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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PaulWellerFanPodcast.com


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