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 –