BBC Learning English The Music Show Jamelia

Callum:

Hello, I'm Callum Robertson and this is the Music show. In the programme today we find out what connects 1980's electronic band Depeche Mode with current R & B singer Jamelia. And we also have the chance to listen to one of the most famous pieces of rock music.

We start with Depeche Mode who emerged in the 1980s from the New Wave and New Romantic era. They are one of the most successful bands from that period are still together in 2006 having recently released their fifth compilation which also includes new material.

Over their 25 year career they have sold more than 70 million albums and despite this success and having released more than 40 singles they have never had a number one hit in the UK.

Their 23rd single release, in 1989 was this track Personal Jesus.

MUSIC DEPECHE MODE PERSONAL JESUS

Callum:

Unusually for Depeche Mode, renowned for their electronic based music, the guitar is one of the main instruments in Personal Jesus. It plays a riff which became very well known. A riff.

A riff is a term used to describe a repeating section of music which forms the background to the song.

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Many well known songs are based on riffs which become popular for people learning instruments to learn and play. If you like rock music and have learned to play the guitar then I'm sure at some point you will have played this, perhaps the most famous rock riff of all time.

MUSIC DEEP PURPLE SMOKE ON THE WATER

Callum:

That was Deep Purple and the riff from their track Smoke on the Water.

These days riffs from songs are often used by other artists. This is a comparatively new feature of popular music. Taking part of an old song, playing it over and over and using it as part of a new song. It's known as sampling. Sampling.

And this is what has happened to the Depeche Mode track Personal Jesus. Its riff has been sampled and used as the backing for a new song by British singer Jamelia. Jamelia wasn't even born when Depeche Mode began making music. In September 2006, at the age of 25 she released her third album which included the top 10 single Beware of the Dog.

In an interview with the BBC's Simon Mayo she talked about using the sample and how she felt when her producer, Stuart Crichton brought it to her. What was her first reaction.

Jamelia Well basically, Stuart Crichton who produced it, he brought the song to me and I was just like, I cannot write a song over this, it's as you said it's instantly recognisable it's one of these huge riffs everybody knows what it's from.

Callum:

Her first reaction was that she thought she couldn't write a song using it. She describes it as being 'instantly recognisable', a huge riff, something which is very very well known, as soon as you hear it you remember where it comes from, you remember the original. Listen again.

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Jamelia Well basically, Stuart Crichton who produced it, he brought the song to me and I was just like, I cannot write a song over this, it's as you said it's instantly recognisable it's one of these huge riffs everybody knows what it's from.

Callum:

However she did go ahead to make the song, but it was something she felt she had to get exactly right. How many times did she go back into the studio to work on the track to perfect it and what does she think of the result?

Jamelia And yea and so we wrote it and I must say we went back into the studio about 5 times just because, I was like, it's got to be perfect, it cannot be anything less than amazing. And I mean I feel that it's a great song now.

Callum:

She went back about 5 times, but it was worthwhile as she says she feels that it's a great song now. Listen again.

Jamelia And yea and so we wrote it and I must say we went back into the studio about 5 times just because, I was like, it's got to be perfect, it cannot be anything less than amazing. And I mean I feel that it's a great song now.

Callum:

We're going to end the programme with Jamelia's track Beware of the Dog, but before that she explains whether how Depeche Mode had to agree to her using the sample, did they had to listen to the final song and approve it?

Jamelia Yes, which is one thing that I love, because it means that actually had to hear the song and say "OK, she's allowed" and I was really glad that I got the approval.

MUSIC JAMELIA BEWARE OF THE DOG

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