New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Warner Chappell
Music (WCM) today unveiled its original podcast series, Setting the Standard: Stories from the Great American Songbook, in partnership with Bang/Audiation - the team behind the critically-acclaimed WCM podcast Final Sessions: Harry Nilsson's Losst and Founnd.The new podcast will weave together story and song into a tapestry of American cultural history for songwriters, historians, musicians, artists, and fans alike.
WCM Senior Vice President of Creative Services, Ashley Winton said: "We're launching Setting the Standard to give a voice to the creative minds behind many of the Great American Songbook's most influential standards, songs, and showtunes. Through original content, interviews, and more, we hope to provide an authentic look at one of the most transformative eras in music history."
"We're seeing a resurgence of catalog songs resonating with new audiences around the world," added WCM Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot and Co-Chair and COO Carianne Marshall. "This podcast spotlights the depth and breadth of some of the incredible legacy writers in our own catalog, and we're thrilled to bring listeners and fans along with us on this journey."
Launching on October 25th, Setting the Standard will feature eight episodes - each on a different legendary songwriter - starting with three-time Oscar-winning and pioneering film composer Harry Warren. Additional episodes will continue to roll out this year and spotlight prolific composers and songwriters, including Cole Porter,
George and Ira Gershwin, Jule Styne, and more. Using historical sources and new discussions with scholars, critics, artists, and family members, Setting the Standard will tell the stories of their lives, filtered through the lens of their most iconic songs. It will also feature exclusive, never-before-seen interviews from music legends such as Billy Corgan and Michael Feinstein, and prolific writers and hitmakers such asJustin Tranter.
Justin Tranter added: "To see Warner Chappell shining a bright light on all these iconic songwriters for us to listen to, learn about and worship is beautiful. Having the opportunity to geek out over Cole Porter, such a legendary songwriter who has also become a queer icon, is a dream come true."
Setting the Standard will be hosted by Joe Levy (Billboard, Rolling Stone, VH1), with support from the GRAMMY Museum and The Great American Songbook Foundation.
The Gershwin Estates shared: "George and Ira's songs defined the Jazz Age and elevated musical comedy, and we're grateful to Warner Chappell for continuing to tell the inspiring stories of their lives and legacies."
