A new podcast from Novel, made in association with BBC Studios, tells the dramatic story of the downfall of one of the most powerful companies in British music.
Music, Money & Mayhem is a six-part series hosted by filmmaker and journalist Chris Atkins. It follows Guy Hands’ turbulent takeover of EMI and features contributions from Hands himself, Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, Ed O’Brien of Radiohead, and former EMI UK chief executive Tony Wadsworth, among others.
For decades EMI defined British musical culture with artists including The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, Coldplay and Radiohead.
As the new millennium began, its dominance looked secure, but the rise of internet piracy and file sharing posed an unprecedented challenge to the traditional business model of record companies.
When EMI was sold to Guy Hands, a City financier best known for deals in motorway service stations, the clash between commercial ambition and creative vision was unavoidable.
The podcast charts the ensuing battles between executives, artists and investors as the company’s future hung in the balance, with music itself at risk of being overshadowed by financial turmoil.
The series launches on Monday 29 September across all major podcast platforms, with new episodes released weekly.
