360 sessions

360 Sessions was a captivating music-based television programme that aired in 2010 on the UK-based Channel 4. The show was prodigiously innovative for its time, creating an immersive musical environment that produced an exhilarating, all-encompassing sensory experience for its audiences. The ingenious concept of the show sought to engage viewers in a novel conversation with music by using the world of musicians as its narrative centre.

The characteristic 360-degree experience, implied in the show's title, married musical performances with intimate interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. By embracing such a broad spectrum of visual angles, 360 Sessions offered a comprehensive exploration of the featured artists' inspirations, aspirations, creative process, and professional journeys. This broader emphasis on the musical artists' personas beyond their stardom and recordings allowed the series a unique platform to dive into the universes that musicians create and inhabit.

Each episode of 360 Sessions was devoted to a single prominent music artist or band from a spectrum of genres, from underground indie bands to mainstream pop artists, establishing a diverse musical inventory attractive to a broad spectrum of viewers. Instead of a traditional music show format, where artists would typically perform in a studio followed by brief interviews, 360 Sessions turned tables by making artists the primary storytellers of the episodes, providing an intimate look at their lives and work.

An integral part of the show was the live performances. However, instead of a traditional stage setting, the performances took place in unconventional locations chosen by the artists themselves. These settings often held a significant innate connection to the artist's narrative, transforming each episode into a personalised music video that encapsulated the artist's emotional, creative, and cultural backgrounds, which became an integral part of the music itself.

From rehearsing at home studios to recording in professional settings and performing in front of live audiences, the in-depth coverage of each artist's journey showcased the dedication, passion, and hard work behind each beat and lyric. Audiences were invited to look past the glamour of the music world and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process, witnessing the triumphs and trials that shape the careers and soundscapes of their favourite artists.

Each episode followed a concise narrative format. It began with a short introduction about the showcased artist or band, introducing viewers to their music. This was swiftly followed by candid interviews offering insights into the artists' background, their influences, motivations, and aspirations, as well as their thoughts about the ever-changing music industry.

Against the backdrop of these narratives, the artists would perform a selection of their work, making every episode a valuable blend of verbal discourse and musical narrative. The songs chosen for the show were often the ones that resonated most personally with the artists, adding layers of depth to the performances and making them more stirring to the audience.

This remarkable series was not just a music show; it was a cinematic experience that went beyond simple fandom, encouraging viewers to understand the artist as much as the art. The show's format created a fluid, humanised space where artists could freely express themselves, both musically and verbally, and in return, audiences connected with the music on a far more intimate level.

Being a product of Channel 4, the production quality of 360 Sessions was second to none. The direction, cinematography, and sound design of the show brought forth a superior viewing and auditory experience. Each shot was thoughtfully framed and sequenced to capture the mood of the musician or band in focus, echoing their sentiments and their music.

In sum, 360 Sessions set a precedent for music-related programming. It gave audiences an opportunity to venture beyond the glitz of performance and the glamour of a successfully produced single to appreciate the raw, unfiltered journeys that artists embark upon. By bridging the gap between music creators and consumers, 360 Sessions was an engaging, enlightening experience that celebrated music in its entirety.