Black Country Stories Podcast
Black Country Stories podcast unearths the stories of the people of the Black Country, from fairground showmen to tattooists, shopkeepers to artists.
Season 2
Season 2 of the podcast builds on the work of artists as a part of the What’s In Store project in Wednesbury Town Centre.
Delve into audio stories and poetry informed and inspired by the local community of Wednesbury.
Episodes are available on Apple, Spotify, Anchor, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or right here with us.
A Reassuring Crackle
Auden Allen is a sound artist and music producer. In this podcast, he speaks about our relationship to music, what makes it special, the ingredients, the stories and the ever changing way in which we consume it.
It was inspired by a visit to RPM analogue music shop in Bearwood, and by memories of his father’s sound system as he grew up.
The result is an aural immersion, full of rich sound and captivating words.
I Don’t Know Why I’m Telling You This
Bohdan Piasecki is a poet and he listens to people. Well, he has conversations with people, listens to what he’s been told, and then writes a poem for them from the things that he’s been told.
In this podcast, he has conversations with three people and writes three new poems about a special grandchild, the release of speed, and how loving people often means knowing when to let them go.
The conversations are intriguing, the poems are wonderful.
What’s In Store
Before Vimal Korpal became a performer, he ran a shop – and he still likes talking to shopkeepers. In this podcast he visits Wednesbury town centre where he uncovers the interesting stories behind two shops – Simone’s Bridal Wear and Sue’s Traditional Sweets.
Surprisingly, these vastly different shops share more than just their Wednesbury location, and Vimal proves yet again that there are stories we all want to hear in everyone’s lives.
The Black Country Stories Season 2 episodes were funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
What's in Store was part of We Are Wednesbury, a cultural programme produced by Multistory for the High Streets Heritage Action Zone initiative, funded by Sandwell Council and Historic England.
Season 1
Season 1 of Black Country Stories podcast is informed and inspired by the people of the Black Country, from fairground showmen to tattooists. Here you’ll find audio stories, digital poetry and original music.
All episodes available on Apple, Spotify, Anchor, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts, Sandwell Talking News or right here with us.
Voices of the Fairground
Summer. It’s late in the evening and it’s warm. You’re walking through the park, under the trees, you take a seat on your favourite bench and you look out… but tonight, things are different… the park has changed.
Join writer-performer Rochi Rampal as she explores the travelling fairground with the people who live it everyday. Based on the lives of Black Country fairground communities.
Listen to the episodes below:
Supporters & Podcast Development
Written and presented by Rochi Rampal
Music Composition & Sound Design by Duncan Grimley
Directed by Steve Johnstone
Artwork by Sakab Bashir
Researched by Alex Howell and Nicola Churchill
This three-part podcast series is supported by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s Museum and Arts Service. Funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund and Sandwell Museum & Arts Service. Produced by Black Country Touring.
Tattoo Stories
I’m no tattooist, but there are thousands of stories as to why people have tattoos: for love, inspiration, remembrance, fashion, culture, cosmetic; and some just because they were drunk! There’s a story behind every tattoo.
Listen to the episodes below:
Supporters & Podcast Development
Conceived, written, performed and presented by Vimal Korpal
Sound Design by Annie Mahtani
Directed by Steve Johnstone
Artwork by Sakab Bashir
Produced by Black Country Touring.
