Meltdown – backstage pass

What does it take to get 82 bands and performers onto six stages over the course of only ten days? In this episode, journalist and Think Aloud presenter Harriet Fitch Little goes behind the scenes at the 25th edition of the Southbank Centre's prestigious Meltdown festival, which this year is curated by lead singer of The Cure - and all-round musical legend - Robert Smith. Harriet is joined in conversation by Bengi Unsal, Southbank Centre’s Senior Contemporary Music Programmer, and the festival’s producer, Rhodri Jones. They reveal the musical links between The Cure and contemporary cello, what it really means to "curate" a festival - and the surprise reason why The Libertines almost didn't make it to the stage. This episode also includes interviews with members of Death Cab for Cutie, Vex Red and Jo Quail. Subscribe to Think Aloud and listen to more podcasts on www.southbankcentre.co.uk/podcasts, and follow us on twitter @SouthbankCentre