Dark time in music, says man behind the Spice Girls

THE SONGWRITER and producer behind a string of hits by the Spice Girls, Aretha Franklin, Take That and Bryan Adams has said he thinks it is a “dark time in music” as he railed against “deplorable” artists such as Drake and Kanye West.

Sheffield-born Eliot Kennedy, who also penned hits for Lulu, S Club 7, 5ive and The Wanted, said the music charts have become meaningless and modern music lacks emotion.

The former Dinnington High School pupil said: “I think a lot of it is to do with radio, the avenues are narrower now and the gatekeepers have so much power.

“They are swayed by what is going to get advertisers. How are people going to get good music? Spotify isn’t the answer.

“We used to rely on radio to be a curator but it all sounds so similar, now. It feels like a dark time in music.”

However, Kennedy said he is comforted by the success of British artists such as Sheeran, Adele and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, while expressing his contempt for the “mediocre” efforts of Drake and West.

He said: “Rag ‘N’ Bone Man is nothing but emotion. Ed Sheeran is a real talent. I’m so glad someone like him has come through and become a global superstar.

“Adele is a perfect example of who doesn’t fit the mould but has sold more records than anyone.”

Kennedy, who is launching a new charity album to raise awareness around mental health, said he believes music should be about something meaningful.

The record, features singer Joanne HeseldenEdwards, the daughter of the inventor of the Hesco Bastion ‘blast wall’ used in every major conflict since the 1991 Gulf War. Profits from the album sales will go to Help For Heroes. is out now via iTunes and Amazon.