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How to Write a Hit Record, with Alan McGee and Jim Eliot

BBC Hereford and Worcester

Hay Festival 2018, 

BBC Music Introducing presenter Andrew Marston quizzes two of Hay's most prolific hit-makers about the science behind a No.1 record. Alan McGee was the founding father of Creation Records, responsible for signing bands such as Oasis, Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine and The Libertines. Alan was also behind a club night which saw appearances from The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Kasabian and The Darkness. Jim Eliot has had seven UK top 10 singles – that’s the same number as Adele. But just who is this one-man hit factory? Jim’s written and produced songs for Kylie Minogue, Will Young, Olly Murs, Ellie Goulding, Christina Perri, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Leona Lewis, James Morrison, Rae Morris, Sigma and Foxes – and does all of this tucked away in the shadows of the Black Mountains.