Show Notes
In 2017, a bearded baritone from East Sussex released a debut album that would catapult him into global superstardom. That album was Human — a raw, genre-defying collection of tracks that gave us one of the most streamed songs of all time.Fast-forward to 2025: Rag’n’Bone Man (aka Rory Graham) is three albums in, a global touring powerhouse, and a father. But what was it like living through the explosion of Human? Did he see it coming? And how did he navigate the intense spotlight that followed?In this episode of On The Record, Rory revisits the making of Human, the stories behind songs like the title track (which is now been streamed over 5 billion times), “Skin” and “Giant,” the hip hop roots he nearly followed, and how becoming a dad during peak fame shaped his worldview.He opens up about industry pressures, his refusal to mime on TV, and how emotional vulnerability has made him a better artist. Plus, he teases his new single with Danger Mouse and hints at a long-awaited guitar album.This is an honest, nostalgic, and at times, funny, look back at a milestone moment, from the artist who lived it.⸻Episode Tags (Spotify/SEO)Rag’n’Bone Man, Human, Rory Graham, Poppy Reid, On The Record, debut album, UK soul, hip hop, pop music, music industry, artist interview, podcast, 2025, Calvin Harris, Jamie Hartman, Danger Mouse, music podcast, album retrospective, artist evolution⸻Podcast Show NotesFeatured topics: • Revisiting Human: The writing process and why it didn’t feel like a true debut album • Behind the scenes of “Human” and “Skin” with Jamie Hartman • The early impact of European radio and global chart success • Balancing fatherhood with sudden fame • Hip hop beginnings, the Wolves record, and almost making a rap album • Navigating the music industry: fame, false starts, and staying true to yourself • Accusations of cultural appropriation and paying homage to Black music • Unreleased collaborations, freestyling lyrics, and new music with Danger Mouse • The beauty of artistic evolution and hinting at a guitar-driven futureGuest: Rag’n’Bone Man Host: Poppy Reid Produced by: Curious Media Recorded in: Sydney, Australia
More from On the Record with Poppy Reid
Jenny Morris sits down with Poppy Reid for a deeply personal conversation spanning more than four decades of Australian music. Fresh from her induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Jenny reflects on her extraordinary career, the story behind “She Has to Be Loved”, and why the song that began with her sister Bronte ultimately became something much bigger. She opens up about her approach to songwriting, why artists should create for themselves rather than chase a hit, and what separates music with genuine heart and soul from music designed simply to succeed. Jenny also discusses the dramatic changes she has witnessed across the music industry, from vinyl and CDs to streaming and now AI. As an advocate for songwriters and composers, she explains the current fight for artists to be valued, and why the industry cannot repeat the mistakes made when streaming arrived. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Jenny talks about developing spasmodic dysphonia, losing her ability to sing, and how that changed her relationship with music and songwriting, while giving her more time to focus on advocacy. And then there are the stories: touring with INXS as they conquered America, living with Michael Hutchence, encountering Andy Warhol in New York, and the unforgettable night Prince unexpectedly joined Jenny on stage to play guitar on “Saved Me”. A conversation about music, identity, creativity, purpose, legacy and fighting for the value of artists.
Stand Atlantic have built a career out of turning chaos, anxiety and uncomfortable emotions into songs. But what happens when the person writing them suddenly finds herself happy?
Julia Stone sits down for an intimate conversation about music, family, success, grief and her extraordinary creative relationship with her brother, Angus. She looks back on the story behind “Big Jet Plane”, the years of ups and downs, and what happened when she and Angus stepped away from their shared project. She reveals how Rick Rubin helped bring them back into the studio, the unexpected Paris encounter that reunited them, and why their connection has endured for more than two decades. Julia also opens up about the pressures behind making music, the lessons she learned from St. Vincent, and why suffering and grief can be essential to understanding others. From Karaoke Bar, “The Cherry Farm” and the meaning of loss, to the way “Big Jet Plane” became the soundtrack to other people's lives, this is a deeply personal conversation about why music connects us. Poppy Reid is dressed by American Apparel Shop the looks at https://www.americanapparel.com.au/ In this episode:• The story behind Big Jet Plane • Julia and Angus' 20-year creative relationship • Rick Rubin's advice that changed their approach to music • The year and a half they spent apart • Their unexpected reunion in Paris • Five ARIA Awards and thanking her dog and cat • Working with St. Vincent • Cherry Farm, grief and letting go • Why suffering connects us • The unique bond between Julia and Angus • How Big Jet Plane became part of other people's stories
Adam Newling has built his music around the messy parts of being human; friendship, heartbreak, addiction, love, regret and everything we often struggle to put into words.In this episode of On The Record, Adam sits down to unpack the story behind his breakout song “Sweetness”, including how an argument with a close friend helped inspire the song and why some of its most memorable lyrics came from completely different moments in his life.
For this one-off special episode of On The Record, Poppy Reid sits down with Sam Duboff, Spotify's Global Head of Spotify for Artists, Marketing & Policy, for one of the most transparent conversations ever recorded about how the world's biggest streaming platform actually works. From artist royalties and streaming payouts to AI-generated music, algorithms, discovery, exports and the future of the music industry, Sam answers many of the questions musicians, managers and fans have been asking for years. The conversation breaks down how Spotify's royalty system really works, why there is no fixed payment per stream, what actually happens after Spotify pays labels and distributors, and why so many artists misunderstand where their money comes from. Sam also responds to some of the biggest industry debates, including Discovery Mode, user-centric payments, AI-generated music, spam tracks, artist verification, export myths and whether Spotify's algorithm really limits artists' global reach. Whether you're an artist, songwriter, producer, manager or simply curious about the future of music, this is an essential conversation with one of the people helping shape the industry's next chapter. Topics discussed: How Spotify royalties actually work