THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE

JIMMY MATTINGLY

Arguably the finest fiddler in the country music genre Jimmy Mattingly talks about his life in music, plays the songs that were significant in his life and shares stories of performing on stage with the country music legends that are Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton

KRISTIAN BUSH

In this edition of The Soundtrack to my Life Simon was joined by one half of Sugarland, Kristian Bush. As a singer/songwriter and producer Kristian talks about his career to date, the plans for the future and his work as a producer for Lindsay Ell. One not to miss!

LUKE MORELY (THUNDER)

As one of the longest standing rock bands Thunder have been rockin' since the 80's. Luke Morely, lead guitarist and songwriter for the band joined Simon to talk through his influences throughout the decades, all things Thunder and plans for the future! One NOT to miss

JAMIE LAWSON

Jamie Lawson joined Simon to talk about the music that has influenced him throughout his life and career. You'll not be surprised to find Joni Mitchell on the list as he has just released his own cover of her sony 'A Case of You'. Alongside talking through Jamie's journey to date he talks about supporting Deacon Blue on their upcoming tour later in 2021, a new album that is in development and much more!

First broadcast on Saturday 26th June 2021

JILLIAN JACQUELINE

In this episode of The Soundtrack to my Life we were delighted to speak with Jillian Jacqueline. Jillian has had a fabulous career to date and great success with her EP's Side A & Side B. Along with the duet with Keith Urban Jillian also recalls the many times she worked with Kenny Rogers and how he influenced her music. This is just the tip of the iceberg, listen now to learn so much more about Jillian.

RUSSELL DICKERSON

Russell Dickerson joined Simon w/c 24th May 2021 to share the songs that have influenced him over the course of his life both personally and professionally. 

Russell talks about his love of guitar riffs and R n Band how he has used these influences within his own brand of country music.

Russell also mentions the future, his plans to tour and the distinct possibility of a Southern Symphony deluxe in the not too distant future!

ALLIE COLLEEN

Allie Colleen joined Simon on Saturday 1st May to talk about all the songs that have either influenced her or hold special memories. As the daughter of Garth Brooks you can imagine she has had a wealth of musical influence and insight into the music business. Allie chooses songs from her childhood and later in life as she recounts growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma and yes, she does chose songs by her Dad and her (bonus) Mom, Trisha Yearwood!

Allie's debut album is out NOW on CD - www.alliecolleenmusic.com

PÓL BRENNAN (CLANNAD)

Week commencing 29th March 2021 Simon was joined by the Pól Brennan of the family Band Clannad. The most successful family band to come out of Ireland Pól has many fantastic stories. From winning Grammy's, Ivor Novello's & BAFTA's to Lifetime achievement awards, there is little Clannad haven't done.

As they were about to go on their finale world tour life went into lockdown! Join Simon all week as Pól chooses the soundtrack to his life and talks about everything from awards to how Clannad got their iconic, award winning sound. 

Repeated at 6:30pm on Saturday 3rd April 2021

Week commencing 22nd March 2021 Simon is joined by the wonderful Alyssa Bonagura. 

Alyssa is a fascinating person and there is very little that she hasn't done in the music industry, from singing with Kenny Rogers to singing in front of 20,000 people at the tender age of 2!

A must listen and this interview also includes a WORLD EXCLUSIVE first play of Alyssa's next single - New Wings!

Repeated at 6:30pm on Saturday 27th March 2021

Alyssa Bonagura

Austin Jenckes

Week commencing 15th March 2021 Simon was joined by the amazing singer/songwriter that is Austin Jenckes

Austin talks about his move to Nashville when he realised people got paid to write songs, his influences both within and outside of music and of course, The Soundtrack to My Life!


Repeated at 6:30 on Saturday 20th March 2021

Jake Hoot

Week commencing 8th March 2021 Simon was joined by the The Voice USA winner Jake Hoot.

Jake entered and won The Voice in 2019 with Kelly Clarkson as his coach. Following on from many fantastic performances on The Voice and releasing new material Jake released a song he'd written duetting with his former coach! 'I Would've Loved You' went on to receive airplay worldwide and made #1 on The ARC Top 40!

Repeated at 6:30 on Saturday 13th March 2021

Stella Parton

Week commencing 1st March 2021 Simon was joined by the wonderful Stella Parton. Sister of the iconic Dolly, Stella has forged a career in music, art and on the stage. Her passion is and always has been equality and supporting those marginalised by society. 

This is one really not to miss, Stella is an inspirational individual who share many personal accounts from growing up in a large family to her son Timothy

Repeated at 6:30 on Saturday 6th March 2021

Leah Turner

Week commencing 22nd February Simon is joined by Leah Turner.

As a first generation Mexican American Leah's influences are far and wide, from the cowgirl to the senorita! Her latest project is infused with flavours of the country and the Latin, a unique mix that Leah delivers with style. The first single from the forthcoming project 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' is available to stream and download now!


Repeated in full on Saturday 27th at 6pm.

Alex Hall

Week commencing 15th February Simon was joined by Alex Hall. Alex, a multiple rodeo winner is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who grew up on a small farm dreaming of becoming Elvis!

His most recent EP - Six Strings is out now and features collaborations with Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Tenille Towns and more!

Join Alex as he discusses his influences and the music that shaped him into the artist he is today!

Repeated in full on Saturday 20th at 6pm.

Kerri Watt

Week commencing 7th February 2021 Simon is chatting with UK star Kerri Watt. Kerri recently released her debut album - Neptunes Daughter, however don't let that fool you into thinking she is new to the world of music and performance. Among many other accomplishments within the music industry Kerri had supported and duetted with Keith Urban.


Neptunes Daughter is out NOW & the companion podcast - Neptunes Talker is available on Monday 15th February.

Hunter Hayes

Week commencing 1st February 2021 the amazing Hunter Hayes joins Simon to share his soundtrack. Hunter also talks about his upcoming album Red Sky, his early influences and the 30 instruments he plays!


The brand new project from Hunter - Red Sky will be released over the course of 2021.

Ashley Campbell

Week commencing 25th January 2021 we are delighted to welcome Ashley Campbell to The soundtrack To My Life. Daughter of the incredible country music legend Glen Campbell, Ashley shares stories about growing up, playing with her Dad on stage and how he influenced not only her music, but also her eclectic taste.


Ashley's new album - Something Lovely is out now!

Harleymoon Kemp

In the first Soundtrack to my Life of 2021 Simon chatted the wonderful Harleymoon Kemp. Daughter of Martin Kemp and Shirlie Holliman, Harleymoon has many wonderful and interesting stories to tell. From her work as a photographer, her subjects have included George Michael & The Queen! To her music career as a songwriter and now as an emerging artist within the UK Country music scene.

This is a soundtrack not to miss!

Tim Prottey-Jones

In the last Soundtrack of 2020 Simon was joined by singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and West End star Tim Protty-Jones. Tim talks about his musical journey through life and how his very eclectic taste in music has and continues to influence him. On the eve of releasing his debut single as a solo artist (at the time of recording) Tim talks about his past experiences with The Wandering Hearts & his plans for the future.

Kezia Gill

In the lead up to the release of her 3rd single of 2020 - Wings, Kezia Gill joined Simon to share her stories and influences from the world of music and beyond. Kezia's soundtrack included Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton & Cam amongst many other greats!

Haley & Michaels

Simon was joined w/c  16th November 2020 on Morning Live this week were Ryan and Shannon (Haley & Michaels).

The discussions range from music choices to babies as the duo take us on a journey through their musical influences and life events.


Their playlist is also pretty stellar (according to Simon anyways!)

Foreign Affairs

Week commencing 9th November 2020 the fantastic duo Foreign Affairs are joining Simon to talk about their musical influences and sharing the stories behind their choices.


5 from Lawrence and 5 from Adam, there's an eclectic mix of genres and styles. This is a soundtrack you really don't want to miss!

Laura Oakes

Join Simon all week for Morning Live where his special guest choosing the Soundtrack To My Life is the wonderful Laura Oakes.


Learn more about Laura's influences growing up and who she looks up to.



Jessica Lynn

On the very first week of Morning Live on ARC Radio the special guest choosing the Soundtrack to my Life was the one and only - Jessica Lynn


As you might expect, Jess chose some fantastic music from across the decades and tells the stories behind each choice.


There's one or two you may not have been expecting too.