Have you heard about the time Freddie Mercury dressed Princess Diana up in drag and took her out to a gay bar in the 80s? Or did you know that Paul McCartney’s original title for the song “Yesterday” was actually “Scrambled Eggs?”
If these stories piqued your interest then I’d like to invite you to Music & Beans: a weekly newsletter by me, Sarah Hallam. Freelance writer/editor and talentless music fan.
Inspired by the name of my all-time favorite coffee shop in Camden Town, Music & Beans is a weekly newsletter of musical tidbits and pop-culture history for all my fellow music geeks out there. Because if there is one thing that makes any damn sense in this world it’s music. And I want to share all my random musical knowledge with you.
Dancing along to British rock music or scream-singing classic ‘70s American songs in the car were the sounds of my childhood, but the history buff in me always wanted to know more. I’ve spent years scouring the internet for the meanings behind my favorite lyrics, fallen down YouTube holes watching famous musicians’ interviews and I’ve read so many words on the history of rock canon that I’m pretty sure I could write a book at this point.
My goal is to help you discover new music you love, learn something new about an artist you’ve always known, or make you think of an old album in a different way. A place to analyze all the easter eggs in Taylor Swift’s evermore album, to dig into the infamous sibling rivalry that tore Oasis apart, and why I think Liam Gallagher is the most batshit human alive. (Don't believe me? Listen to Sacha Baron Cohen talk about the time he met him at an award show.)
But here’s the deal. Talking about music can get a lil snobby. Nothing is worse than running into that dude at a party whose favorite album is probably “something you’ve never heard of.” I don’t want any part of that.
Music is, and should, be something that connects with everyone. It should bring back unwanted memories, strengthen your relationships, and make you want to tell everybody you know what you just felt listening to that song.
So now that that’s out of the way, I’m here to tell you about “all those references you’d probably never understand.” And if you already know them, maybe this newsletter will be as fun and exciting to read as it is to write every week. I’ll be the first to say that I definitely do not claim to know everything there is to know about music. I’m constantly learning more and listening to more every day.
A bit about my own music taste: I love listening to and discovering all genres of music, but ultimately my heart lies with rock and alternative. Some other favorites are pop, folk, indie and R&B.
I’m just here to have a good time, geek out over my favorite artists, albums, guitar riffs, rock feuds, and more. I hope you’ll join me.
Sign up now so you don’t miss the first issue.
If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, tell em!!