Digging into why songs matter...
I started this podcast mistakenly. I was in a course where I was supposed to start a podcast about being a podcast manager. But, oops, I started one about my passion, music! It is the best mistake I've made!
Through all the interviews I have gained such an appreciation for music, the creation process, and how music really affects people. My guests pick a song they have strong memories associated with. Now I remember what they shared when I hear the songs we discussed.
Reeya Banerjee was introduced to The Beatles by someone whose voice she still carries with her—her mother. Long before she understood the weight of their influence or the depth of their discography, her mom was already planting the seeds. When Reeya hears “Eight Days a Week” today, it doesn’t just remind her of the Beatles. It brings back the feeling of being young, loved, and taught—taught about music, about history, and about something her mom truly cherished.
There wasn’t one defining moment or big emotional conversation. Reeya simply remembers that her mom introduced her to The Beatles when she was young—sharing the music, playing the songs, and passing down her own appreciation for the band. For Reeya, that wasn’t just background noise—it was a way to feel close to her mom, and it became part of her earliest connection to music.
Reeya lost her mom when she was just twelve years old. That early loss has shaped so much of who she is, including how she listens to music. “Eight Days a Week” in particular brings up the memory of her mom’s voice explaining who The Beatles were and why they mattered—not just as a band, but as part of something larger. The way her mom spoke about them stuck with her, even when the memories of those early years started to blur.
The Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week” was released in 1964 in the U.K. and later in 1965 in the U.S., becoming one of their early No. 1 hits. The phrase came from something a chauffeur said to Ringo Starr while driving him to John Lennon’s house. When Ringo asked how he was doing, the driver replied, “Working hard, eight days a week.” Ringo later repeated the phrase during an interview, and when the rest of the band heard it, they immediately agreed—that was the title of their next song. Though The Beatles themselves weren’t especially proud of the track, it became a fan favorite for its upbeat charm and simple, affectionate message.
Her mom’s influence continues to echo throughout Reeya’s life—especially in her relationship with music. That early exposure to The Beatles wasn’t just about learning facts; it was about sharing something her mom genuinely loved. Now, as a musician herself, Reeya carries that spark forward in her own way.
Reeya Banerjee is a singer-songwriter whose latest album, This Place, blends folk, pop, and soul influences into something deeply personal—alongside her love for music that topped the charts in the ’90s. She’s also a multi-instrumentalist, playing bass, keys, and singing, often recording and layering her own vocals. When she needs a mental break or a bit of escape, she finds herself at the piano—plunking away to reset her brain and reconnect with herself.
Music isn’t just Reeya’s profession—it’s how she processes life. In our conversation, she shared how her mom helped her start seeing music not just as something to enjoy, but as something to understand. She was explaining who The Beatles were, sure—but she was also modeling what it means to care deeply about art. That kind of passion leaves a mark, especially when it comes from a parent.
Today, “Eight Days a Week” isn’t a song Reeya listens to every day, but when it comes on, it holds a special place. It doesn’t trigger tears—it brings warmth. It reminds her of being seen and taught by her mom. It brings her back to the living room carpet, where her mom casually shared stories about a band that changed the world. And for Reeya, that memory—like the song—is simple, joyful, and lasting.
Eight Days a Week (The Song)
Catch the full episode here.
To Connect with Reeya Banerjee: www.reeyabanerjee.com
reeyabanerjee.bandcamp.com or on IG: @reeyabmusic and YouTube: @reeyarex
Check out Reeya's Latest Album: This Place
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