Chrissie Hynde Launches “The Duets Special” Podcast | Inside the Making of Duets Special

Rock icon Chrissie Hynde has taken fans behind the scenes of her latest musical project with the launch of a brand-new six-part podcast series: “The Duets Special Podcast with Chrissie Hynde.” Co-hosted by acclaimed journalist Gareth A. Davies, the series offers listeners a rare glimpse into the creative journey behind her album Chrissie Hynde & Pals – Duets Special.

The podcast promises to explore the stories, inspirations, and collaborations that shaped one of Hynde’s most celebrated releases to date.

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Inside Duets Special: A Celebration of Collaboration

“Duets Special” features 13 remarkable duets with some of music’s most celebrated artists, including:

Rufus Wainwright
k.d. lang
Debbie Harry
Shirley Manson
Brandon Flowers
The late Mark Lanegan

The album focuses on stripped-back arrangements and refined instrumentation, highlighting melodies and vocal interplay. Unlike large, overproduced tracks, the album emphasizes intimacy and musical craftsmanship.

From Casual Idea to Full Album

Hynde revealed that the concept for “Duets Special” started from a casual conversation with Jörn Weisbrodt, husband of Rufus Wainwright:

“I said maybe Rufus and I should do an album together. He loved the idea. Then I realised I knew a lot of singers, and it became Duets Special.”

This spontaneous spark evolved into a six-part podcast series where Hynde shares personal stories, behind-the-scenes experiences, and her reflections on creating music with some of the most iconic voices in modern rock and pop.

Memorable Collaborations and Performances

The podcast gives listeners insider access to memorable moments, such as:

Performing with The Killers at Brixton Academy
Recording “I’m Not In Love” with Brandon Flowers, a track Hynde described as “tricky” due to its intricate production, later distilled into a minimalist, heartfelt duet.

Hynde’s insights reveal her careful attention to musical detail and dedication to authenticity in every collaboration.

Critical Acclaim for Duets Special

Since its release, Duets Special has been lauded by critics for its craftsmanship and emotional resonance:

MOJO: 4-star review
The Arts Desk: 5-star review
The Sunday Times Culture: Album of the Week
BBC Radio 2: Album of the Week, following Hynde’s Piano Room performance with the BBC Concert Orchestra

Fans and critics alike praise the album for its intimate production, strong vocal performances, and timeless melodies.

What Listeners Can Expect from the Podcast

“The Duets Special Podcast with Chrissie Hynde” offers:

In-depth interviews with Hynde and her collaborators
Stories behind each duet, exploring the creative process
Personal anecdotes, reflecting on years of experience in the music industry
Exclusive insights into live performances, recording sessions, and artistic challenges

The podcast is designed to appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners who want to understand the artistry behind Hynde’s celebrated career.

Why This Podcast Is a Must-Listen in 2025

Deep dive into collaboration: Explore how musical partnerships are created and nurtured.
Insider perspective: Gain rare access to Hynde’s thoughts, memories, and inspirations.
Celebration of artistry: Learn how stripped-back arrangements can amplify emotion and storytelling.
Music history & culture: Contextualize Hynde’s influence on modern rock and pop.

The podcast bridges the gap between fans and the music-making process, offering an intimate and authentic listening experience.

Where to Listen

Fans can stream “The Duets Special Podcast with Chrissie Hynde” now on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and BBC Sounds.
The album “Chrissie Hynde & Pals – Duets Special” is available via Parlophone.