Will Hodgkinson - Mojo - The Story of 66

Ahead of our huge boxset of special podcast episodes landing on Friday, I wanted to chat to journalist and author, Will Hodgkinson on his Mojo cover story with Paul Weller.

Will is Chief Rock and Pop critic for The Times and has written for The Guardian, The Independent, Vogue and Mojo magazine.

He is also the author of many fantastic books Guitar Man, Song Man, The Ballad of Britain and The House Is Full of Yogis.

He's also just announced his new book Street-Level Superstar - A Year With Lawrence which has just gone on sale for pre-orders (see link in the podcast show notes)

Paul Weller’s Latest Album ‘66’: An Exclusive Insight with Will Hodgkinson

In this episode, we delve into Will's experience interviewing Weller and some of the key insights he gathered along the way.

Paul Weller has been a significant figure in the music industry for decades. His latest album, '66', marks yet another milestone in his illustrious career. Will Hodgkinson had the opportunity to sit down with Paul at Black Barn Studio, where they discussed everything from the album's creation to Weller's thoughts on the current music scene.

One of the highlights of the interview was Paul's openness about his creative process. Will shared how Weller, traditionally known to be quite cagey, was surprisingly candid during their conversation. "Paul Weller's songwriting just doesn't stop. Whether it's just a working-class work ethic or something within him that he just can't help," Will noted. This relentless drive is evident in '66', an album that showcases Weller's continued evolution as an artist.

The interview also touched on Weller's collaborations with other artists on '66'. Notable names like Noel Gallagher and Suggs contributed to the album, adding a fresh dynamic to Weller's sound. Will shared an amusing anecdote about how quickly the song with Noel Gallagher came together, highlighting the deep respect and camaraderie between the two artists. "Whatever you think about Neil Young and Paul Weller, those guys are as real as it gets," Gallagher remarked.

In addition to discussing the album, Will and Weller also bonded over their shared love for vintage fashion. From Lee denim jackets to Henley shirts, their conversation veered into the realm of style, offering a glimpse into Weller's personal interests beyond music.

Another intriguing aspect of the interview was Weller's reflection on the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. He mentioned how the enforced break allowed him to appreciate the simple things in life, like hearing the birds sing. This period of reflection is subtly woven into the fabric of '66', making it a deeply personal and introspective album.

For those who have followed Weller's career, '66' is a testament to his enduring passion for music and his ability to adapt and evolve.

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