Toucan Echo Podcast: Recent Episodes
Toucan Echo
Ramblings from James and Harry, your favourite two groove merchants, giving their thoughts on music, life, gear and whatever else comes to mind
Want a sneak peak of some new Toucan Echo songs before they are released?
Or wondered what goes on at a Toucan Echo practice session? Well now you can find out!
See if you dug into our archives (and you'd have to dig because we buried them deep under the Amazon river), you'd find a BEAK-TON of demos, jams, performances and other things that James and Harry cook up, but never release to the world.
That cuz we record all our practices and usually go through a few versions of songs before they're ready to record. Heck, given we never play a song the same way twice live, imagine what we're like behind closed doors, ha!
Anyway, I (James, hello) wanted to do an experiment by using the podcast to share sneaky behind the scenes looks, like demos and jams we do in the practice room. Thought it might be fun. And gave me a flash back to my student radio days. Here you go!
Let me know if you enjoyed by emailing james@toucanecho.com or DM us on our socials! :)
We've re-branded our regular live stream as 'Jungle Jams' - as they're too good to leave on Facebook.
So welcome to Episode 1, where we jam new songs and old!
Note - this is mostly music, not much speaking like our regular podcast!!
28/07/22
00:00 'The Savannah of the Internet'
02:00 Volunteer
11:50 'By a band called Toucan Echo'
13:22 Milestones (new song)
20:20 Improvised song (I Can Hear The Rain)
23:55 Patina
25:05 Roll Call
28:37 '2018...these days that's vintage'
29:38 Level Up
36:00 War (Bob Marley and The Wailers Cover)
42:20 'Two Pan Echo, pasta and sauce'
44:20 Square One
48:50 'Whose listened to it?'
49:40 Backpack
57:20 'How's it going? ALL GOOD'
58:58 Never Gonna Live It Down / Diamonds on The Soles Of Her Shoes (Paul Simon Cover)
J&H discuss attending some festivals in the past few weeks - Harry was at Glastonbury and both James and Harry were at Love Supreme.
We also briefly talk about whether we want to play some festivals as Toucan Echo in the future. . .
J&H discuss our latest track 'Volunteer', which arrives on streaming Monday 18th July 2022.
Bit of a rockier Jack White / Doors / Hendrix vibe to this one.
James and Harry discuss the new Toucan Echo single Room Wide Mind - with a preview at the end of the podcast!
Show Notes:
Zed and Two Noughts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Zed_%26_Two_Noughts
James and Harry discussing the latest Toucan Echo gossip and plans for the rest of 2022!
James and Harry discuss their gig at Northern Guitars in Leeds UK, (13th May 2022), including:
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How we prepared for playing 2x45 minute sets!
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Some advice for bands (particularly 2 pieces) on how to make your gig a success
SHOW NOTES:
Watch the full set on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdaX6H_8_wg
Live band makeover by Tom Jackson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_AVfpTc4nA
Listen to Level Up / War (Bob Marley Cover) at the end of the podcast!
The coolest podcast in the rainforest returns!
In this first episode of 2022, James talks:
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Our new record Headless / Restless - why we made it, what we learned from it
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Our plans for 2022
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Going to a jam night in Leeds
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Buying random vinyls
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Guitar tone & the Kemper - why it's a dream in the studio!
Toucan Echo Podcast #48
James and Harry discuss the new 3 part, 8 hour long Beatles documentary 'Get Back' and it's insights into the creative process of the greatest band of all time. They also discuss their most listened to songs this year, according to '2021 Spotify Unwrapped'.
We've been hidden away working on our album in recent weeks, but now we're back!
Tune in to a cosy fireside chat with James and Harry to find out:
- Why we are in France
- What the title of our new album means
- Harry's creative process for our new music video
- What we think of Britpop and Stone Roses
- More love for Paul Simon
- Some random chat about rugby
James and Harry having some drinks on Wednesday evening, discussing the past year living together in their London flat and making music. A real lucky dip episode covering lots of topics but sit back relax and let that talking roll. We even hit some thoughts on whiskey and NFTs. But general good vibes episode.
James and Harry sit down to discuss overcoming their current struggles with creative blocks finishing their current album, and come up with some gems/strategies for all you creatives out there!
Listen for:
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How James writes songs
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How Harry creates drum parts, videos and artwork
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Vision - or make it up as you go?
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Advice on how to set deadlines and limitations to jumpstart your creativity
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Other random tangents!
Some real gems in there today!
Harry's back on the podcast! We're back to discuss the new album and how we plan to promote it, creative vision and how to make it come true in the real world, plus whiskey and other fun stuff!
James returns on the Toucan Echo podcast to discuss why we're recording an album in 2021, plus some insights into the recording process and some new, erm, guitar purchases that helped along the way!
Also - we're looking to play some shows in 2021/2022! If you'd like to see TE play a show near you, let us know: https://forms.gle/kTs16pWvyWkDnzA87
James read a great book by Kevin Kelly called 'The Inevitable', all about technology and the future. So Harry and James sit down to talk about the themes from the book and how some of his ideas on what will happen in the future might impact musicians. . .including but not limited to AI, having a community of fans, remixes, live streams, VR, and more. It's an interesting discussion for sure!
A sprawling Thursday evening conversation between James and Harry on a range of topics, including but not limited to our new single Digital Native. Strap in!
Wow what a jam packed episode! James and Harry sit down to talk about their next single 'Digital Native', but the topic wheel spins out of control rolling down the winding highway and landing at new regions such as whiskey, creativity/being an artist, lighting, live streaming, and more! A real one to kick back on the sofa in a pleasantly lit room and absorb!
Show Notes:
Civilised to Death - Christopher Ryan. https://www.waterstones.com/book/civilized-to-death/christopher-ryan/9781451659108
James One Man Mindset Rant back today with some thoughts on planning - its useful turning dreams into reality, but is nothing without execution and often doesn't account for the challenges of actually doing stuff!
Sort of combined Toucan Echo catch up on what we've been up to and James exploring some recent discoveries on minimalism and aiming for less while recording, buying music gear, etc.
Show Notes:
Toucan Echo Live Stream:https://fb.watch/39W7FgDP4J/
John Mayer Current Mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIlzbAzGw7U
Recording Revolution: https://www.recordingrevolution.com/mixing-minimalism-and-the-art-of-subtraction/
While a curry simmers on the stove, James and Harry sit down to chat about Toucan Echo plans for 2021! This includes... recording a bunch of new songs (that might become an album), minimalism and fake tape machines, Haruomi Hosono. . .what a jam packed episode.
One of my resolutions is to actually include show notes, so here goes:
Vampire Weekend: 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmnjkZEkiA
Haruomi Hosono: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlpva2-5FMs
A 60s Tape Machine: https://www.musictech.net/reviews/studio-icons-studer-j37/
Massive HT to Leo Babauta. But having a realisation that uncertainty often drives our decisions and insecurities. We think we are solving the problem but we are treating a symptom. So we need to get better at coping with fear / uncertainly. That's that this episode discusses!
Welcome to 2021! First podcast of the year is back to James one man rants where we cover a range of topics including:
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New years resolutions and forming new habits
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Minimalism
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New toucan echo album on the way
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How trying to upgrade music gear/equipment gets in the way of creating
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Why you shouldn't compare your music to other people's or your past work
It feels great to be back on the podcast - so more will be coming your way!
James out on a walk reflecting on understanding the concept of something (being proactive, taking ownership) vs living it. This could be the best podcast yet!
James and Harry sat on their podcast studio (read: corner sofa) on a lazy Saturday morning sipping a decaff coffee discussing the evolution to the connection economy, factories, jobs, COVID and why multiple income streams are important now and in the future. We also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of biscuits, should you always do what you want, the four hour work week, freelancing, and how we're beginning our long journey down this road.
Show Notes:
Dreamlining: https://tim.blog/lifestyle-costing/
Fear Setting: https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_ferriss_why_you_should_define_your_fears_instead_of_your_goals?language=en
Always do what you want: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xZcVhFlCp3KZ3R86m69zz?si=VZawGbfyTh6ZO-l5mbSf1g
James and Harry back together on the podcast, from the sofa of their new flat, updating you on the last few months of Toucan Echo. Topics include. . .sorting permanent practice space, our latest exploits in Facebook advertising, why we're staying as a two piece, announcing our new interactive JAM EXPERIENCE coming in December, beer reviews, live shows, Ireland, living in other countries. . .strap in for a roller coaster Toucans!
James talks through the history of his guitar tone (yes, this is one for the guitar geeks only. Well, non guitar geeks allowed but you have been warned). He discusses starting guitar at 9 years old, playing in first bands, getting his first electric, his first tube amp, all the way to building guitars out of parts and why he now uses a Kemper Profiler. Enjoy!
James discusses minimalism in music, and some of his favourite influences including The Police and The White Stripes, how limitations can make you more artistic and how we've applied this to Toucan Echo
Hey Toucan Echo fans, here's me (James) dishing out some rambling incoherent thoughts on moving house, minimalism and how that balances with wanting more music gear, decluttering, clothes, guitars, meditation, how we should expect ourselves to evolve and change, more guitars...it's definitely one for true fans 😂
Some show notes.../ The Minimalists https://www.theminimalists.com/ Colin Wright https://exilelifestyle.com/ Sam Harris https://wakingup.com/
Mini rant on how you're either you're gonna do it or you won't...hat tip to Gary Vee, and how if you overcome the initial hurdles stopping you acting and start working on your passion, you'll get paid back what you put in in energy/joy
James and Harry sipping black decaff coffee trying to get to the bottom of a Toucan Echo identity crisis. What do 'records' mean these days that recording is so cheap and music is less often physically released? Can you record a song in the studio more than once? We explore these topics and more in another conversation jam packed with interesting topics!
James and Harry stop at a coffee shop to discuss the Toucan Echo music release strategy. So let's kick off this blockbuster two parter with a textbook 2020 musician question - should we make singles or albums?!
Normal Times making of vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hVYqGko6Jg
White Stripes, Black Math live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B44vvNGXuHo
James Brown 70s Funk Classics
https://open.spotify.com/album/2qHJQ1SqVTUfN93ovRHjZc?si=SgWm0XkAREaWnXTbOGLCEg
Sam Harris podcast, Can We Pull Back From The Brink?
https://samharris.org/podcasts/207-can-pull-back-brink/
James and Harry chat about their new single 'Mono Lake' - how it was first inspired on a roadtrip out of San Francisco and how we brought it to life during lockdown. We also talk about how nature gives you perspective, the move away from albums to frequent singles, Harry's VR trip over a Swiss mountain range, how Harry's never going to wear a suit again, and at the end there's a little treat of an acoustic version of Mono Lake!
Enjoy, you wonderful podcast fans. If you'd like to have a listen to the full song, check it out here:
https://toucanecho.com/listen/
Any comments or thoughts, drop us a line at james@toucanecho.com
A mini rant about creative output - are you putting out as much content as the successful people in your field? You should. Because that's within your control
Inspired by an amazing zenhabits article called The Path of Fearlessness https://zenhabits.net/fearlessness/, James (me) rants into his phone about resistance, fear holding us back, possible techniques for overcoming it and making your art!
Part 3 of me, James, on a windy countryside walk, discussing why we are scared of doubling down on creating art and content because we fear it might be a waste of time. I argue about what we mean about waste of time, and lay out reasons why doubling down on your creative ambitions (probably) won't be a waste of time!
A Gary Vee inspired rant on why doing what makes you happy is best for you, and for everyone else. Also, why money is important but not the priority, and how if you're happy you can work harder (tilting the odds of success in your favour). Again, part 2 of my windy walk so excuse audio! 😀
I synthesised some thoughts from Colin Wright on why doing the opposite thing to your dream (eg. not travelling...in order to travel) is a bad strategy. Recording on a windy countryside walk so apologies for the audio quality! Find Colins interview here, he talks about this around 5 mins in: https://youtu.be/SqC1BIzZq7U
Do you actually know them? What if you went out and tested them in the real world? A thought on why we should get more comfortable with discomfort
Hi this is Harry writing this podcast description, how are you?
I swooped back in on this episode to chat about our new Jam EP, the things James and I have been up to during the UK lockdown, James' new found morning routine, yoga, eBay businesses, plans for future content, and new songs. WHAT A VARIETY. We had a blast, hope you enjoy.
Harry
James giving some thoughts on fear of failure and fear of succeeding, including how Elon Musk launching a space shuttle should help your creative goals!
I've been reading the fabulous book the Art of Possibility and it's helped me break out of a rut this morning. So I thought I'd share some insights with you!
I think this is a good one. It's about how we shouldn't crave legitimacy in a world where everyone has access to the tools to create art, and instead get on with building your own set of rules, your own world, your art, and help people navigate through the chaos of the world.
James here again. Ranting into a phone again. I had a difficult couple of days which got me in a bad mood. Here's me reflecting on it and how we should try to put positivity and making people happy at the centre of what we are building
James ranting into his phone again after re-reading the War of Art and getting some ideas about how not hitting your schedule is okay and if it's a bit of a battle/fight to create something good, that's to be expected!
Some thoughts about running, live streams and podcasting. How important it is to get started, then use that to keep going and improving in small increments, building on your progress, even if you don't see instant results and the world won't support you at first!
Some thoughts on the future of live music - including how live music has evolved, what makes live shows unique, The White Stripes, the origins of Toucan Echo, a West African bar band in Belgium, no setlists and being a jam band. A lot to get your teeth into!
A rant about the history and future of recording, questioning whether we should still be in a singles, albums, 'studio version' world
A ramble on the future of guitar music. From me, James, a guitar player, who has thought about it a lot but isn't necessarily that qualified apart from that 😂
James and Harry discuss their new song 'Square One', their experience of recording REAL DRUMS again, bringing back the Toucan Echo crowd track, and how life is like constantly being a beginner.
Find the song here on Spotify :)
And if you're enjoying keeping up with the lives of these two musical toucans then boy oh boy swindle on over to our website where you can sign up for more exclusives and we can hang out more ;)
James and Harry discuss how they record their music and how it has evolved over time, culminating in the Toucan Echo debut album Walk To Circus. They also discuss how they're going to use this time in isolation as time to break some new ground in the studio!
In today's podcast we discuss how Toucan Echo became a two piece band, the history of growing up making music together, jamming, The Police, bass players, The White Stripes, Febueder, The Centre of the Circle of Western Music, all sorts.
Harry and James discuss how to keep Toucan Echo going during COVID 19 lockdown. Other topics include Harry escaping lockdown to go to the pub, exchanging song demos, growing beards, Slipknot, staying positive, food shopping, all sorts really.
Mini rant on not letting the small hardships, the small annoying parts of doing what you love. . . stop you doing it. Even the best stuff has some bad bits attached. That's the message!
James from Toucan Echo talks briefly about the band, why he loves podcasts and the struggle of getting himself to start one