The Musician's Brew: Recent Episodes
Art of Noise
Tune in weekly for discussion with independent musicians, song writers and producers from all over the world.
Kinsella is a Hastings based R&B soul singer with influences drawn from great artists like TLC, Allaiah, Amy Winehouse and Lauren Hill, she is also a big fan of genres like Jungle, D&B and Hip Hop all of which have influenced her. A number of Kinsella’s music has been remixed into D&B tracks by her Brother in Law Melinki and her friend Monument Banks (These names completely escape my mind when I ask her about them) Her first steps into music outside were when she was a young girl. She started a girl group at school aged 13 and wrote her first song at the same age. Kinsella explained that her step dad could play the guitar and would often play so she could write and sing a long. The school yard girl group soon broke up and Kinsella headed to college to further her education in music. After college she went to Brighton Institute of music were she found herself in another girls group called Mascara which can be found on the internet.This Girl group continued for about 3 years and Kinsella tells of the experiences she had. When I ask the questions I always ask “What were your best and worst ever gigs? Kinsella answered her worst was when she and her band mates had to follow Jessie J before she became famous. Jessie is a fantastic singer and as Kinsella’s group watched from the side of the stage they became very nervous which is perfectly understandable. When they went on stage everything went wrong and they all knew they weren’t at their best. Many years later as Kinsella is telling me this story and reflecting on how it made her feel I said, “there is a silver lining, you are the only person I know that has had Jessie J warm up for her, no matter how the gig turned out” There is a silver lining in the greyest of clouds. This experience didn’t phase her although she did stop making music for a while, life circumstances change as do priorities but Kinsella couldn’t stay away for long and returned with the awesome music she is releasing now. Later on in the podcast we discuss the Rolling Stone 200 greatest singers and I mention that I have written my own top ten. The problem I was having was decided who took the number 10 spot Nina Simone or Lauren Hill. I can’t decide and wanted some help making the choice. Kinsella seemed to edge towards Nina Simone but ultimately the question remains unanswered. As we continue our chat the subject of Kanye West came up and we briefly discuss his fall from grace. I mention that I kind of feel for him because it is clear he is having some sort of breakdown and I feel for him in that sense having suffered is mental health issue I feel for anyone going through it However before there is any misunderstanding I do not agree with the views he expresses and do not condone his active love for one of the most despicable people in human history. For me it's a shame that the line between genius and insanity has been crossed and I wish that all these media outlets and video podcasts would stop giving him the airtime. No thats cleared up back to Kinsella. This year is looking good for Kinsella fans as I know there is a new E.P. coming out in the spring and a few singles that are likely to follow throughout the year. Exciting times!If you haven’t heard Kinsella before I highly recommend her music. If you want fast paced Drum and Bass check out her E.P. “Regents Canal” and if the R&B Soul vibe is your thing then check out the “Real Love” E.P. which is my personal favourite and every song on it made it’s way into my personal playlist. It really was great to meet Kinsella and a joy to hear her story so far, I can’t wait to see and hear how her story unfolds in the future.
This was a great podcast for me to record because I have seen Nick once before this in 25 years. At school aged 11 we became friends very quickly as we had a common interest, the music of The Prodigy.
After our school days were over and we finished our exams we said goodbye and thought we’d see each other again soon, however life and its adventures got in the way and we both went our separate ways.
Meeting Nick after so long I was very pleased to hear his story, how this 11 year old kid went from sampling beats with an 8 Bit sample box and a Amiga computer. From a young age he knew what he wanted to do and 25 years on he has done everything he dreamt of doing back then.
The hour podcast only touches on a bit of his musical life so it is highly likely he will be back to tell the rest of his story.
Check out this awesome musical journey from a critically acclaimed Hardcore DJ and Producer.
This week I sat down with Batterix and Admiral Finns Reloaded Drummer Linus Wallin. One of the things I enjoy most about these podcasts is not knowing the person that I am interviewing, I really like the idea of me knowing as much as the audience.
When Linus sat down and started to tell me his story I was mesmerised. Starting at the age of 5 banging on a wicker basket outside his house to a whirlwind musical career that had him warming the stage for Europe.
There is much I could tell you about the man and I could tell you more of the story but I think its best you chill and listen. Because when you do you will learn the valuable lesson that I did by the end of the interview. If you want it “Do it”! That was the advice I was given towards the end and when you hear the story you’ll realise that with a little luck that attitude will get you all the places you dream of being.
Linus Wallin is a true gent and I didn’t know him when he knocked at my door. We spoke for an hour before and an hour after the podcast and ran out of time, we could have carried on for hours. By the time he had left we had made friends and plan to meet up and jam.
Enjoy this podcast because it is a very entertaining story from a true gent.
The 1960’s are considered the golden era of rock music with the British Invasion of the States and all of the great music and events that stemmed from that moment. It’s well documented that the 60’s were a free love society that experimented with various psychedelic drugs. this culture opened the flood gates to the creation of psychedelic rock from bands like The Doors, Velvet Underground, Pink Floyd and the Beatles.
It’s testament to the power of that music and the people that created it, because 60 years on and bands are still rocking that sound but this time they bring with it all of the new influences of the music that followed. This is the evolution of music and its what keeps things fresh.
In this weeks Podcast I still down with Adam and George of The Clocks a 21st Century band with its creative heart set in the golden era of music. We discuss their influences and the origins of their current releases “Bad Habits” and “Flight Song”.
The band consist of 3 members Adam the Bass Player, George the Guitar and Vocals, along with Gary on drums.
Gary wasn’t available for this podcast due to other commitments however we did get a fantastic insight into the music that is created by Adam and George.
The pair are a great example of how two people with complementary skills can come together and create great sounds and meaningful words albeit cryptic on occasions in their meanings.
Aged in their mid twenties these lads have a bright future in front of them. As they plan to release a new single every 4-8 weeks. I am sure they will grow a large loyal following. Their music is enjoyable, vibrant and energetic. If you haven’t already go check them out and don’t forget to listen to the podcast for an in-depth insight to their music and inspirations.
After stumbling upon Danny Rhetoric’s single “Hold on Tight” I realised I wasn’t listening to your standard stereotyped Hip Hop artist. There is no mention of the things that most people dislike about the genre.Instead Danny embraces life and its experiences to write lyrics to his beats.
I feel stupid saying it at my age but these beats are truly lit! It’s hard to believe that are coming from a guy in his bedroom made studio rather than a pro in surroundings far more lavish. The location is irrelevant though because all that matters is the quality of the end product.His latest song “Back for a Minute” is on par with everything that has come before it.
Written and produced by the man himself the only thing he doesn’t do is master his mixes and thats fair enough there’s a lot to know when it comes to mastering.The backing melody is sweet and complementary to the beats and overall vibe of the song. It brings back nostalgic feelings of Dr Dre’s 2001 but is in no way a copy, it just makes be feel the same as I did the first time I heard the backing melodies in many of the songs from that album.“Back for a Minute” is awesome in its lyrical flow, its practically biographic and clearly depicts Danny’s goals and struggles. He talks about reflecting and reassessing his approach to ensure victory. It’s an inspiring track and is setting up the anticipation of his forthcoming L.P. “Second Born” due later this month.
I personally can’t wait, we haven’t had much hip-hop sent to us and as much as I love guitar based music I have loved rap since I was a little kid so it’s great to hear new fresh sounds that were inspired by the same people I grew up listening to.
I genuinely love how Danny wears his heart on his sleeve in his lyrics, it’s a beautiful transition from “hip hop” into “street poetry”, poetry with a beat. It’s pure, true and real unlike the usual cliches people expect from rap music.If Rap and Hip-Hop are your thing then give this a listen and explore the back catalogue because you won’t be disappointed. If Rap isn’t your thing maybe consider giving this a listen because it’s pure and real and you may discover something in the genre you genuinely like for the first time.
Back recently from the Broadstairs Folk Festival, Tom has been touring and promoting his new EP “A Road Less Travelled” a beautiful album produced by Henry Bristow. The EP features the charming song “Push Me out to Sea” Tom shares the personal inspiration behind this song and a brief glimpse into the life of the man spoke those 5 words to him. It’s a heart felt folk song with influences form American folk blended with his English Heritage.
We discuss our experiences of playing live and how our favourite songs aren’t the favourites of the people I know us. This is the first time Tom and I have ever sat down and chatted properly, we have known of each other and been “Facebook friends” for 4 years but never really had the chance to chat like this.
After 4 years I got to know Tom a lot in this hour, I learnt about how he discovered the folk music that inspired his sound so much. He tells us about how it was the route of Brit Pop that brought him to discover the legends such as Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie that influenced his song Rambling Man. Which is amazing because you hear virtually no Brit Pop sound to his music.
Many people from our generation discovered a plethora of music because of the likes of Blur and Oasis, our routes were very similar and yet we learn our sounds are very different. Our love however for the life of Woody Guthrie is a topic of conversation, we discuss the controversial last verse of “This Land is Your Land” and how the world came to hear it via Bruce Stringstien and Pete Seegar.
The life of Woody Guthrie is such an inspiration to us both we plan to do a podcast dedicated to him.
Taking these powerful influences Tom has ventured in to writing protest songs and even played a picket line for striking postal workers. We discuss the animosity between strikers and those who cross the picket line, as well as influential songs such as Christy Moore’s Ordinary man and other songs that reflect the struggles of working people.
On a personal not I really enjoyed this getting to know you moment with Tom, if we just sound like we are chatting its because we are, we forgot the mics were on and in this moment we captured a friendship being born.
Tom is an extremely talented song writer and musician, his music is the perfect easy listening, well worth checking him out via the usual streaming services.
You may not recognise the name but there is a strong possibility that you have heard Nelson King. A seasoned session musician and music producer Nelson has worked with many many people who’s names are easily recognised.
In this first episode of the Musician’s Brew I sit and chat with Nelson about his life, his work and his music.
Personally I have know Nelson for 4 years and worked with him on my own releases. He is a friend, mentor and teacher as well as a great producer and a song writer who has written over 800 songs all self produced. We discuss the origin of his amazing song “Colour Me’, the process of writing it and the possible meanings behind.
“Angels Must Kiss” is Nelson’s most streamed song with over 180.000 streams and his song “R U Ready” is a local anthem that gets the crowd on their feet and singing along with him.
Nelson’s journey started at the age of 7 shortly after he was hit by a car. His father brought him a little tape recorded and he went round recording sounds until the tape was full. Not knowing what to do he asked his Dad. His Dad told him to “wipe it” so Nelson, young and naive to the technical terms of recorded unwound the tape around his house and wiped it with a cloth. 20 years Nelson would invent a piece of studio equipment that take him to Abbey Road.
Still producing to this day Nelson is currently involved in a local music group One Hastings Many Voices, and helps many local song writers bring their music to life and mentors them, giving advice and providing tools to help young people to progress in the music industry.
The Dastardly Dudes, Tom Cole, The Clocks and even myself have sat and recorded in his studio. Nelson also produces for the Punk Legend Viv Albertine of The Slits. Viv and Nelson are very good friends and she even wrote about him in her book. He is a mentor and teacher to everyone he comes in to contact with.
An advocate for independent music and musicians keeping 100% ownership of their music, Nelson’s journey is very interesting and would make an awesome book, who knows one we may get to read it but for now this podcast is a snippet of amazing life.
Turn in weekly for conversations with more fascinating independent musicians.