S1E3 - Finding a Hit

A hit record is never guaranteed. In this episode, musicians and producers who have chased that spark walk us through the moments when a song feels like it might break through and the times when fate has other plans. James Alexander remembers the Bar-Kays fighting for a second chance at Stax, only to stumble onto the raw idea that became “Soul Finger.” Steve Selvidge talks about his father Sid Selvidge’s debut album, Portrait, and the strange mix of pride, doubt, and timing that surrounded its lead single as it started to catch regional airplay. Willie Hall reflects on the promise and heartbreak behind John Gary Williams’ self-titled solo record, a project on the brink of a breakthrough when Stax Records suddenly shut down. And producer Natalie Rosenberg offers an honest look at the ingredients behind a hit, using her work with New Zealand Trading Company to show how talent and craft still rely on a final force: luck.

Together, their stories trace the thin line between a good record and a great one, and how even the best music sometimes needs the world to be listening at the right moment.

Presented by MEMPHO Presents. Made possible by Humanities Tennessee.

Featuring:

• Do You See What I See by the Bar-Kays
• Portrait by Sid Selvidge
• John Gary Williams by John Gary Williams
• New Zealand Trading Company by the New Zealand Trading Company

Guests:

• James Alexander
• Steve Selvidge
• Willie Hall
• Natalie Rosenberg

• Host - Jared "Jay B." boyd
• Producer - Robby Grant, Andria Lisle
• Editor / Engineer - Daniel Lynn
• Brought to you by WYXR 91.7 FM Memphis
• More information on Stereo Sessions here