Absolute Radio presents Epicentres, a brand-new radio documentary series which will be broadcast across the station in August. 

Hosted by music journalist and presenter Sophie K, Epicentres takes the listener on a musical journey to a variety of cities, which have become synonymous with a music genre or a moment in history. The five-part series explores the untold stories behind the place, discovering unique perspectives from those who know each city best.  

With a selection of top guests in each episode, Epicentres is a must listen for real music fans. Episode details below. 

Memphis – 25/7/21 

There is no better city to start our look at the link between music & place, than the birthplace of the blues, soul and Rock n Roll. This episode of Epicentres will take you around Graceland, into Sun & Stax Studios, and look at the wider importance of Memphis as the place where it all began.              Guests: Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MGs, Blues Brothers, Stax’s inhouse guitarist), former Stax owner Al Bell, Angie Marchese from Graceland 

Nashville – 1/8/21 

For episode 2 of Epicentres, we travel 200 miles to Nashville to find out about why country made its home here and why Nashville is Music City USA.     Guests: Thomas Rhett, Ashley McBryde as well as Nashville legends Charlie McCoy, Don Reid and Norbert Putnman 

Liverpool – 7/8/21 

In this episode, we turn our attention to the UK, and the city that gave us the greatest pop group of all time, the Beatles. We look at why Liverpool is more than just the Beatles – it is a UNESCO City of Culture after all.   Guests: Chris Amoo (The Real Thing), Peter Hooton (The Farm), Julia Baird (John Lennon’s sister) 

Manchester – 15/8/21 

They may be separated by just 30 miles and a fierce rivalry, but Manchester & Liverpool have 2 very different music histories and sounds. In this episode of Epicentres, we find out what event sparked Manchester’s glorious music history that boasts the likes of Joy Division, the Smiths and the Hacienda     Guests: Tim Booth (James), Rowetta (Happy Mondays), DJ Paulette 

 Seattle – 22/8/21 

In this final episode of Epicentres, we head back to the States, and arguably the last ever pre-internet music ‘scene’. Grunge was something that very much emerged from the underground and made waves around the world, but it began in Seattle.                                                      Guests: Kim Thayil (Soundgarden), Soundgarden manager Susan Silver, Subpop founder Bruce Pavitt, Subpop photographer Charles Peterson 

Epicentres is broadcast weekly at 8pm from Sunday 25th July on Absolute Radio.  

Extended versions of each programme will be available to listen on-demand in the Absolute Radio app 

– ENDS –  

For further press information, please contact:    

Cat Martin – Communications Director, Bauer Media Audio  

cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk – 07932746363  

Amelia O’Shea – Head of Communications, Bauer Media Audio UK

amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk – 07718489342  

About Bauer Media Audio  

Bauer Media Audio is Europe’s leading digital commercial broadcaster and audio operator. Experts in the power of sound, the company reaches over twenty-six million listeners daily through its market-leading broadcast radio, online services, and podcasts creating commercial value. The business spans 7 countries including the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Slovakia, with leading brands including KISS, Mix Megapol, Absolute Radio, Radio Norge, Radio Expres, Radio Nova, The Voice and RMF.