The Masterlink Podcast: Recent Episodes
James Welch, Stefan Redtenbacher
Getting to know creatives in the music industry. Interviews and discussions with musicians, artists, music industry professionals and everyone in between. Brought to you by the Masterlink Sessions.
Lionel Lodge is our guest this week on the Masterlink Podcast, Season 2 | Episode 25. Lionel talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan (Redtenbacher's Funkestra).
Lionel is CEO of Synclodge - a sync licensing management system. He is also a recording engineer and musician. We talk about his passion for fair usage in the music industry and why it led him to create Synclodge.
Learn more about Lionel.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
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Stacey Haber is our guest this week on the Masterlink Podcast, Season 2 | Episode 24. Stacey talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan (Redtenbacher's Funkestra).
Stacey is wearer of many hats: Lawyer, Judge, Publisher, CFO, Manager and everything in between. Check out this fascinating chat as we delve into neighbouring rights, NFTs and new age of music ownership.
Learn more about Stacey.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Jesse Hoff is our return guest this week on the Masterlink Podcast, Season 2 | Episode 23. Jesse talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan (Redtenbacher's Funkestra).
Jesse is a renowned amplifer designer and well known for his line of Lazy J guitar amplifiers, used by all the greats (Eric Clapton, Nalle Colt (Vintage Trouble), David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Pete Townshend, Joe Walsh, Steve Winwood.)
Learn more about Lazy J Amps
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Outro music by Jesse Hoff and Rob Blackham 'High Time'
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Jesse Hoff is our guest this week on the Masterlink Podcast, Season 2 | Episode 22. Jesse talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan (Redtenbacher's Funkestra).
Jesse is a renowned amplifer designer and well known for his line of Lazy J guitar amplifiers, used by all the greats (Eric Clapton, Nalle Colt (Vintage Trouble), David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Pete Townshend, Joe Walsh, Steve Winwood.)
Learn more about Lazy J Amps
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Dan Coggins is our guest this week on the Masterlink Podcast, Season 2 | Episode 21. Dan talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan (Redtenbacher's Funkestra).
Dan is a renowned electronic design engineer and well known for his now legendary Lovetone FX pedals, Dinosaural guitar effects and as of recent Thorpy FX.
He also has an impressive vinyl collection and as a passionate music lover has an extensive knowledge of music history including plenty of interesting details.
Learn more about Dan Coggins & ThorpyFX
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Aynsley Lister isour guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 20.
Aynsley talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) about guitars... and a few other things, like guitars and pedals. We had a lot of fun also talking about touring and being a young musician in the late 90s.
Learn more about Aynsley Lister HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
When Rivers Meet areour guests on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 19.
Husband and wife duo Aaron and Grace talk to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) about how they said no to a major label, making social media work for them and how to rock up a mandolin.
Learn more about When Rivers Meet HERE.
You can vote for When Rivers Meet in the UK Blues Awards.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Ben Mark is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 18.
Ben talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about his recording process, inspiration and some choice bits of gear he's picked up along the way.
Learn more about Ben HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Chris CJ Hillman is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 17.
CJ talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about his incredible instrument, the pedal steel guitar, touring and his varied record collection. And on top of it all Chris is treating us to playing the 'steel' live on the podcast!
Learn more about CJ HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Gabriella Swallow is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 16.
Gabi talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about her incredibly varied and busy schedule, her beautiful cello and managing a family (whilst being a single mum).
Learn more about Gabi HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Support the show
Tim Debney from Fluid Mastering is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 15.
Tim talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about his long and varied career in audio and specifically mastering, gear and the loudness wars.
WARNING: this episode contains lots of tech talk!!
Learn more about Tim HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Troy Redfern is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 14.
Troy talks to guest-host Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about his career, his thoughts on playing vintage guitar, religion and the art of music.
Learn more about Troy HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Mollie Marriott is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 13.
Mollie talks to guest-host Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about her long and varied career, her thoughts on the music industry and her rock and roll roots being the daughter of Small Faces front man Steve Marriott.
Learn more about Mollie HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Will Todd is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 12.
Will talks to guest-host Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) about being a composer, work-life-balance, his seminal work 'Mass In Blue' and how not to put a sock on.
Learn more about Will HERE.
Apologies for the audio dropouts in this episode.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, you could buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Greta Lovisa is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 11.
Jono talks to guest-host Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) about her dispute of the label 'singer/songwriter, her journey in music across different continents and being a young and up-and-coming artist.
Listen to Greta HERE.
Apologies for the audio dropouts in this episode.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Jono McNeil is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 10.
Jono talks to guest-host Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about his coaching of new and upcoming acts, building relationships with people and social media in the new music industry.
More info on Jono McNeil HERE.
Apologies for the audio dropouts in this episode.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Jennifer Robb is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 9.
Jennifer talks to guest-host Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about her extensive career as a vocalist, educator and being Frida in the internationally renown pop group Björn Again.
More info on Jennifer Robb HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Kim Chandler is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 8.
Kim talks to Rob Blackham (Blackham Images) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about her extensive career as a vocalist, educator and all-round super human!
More info on Kim Chandler HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Ian Edwards is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 7.
Ian talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about his guitar education platform Guitar Breaks, being an educator and music in general.
More info on Guitar Breaks HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Simon Allen is our guest on this week's Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 6.
Simon talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about composition, musicianship and being head of jazz at the Purcell School of Music.
More info on Simon Allen HERE and more info on the Purcell School of Music HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as a Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
T.I.G.Y. are our guests on this Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 5.
The dream pop duo of Bailey Tzuke and Matthew Racher talk to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about living life in 3D, navitaging the music industry, songwriting and we try and answer the unfathomable question: are we human or are we dancer?
More info on T.I.G.Y. HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Alice Armstrong is our guest on this Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 4.
The musician and songwriter talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about her love of performing, drawing, fine art history, songwriting and her love of dogs!
More info on Alice Armstrong HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Leoni Jane Kennedy is our guest on this Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 3.
The musician and songwriter talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about crafting her songs, her recent move to London and starting her masters degree and about getting endorsed by PRS!
More info on Leoni Jane Kennedy HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Helena May is our guest on this Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 2.
The vocalist, singer and songwriter talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about living in Vienna, writing her album, making a living as a musician and finding love in the city she now calls her home.
More info on Helena May HERE.
Click HERE if you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
The gorgeous voice in the intro belongs to Gina Melotte.
Intro and outro music 'Kerria Lacca' by Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Support the show
Dean Parker is the first guest on this Masterlink podcast, Season 2 | Episode 2.
The guitarist, singer and songwriter talks to James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) about inspiration, Sam Fender, making a living as a musician, about writing lyrics and his views on digital streaming. Oh yes, and his hat maker!
More info on Dean Parker HERE.
Click HERE If you want to see this podcast as a VODCAST join us as Patreon to watch this exclusive content.
If you like this podcast and want to show your one-off support, why don't you buy us one or two cups of coffee HERE.
Support the show
In this special two-part episode James and Stefan have curated the best bits from all 49 podcasts for your listening pleasure.
Season 2 will follow shortly.
Support the show
In this special two-part episode James and Stefan have curated the best bits from all 49 podcasts for your listening pleasure.
Season 2 will follow shortly.
Support the show
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk - for the second time - to Mark Ede.
Mark is the successful manager of international touring artist Jo Harman, partner in consultancy firm BiGiAM, proud champion of the ‘über-indie’ artist and lover of cricket.
*we thought this was our 50th episode, turns out it was our 49th!
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to musician and music creator Mike Mayfield.
Stef, James and Mike talk about the important things in life like how bad are hotel scrambled eggs? And thankfully we quickly move on to Mike's astonishing career being guitarist alongside Emeli Sandé, Leona Lewis, Becky Hill, Engelbert Humperdinck, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Eliza Doolittle, Labrinth, Ellie Golding, Rita Ora and Jessie to name but a few.
Mike is super humble and we hope it comes across what a genuinely nice person he is and awesome musician.
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Support us on Patreon.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to music artist Joanna Cooke.
Jo talks passionately about the importance of "saying it how it is" - something very prevelent in her upcoming release 'Kaleidoscope'.
Jo talks frankly about her journey in the music industry from creating a dance vocal pack, doing pub gigs, recording with renowned producer Mark Edwards and now venturing out with her own material.
She details her struggles with mental health and also gives Stef and James some well needed therapy!
Motown legend Martha Reeves summed it up perfectly, describing Joanna Cooke as “the baby girl singing the blues". Joanna, much like her South West blonde counterparts, Joss Stone and Jo Harman, demonstrates that true soul and emotional connection is not simply constrained by colour or creed. Moreover, her self-penned songs leave a lasting impression on audiences, by dint of their raw honesty and song craft.
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to vocalist and song-writer Eddy Smith.
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Feel free to support us on Patreon if you like our podcast.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to podcaster, DJ and lover of the funk Michael Bendure.
Michael is an award-winning writer, photographer, and singer/songwriter who performs regularly throughout the Norman, Oklahoma, area in bands Heartbreak Rodeo and The Whiskey Gingers. He is also an avid abstract painter who specializes in acrylics. In September, 2021, Michael transitioned to full-time creativity in order to focus on his radio show, podcast, and art.
Stef and James talk to Michael about his love of creativity, quitting a full time job in PR to pursue his love of music and bringing funk to a wider audience and the pitfalls that come with that.
Listen to Michael's podcast '40 Minutes Of Funk'.
Michael's Social Media:
Tonic: The Funky Groove Show: @funkygrooveshow
40 Minutes of Funk: @40minutesoffunk
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Support us on Patreon.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to guitarist and band leader Nigel Price.
Over a career spanning more than 25 years, award winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price has become widely acknowledged as one of the hardest working musicians in the business.
Musically, his blend of flowing bebop lines, deep blues sensibility and his mastery of chording continue to delight audiences and fellow musicians alike. His career highlights include a support show for Gladys Knight at The Royal Albert Hall and an appearance on Van Morrison’s recent album Keep Me Singing.
Nigel takes us on a funny, interesting and moving path through his career and not just his music career! Nigel started off in the British Infantry then found his way eventually to playing jazz guitar, producing a plethora of work and now Nigel has ventured into the online world with his Patreon platform where he passes on his knowlegde.
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Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Jihad Darwish.
Jihad talks us through his incredible career to date including his recent post on bass guitar playing Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On?' tour with 23-piece orchestra. We talk a lot about gear, being in the studio and the inspiration of analogue recoridng (get your notepads ready).
We hear about his education, picking up various instruments along the way, his work for charities including being involved in 'Finding Rhythms' who create workshops working in Prisons and Young Offender Institutes making albums with the inmates.
Jihad released his debut album 'Reclamation' in 2018 under the name 'Darwish' to critical acclaim, Jamie Cullum selected Jihad to be a featured artist on his Radio 2 show.
Having studied the Sitar and Indian Classical music for some time his current project is a series of songs written around traditional Indian ragas due for release in 2022.
Jihad is currently releasing his work under his middle names 'Imroel-Quays'.
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to music journalist and broadcaster Gemma Dorsett.
Gemma is a Country/Blues/Rock singer who has spent the past 15 years developing her voice finding influence in gut-punching artists such as Melissa Etheridge and Joe Cocker.
Gemma talks about her journey from a young age in the choir, through playing with her Dad and all the way to working in Nashville. Gemma candidly shares with us her own demons around confidence, song writing and how she deals with them on a day-to-day basis.
Gemma currently fronts her own blues/rock band and has been writing new material ready to come out of lockdown.
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to guitar visionary Nicolas Meier.
Nicolas is a guitar virtuoso, concertist and artist spanning many genres of music. In our podcast he describes his passion for learning and and improving on his instrument, his love of playing live or, in his words, being a 'concertist'.
Drawing from a love of Turkish, Eastern & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more -- all mixed with jazz -- Meier's versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that to create his own very unique voice.
So unique in fact that Jeff Beck made Meier a mainstay of his band for two world tours!
Listen and discover more about Nicolas and his pioneering use of the internet to create a community of musicians during the pandemic and what's in store next.
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Feel free to support us on Patreon if you like our podcast.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to music journalist and broadcaster Paul Sexton.
Paul contributes to The Sunday Times, Billboard, Music Week and many other titles, and presents and produces shows for BBC Radio 2, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates.
Paul walks us through his vivid and varied career starting out at 17 writing for the British Pop magazine Record Mirror, subsequently making his way up to write extensively for all of the quality UK daily press.
We talk extensively about his fascintating book - Prince: A Portrait of the Artist in Memories & Memorabilia. How he met some of Prince's closest friends, bandmates and engineers to garner a fresh perspective on the music icon.
Visit The Sound Lounge
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Feel free to support us on Patreon if you like our podcast.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to drumming legend Mike Dolbear.
Mike is first and foremost a drummer but also educator, co-ordinator and all-round industrious being. As you can hear Mike hijacks our intro (brilliantly) and kicks off explaining how Covid-19 has been affecting him and his fellow musicians. We then take a trip down memory lane as Stef and Mike recall their time at the 'Talk of London'.
He tells us candidly how he works with drummers in the studio, coaching them and being their guide.
Mike goes on to tell us how he was given the task of instructing 1,000 drummers for the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony and many large drum ensemble gigs since.
Mike apologises on behalf of his Internet Service Provider for his poor internet connection :-)
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Feel free to support us on Patreon if you like our podcast.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Gemma Stoddard.
Gemma is a Teacher, Singer, DJ, Dancer and all-round Hype Machine. She talks us through her career so far in the music industry ranging from singer in two funk bands and travelling across Europe, teaching music in secondary schools, starting a dance school, choreographer and performing on BBC's Strictly Dance Fever - so not a lot really.
Listen as Gemma tells us many funny stories about all the above. performing in front of the armed forces, juggling more than three jobs and generally attacking them all with fun and enthusiasm.
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Feel free to support us on Patreon if you like our podcast.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Jenn Clempner.
Jenn is a Singer-Pianist, Music Director for theatre and choirs, an Independent Vocal Coach, Multi-instrumentalist, Mental Health advocate & Lecturer in Music.
She talks frankly and openly about her struggles with mental illness throughout her career and her passion and drive to create change and highlight these issues in today's education system.
Her journey through the music industry is wide and varied starting as a session musician for indie-pop outfit The Hoosiers (Sony BMG), with whom she toured the UK and Europe. She then became a freelance session musician in London (vocals, keyboards, piano, flute and percussion) and combined this with managing independent record label, Beatroute Records in 2008.
She joined the Royal Northern College of Music in 2016, introducing Stagecraft and Communication for Singers to the Pop programme and has recently been appointed External Examiner for ICMP London.
Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
Feel free to support us on Patreon if you like our podcast.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themasterlinksessions)
Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to illustrator Mark Wilkinson.
Mark is an English artist, illustrator and airbrush wizard. His combination of incredible technique and vast imagination has led him to create iconic cover art for bands like Iron Maiden, Marillion, Judas Priest, Fish, The Darkness, Shobaleader One (Squarepusher), to name but one patch of his creative output.
In this episode Mark explains how an airbrush works, how his world turned from monochrome into technicolour visiting London in the 60s, about his favourite album covers he created for Marillion and Judas Priest, creating artwork for Iron Maiden and the wing tail of their plane Ed Force Once.
We also talk about Mark’s student days at Watford School of Art in the 1970s, his artistic journey over the past 40 years, his influences and inspirations, the at times uneasy relationship of commerce and art and what might be next in his artistic journey.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Louise Clare Marshall.
In this episode, Louise tells us (in technicolour!) her life in music, from playing piano and singing in Oldham, Manchester, moving to London and becoming a regular singer with the Jools Holland Band.
We get a free mini-warm up session from the queen of session singers and hear how she tackles new challenges in the studio and on the stage.
Louise conducted her Father’s choir, The Oldham International Choir from the early age of 13, and played the Church organ in Lancashire before winning attendance to the competitive Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester in 1989.
In 1992, Louise won a scholarship to The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and studied Piano with Joan Havill whilst learning her trade singing with function bands and session work.
Louise has worked with Beverley Knight, David Gilmour, Michael Ball, Marti Pellow, Chris Difford, Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, Ronnie Wood, Van Morrison, Eric Stewart, Madeline Bell, Sheila Ferguson, Sam Brown, Russell Watson, Steve Winwood, Paul Young, Don Blackman, Solomon Burke, Karl Jenkins and John Rutter, to name but a few.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Andrew Kingslow.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his life as a musician, composer, producer and artist manager. He talks about his love of keyboards and synths and walks us through his early days as a classically trained pianist and percussionist to when he first played a Hammond Organ and playing live with B.B. King.
He also describes his deep love of music and how he views the role of the producer in this modern age of music making.
Born in Manchester and educated at Chethams Music School and then the Royal Northern College of Music Andrew is a musical force of creativity, lending his skills to songwriting, film composition and mixing and production.
He has performed with diverse acts such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and
Hallé Orchestra and also creates music for award winning TV and film shows.
Andrew is represented by Electric Pineapple Managment.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Francis Hylton.
In this episode, Francis talks about his life as bass player, artist, record label owner, steel drum player and DJ. He goes back to his early days at university, how came to play with Incognito and what he's been getting up to over lockdown.
Francis was born and raised in North London to Jamaican parents and he only started playing the bass at aged 19 whilst at Manchester studying audio and visual systems. It was during his time at Manchester that he 'accidentally' found he had perfect pitch and then picked up and learnt the bass guitar during a summer break.
Fast foward 14 years to 2005 and Francis is now playing bass with Incognito, one of the premier Jazz Funk outfits to grace music since 1981. He is also running his own record label Future Spin Records and releasing music under the pseudonym Pausepusher.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Roger McCormick.
Roger McCormick is the presenter of 'The Blues Spectrum' on Brooklands Radio.
"Two hours of the best in blues and "bluesy" music, old and new. The genre continues to thrive and the show covers the best of the new releases but also harks back to the British Blues Boom and the early Delta and Chicago Blues legends. "
In this episode Roger talks about his life as a lawyer in the the City of London, when his love for music started and how he became a radio presenter.
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*We apologise for the quality of Rogers' audio on this podcast (he'd had a powercut!)
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Marianne Windham.
In this episode Marianne talks about her love for Jazz, its community, the double bass, teaching, her university days, jazz promotion, her charity work and why she left a succesful carreer in software consultancy.
The founder and driving force behind Guildford Jazz, a not for profit organisation whose aim is to bring some of Britain’s finest musicians to a local audience, in an intimate and welcoming “jazz club” environment, Marianne Windham left a successful career in software consultancy to take up playing double bass full time.
She has performed with many of the UK’s leading jazz musicians at the regular jazz nights organised by the club, welcoming over 1200 musicians and getting on for 20,000 music lovers to a total of over 300 events including jam sessions and workshops for local musicians. Guildford Jazz also has strong community links, and has raised over £60,000 for local charities.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Nicholas James Lockewood.
Nicholas is a musician, bass player, artist and educator. He has a Degree in Jazz studios from Leeds College of Music, a Masters in Music from The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and is currently undertaking a PhD also at the RNCM.
Nicholas has played early career started with folk trio 'Uiscedwr' the 'Uiscedwr Big Band' and later to 'Bad Anna'. Having worked in various 5-Star hotels around the world, cruise ships, private teaching and various theatre productions at home, Nicholas is delving once again into academia.
Nick tells us of his travels around Europe with Uiscedwr, how learning folk music opened his eyes (and ears) to a whole different level of performing, how he has struggled with and overcome issues with practising his instrument and his love for education.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Carter Arrington.
Carter is a guitarist, live performer and composer and has worked with the likes of The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Progger, Peter Rowan, Eric Johnson, Alejandro Escovedo, Bernard Purdie and Fred Wesley to name a few.
Carter also has a wealth of educational knowledge having studied at the Atlanta Institute of Music and completing a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance at the University of Texas - he has gone on to educaterboth privately and through the University of Texas' ALMA program.
Having only recently moved to the UK (c.2019) Carter is a relative 'newbie' in the UK blues and jazz world and he shares his insights into, effectively, starting again as a musician and the trials and tribulations that come with it.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Joel Pike (aka Tiny Leaves).
Joel is a composer and goes under the moniker Tiny Leaves he has developed his sound as a solo artist alongside years of writing and performing in bands. He describes his music as being rooted in narrative, but is often surprised at the undefinable end result. His music has a delicate, cinematic quality that brings a quiet hope. A long term fan of Arvo Pärt, Joel finds his music classifed as 'neo-classical' on platforms like Spotify, which you can hear us discussing in this podcast.
Joel describes his writing process, shows us (virtually) around his studio and describes the connection to his music in a very candid and in depth chat.
Joel has recently been part of a residency in the leafy hills of his home town Shrewsbury at Cardingmill National Trust where he has been recording the sounds of nature by literally attaching sensors to leaves to capture photosynthesis and convert it into sound.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) talk to Clovis Phillips (Add a Band).
Clovis is a multi-instrumentalist, studio owner, producer and lover of wine. His studio is just outside Newtown in Wales.
Clovis, Stef and James have a very interesting chat about how Clovis started the studio, learning guitar chords from a Beatles songbook, how to manage clients professionally, being creative and along the way they dabble in the Airbus A380 and a good bottle of Riesling.
Clovis is engaging, funny and really fun to talk to so have a listen now and check out his wesbite Add a Band.
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Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) and James Welch (Masterlink Productions) are talking to Simon Johnson.
Simon is a guitarist, producer and composer most recently working on the films Wild Rose (2018), Fisherman’s Friends (2019) and Blithe Spirit (2020) as a music consultant.
As a guitar player Simon has worked alongside Sir Tom Jones, Lulu, Lana Del Rey, Ella Eyre, Mark Knopfler, James Morrison, Sir Cliff Richard, Rudimental and Van Morrison.
Simon talks about his journey from playing guitar in bands to working with producer Mickie Most, setting up his own studio at home, songwriting and becoming a music consultant for film.
Simon shares his love for 'the song' and describes his appproach to guitar playing and production.
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James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, RSB Records) are talking to Kat Eaton.
Kat Eaton is a singer-songwriter from Sheffield living in London. She has just released her first album ‘Talk To Me’ (Reason & Rhyme records).
Kat shares how she got into Blues and Soul at a very early age, how a school concert turned into a pivotal career choice movement, her mentor Frank White, her fine arts degree in Lincoln and what prompted her and her husband Nick (guitarist, producer and MD of her band) to move down to London.
Amongst many other anecdotes she is also touching on mental health, her numerous song-writing collaborations and future gigs to promote her new album. An insightful and relaxed chat.
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Note: Apologies for the line being intermittent during the 2nd half of the podcast.
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James Welch (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) talk to Elliot Ireland, director of Pedigree Cuts, musician, engineer, producer, DJ, songwriter and all-round music lover.
Elliot takes us back to his University days and how he and his partner in crime Alex Rizzo have organically developed from Breakbeat/House DJs to being signed to Ministry of Sounds FSUK Breakbeat label, creating million selling hit records, forging their own record label Jalapeno Records and ultimately setting up their own label Pedigree Cuts.
Pedigree Cuts is a Hybrid Commercial Record Label and Production Library. Artist roster Includes Goldie, The Brand New Heavies, Skeewiff, Elliot Ireland, Purejunk, Kid Creme, Shawn Lee, Yola Carter, Deadly Avenger, Ulrich Schnuass, Si Begg, Vanessa Contenay and many more.
Besides having released their own artist records under the name of Skeewiff, their global DJ'ing duties led to collaborations with the likes of Alison Limerick, Eminem, Skooly D, Young MC, Amy Winehouse, The Sugarbabes to name but a few. Writing bespoke compositions for Nike, Speedo, Volkswagen, Playstation and American Express as well as TV commission work for Endemol, Planet 24 and Brand Champions have all paved the way for both Elliot and Alex to solidly make their mark with their own successful label. No mean feat in this fickle industry of ours. #bigrespect
Super-cool fact: did you know they are also behind Shaft 'Mucho Mambo' that ranked 3 worldwide number ones and a respectable number 2 in the UK charts?
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Stef and James have an enlightening and candid chat with Send Hill Studios owner Pete Mills.
Pete has been a studio owner, tour/production manager for Elton John and has recently been dabbling in cutting edge audio technology. Pete owns the land and buildings where the Masterlink Productions studio is located so has a great affinity with all of our endeavours. He has been working for Elton John for nearly 25 years as guitar, keyboard, drum tech and nearly everything else so has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to putting a world class show together.
Pete is also involved with Powerchord, an audio tech company pioneering live sound for the future. Listen in to find out what Pete is up to.
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James and Stef have an in-person, face-to-face, no Zoom-call chat with Masterlink Sessions drummer Mike Sturgis.
Mike delves into his approach to playing and recording at the Masterlink Sessions studio, his passion for education and his general outlook on being a musician. It's a fascinating insight into his world and his musical heritage.
Mike has performed live or recorded with such major pop, rock and jazz names as David Bowie, Elton John, A-ha, Asia, Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood, Tom Jones, Wishbone Ash, Bob James, Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer.
Mike has been the drummer for the jazz-funk group Redtenbacher's Funkestra since 2005 and consequently the 'Masterlink Sessions' house drummer since 2019.
Mike is currently the head of education at DIME online.
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James (Masterlink Productions) and Stefan (Redtenbacher's Funkestra) talk to Fiona Cruickshank. Fiona is a freelance engineer and producer based in London.
During this relaxed chat they talk about her varied work experiences at Air (Studio), the Tonmeister course in Surrey, her career path, working and recording with amazing musicians and composers, the Spitfire sample library and amongst other things, her love for micro-brewery beers. We hope to see her soon at Masterlink Production studios helping us out with recording some strings:-)
Fiona joined AIR Management in 2018, having already been involved with several high-profile film and TV scores, classical recordings, and pop mixing projects. She has since become a sought-after engineer among composers, artists, producers, and musicians. Notable collaborators include Nick and Ben Foster, Oli Julian, Marc Shaiman, Alex Baranowski, Keaton Henson, and Christopher Benstead.
Recent TV and film credits include Sex Education 2 for Oli Julian, ITV’s Quiz with Murray Gold, Speer Goes To Hollywood with Frank Ilfman, and recording The Tiger Who Came To Tea for David Arnold. Fiona has also worked with artists such as Jacob Collier, John Metcalfe, Imogen Heap, and Rupert Cross.
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Stef and James talk to renowed producer and all-round super bloke Fred Mollin.
Fred is very open about how he works in the studio, his relationship with the songwriter Jimmy Webb, being a film composer and not being 'damaged enough' to be an artist himself.
Fred Mollin first came into international prominence as a record producer in the late 70's, producing numerous albums and singles, including the Grammy award-nominated "Sometimes When We Touch' by Dan Hill. In the early 80's Mollin based in L.A. and Toronto to start a 17 year run as a composer for television and film.
In 2001, Mollin moved to Nashville, as he greatly missed producing and arranging albums, and knew that Nashville was the preeminent place for recording live musicians in the studio. Since dipping his foot back in the water of record producing again, starting in 1996, with critically acclaimed albums such as Jimmy Webb's "Ten Easy Pieces", Kris Kristofferson's "THe Austin Sessions", and Barry Mann's "Soul and Inspiration".
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James and Stef talk to Jana Varga - Slovak-born London-based singer songwriter. She talks about her journey from her homeland to the UK, bringing emotion and depth to her songwriting and lots more.
Her well crafted songs are at home in the broad Americana genre but their roots run much deeper. Jana’s natural musicianship is founded in her classical music training, folk influences such as Janis Ian and James Taylor, jazz and fusion.
Having to ‘settle’ down in several countries throughout her life, her lyrics often reflect struggles and challenges when starting from zero in a new environment, creating new bonds and finding a community to belong to.
Jana’s musical journey started in her native Slovakia where she studied classical piano and flute. She went on to study flute in France and continued to pursue the career of a classical musician auditioning for orchestras. She was a member of progressive rock outfit ‘Persona Grata’ that received a lot of praise from Mike Portnoy (Dream Theatre) who invited the band to play at the ''Progressive Nation At Sea " in Miami, USA. Following her childhood dream of becoming a singer, she took a leap of faith and moved to London in 2014, not knowing anyone there. In 2019 she released a debut EP 'Lanterns' and her ability to fuse genres like folk, Americana and country was praised by UK blogs and magazines like Maverick, Prog Mag, Folk and Honey and more.
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James and Stef talk to Greta Valenti & Robin Davey | musicians, audio producers, film producers and all around creative entrepreneurial energy fields with their own bands: Well Hung Heart and Beaux Gris Gris, based in Orange County, California.
Greta Valenti is an American business woman and artist. She is best known as the lead singer/songwriter of American Rock band Well Hung Heart & swamp pop/blues band Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, producer of television show Live From Daryl's House, Multi-ward-winning documentary director and founder and CEO of Grow Vision creative studios. She is also a consultant in the world of cannabis!
Robin Davey is an English musician (youngest inductee into the birtish blues hall of fame), record producer, multi-award winning documentary filmmaker. In 2006 Davey directed the documentary The he Canary Effect and was awarded the Stanley Kuurbick Award for Innovative Filmmaking by Michael Moore. Davey became a part of GROWvision Studios in 2008, a creative development and production company with partner, Greta Valenti. In 2012, Robin began Directing the TV Series, "Live From Daryl's House" Hosted by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates.
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James and Stef talk to Greta Valenti & Robin Davey | musicians, audio producers, film producers and all around creative entrepreneurial energy fields with their own bands: Well Hung Heart and Beaux Gris Gris, based in Orange County, California.
Greta Valenti is an American business woman and artist. She is best known as the lead singer/songwriter of American Rock band Well Hung Heart & swamp pop/blues band Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, producer of television show Live From Daryl's House, Multi-ward-winning documentary director and founder and CEO of Grow Vision creative studios. She is also a consultant in the world of cannabis!
Robin Davey is an English musician (youngest inductee into the birtish blues hall of fame), record producer, multi-award winning documentary filmmaker. In 2006 Davey directed the documentary The he Canary Effect and was awarded the Stanley Kuurbick Award for Innovative Filmmaking by Michael Moore. Davey became a part of GROWvision Studios in 2008, a creative development and production company with partner, Greta Valenti. In 2012, Robin began Directing the TV Series, "Live From Daryl's House" Hosted by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates.
This is first of two podcasts, tune in next week for the second part!
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Stef and James talk to esteemed rock and roll photographer Rob Blackham. Rob has photographed some serious names - Eric Clapton, George Ezra, Van Morrison, Slash, Michael Kiwanuka, Sir Tom Jones, Georgie Fame, Robin Trower the list goes on.
Rob also turns out to be ace producer and guitarist, who knew? He's funny, frank and full of stories.
*Apologies for a small amount of audio echo on the podcast.
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Stef and James talk to Vin Goodwin, purveryor of excellent nights out in the form of Vin's Night In and Vin's Veg Out.
We had a lot of fun talking to Vin about his many working 'hats', musician, composer, theatre writer and creator of communities. We also heard about Vin's other job as an access and inclusion officer for buildings which is super fascinating.
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Stef and James talk to Leo Appleyard - Jazz Guitarist, Electronic Producer and Educator. Leo talks about his journey through music, going from jazz guitarist to electro producer and how to collaborate with people.
Over the past decade Leo has played/recorded with various artists - both in and out of the jazz idiom - including; Derek Nash, Jim Mullen, Duncan Eagles, Neil Yates, Max Luthert, Louie Palmer, Sam Leak, Paul Jordanous, Ted Carrasco, Simon Allen, Cat Delphi (BBC Radio 2 and o2 Islington) Gold of My own (Ronnie Scotts, The Barbican, North Face Festival, Larma Tree Fest), Mr Little’s Noisy Band, Will Gibson Ensemble, Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
Aside from an active sideman/peformance career, Leo produces electronic/downtempo music under the moniker "Urchin" from his secluded island studio in South West London. The latest release "Take Time" (01.03.19) features Grace Walker (vocals) alongside long term collaborators Paul Jordanous (Trumpet), Chris Nickolls (Drums) and Holley Gray (Bass).
"...checks everything on the hypothetical, “what makes a perfect song” check list." Rural SoundsVisit the Masterlink Sessions.
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James and Stef talk to Scott McKeon - guitarist, maker of fine fuzz pedals and ultimate blues man. Scott talks us through his journey from picking up a guitar at aged 4 - to having the Fender Master Builder replicate his beloved Stratocaster.
This is only 30mins of an hour long chat we had with Scott, stay tuned to hear more from our conversation.
Scott’s love of the blues set him on a path to discover Texas musicians such as Freddie King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Doyle Bramhall Sr and Jr, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. This led Scott to listen to artists including Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Eric Clapton and BB King, all of which were influences on his playing in these formative years.
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James and Stef talk to modern-blues singer/songwriter Ben Hemming. In something of a backward nod to the ways of a bygone era, its fair to say that Ben Hemming didn’t so much find the blues… as the blues found him.
It was during a particularly troublesome period in his life, stuck in a dead end job, and having watched his girlfriend walk out of his life, that he decided the only option was to seek change. Big change. Leaving all of his emotional baggage behind, he embarked upon a musical pilgrimage around America that eventually would come to define not just his sound, but also his own identity. Picking up an old guitar in a pawn shop along the way, he played his way across the southern states in the tradition of the delta Bluesmen before him. It was Hemming’s way of paying his dues, and of understanding a cultural heritage. Yet in moments of brutal self-reflection, he himself knew that more than anything, this was about escape.
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In this episode of the Masterlink Podcast James and Stef talk to Jade Like The Stone, artist, singer and songwriter. Jade talks about how she grew up in a Welsh village with a notable career in Opera seeming to beckon until the tragic death of her drowned brother, led to a re-evaluation of her life plans and aspirations, spawning a renewed need to follow her own wants and wills, rather than ceed to the expectations of others.
"You have a superstar voice. Your voice sounds like a logo - like Jennifer Hudson’s voice is a logo, like Beyonce’s voice is a logo, Kate Bush’s voice is a logo. You have that uniqueness to your voice !" - Will.i.am
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Stefan and James talk to Hollie Rogers, artist and singer-songwriter. Hollie speaks about her journey from teaching to having a full time career in music and all the pitfalls and fun that come with it. Hollie is funny, candid and also wrote a song about porridge that got her a free holiday. Listen in to find out how she did it.
Hollie Rogers is a London based singer, songwriter and guitarist with an incredibly powerful voice. Her live performances consistently receive outstanding reviews, with regular reference to the level of candour in her lyrics.
With the backing of BBC Introducing and two stunning studio albums under her belt, Hollie has supported acts like Suzanne Vega, Midge Ure, Paolo Nutini and Ralph McTell. Often playing with a full backing band or as a duo with double bass, she is no stranger to festival stages at Glastonbury, Black Deer, Cornbury Festival and more. Hollie is also regular performer at events curated by Whispering Bob Harris.Visit the Masterlink Sessions.
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James and Stef talk to singer-songwriter Georgia Van Etten. She talks about her move to London, establishing herself as an artist and missing her family. She is open candid and funny and talks about her love of songwriting.
Recently signed to Canadian record label Birthday Cake, founded by The Bros. Landreth, she continues to solidify her position on the international stage. Georgia has just released her debut album 'Deep Black Water' to much critical acclaim- with a feature in NME, music video on MTV, heavy rotation on SiriusXM North Americana (US) and a feature session on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends. Her debut EP ‘Live at the Pool Studio’ had extensive BBC Radio 2 play with Jamie Cullum remarking “this really blew me away when I first heard it” and Blues & Soul Magazine UK declaring “Put simply, this is a damn fine EP”.
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Stef and James talk to Karl Vanden Bossche, legendary percussionist and super cool dude. Karl talks us through is esteemed career - think Mark Ronson, Gorillaz, Sade, Stevie Winwood, Gabrielle, the list goes on.
Karl tells us how he figured out how best to work with people, being creative and what it's like being a percussionist in the modern music industry.
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James and Stef speak to smoky-voiced, hard-working, far-touring, award winning chanteuse Elles Bailey. Elles talks about how she has become a successful blues/americana artist, touring extensively and becoming a first time mum.
Elles has toured throughout the UK and Europe in 2019 and early 2020 as well as being special guest support for Grammy Award winner Mike Farris, The Kris Barras Band and King King. She also shared the stage with Beth Hart at Ramblin’ Man, The Temperance Movement at Swing Wespelaar and appeared at Nashville’s Americana Fest as part of the ‘House of Songs’ collabora]on.
Apologies for James' recording quality at the start of this episode.
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Stefan and James talk to Laura Evans, rising Welsh star and country-rock singer. Laura tells us about her life as an actor and the transition from that world into music. She describes her process of writing music and her influences (Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Bonnie Rait, Faith Hill and more), how she reaches fans and how she met Drake.
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James and Stef speak to the larger than life character that is Tony Rémy. Tony details his life as a session guitarist, the ups and downs of the music industry and gives us a run down of some of the incredible musicians he has worked with (Annie Lennox, Jack Bruce, Steve Lukather, Glenn Hughes, Simply Red, Craig David, M-People, Gary Barlow, Sarah-Jane Morris, Herbie Hancock, Pee Wee Ellis, Incognito, Jazz Crusaders, Courtney Pine, Freddie Hubbard to name but a few). He also speaks candidly about his family and how he unwinds. Tony is the cat!
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Stefan and James talk to Ben Edwards from The Rainbreakers. Ben speaks candidly about his struggles with mental health and what it's like to front rock band The Rainbreakers.
Although still a young band, The Rainbreakers possess a maturity and wisdom hewn from battle hardened touring over recent years. Playing to capacity crowds at iconic venues such as The 100 Club, The Borderline, The Sage, and Rock City. They've also enthusiastically supported notables like The Temperance Movement, The Kris Barras Band, Alabama 3, Devon Allman, Samantha Fish and Wille and the Bandits.
Further performances at festivals like the Great British Rock and Blues Festival, Wilderness Festival, Le Blues Autour du Zinc, and Ramblin' Man Fair have seen the band receive rave reviews and many an accolade, including nominations for the UK Blues Challenge and ‘Best Emerging Artist’ in The British Blues Awards, affirming Rainbreakers’ standing as a breakthrough band to watch.
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Stefan and James talk to Sophie Ackroyd. Sophie is a London-based songwriter-producer specialising in pop music. She has recently completed the 2019/2020 studio residency at Spotify’s Secret Genius Studio, where she spent 6 months working at Metropolis Studios.
Sophie tells us about her journey to becoming and a music producer.
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James and Stefan talk to rising star Connor Selby, blues artist and recipient of “Young Artist of the Year” in the 2020 UK Blues Awards. Standing in the footsteps of Eric Clapton and Peter Green Connor talks about his love for blues music, performing alongside The Who at Wembley Stadium and shares his methods of honing his craft.
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James and Stef talk to Mark Ede - successful manager of international touring artist Jo Harman, partner in consultancy firm BiGiAM, proud champion of the ‘über-indie’ artist and lover of cricket (we think).
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