I Worked With Michael Jackson… He Wasn’t What You Think
The Blinding Talent Music Industry Podcast with Mark AdamsShow Notes
In this episode of the Blinding Talent Music Industry Podcast, Mark Adams sits down with Judd Lander - a true industry insider whose career spans over six decades of music history.
From the Cavern Club in Liverpool to working with ABBA, Culture Club, Spice Girls, Annie Lennox, Prince and more, Judd has been part of some of the most iconic moments in music - often by accident, always by instinct.
From creating the harmonica on Karma Chameleon in under 30 minutes…to working behind the scenes at the BRIT Awards for over 20 years… to navigating the shift from the 60s music scene to today’s AI-driven industry… This is a rare, honest perspective on how the music industry really works - from someone who’s lived it.
IN THIS EPISODE How The Beatles inspired Judd’s journey into music The story behind Karma Chameleon (and how quickly it came together) What artists like Michael Jackson, ABBA and Prince were really like behind the scenes Inside the BRIT Awards and capturing iconic moments The evolution of PR, radio and artist development The reality of being an artist in today’s landscape AI, streaming and the future of music
KEY MOMENTS 1:14 – From The Beatles to Ed Sheeran: Judd’s career journey 2:00 – Liverpool, The Cavern Club & early beginnings 11:30 – First encounters with The Beatles 22:00 – The Karma Chameleon story (created in minutes) 25:40 – Spice Girls studio moment 30:00 – 21 years inside The BRIT Awards 32:00 – Amy Winehouse moment 36:30 – Prince & what makes a true musician 38:00 – What Michael Jackson was really like 42:00 – ABBA: the reality behind the hits 49:00 – AI in music: opportunity vs risk 1:00:10 – The Jeff Beck story
WHY THIS MATTERS If you're an artist, manager, or building a career in music, this episode gives you something rare: → Perspective across decades → Real industry insight (not theory) → A clearer understanding of what actually builds careers
ABOUT BLINDING TALENT Blinding Talent helps artists grow with clarity, not noise. Social • Spotify • Strategy • Management
Built on over two decades at the coalface of the music industry. 👉 Learn more: www.blindingtalent.com
FOLLOW THE PODCAST For more real conversations with people who’ve helped shape the music industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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