BBC Sounds is releasing a new eight-part series, David Bowie: Changeling, as part of its Music Uncovered strand, hosted by Kate Moss.
The series examines how Bowie reinvented himself between 1971 and 1976 to become one of music’s most transformative figures.
Kate Moss, who knew Bowie personally, said: “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.”
The series features rare and previously unheard archive interviews with Bowie, including a 2001 interview with podcast creator Des Shaw and recently discovered BBC Archive audio.
“In one episode, Bowie reflects: “I think that throughout the 60s and most of the 70s I was driven by lust, as much as anything. It’s a great creative force. That in turn is replaced by anger, when you ask where the money is. And then you get depression, and then you go to Berlin and write really moody instrumental stuff. It’s the triptych of the 70s. Lust, anger, moody.”
Bowie’s collaborators and admirers also contribute their insights. Brian Eno observes: “All this thing that people say about him being a chameleon, well, it’s about the idea of constructing a parallel universe.”
Christine and the Queens adds: “David touched everyone’s heart at least once. A true master I think maybe, a great teacher in mastery in how to surrender absolutely to your inner world and your visions and to craft liberating spaces for the people.”
Artists influenced by Bowie also feature, including Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode: “Bowie had a huge impact on me from the moment I first saw him on Top of the Pops. The way Bowie looked was equally as important as the music … I’ve always been able to feel like he was singing for me, would sort of guide my thoughts, to be able to drift off into fantasy and go to the places that he was singing about.”
Edward Enninful recalls: “I was always obsessed with music. I was always obsessed with imagery … He was bold and he was unafraid and there was something that always sort of attracted me to him.”
Elton John describes Bowie as “a giant, a ground-breaking artist, songwriter, performer, actor, and his legacy will be there forever.”
Other voices include Harris Reed, Lady Gaga, Robbie Williams, St. Vincent, Tilda Swinton, Toni Basil, and Twiggy, all reflecting on Bowie’s creativity, performance, and influence.
Reed highlights the impact of Ziggy Stardust: “Seeing someone have such striking androgynous exuberance … was just completely blowing my mind as a kid growing up … it resonated with the way I always went about my design process.”
David Bowie: Changeling mixes these voices and archive recordings into a portrait of Bowie’s first-half-1970s transformation, exploring his musical, fashion and cultural innovations. The series celebrates his enduring impact on generations of artists and fans, from stage presence to personal expression, and offers listeners a deep dive into a pivotal chapter of Bowie’s career.
The podcast is available on BBC Sounds and globally on RSS from 6am today, Wednesday 10 September, and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music on Monday 22 September (12–2am).
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.
