By the mid-90s, London Records is flying high, but success comes at a price. In this episode, journalist Siân Pattenden dives into the intoxicating, and sometimes destructive world of pop stardom.

At the heart of it all is East 17. Their rise is meteoric, culminating in a Christmas number one but behind the scenes, cracks are already forming. Frontman Tony Mortimer reveals the reality of sudden fame: pressure, scrutiny, and a life turned upside down overnight.

Across the label, stories of burnout and breakdown emerge. The Communards split as tensions grow. Fine Young Cannibals implode under the strain of success. But the money keeps flowing.

This is the era of the indie gold rush, with huge advances, extravagant spending, and a culture of excess. Bands like Menswear recall signing deals worth fortunes, and burning through them just as quickly. Industry insiders describe wild expense accounts, endless parties, and a sense that it might never end.

Of course, it does.

From costly creative risks to hedonistic lifestyles, the consequences begin to catch up. Acts like Flowered Up illustrate how quickly things can fall apart.

And then comes the ultimate question: is it worth it? Through candid reflections, artists and insiders confront the reality of fame: the highs, the lows, and the toll it takes.

Episode 4 is a raw, unfiltered look at the price of living the pop dream.

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Produced by Robin Leeburn. A Podmasters production for London Records.

Guests featured in this episode: Siobhan Fahey (Shakespears Sister / Bananarama), Sara Dallin (Bananarama), Tony Mortimer (East 17), Hillary Shaw, Colin Bell, Sean Rowley, Neil Arthur (Blancmange), Richard Coles (The Communards), Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals), Marcella Detroit (Shakespears Sister)

Songs featured in this episode:

Bronski Beat - Hit That Perfect Beat

East 17 - Stay Another Day

East 17 - Deep

East 17 - Steam

Fine Young Cannibals - Good Thing

The Brand New Heavies - You Are The Universe

Menswear - Daydreamer

Goldie - Temper Temper

Goldie - Mother

Flowered Up - Phobia

East 17 - Thunder

Menswear - Being Brave

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‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’ compilation is released on 2CD / Digital on June 12, 2026 and available to pre-order now

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The beat drops and everything changes.

While London Records dominates the pop charts, a new underground movement is erupting across the UK. Acid house. Rave. Electronic music. This isn’t just a trend: it’s a cultural shift.

At the centre is Pete Tong, on a mission to find something more than hits. He’s searching for legacy.

From imported records to illegal warehouse parties, we trace the birth of a scene that would redefine music forever. Early tracks like ‘Jack Your Body’ hint at what’s coming, but it’s only the beginning.

Through voices like Paul Hartnoll of Orbital and Utah Saints’ Jez Willis, we hear how bedroom producers and underground DJs became pioneers of a new sound.

London Records, through its ffrr imprint, tries to bridge two worlds: pop accessibility and dancefloor authenticity. It’s not always easy. There are tensions between art and commerce, pressure to add vocals, to chase radio play, but some artists refuse to compromise.

Meanwhile, collectives like Boys Own Productions push boundaries even further, while acts like Cookie Crew fight to establish UK Hip Hop in a resistant industry.

And then comes Goldie. With his groundbreaking work in drum ‘n’ bass, Goldie becomes the artist Pete Tong had been searching for. Complex, uncompromising, and visionary, he represents a new kind of success: not just hits, but cultural impact.

As rave transforms Britain, Episode 3 captures a moment when music wasn’t just heard: it was felt, lived, and fought for. This is the sound of a revolution.

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Produced by Robin Leeburn. A Podmasters production for London Records.

Guests featured in this episode: Pete Tong, Julia Marcus, Sean Rowley, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital), Jez Willis (Utah Saints), Tim Garbutt (Utah Saints), Steve Hall, Susie Q (Cookie Crew), Debbie Remedy (Cookie Crew), Goldie

Songs featured in this episode:

Bronski Beat - Hit That Perfect Beat

Orbital - Chime

Happy Mondays - Hallelujah

Utah Saints - Something Good

Orbital - Halcyon

Goldie - Timeless

Goldie - Kemistry (Doc Scott Mix)

Goldie - State Of Mind

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‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’ compilation is released on 2CD / Digital on June 12, 2026 and available to pre-order now

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From London to Los Angeles, this is where London Records goes global.

As the label finds its footing, the stakes get bigger, and so do the ambitions. What started as a scrappy UK label is now breaking America, and leading the charge are Bananarama with their era-defining smash ‘Venus.’

But how do you actually make a hit? Journalist Siân Pattenden dives into the mechanics (and the myths) behind chart success. From marketing muscle to the controversial art of ‘hyping,’ insiders like Colin Bell and Sean Rowley reveal the tricks of the trade that could make or break a record overnight.

And then there’s Top of the Pops: the ultimate gatekeeper. One appearance could launch a career into the stratosphere. Artists recall the nerves, the chaos backstage, and the surreal moment of seeing themselves broadcast to millions.

As London grows, so does its roster (and its professionalism); acts like The Communards signal a shift toward a more business-minded operation, even as creativity remains at its core.

Then comes a new level of stardom: Fine Young Cannibals. Fronted by the magnetic Roland Gift, they deliver global hits and redefine what a London Records act can achieve. Their success in the US marks a turning point: the label is no longer just part of the scene, it’s shaping the international sound of pop.

Meanwhile, Shakespears Sister emerges as a bold, genre-blurring project. Siobhan Fahey teams up with Marcella Detroit to create something darker, stranger and unforgettable. Their hit ‘Stay’ became one of the most iconic songs of the era.

From chart tactics to creative breakthroughs, Episode 2 captures the moment London Records mastered the art of pop without losing its edge.

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Produced by Robin Leeburn. A Podmasters production for London Records.

Guests featured in this episode: Siobhan Fahey (Shakespears Sister / Bananarama), Sara Dallin (Bananarama), Hillary Shaw, Colin Bell, Sean Rowley, Neil Arthur (Blancmange), Richard Coles (The Communards), Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals), Marcella Detroit (Shakespears Sister).

Songs featured in this episode:

Bronski Beat - Hit That Perfect Beat

Bananarama - Venus

Communards - Never Can Say Goodbye

Fine Young Cannibals - Suspicious Minds

Fine Young Cannibals - Johnny Come Home

Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy

Shakespears Sister - You’re History

Shakespears Sister - Stay

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‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’ compilation is released on 2CD / Digital on June 12, 2026 and available to pre-order now

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.