

Dobrinka Tabakova – a multi-award-winning composer born in Bulgaria who has lived in the UK for over 25 years.  As well as writing extensively for the concert hall she has also composed for film and dance projects – and amongst her commissioners are the Royal Philharmonic Society, BBC Radio 3 and the European Broadcasting Union. Her music is performed worldwide – and her debut profile album String Paths, on ECM Records, was nominated for a Grammy in 2014. In 2017 she was appointed composer-in-residence with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Sarah Alexander – Chief Executive and Artistic Director, National Youth Orchestra of Great  Britain, named Orchestra Manager of the Year in the 2015 Association of British Orchestras/Rhinegold Awards and awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list. When accepting that award Sarah spoke of the NYO being unique.  Through the groundbreaking initiatives brought in under Sarah’s stewardship, its teenage musicians have continued to share their knowledge and love of orchestral music with thousands of other teenagers, both encouraging others musically and bringing musical inspiration directly into the lives of many who may never have heard a live orchestra before.

James Murphy – Chief Executive, Royal Philharmonic Society – before that he was Managing Director of Southbank Sinfonia, and previously Communications Director at NYO.  He made Southbank Sinfonia the first UK orchestra to hire an equal number of male and female guest conductors and substantially raised the proportion of music is performed by women. His advocacy for gender equality continues at the RPS whose Women Conductors programme has given over 500 women the chance to try their hand and further their skills at conducting. 

This episode is hosted by HP’s Lydia Connolly, Director and Head of Artist Management at HarrisonParrott.

Useful links and resources

Connect with Dobrinka:
Website: dobrinka.com
Instagram: instagram.com/dobrinka_tabakova
Facebook: facebook.com/DobrinkaTabakovaComposer

Connect with Sarah:
Website: nyo.org.uk
Ode to Joy project: nyo.org.uk/ode-to-joy
Instagram: instagram.com/nyo_gb
Twitter: twitter.com/NYO_GB
Facebook: facebook.com/NYOGB

Connect with James:
Website: philharmonicsociety.uk
Twitter: twitter.com/RoyalPhilSoc
James Recommends:
Daffodil Perspective: thedaffodilperspective.com
Donne UK: donne-uk.org

This is the second episode in our ​‘Under the Spotlight’ podcast mini-series where we shine a light on ​‘challenging’ topics in the arts, and focus on guests living these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector.

The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

#theculturebar 

A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases