Send us a text

Celina from Future Star shares her fascinating journey from a childhood filled with music to her career as a successful artist. Growing up with a piano teacher for a mother and a musician father, Celina’s life was enriched with musical experiences that fueled her passion. From a humorous anecdote involving Sarah McLachlan's manager to the communal joy of choir singing, she reflects on how these moments shaped her artistic path. The conversation underscores the deep connection and cultural significance of shared musical experiences, sparking thoughts on the rarity and beauty of communal singing in today's world.

Celina reveals her transition from a DIY musician to working with Men Records. We discuss the support and structure this brings, allowing her to focus more on the craft while maintaining her musical essence. Wrapping up with admiration for Celina's artistic achievements, we offer encouragement for her future endeavours and reflect on the imaginative journey through her unique lens. Filled with anticipation, we look forward to the continued evolution of her music and the shared moments that await.

Support the show

Send us a text

Gary Olsen from Ladybug Transistor takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his first encounters with the magic of radio, which ignited his passion for music. Imagine the excitement of flipping through radio dials as a child, stumbling upon the hidden gems of college stations that would ultimately shape a lifelong musical path. Gary reveals how his unconventional songwriting methods, which rely on layering sounds with a four-track recorder rather than traditional chord progressions, have been key in the formation of Ladybug Transistor. As he shares his unique creative process, we get a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that drives his artistic endeavors, offering insight into how it all comes together to create the band's signature sound.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of balancing music production with sound engineering. Gary opens up about the benefits of recording vocals solo in the studio and how working with an engineer can bring a fresh, objective perspective to the mix. We reminisce about the creation of their album "Albemarle Sound," recalling the creative energy that flowed from living together as a band. With the upcoming 25th-anniversary reissue on the horizon, Gary discusses the thrill of unearthing rare demos and b-sides that breathe new life into the album for a new audience. Tune in to explore the artistic choices and collaborations that have defined Ladybug Transistor's enduring legacy.

Support the show

Send us a text

Join us on a fascinating musical exploration with Mary Water and Pat Maley from Guidon Bear as they reveal the heart and soul behind their new record, "Internal Systems." Discover how their 25-year collaboration began in the 90s when Pat, captivated by Mary's performances, brought her onto the Yo-Yo Recordings label. With roots in church bands and experimental Philly sounds, their journey highlights music as a therapeutic force that helps them maintain emotional balance and connection, much like a deeply personal therapy session.

Curious about how creativity thrives amidst imperfections? Mary and Pat share their insights into the unblocking of the creative mind, a process akin to embracing spontaneity in live performances. As they unfold the secrets of their dynamic partnership, listeners will gain an understanding of authentic artistic expression, far removed from the polished facades often seen on social media. Adrian Lenker's songwriting class on this very topic provides a backdrop to their unique approach to music-making.

Explore the reality of life on tour with the compelling track "Ride Into the Beast," inspired by the challenges and discoveries encountered on the road. Pat's cultural insights and musical versatility shine through, transforming simple arpeggiations into resonant soundscapes that echo shared experiences. In a world where connections are increasingly sought through screens, this episode prompts reflection on the nature of empathy and the narratives we construct to make sense of our own lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

Can one night change your entire life? Join us as we reconnect with Max from Castle Frank, reflecting on a turbulent yet transformative period following his record launch back in June 2023. Despite the album's acclaim, including a rave review from Exclaim, Max faced a personal crisis on the night of his release show, where excessive drinking led to a subpar performance. This wake-up call sparked his decision to quit alcohol entirely, driving a year of profound personal growth and resilience. Max’s candid recounting of his journey provides invaluable lessons on overcoming both artistic and personal challenges.

But that's not where Max's story ends. In a thrilling new chapter, Max transitions from artist to producer, teaming up with Elliot Isaac on a groundbreaking album blending acoustic, electronic, and hip-hop elements. We'll explore the intricate creative process behind building captivating soundscapes and the unique hurdles and triumphs of remote collaboration. With the first single set to drop in February, this episode offers a sneak peek into the innovative sounds and heartfelt collaborations that will soon grace our ears. Get ready for an inspiring exploration of redemption, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

Support the show

Send us a text

Can relentless creativity be a double-edged sword? In our latest episode, we sit down with John Andrew Frederick of The Black Watch, a band boasting an extraordinary catalog of 24 records. Hear John's inspiring journey from a childhood accident to his academic ventures in English literature, revealing how these experiences shaped his prolific musical career. We chat about the band's humble beginnings, including one of their first gigs with Toad the Wet Sprocket.

The transformative role of producers and engineers, the influence of bands like The Beatles and The Cure, and the impact of different band members—John covers it all. Explore how The Black Watch's sound has evolved over decades. Finally, reflect on the changing landscape of the music industry since their first record in 1988, offering valuable insights for both emerging and seasoned musicians navigating today's digital age.

Support the show

Send us a text

What happens when music becomes both a lifeline and a battleground? Julia-Sophie opens up about her late introduction to music within her French family, where singing was a cherished form of personal expression. She candidly shares her journey starting from learning guitar at 16 and writing her first song to honor her grandfather, to the thrill and hard knocks of busking and forming a pop band at 17. The excitement of being noticed by a Sony representative quickly turned bittersweet, leading her band to disband. Julia reflects on those early days filled with fun, naivety, and a sense of camaraderie that shaped her identity as a musician.

Navigating the transition from band life to a solo career, Julia discusses the challenges and rewards of staying true to herself amid tempting but conflicting opportunities, such as turning down a tobacco advert. She provides a unique perspective on the creative process, contrasting the collaborative energy of a band with the solitary freedom and responsibility of solo work. Julia also offers a peek into her latest album, "Forgive Too Slow," where emotions and traditional songwriting structures play a pivotal role.

Finally, Julia takes us through the tumultuous emotional landscape of releasing music independently. From the self-doubt and isolation of working without a record label to the near-abandonment of her album, her story is one of resilience. The unexpected lifeline from Ba Da Bing Records revitalized her confidence and provided a sense of redemption. Julia shares intimate details about facing rejection and public scrutiny. Yet, through it all, she found validation and connection with listeners worldwide, proving that perseverance in the music industry can lead to profound personal and professional fulfillment.

Support the show

Send us a text

Can music heal a broken heart? Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with James Smith of Good Good Blood as he returns to the podcast, revealing the profound transformations in his life and music since we last spoke in January 2023. James opens up about the deeply personal loss of his baby girl, Poppy, and how this tragedy shaped his latest album, "Forever Scars," allowing him to channel his grief and creativity into something beautiful and raw.

James's journey is not just about crafting songs but about coping with unimaginable pain and finding solace in the process. He shares poignant insights into how Poppy's short life touched many, from family members to medical staff, and how songwriting has been his lifeline through this difficult period. This episode captures the essence of James's transformation—how he's evolved from a "pre-Poppy" to a "post-Poppy" version of himself, with his music reflecting this profound shift. Listen to a heart-wrenching live performance of "Little Sparrow," a testament to the raw vulnerability and authenticity that now define his work.

The conversation also delves into the collaborative efforts that have breathed new life into James's music. Hear about his unique approach to achieving a lo-fi sound using second-hand instruments and the invaluable partnership with his friend Paul, who brings a meticulous touch to James's spontaneous creativity. Discover how older tracks like "Forever Scars" and "Flowers Bloom" have been reimagined with deeper emotional layers, and get a glimpse into the creation of new songs that push the boundaries of his artistic expression. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, resilience, and the healing power of music.

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever wondered how a suburban kid from outside Nashville finds his musical path amidst the city's evolving soundscape? Arthur from "Phones with Chords" shares his fascinating journey from childhood oldies mixtapes to bedroom pop anthems. Arthur opens up about his mixed feelings toward Nashville's contemporary hits and his love for older country music, sparked by a spontaneous decision to pick up a guitar after quitting basketball. This episode offers an intimate look at how a simple choice can ignite a lifelong passion for creating original music.

Join us as Arthur digs into his creative process, revealing how voice memos on his smartphone capture spontaneous musical ideas that blossom into full-fledged songs. Hear about the magical "gateway song" that sets the thematic course for his latest album, inspired by reflections on time and personal experiences. We also take a lively tour of Nashville's iconic country bar scene, savoring hot chicken and heartfelt moments. This captivating conversation underscores the importance of love, support, and mutual reliance, wrapping up with a touching musical piece that beautifully encapsulates these themes. Don't miss this emotional and insightful episode as we kick off season four!

Support the show