I Signed a TERRIBLE Deal… And It Saved My Career - Paloma Faith & Mo Gilligan

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with the one and only Paloma Faith. From growing up in Hackney to winning at the Brit Awards, Paloma opens up about signing a “terrible” first record deal, living in a rented flat while already famous, and why imposter syndrome never really goes away. She talks motherhood, money, trolls, gratitude, and the surprising moment that made her album shoot to number one. There’s chaos, wisdom, and a few industry secrets along the way — including wild rider stories, after-party politics, and why Samuel L. Jackson might be her most honourable contact. This isn’t just a music chat. It’s about resilience. It’s about recognising opportunity. It’s about staying human in an industry designed to change you. Raw, funny and vulnerable — this is the REAL Paloma Faith. 0:00 Intro & Opening Joke 0:20 Pregnancy & Feeling “Compromised” 0:45 Growing Up in Hackney & Being a Cool Mum 2:51 Creative Childhood & Going to Art School 5:06 The Paris Peep Show Story 8:51 How Singing First Started 10:07 Learning to Sing & Early Record Deal 11:46 Working Retail & Being Spotted in Topshop 12:33 Imposter Syndrome as an Artist 14:06 The Rider Story & The Mystery of Oyster Bay 15:51 Crazy Music Industry Rider Rumours 17:28 Signing a Record Deal & Tough Early Contracts 20:14 Work Ethic From Her Mum 20:41 Driving Test Analogy for Persistence 22:27 Second Album Success & Brit Award Nominations 23:12 Winning a Brit Award & The Emotional Speech 26:05 Hosting the BRITs vs Comedy Awards 28:44 Dealing With Winning & Staying Grounded 30:00 Illuminati Conspiracy Joke 32:07 The Truth About BRITs After Parties 35:08 Being a Personality Beyond Music 37:28 Never Mind the Buzzcocks & Career Boost 38:47 Handling Social Media Negativity 39:56 Writing the Book “MILF” 41:00 Breakup, Trauma & Hyper Productivity 41:38 Life Away From Fame & Love of People 44:21 What Success Really Means 45:55 Parents Wanting Safe Careers 46:20 Advice for the Future & Longevity 47:52 Gratitude & Childhood Lessons 49:31 Finding Security & Owning a Home 50:45 Audience Question 51:03 Most Famous Contact: Samuel L. Jackson 53:32 Outro Welcome to my YouTube Channel! Subscribe for brand new stand up, behind the scenes action, sensational podcast content and exclusives from the MOMO G Network. Comment, like, share and tell us what you think. Follow Mo on Twitter/Instagram: https://twitter.com/mothecomedian | https://www.instagram.com/mothecomedian/ Like the page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mogilligan/ Join the Mo Gilligan mailing list on www.mogilligan.com for updates on shows and events.