Series 1
9 episodes · Jun 25, 2026
Season Videos
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S1E1Somewhere in the Silence
Jun 25, 202663mWe begin our incomplete history of music at the very beginning of everything, The Big Bang, where conditions come into being so that sound can exist in the first place. We explore the difference between music and sound and debate whether music is uniquely human or do birds and whales just sing for fun.
S1E2Numbers Fall
Jun 26, 202669mWe explore the mathematics that underpins musical structure, how humans came to discover it and how it differs from culture to culture. We take a piano lesson and then try to make sense of why we humans like music so much in the first place.
S1E3Buried Treasure
Jun 27, 202660mWe head to deep caves in Germany to discover the oldest known musical instrument and explore the music of ancient civilisations from Babylon to Greece to Egypt. We look at how music has been taught across cultures and generations and answer that age old question, did neanderthals hum?
S1E4Build This Love
Jun 28, 202670mUsing pianos and guitars as a case study we explore the evolution of musical instruments from ancient times to modern electronic devices. We then start to explore how we send music out in the world via the invention of sheet music and eventually recording and distribution systems like records and radios. Finally we make our own gramophone with a pin and a cone.
S1E5Yesterdays
Jul 2, 202661mWe examine the role of religion in music and the rise of two of the major influences of western music, opera and classical music. We look at how classical music differs from region to region, from Europe to China to Africa and how it’s changed over time. We explore how deaf people enjoy music and it’s influence on film music and Bugs Bunny is also up for discussion…
S1E6Way Down
Jul 3, 202663mThe massive global impact of African rhythms is the focus of this episode and how the barbarism of slavery, and the resilience of enslaved people, gave rise to genres such as blues, jazz, country, rock and roll and more. The episode also includes a dive into the rich musical history and tradition of a modern day musical Babylon, New Orleans.
S1E7Standing on the Outside
Jul 9, 202680mWe meet with hip hop pioneers to discuss the origins of the genre and all that it gave rise to, particularly its influence on culture. A wider look is taken at music’s role in politics, social change and comedy as well as the darker side of music and how it has been used by some of history’s worst people.
S1E8Sing to Me
Jul 10, 202673mWhat makes some music more popular and why do we all have different taste in music? We dig into this via a case study of two pop music juggernauts, The Beatles and Taylor Swift before exploring the behind the scenes process of crafting a memorable song. Finally we take a look at music for children.
S1E9Tomorrow
Jul 16, 202684mIn a world of streaming and AI, what does the future hold for music? We look at some of the more recent phenomena in the world of music including raves, electronic music, the Broadway musical, crowd funding and musical therapy. We speak to astronauts and space legends about why music is so important we sent it into outer space and how the power of live music can never be understated.