Categories Audio Billions Music

Billions Season 4 Music – March 26, 2019

Playlist on Spotify

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | March 26, 2019

The Billions season 4 playlist is now available on Spotify, up to the most recent episode. Keep checking back as music tracks get added throughout the season. Music tracks available so far:

  • Short Dick Man by Spyro
  • Ace of Spades by Motorhead
  • I Feel Good by Al Green
  • Fix You Up by The Wild Reeds
  • King of New York by Fun Lovin’ Criminals
  • Smack Dab in the Middle by Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams
  • Brick House by The Commodores
  • Wonder by Natalie Merchant
  • The Heart is a Muscle by Gang of Youths
  • Salt and Stone by Tim Uecker
  • If I Had a Heart by Slaid Cleaves

Listen here

Categories Billions Music Print Media

Showtime’s Billions Shows Heavy Rock Quotient in First Three Seasons – Feb 22, 2019

Why the Use of Rock Music in Billions Feels Right

by Dodie Miller-Gould | Lemonwire | February 22, 2019

A series about stockbrokers and hedge fund managers is perhaps the last place certain audiences would expect to find scenes that have been enlivened by rock music, particularly that from the 1980s and 1990s. But that is exactly what happens in Billions.

Though set in contemporary times, the music has a classic rock and grunge bent. Largely it is the music that galvanizes billionaire hedge fund manager, Robert “Bobby” Axelrod. As the easily angered, but often in legal trouble Axelrod, Damian Lewis dons the shirts of his favorite bands, and shortly thereafter, the songs play. It doesn’t always that way, but it does for Metallica and Megadeth.

Some of the best songs from the show include “Debaser” by The Pixies, “Next Big Thing” by the Dictators,  and “Master of Puppets” by Metallica.

Continue reading Showtime’s Billions Shows Heavy Rock Quotient in First Three Seasons – Feb 22, 2019

Categories Billions Music Poll Print Media

Top 10 TV Musical Moments of 2018 – Jan 10, 2019

Contradiction and Consternation for Axe

by Samantha Della Fera | Michigan Daily | January 9, 2019

In the current “Golden Age of Television,” it is undisputed that television programs have begun to venture into the cinematic. With longer run times, higher budgets and a broader horizon of freedom to express a theme or message, it is plain to see that television is no longer film’s “little brother” in the “family” of the overall media landscape.

One of the most prominent ways in which television has elevated its craft is through the augmented role of music. For the past century, music has been an integral part of film culture. There is no “Rocky” without “Eye of The Tiger,” there is no “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” without “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” Imagine a movie without a score or musical montage. It would just feel like a hollow stage play. Conversely, music has no storied history in television (save for catchy theme songs). In fact, the only example of overlaid audio I can think of in past television is the episode of “Seinfeld” when George attempts to use Petula Clark’s “Downtown” as a clue for his work project. And even still, that was 1996.

Continue reading Top 10 TV Musical Moments of 2018 – Jan 10, 2019

Categories Britannia Award Charity Fashion and Style Football/Soccer Helen In Development/ Pre-Production Music Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Personal and Family Life Philanthropy Poll Run This Town Summertime Tennis

A Year in Review: Top Damian Lewis Moments of 2018 – Dec 31, 2018

Top Moments of 2018

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | December 31, 2018

Far left: Damian performing Singing in the Rain at Old Vic’s Bicentennial Ball

It’s been quite the year for Damian, from starring in two new films as he continues to play Bobby Axelrod on Billions to his charity work, love of football, and hitting the town with Helen. There are “Best of 2018” lists everywhere you look so why should we be any different?  So today, on the last day of the year, we revisit the memorable year Damian has had both personally, and professionally.

Below you will find links to the stories behind our Top Damian Lewis Moments of 2018:

  • Damian makes his fourth appearance at Soccer Aid
  • Damian receives BAFTA LA’s Britannia Award
  • Damian will play Steve McQueen in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
  • Damian continues supporting the Cure EB initiative
  • Damian attends the UEFA Champions League and World Cup
  • Damian will play Toronto’s ex-Mayor Rob Ford in Run This Town
  • Damian and Helen, Hand-in-Hand: Old Vic’s Bicentennial Ball, Best Beginnings, London Fashion Week, Circus Arts Gala, BRIT Awards, Letters Live, The Prince’s Trust, Wimbledon, Rolling Stones concert, British Summertime Festival, Port Eliot Festival, Liquid Leisure Aqua Park, family vacation in Italy, Chessington World of Adventures, and BGC Charity Day

Happy New Year and we will see all you fandom next year!

Categories Music Personal and Family Life

Damian Attends NY Concert – Oct 1, 2018

There’s No Leaving New York

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | October 1, 2018

According to Page Six, Damian was spotted at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York rocking to The National this past weekend. Night one of the two-night event titled “There’s No Leaving New York” featured the band with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Cigarettes After Sex, Phoebe Bridgers, and Adia Victoria.  Night two featured bands Future Islands, Cat Power, U.S. Girls, and Bully. Other stars in attendance included Game of Thrones‘ Peter Dinklage and Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski.

Source: Page Six

Categories Charity Events Helen Music Personal and Family Life Summertime

Damian and Helen at British Summer Time Festival – July 6, 2018

Summer Concerts For a Good Cause

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | July 6, 2018

Damian and Helen, Liv Tyler, Kate Moss, Rosemary Ferguson, among others, attended British Summer Time Festival on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Hyde Park in London as part of the ‘Into the White’ campaign launch, Darren Strowger’s ambitious new tech platform raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust through the auction of contemporary art, curated by Jake Chapman.

Teenage Cancer Trust is an organization of staff and volunteers that provides outreach services to young people with cancer. Partnering with NHS, they are the only UK charity providing specialist nursing care and support for teenagers and young adults with cancer.

The festival kicked off on July 6 with headliner Roger Waters and closes on July 15. Upcoming headliner acts include the legendary Paul Simon, Bruno Mars, Michael Buble, The Cure and Eric Clapton, with multiple support acts such as Squeeze, Interpol, Santana, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison, Bananarama, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and many more.

For more information regarding the festival’s full lineup with stages and times, visit BST-Hydepark.com. To view more images of Damian and Helen at the festival, please visit our Gallery.

Continue reading Damian and Helen at British Summer Time Festival – July 6, 2018

Categories Helen Music Personal and Family Life Summertime

Damian and Helen Attend Rolling Stones Concert – June 20, 2018

It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 20, 2018

Damian and Helen attended The Rolling Stones concert on June 19 at Twickenham Stadium in Twickenham of south west London. The two were photographed backstage with Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, as seen pictured here and among the crowd at the concert venue.

Source: Twitter @lewis_damian

Source: Instagram @karasmith11

Source: Twitter @_Cindy_K

Source: Twitter @_Cindy_K

Continue reading Damian and Helen Attend Rolling Stones Concert – June 20, 2018

Categories Audio Billions Merchandise Music

Bobby Axelrod in a Song – June 16, 2018

Making Music About Axe

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 16, 2018

The group Locals Only Sound has a new song out titled Billions, featuring Blaise Moore, Curtis Smith and Gray Hawken, and guess who’s name is dropped? Bobby Axelrod! Have a listen here

Categories Billions Music

Billions on Spotify *UPDATED – May 29, 2018

Billions Season 3 Playlist

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | May 29, 2018

Follow the Billions playlist on Spotify for the latest additions after each episode!

Categories Billions Music Print Media

How Billions Creators Brian Koppelman and David Levien Use Music as an Emotional Accelerator on the Show – May 24, 2018

NPR’s All Songs Considered, Music Pods, Sound Opinions, Spotify Discover Weekly and Twitter Solicitation Beacons: Discovering Music for Billions

by Caitlin White | Uproxx | May 24, 2018

Last fall over the holidays I was desperately trying to avoid reality. Looking for an escape, I turned to a popular TV show called Billions because I’d noticed one of my favorite Uproxx TV writers, Brian Grubb, writing a love letter to it earlier in the year. It looked just far enough away from my own life to distract from the stupid minutia of what was bothering me, the characters were strong, powerful, and self-assured — but they were also caught up in tough situations, unfair portrayals, and pesky mistakes.

The plot was thick and moved with deftness, there was not one but two strong, badass female characters, there was a subplot involving a nonbinary character working in the midst of the boys club, and the whole thing swung on an unholy rivalry that was a thrill to watch. This all made for great, addictive TV, but as a music editor, what stopped me in my tracks was the soundtrack. Unexpectedly, I found old folk and indie rock favorites like Andrew Bird cropping up alongside a guest appearance from the rock gods themselves, Metallica!

Continue reading How Billions Creators Brian Koppelman and David Levien Use Music as an Emotional Accelerator on the Show – May 24, 2018

Categories Music Narrator Video

Damian’s 2009 Narration of ‘Keep On Running: 50 Years Of Island Records’ – August 21, 2017

BBC’s Classic Documentary Now Available for Streaming

by Anton Spice | The Vinyl Factory Limited | August 21, 2017

Island Records is touted as “the most diverse and influential independent record label in history” and arguably the most prestigious record label in the history of British music.

Damian narrated BBC’s documentary Keep on Running: 50 Years Of Island Records in May, 2009 to coincide with the label’s 50th anniversary and concert. The BBC’s feature-length documentary has been uploaded to YouTube and available to watch online here for the first time since August, 2017.

Originally aired on BBC Four, it follows the story of the label from humble beginnings in Jamaica, where a young Chris Blackwell released budding jazz and ska bands, before making for the UK with the island’s sound system hits under his arm. Chris Blackwell founded the Island label in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959 with capital of just £1000. Relocating to London in the early 60’s, Blackwell built the most diverse and enviable back catalogue of any independent record label in history. From Island’s early Jamaican roots in ska and rock-steady, through the label’s expansion to become the cutting edge of progressive rock in the late 60’s, and then on to the signing of such international superstars as Bob Marley, Grace Jones and U2, Blackwell brought to Island a unique vision and passion which still informs the label’s approach to this day.

Watch the 90-minute documentary in full below:

Sources: Island Records and Vinyl Factory Limited 

Categories Broadcast Media Interviews Music Personal and Family Life Radio

Desert Island Discs with Damian Lewis – Nov 30, 2014

Nostalgia and Good Tunes with Elvis Returned

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | November 30, 2014

Desert Island Discs (DID) is a radio program broadcast on BBC Radio 4.  It was first broadcast on the BBC Forces Programme in January, 1942.

Each week a guest, called a ‘castaway’ is asked to choose eight recordings, a book, and a luxury item that they would take with them if they were stranded on a desert island.  The program is hosted by Kirsty Young and Damian, who was a castaway on November 30, 2014, discussed his life and the reasons for his choices.

You can listen to the entire Damian Lewis DID here and download it to listen on the go, too.

His selections attest to the fact that he is, in his own words “a nostalgic person, naturally, remembering people, happy moments in my life, and just good cheers.”  They are all reminders of happy, fun and romantic times, referring to his family, his parents, his wife, and his children.

Damian’s Book Choice:

“This has caused a lot of consternation, I think I’m gonna go with J. M. Roberts’ History of the World.”

Damian’s Luxury Item:

“I would quite like to take my whittling kit. I could whittle useless object… I was given a whittling kit… by Helen, and I’m gonna whittle as the sun sets… I’ve got to find a way to get the trees down that’s the only thing I haven’t quite worked out… I might whittle little busts of my family to start with…”

Continue reading Desert Island Discs with Damian Lewis – Nov 30, 2014