Anyone Can Play Guitar (James Redhead and Ben Steel)

Hello and welcome to episode 141 of the ACPG podcast.

This week Ben s back on zoom with Buddy Schaub of the fantastic Lee Than Jake.

Ben and Buddy spoke about being part of the punk scene, touring, recording, being in 'band' at school, and just saying yes.

As a fan of Less Than Jake for over 20 years and a pop punk kids of the late 90's/ early 00's. This was a really treat.

We hope you enjoy this episode. It was a lot of fun to record.

Thank you to Buddy and JR from Less Than Jake.

Oh and thanks for the guestlist tickets for me and Wade.

See you in two weeks for a little bit of Reef. So remember to place those hands.

This week we reach an amazing milestone of 100 episodes. Firstly thank you to all our listeners, guests, tour managers, managers, PR companies, record companies, security people, and on and on. Without you it is just two idiots from Newcastle trying to talk music.

In this our 100th episode we go back to where it all began and welcome back Paul Smith and Tom English of Maximo Park to talk about their number two album. Nature Always Wins.

We caught up with Paul and Tom over zoom to talk basketball, writing in the album, making the album, how lockdown has affected them, playing live to the internet and more.

Thank you to Jas at Prolifica for her support in setting up the interview. And thank you to Paul, Tom and Duncan for speaking to us and helping set up the interview.

So, enjoy and here’s another 100.

In our penultimate interview of season two.  Ben is at the Cluny with singer/songwriter and all round nice chap, John Newman.

The Cluny is one of the best venues for new and emerging artists to play.  Ben and James's band played it many times and was probably their favourite.

Ben caught John on his intimate tour, as John says to reset his love for what he does.

It was truly amazing to catch up with one of the biggest stars of the last five years or so.

John's good cause of the week is Brain Tumour Research.

This week we talk to vocal coach Nicola Milan about breathing, placing your muscles, vocal tone and conveying emotion.

This is a great episode that provides some really practical things for vocalists to start thinking about and practising. Something we could have done with back in the day!

The good cause is World Animal Protection. Nicola put it brilliantly – ‘give a voice to those who don’t have one’.

More information and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode009

This week we continue with lecturer and esteemed author Mark Duffett for the final part of our double header on fandom.

In this episode we talk to Mark about being a star, being a fan, entertaining people, ideas and values and collaboration. All of which provide interesting insight.

The good cause this week is the Penny Brohn, providing free integrative care to those affected by cancer.

More information and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com

This week it’s the ACPG mid-season quick fire pallet cleanser. Ben started hitting guests with some quick-fire questions at the end of each interview with the musicians we’ve had on the show and it turned out pretty good.

This is a highlights reel of those questions while we get all of the full stand alone interviews ready for release starting next week.

The good cause is Grenfell United.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode059

This week the topic is mobile apps. Having a website can be an obvious choice to musicians, but what about a mobile app? In an age where increasingly more people use a mobile phone to browse the web, whilst social media app algorithms restrict your reach within their platforms, why not?

In this episode you’ll hear from Kevin Brown, of GigRev who has tackled this challenge.

The good cause is the throat cancer foundation.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode049

Hello and welcome to episode 174 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with Finnish Musician Jaakko Eino Kalevi who was in Athens, Greece at the time of speaking.

They had a great conversation about Jaakko's ninth album, Chaos Magic. They also spoke about the writing process, playing live and having a career in music.

Thank you to Jaako for his time and Stasi for setting up the interview.

Catch s next time when Ben is talking to Poppy from the band Girl Ray.

Hello and welcome to episode 168 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with the one of the most relaxed men in music, JW Francis. Ben in Newcastle and JW in Paris, they spoke about this new album, touring, walking, and self-created tours. Which sounds amazing.

Indie-rock, jangle, slacker, bedroom pop and softly-whirring psych combine to build his 'Dream House' - the foundations held in earthy human emotion, with a roof in the clouds. Across 12 quirky, technicolour sonic vignettes, JW Francis showcases every side of his wholesome 3D approach to guitar pop.

When JW isn’t writing songs about his own life or off-kilter imagery, he writes about other people – most notably around February when he writes valentines songs on his fans’ behalf. 'Dream House' is in fact built around this collection of glorious tracks written for other people.  

Thank you JW for zooming with us and thank you to Thom for setting up the interview.

See you next week for Frankie Cowan of Frankie and Scenarios and The Vaccines.

In this week’s episode we release a conversation from early in the pandemic where we speak to Tjinder Singh of Cornershop.

We speak primarily about releasing music just before the lockdown and pandemic really hit people’s lives and you may have heard this from a previous episodes.

But the rest of the episode is all about how Tjinder and Cornershop approach music through writing and production and getting that music in peoples ears.

We didn’t speak much about Brimful of Asha but that song did soundtrack a part of music history, especially in the late 90’s. So that was great to talk a little bit about that song.

Thank you to Tjinder for his time and talking to us about England is a Garden and Cornershop.

This week we head to Philadelphia in the USA for the first of a two part episode with singer songwriter Joy Ike where we discuss promoting yourself, how much to share, and then start the conversation about what exactly house concerts are.

Backing up the advice from Sari Delmar in episode 005, it was great to hear how a successful artist approaches promotion. We then set the scene for part 2, by touching on what house concerts are all about.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode011

This week we head to Manchester to speak with musician, former label owner and now music lecturer Pete Dale. Here we cover the benefits of self-releasing music, the importance of physical song releases, choosing which acts are on a label, and label identity.

Pete has a rich and varied background which was referenced in episode 003 with Ross Millard.

The good cause this week is Care UK, collecting and distributing practical items to refugees in need.

Info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode014

Hello and welcome to episode 160 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zoom with Charlie and Jake of Chappaqua Wrestling.

They talk about Chappaqua Wrestling's debut album 'Plus Ultra' which is out this Friday (depending on when you read this), touring, getting start and a mutual love for Manchester music. 

For their debut album, Chappaqua Wrestling knew that they wanted to step above the noise of the concrete everyday. To match their songs about political despondency and social change, Jake and Charlie wanted to create surrealist artwork, teetering on the brink of despair and release.

Both Jake and Charlie know a thing or two about leaps of faith. Meeting at school in Brighton, the pair were bandmates before they were true friends, discovering a shared love of 00s indie.

Where many school friendships peter out after results day, the Mac & Woods partnership stood firm. While Charlie went travelling, Jake headed to Manchester for University, joined by his best friend a year later. As the cogs turned on the final year of their degrees, their musical experiments solidified as Chappaqua Wrestling, earning them a slot at the Great Escape festival and some early local buzz. Whilst grateful to be adopted as a Mancunian band, they’re keen to point out that this isn’t the case, not wanting to unfairly ride the coattails of the city’s legendary scene.

We hope you enjoy it and we will see you next week with Schak.

Hello and welcome to episode 173 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with the delightful Willie J Healey. They talk about his new album Bunny, touring with the Arctic Monkeys and Jamie T, working with Yala records and more.

Thank you to Jay for setting up the interview. And thank you to Willie for his time and rearranging time for a clash in Ben's diary.

We have a special artist in Willie and, as I mention, new album ‘Bunny’ is something of a new dawn for him. Recorded in NYC with producer Loren Humphrey (Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey) he stepped out of his comfort zone, pushed himself to be more honest with what he wanted to do, and ultimately discovered that there was a freedom to be found in embracing that honesty. There is a maturity and warmth to the songs here, whether he’s pondering the cost of ambition (‘Dreams’) or revisiting themes of love (‘Sure Feels Good’), contentment (‘Woke Up Smiling’) and appreciation (‘Thank You’). It’s the sound of Willie at the happiest he’s been in a while, and I think this comes from being able to strike a perfect balance between determination to create what he wants, and knowing when to accept that – whatever style of album he makes – it will always have signposts to the parts of himself that he can’t change. 

Sliding into new musical territory, he welcomes hypnotic grooves, gospel harmonies and brass flourishes to support his own organic, understated falsetto. Fusing soul, rock and R&B, ‘Bunny’ is Willie J Healey waking up a dormant side of his musical world and rolling with it. 

This week we have a great conversation with someone who shaped our 6th form and uni soundtrack. Grant Nicholas from Feeder.

Ben spoke to Grant over zoom to look back at his career in music and look forward to Feeder's new album Torpedo out on 18th March 2022, and the long over due return to touring.

Thank you Grant for that trip down memory lane. And also to Jay for helping set up the conversation. 

See you in two weeks for Rodrigo y Gabriela.

This week we’re at the Cluny in Newcastle with the bolt of energy that is Paul Langley. With Paul we’re talking about tour management; the importance of the role, what it involves, and who can do it.

We first met Paul in this capacity, managing Mark Radcliffe’s tour, and it was clear then that he’d make a great guest…which he did. As a man with a great deal of experience, he provides some top insight into this part of the music industry.

Info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode021

Hello and welcome to episode 175 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with Poppy from the wonderful Girl Ray. We talk about their new album Prestige (the non concept, concept album, my words not theirs).

Prestige is a fictional night club where we follow the band on a night out. And a good time is had by all.

We speak about the new album, touring, and watching the crowds get bigger.

Thank you to Poppy, Jodie, and Elliott for the support with this episode.

See you next time for the last interview of the series.

In this episode we continue with our look at releasing music, debut music, in 2020.

This time we caught up with Rory Young from the indie band Sea Girls. Who released their much anticipated debut album 'Open Up Your Head' in the summer of 2020.

Ben spoke to Rory over zoom, the meeting place for most people this year. And had a great chat about the making of this album and how it was released. As well Sea Girls movie watchalongs.

Find out more about Sea Girls at https://www.seagirls.net/

This week Ben is in James and Ben's usual match day pub.  This time on a Monday afternoon and with Keith Armstrong of Kitchenware records.

Ben and Keith spoke about record deals, the role of record companies, releasing music and having a career in music.

This is a great chat looking behind the scenes of the music business.

Keith's good cause of the week is Children North East, doing great work with children in our area. 

Hello and welcome to a three in one day drop.

This week we look at radio or lockdown radio if you will. How has 2020/21 effected radio from the people spinning (not sure spinning still happens) the tunes.

In this the final part of a mini trilogy, we speak to Taz and Jim from FM96 London Ontario's best rock. We spoke to Taz and Jim to so see how things were different in Canada and how they were  different on a commercial radio show.

It was nice to meet Taz and Jim and talk about they keep Ontario going in the mornings.

Thank you to Taz and Jim for speaking to us.

Hello and welcome to episode 165 of the ACPG podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with another Aussie Alex Lahey.

Ben and Alex talk about her new album The Answer is Always Yes, touring, festivals, and building a community.

Fresh from recently announcing her new album and debut for Liberation, The Answer is Always Yes, Aussie polymath Alex Lahey today returns with a fresh taster from the record, 'They Wouldn't Let Me In'. A breathless post-punk gem, it's a track that hits at the very heart of The Answer is Always Yes, an album that finds Lahey analysing her otherness through different lenses, from its isolating effect to the surrealism and humour it instills.

We hope you enjoy this episode and we’ll see you next week for Martin Fry from ABC.

Thank you to Alex and Alex for this episode.

In this episode we hear from a fans perspective. Brian Garcia has amassed one of the largest and most impressive memorabilia collections of his favourite band, Oasis. This is to the point of needing storage units to house it all.

So what gets somebody from the point of liking a song, to a super fan.

The good cause for this week comes from Brian and is the MDS foundation.

Alreet, hello and welcome to episode 132 of the ACPG podcast.

This week we talk to adopted Geordies, have a photo next to the Tyne, and a greggs sausage roll away from being top tier Geordie experience.

This week we our guests are Tunde and Paul, AKA The Lighthouse Family.

Ben caught up with Tunde and Paul the morning after their home coming show at the Newcastle City Hall.

This was pre-pandemic lockdowns, so there are some very suspicious (it'll be fine) coughs in the background. 

We have a brief history of the lighthouse family and just generally have a wonderful conversation about the power of music.

We hope you enjoy, thank you to Tunde, Paul, Keith Armstrong, and Chris (TM).

See you in two week for a chat with Hazel Wilde of Lanterns on the Lake.

Based on a shared love of music and now podcasts, we give a brief introduction on why we have started on this journey, and what you can expect from us each week.

Having been in a band what feels like many years ago now, we have missed being creative and speaking with other artists. We also know that there are plenty of things that we would have done differently if we had the luxury of hindsight, so thought what better way to give something back to the music community than to interview those who have been there and have the t-shirt, to pass on their knowledge.

We’ll not just speak to other artists, but people from across the music industry. Talking to those from the radio, publishing companies, record labels, managers, academics, or anyone else who might be able to help artists avoid the countless mistakes we undoubtedly made. The aim is to provide a weekly dose of tips and pointers on anything from writing songs, to releasing music, or playing a show, to building a fan base.

It certainly won’t be a user manual or magic formula to be successful, but we’d love to think that artists may just take a couple of tips each episode to support them on their journey.

Finally, we want to help spread the word about charities and good causes. Those in the music community are generally quite passionate about this, and we believe we can always be doing more when it comes to helping those less fortunate.

So whether you’re a seasoned musician, you’re thinking about picking up an instrument for the first time, or you’d just like to hear about the inner workings of the music world, tune in and subscribe as we aim to de-mystify the industry while providing some entertainment.

Enjoy.

Hello and welcome to episode 146 of the ACPG podcast and a return to the weekly format to see us to the end of the year and the end of season four.

This week Ben is zooming with Dante from the band GUN, as well as the return of a season three guest Ewan Macfarlane for a special doulbe bubble.

Ben spoke to Dante and Ewan about their respective new albums.

This week Ben is in the Newcastle Boiler Shop with the original Rude Boy Neville Staple and Christine 'Sugary' Staple.

Ben chats to Neville and Christine about playing live, festivals, identity and so much more.

Neville and Christine's charity of the week is Musicians Against Homelessness.

This week we continue up in Edinburgh with Mike Livesley, AKA ‘Made by Mike’. In this second part of the episode we cover pedal combinations, software emulation and multi effects boxes.

This was a fantastic delve into the world of guitar pedals, particularly as they are so fundamental to so many artists. I both loved and hated Ben’s use of them. Whether a distraction or a game changer, they’re here to stay.

The good cause for the week is Food Banks.

Info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode019

This week we continue with Frankie Francis of Frankie and the Heartstrings to talk publishing deals, opening a shop, and radio.

Having secured a significant publishing deal, Frankie talks around how they used the money to sustain themselves before moving on to other parts of the music industry he is very close to.

The good cause this week is Pop Recs, an important cultural hub in Sunderland.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode029

Hello and welcome to episode 116 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week we revisit the full interview from summer 2020 with Jamie McCredie and Jo Harrop. Last year we released part of the interview all about the release of Weathering the Storm. This episode is all about their musical relationship.

Here is the full episode. Enjoy.

We’re back for season 2 of the show! A new format brings you loads of fantastic guests all talking about specific music topics such as song writing, festivals, marketing, record deals, playing live and more.

All designed to help musicians and bands take their career to the next level this season has insights from industry experts plus top bands The Killers, Bare Naked Ladies, Editors, Jimmy Eat World and Jon Newman. Listen for free now.

More information about the show at www.acpgmusic.com

This week we’re at The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle with singer songwriter Willy Mason. Here we discussed intimate venues, song writing, recording, and building relationships.

Willy was first championed by Zane Lowe in the early noughties, and it was via the radio he became huge in the UK before being widely known in his home country the US.
The good cause is this week is Age UK.

Info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode023

This week Ben hits new levels of excitement as he speaks to Roddy Woomble of Idlewild, the Scottish indie rock band who have released seven full-length studio albums to date.

Also a respected solo artist, we speak to Roddy about the pros and cons of support slots, middle men and the value of having a creative space.

The good cause this week is Amnesty International’s Give a Home, which Idlewild have performed Sofar Sounds gigs for in support of the world’s refugees.

Show notes at www.acpgmusic.com

Hello and welcome to episode 133 of ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben pops across to the faculty of medical science to chat to lead singer of Lanterns on the Lake and fellow university colleague, Hazel Wilde.

Ben and Hazel talk about touring, mercury nomitations, having a job while being in a successful band, and much more.

Thank you to Hazel for a great chat.

We hope you enjoy and see you in two weeks with Billy Lunn from the Subways.

This week this the second of the two-part instalment on music marketing. More great insights on a topic that can be so tricky for aspiring musicians.

In this episode you’ll hear from Steven Page (Bare Naked Ladies), We Are Scientists, Maurice Hissink, Dave Keuning (The Killers), Zach Hangauer, She Drew the Gun and Kevin Brown.

The good causes are the Whitechapel Centre and Shelter.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode048

This week the topic is festivals, an essential element of any music lovers’ summer. It was the summer 2018 that we caught up with Emma Zillmann of From the Fields who puts on big UK festivals Kendal Calling and Blue Dot to find out what’s involved and how bands get on her radar.

You’ll also hear from Dave Keuning (The Killers), Justin Lockley (Editors), Get Cape Wear Cape, State Champs and The Blinders.

The good cause is guidedogs.org.uk.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode044

This week Ben is on the Tour Bus of Everything Everything to catch up with Jon Higgs during the ‘Tomorrow Festival’ in Newcastle.

Having had a series of top 10 albums in the UK, Jon brings some great experience to the show and there’s loads of topics crammed in this week including; moving cities, videos, identity, touring, and licencing music.

The good cause this week is Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode033

This week is back on the ‘phone’, this time with Zach Hangauer of howtoreleasearecord.com

James and Zach spoke a lot, you guessed it, about releasing your music and what Zach does to support new and emerging artists through howtoreleasearecord.com.

Zach’s charity of the weeks is a returning good cause.  It’s ACLU, check them out at aclu.org

Hello and welcome to episode 138 of the ACPG podcast.

This week Ben is on a tour bus outside the Newcastle Academy in 2019. Apologies to guests are the delay in the release but is one of the last pre covid recordings.

And this week we are with Matt and Chris from the awesome The Amazons.

We spoke about their rise in this business they call music, playing live, touring, and Neil Young.

We hope enjoy and thank you again to Matt and Chris.

See you in two weeks when we back on a tour bus, back outside the Newcastle academy and back before covid, with Shauna from Rews.

This week we head to a familiar place for many musicians, the pub, where we meet Ross Millard from The Futureheads for part one of a two part episode we have with Ross.

Here we discuss learning guitar forming a band, their approach to practice sessions, the importance of being honest, as well as band manifestos.

For show notes, links, our blog and more, visit our website www.acpgmusic.com

Hello and Welcome to episode 126 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week we are pleased and thrilled to have Miles Kane as our special guest.

Ben caught up with Miles over zoom to talk about his new album, Change the Show, touring, fashion, Fred Perry… and chicken wings.

Thank you to Miles for talking to us and Ashley for support with the episode.

Next Week - Jake Bugg

This week we speak to Tara Divina.

If you visit her website, which you should, you’ll be presented with this call to action - “You deserve to experience the greatest joy and fulfilment life has to offer. Create your work of art. Leave your legacy. Live free of regret.”.

Big statements. And she can help. An ex record label exec and current musician and coach shares a wealth of fantastic insights.

This week it’s the first of a two-part Christmas special on Music Law, with Erin Jacobson, the music lawyer. The number of musicians who’ve found themselves in a bad situation due to a lack of awareness of the many components to music law is countless.

In this episode Erin starts us off with copyright, music composition and sound recordings, as well as royalties.

The good cause is neuroendocrine cancer research. Links to Erin’s fund along with more info in the show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode057

In this week's episode we release the second part of our episodes dedicated to releasing music in 2020.

We wanted to document what music was like in 2020 and how people released music and how they changed in this very strange and testing year.

In part two we talk to returning guest Jamie McCredie and his musical partner Jo Harrop who released their debut album in May 2020.

This interview is part of a longer episode that will be released next season in 2021. We hope.

It was great to meet Jo and catch up with Jamie about their debut release of jazz standards. The album has been getting some great press with Jo Whiley being a big fan and the out of this world Iggy Pop playing Jamie and Jo regularly on his show.

In the last episode we spoke to Lindsay Ell about her third album release in 2020, this episode has a different flavour as this Jamie and Jo’s debut album. We will continue this theme in the next episode with Rory talking about Sea Girl’s debut release from August 2020.

Find Weathering the Storm on all streaming platforms, to buy online and in stores.

This week we continue our journey through space and time for part 2 with Gus and Wilson of Winchop, the fantastic two piece from the USA.

Here we move on to talk about the unusual way in which to were signed, how they make their long distance collaboration work, their fantastic whiskey covers and the importance of interacting with other artists.

The good cause this week is supporting the music community.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode039

This week we are still down under with Steve Kilbey of The Church.

This episode is the second part of our conversation about Steve's career in music. 

There is around 8 minutes for our first chat and another 20 or so from the second time we spoke. 

Steve is as on form as the first chat and it's a great chat.

Thank you again to Erika and Steve for this conversation.

Hello and welcome to episode 171 of the ACPG podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with Los Angeles where he spoke with Nick and Kelsey of the fantastic Local Natives.

Now, I (Ben) have been a massive fan of Local Natives since their debut album Gorilla Manor and especially the songs Sun Hands and Airplanes. So it was great to talk to them about that but also the release of their new album Time Waits For No One. We spoke about the new album, record release parties, and touring, and more.

The album was preceded at the tail-end of last year by the swaggering psychedelia-tinged indie-pop of ‘Just Before the Morning’ which jumped up to the B-list at 6Music, as well as seeing them doing an LA residency back in December that saw them joined on the stage by contemporaries including Best Coast, Darkside and Miya Folick. The past year or so has also seen them hit up Jimmy Kimmel twice, one of which saw them joined by Sharon Van Etten for their collaborative track ‘Lemon’, while they also headed out on a sold-out US tour last summer as well as stop-offs at Lollapalooza, Outsidelands and a bunch more staples of the US festival circuit. The band are also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their commercial breakthrough Hummingbird album this year, which feels ripe for revisiting (it is still a total knockout).

This new set finds the band linking with Grammy-winning producer John Congleton (Death Cab, Sharon Van Etten, St. Vincent) for a run of sessions across a number of historic LA studios that birthed a set of songs rooted in metamorphosis: taking in newfound fatherhood, periods of isolation, loss and identity crisis. Through it all though, the band were reminded that the constants are the people you love and - in their case - their fellow bandmates. While the album’s title Time Will Wait For No One has its ominous undertones, the sentiment at the core of the album is that your loved ones will.

Can’t recommend spending a bit of headphone time with the new record enough if you get a moment, the production on it is glorious - something they’ve really honed over the four albums to date that have seen them quietly become one of the most consistently acclaimed bands of the last decade (not a single album below a 75 on Metacritic).

Thank you to Nick and Kelsey, and Alex and Vanessa for all their help with this episode.

This week the topic is the record deal, once the main target for all aspiring musicians. What is the role of the record company today? Are they still as appealing as they once were?

We speak to Keith Armstrong of Kitchenware records along with Jon Newman, Neville Staple, She Drew The Gun, The Sheepdogs, Jimmy Eat World and We Are Scientists.

The good cause is the Robin Hoodie foundation.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode045

Hello and Welcome to Season FOUR of ACPG Podcast.

After a short break we are back with season four. Who knew we'd get to episode 125 and four season of our podcast. But here we are and we're not stopping. Even if people want us to.

This is just a quick hello and a little insight into what is coming in 2022. Fun that's what.

Next week... Miles Kane

This week is our final instalment of the trilogy with guitarist and band leader Jamie McCredie. Here we move on mastering your equipment, band leaders, and playing the west end.

The level of dedication Jamie gives to mastering his equipment makes it clear as to why he gets opportunities such as playing the Book of Mormon on the West End. And what is a band leader? We find out.

The good cause is the British Association for Preforming Arts Medicine.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode026

Hello and welcome to episode 162 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming down under again with the lovely Gena Rose Bruce.

Ben and Gena talk about her second album Deep Is The Way, touring, festivals, and moving to the UK (soon).

Last year a suffocating black fog pursued Melbourne musician Gena Rose Bruce through the night’s depths – a recurring dream wraith brought on by the passing of her partner’s mother and pandemic instability. Deep Is The Way chronicles Bruce's fraught path back into the light, as she processes death and inner turmoil to emerge with a newfound state of strength and resilience. The album finds her working with long time collaborators and forging a new wildcard relationship.

Gena always due to support Paolo Nutini and Beck very soon. Jealous does even cut it close.

Thank you to Gena for her time and Jodie for setting up the interview.

This week it’s the second instalment of the two-part Christmas special on Music Law with Erin Jacobson, the music industry lawyer.

The discussion moves on to contracts, publishing and record deals including some common pitfalls that musicians can fall into. How often can these subjects lead to bad blood within a band and how can you avoid the pain? Lots to cover.

The good cause is Girls Love Mail and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode058

This week Ben is in the Think Tank Newcastle with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly or Sam Duckworth if it’s a Sunday.

We caught up with Sam on tour in 2018 and spend sometime talking about identity, playing festivals, getting as many people as possible on stage and much more.

Sam's charity is Grenfell united.

Visit www.acpgmusic.com/episodes063

Hello and welcome to episode 127 of the ACPG Podcast. This week we go back to pre-pandemic recordings. This is the first of a few recordings we wanted to release earlier but for whatever reason haven't released yet.

But here it is, our chat with Jake Bugg in March 2020, backstage at the wonderful Newcastle City Hall.

A great interview with a great artist doing it his way.

Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy it.

This week James is back on the phone, this time with Matthew Rusk founder of MGR Music and our season two partner.

They look at a career in music in more detail and how to get the best out of a career in this industry.

Matthew's charity of the week is the WAVE trauma centre, find out more here. http://wavetraumacentre.org.uk/

This week we stay in Philadelphia, USA with Joy for part 2, where we get into the nuts and bolts of house concerts, how to put them on, and things to think about when both playing and hosting these great events.

Joy describes how they tick many boxes that any DIY musician would look to get out of a show. Our interest is peaked and we’re ready to attend.

The good cause this week is Food for the Hungry, which Joy is actively involved with.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode012

Hello and welcome to episode 157 of the ACPG Podcast.

In this episode Ben is zooming with Matt Corby. A solo artist from Australia. We're in the middle of a little run of Austrialian artists. Shame we couldn't record these in person in Australia. But you know, small details.

Matt and Ben talk about his new album, Everything's Fine, playing live and Australian idol.

The album was recorded at his own Rainbow Valley Studios with long time collaborators Alex Hendrickson and Chris Collins, and pop-writing savante Nat Dunn(Charli XCX, Tkay Maidza, Rita Ora). Together they drew out the sounds that make 'Everything's Fine' Matt Corby's most accomplished record yet. A sonically adventurous rumination on all of life’s big stuff, it's a record that pulls together a decade of musical threads and production nous to reveal a body of work that glides even deeper into Corby’s RnB roots, while embracing aspects of vintage funk, hip-hop and playful soft rock motifs.

We hope you enjoy this episode and we promise normal service will resume next week as James is back from holiday.

See you in a week with Hamish Hawk.

Hello and welcome to episode 150 of the ACPG podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with DC Gore (Dom) to talk about his new album All These Things, his plans for the future, playing live again and much much more.

Dom was currently moving when they spoke. Both literally and in general. So expect some transit at the start of the conversation.

Dom is a great musician and he is new album All These Things, expertly layers fantastically dystopian imagery against twinkling tapestries of electronics and propulsive beats. It’s a shift akin to the Pet Shop Boys’ development between Introspective and Behaviour: from bright, dancefloor-focused pop to melancholic mini-symphonies.

Thank you to Dom and Stasi for the interview.

See you in a week where will be zooming again.

Hello and welcome to episode 113 of ACPG Podcast.

This week we invite back podcast regulars and podcast friends Mark Radcliffe and Paul Langley, also known as UNE.

Mark has been on the show two times talking radio and Paul has been on talking about being a tour manager and music photographer. However this time, we are speaking about the release of UNE's second and third album out in August and November respectfully. 

We talk over zoom about the making of the second album and how lockdown and the pandemic produced the time and space for the third album.

As ever it is always a pleasure to talk to Mark and Paul, thank you to both of them, again, as ever.

Hello and welcome to a three in one day drop.

This week we look at radio or lockdown radio if you will. How has 2020/21 effected radio from the people spinning (not sure spinning still happens) the tunes.

In this first of a mini trilogy we speak to season one guest Mark Radcliffe about his experiences since last March as he continues to broadcast his radio shows. Sometimes from Salford and sometimes from home.

It was nice to catch up with Mark, especially as he is a former guest and to hear how he has been since we last spoke.

Thank you to Mark for speaking to us and thank you to Paul Langley for helping setting this one up.

Hello and welcome to episode 163 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is back at the Cluny with Beans on Toast (AKA Jay).

They talk pre gig, post sound check about his life in music, songwriting, touring, festivals, community, and making friends with friend of the show Frank Turner.

Since 2005, Beans on Toast has written simple songs about complicated subjects. Tackling the big issues of the day but doing so with his feet firmly on the ground, he’s become a people’s champ of the modern folk scene and amassed a huge back catalogue of songs in the process.

An unrepentant optimist whose songs celebrate all that is wonderful about the human spirit, his live shows are similarly uplifting and have taken him from SOLD OUT headline shows in the UK to the stages of major international festivals across the globe.

Thank you to Jay and James and we hope you enjoyed this episode.

See you next week with Chris Difford of Squeeze. Holy smokes, it's big one.

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of ACPG Podcast.

Around a year ago we were very giddy to have Dave Keuning from The Killers on our show. To be fair we’re pretty giddy with every guest we get on the show. But this is something else.

We (I think it was Ben) probably also said at the time that is it unlikely we’ll meet again, but here we are. This time over zoom. We meet again. Astonishing.

Ben and Dave speak about Dave’s new album, ‘A Mild Case of Everything’, making music during a pandemic, and EXCLUSIVE (probably not exclusive) Killers news.

We had another great chat, it’s quite mind blowing to have another chat with Dave and speak every now and again over email. From dancing in clubs to his music, to djing his music at parties and weddings, the chance to speak to Dave on more than one occasion is a real mind bender.

Thank you to Dave from speaking to us again. And we hope you enjoy.

Hello and welcome to episode 134 of the ACPG Podcast, and the first double header of season four.

This week we welcome the wonderful Billy Lunn, singer, lead guitarist, songwriter, and recent Cambridge graduate of The Subways.

Ben and Billy caught up on the first night of The Subways 15 year anniversary of Young for Eternity. This was also one of two face to face interviews just before covid lockdown the world. 

We spoke about being part of music community, The Subways live experience, song writing, and so much more.

We hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to part two in two week.

This week we have an ACPG first as we straddle three time zones to catch up with Gus and Wilson of Winchop, a fantastic two piece from the USA.

We were keen to get these lads onto the show, as they do the majority of their band activity in different locations. In this part one we talk about how they got started in music, writing musicals, duo’s vs a full band and forging a partnership.

The good cause this week is supporting the music community.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode038

Hello and welcome to episode 130 of the ACPG podcast.

In this episode Ben sits down with the wonderful Rodrigo y Gabriela backstage at the Sage Gateshead in 2019.

This is one of the episodes we planned to release earlier but you know, covid and that.

Our chat with Rod y Gab was a very special one, two amazing musicians talking about how they went from Mexico to the streets of Dublin to Grammys and beyond. But above all Ben had them playing (not live) at his wedding.

Thank you to Rod y Gab, Eoin, and Carlo for making this happen. We hope you enjoy it.

See you in two weeks with Ash. GAWA

This week is the first of a two-part instalment on marketing. A tricky business where you can end up spending lots of time with little reward without having a bit of know-how and a plan.

In this episode you’ll hear from a mix of artists and industry pros including Steven Page (Bare Naked Ladies), We Are Scientists, Maurice Hissink, The Sheepdogs, Zach Hangauer, She Drew the Gun and Kevin Brown.

The good cause is the Dutch Clini Clowns.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode047

This week is the finale to season 1 of the ACPG podcast as Ben and James reflect on the journey so far, and give a little taster of what to expect from season 2.

It’s been superb so far, meeting amazing people and seeing first-hand how much the music community are passionate about helping others.
We’ve got great guests lined up for season 2, with a little break allowing us to make some improvements to the format and overall quality of the show.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode040

Hello and welcome to episode 115 of the ACPG podcast.

This podcast has provided both of us with some bonkers situations. Whether it’s backstage or sitting in a pub with some of our amazing guests, this podcast has been awesome for some of the most bizarre situations over the last few years.

Today’s guest as you’ve probably seen is David Duchovny. Now we don’t really talk about The X-Files, or Californication, or his movie career, we are a music podcast after all. But as a massive fan (Ben) of The X Files, this conversation was (I’m saying it) out of this world.

Last week (20th August) David released his third album Gestureland. We speak about his life in music an how he went from learning Chasing Cars for his kid’s birthday party to being a recording artist and touring musician.

Massive thank you to Erika for sorting this conversation out and thank you to David for taking the time to talk to us.  Again, I can’t over play how much of an X Files fan I was (and still am) and how speaking to David is one of the most bonkers and amazing experiences.

I hope you enjoy listening. We enjoyed making it.

This week we catch up with Adam French during the ‘Hit the North’ festival for what proved to be a brilliant and wide-ranging discussion.

On the menu was his transitioning from band to solo artist, scams (including bad experiences with early management), the early days of a deal, and playing the obvious gig destination of Botswana.

The good cause this week is Surfers Against Sewage.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode032

Hello and welcome to episode 164 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming as James is holiday(ing). Not sure if that's a real word.

Ben is on zoom this week with one of his favourite artists of all time. Chris Difford from the band Squeeze.

This podcast has thrown up a few unreal scenarios but thankfully it's still fun and great to meet people that you've listened to for most of your life.

Squeeze have been a soundtrack band for me, so it was amazing to talk to Chris about his life in music, songwriting, touring, and so much more.

Thank you to Chris for talking to us.

See you next week for Alex Lahey.

This week Ben continues for part two with one of the top video music directors, David Wilson, where they move on to discuss Arcade Fire, his relationship with them, collaboration, age gaps, and shooting videos.

David has transitioned from fan, to video producer, to collaborator with Arcade Fire. A band like that only invite you back if you offer something special. We delve into what that is.

The good cause this week is the Terrence Higgins Trust.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode035

This week we stay in Manchester with musician, author, ex-label owner and music lecturer Pete Dale, where we move on to discuss vinyl, the costs of releasing a single, and the time involved in running a record label.

There’s a lot to consider, and as Pete stated, it shouldn’t be entered into lightly when considering setting up a label.

This week’s good cause is Care UK charity, who collect and distribute practical items for refugees in need.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode015

Hello and welcome to episode 147 of the ACPG podcast.

This week we have great and fascinating conversation with Phil Thornally, writer, singer, bass player, producer, engineer. He's done the lot and this is a fantastic chat.

A quick scan of the many records Phil Thornalley has worked on, and you’ll quickly spot some of the biggest names in popular music, including Bryan Adams, Thompson Twins, The Cure, Psychedelic Furs, XTC, Duran Duran, and even Paul McCartney. Phil co-wrote and produced Natalie Imbruglia’s 1997 worldwide smash “Torn,” and has written hits with Pixie Lott (“Mama Do”) and BBMak (“Back Here”). A kind of rock’n’roll Zelig, his name is probably on countless records in your collection, although you probably didn’t even know it was him.  That bass line on The Cure’s “Love Cats”? That’s Phil. The haunting and ethereal production on Prefab Sprout’s “When Love Breaks Down”?  That’s Phil too. 

Now, on his latest offering, Now That I Have Your Attention, Phil Thornalley steps out of The Swamp (his North London studio) to unveil 11 catchy and brand-new original songs (plus three bonus tracks on the CD!) that find him exploring the production stylings pioneered by the Electric Light Orchestra’s Brummie boffin, Jeff Lynne.

Thank you to Phil and Terry for the interview and their time.

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of ACPG Podcast.

This week we are talking to Ian and Luke of the Canadian band Cleopatrick.

Cleopatrick are due to release their debut album ‘Bummer’ this Friday (4th June) and it is a belter. Ben lazily refers to them as the Canadian Royal Blood but it’s a compliment. Bummer pays homage to their humble beginning and their rise to nearly 100 million downloads, and everything in between.

Thank you to the boys and Jasleen who help set up this interview. Great chat with a great band.

We hope you enjoy. Get in touch.

Welcome to the first of a two parter this week with Spaces and Vibes of Never Not Nothing

We are releasing two episodes this week and the first is with duo Never Not Nothing.

Formally known as Black Futures, Never Not Nothing have spent 2020 producing new material, planning to takeover in 2021 and changing their name.

Hear about all of this and more in the first of this weeks two episodes.

Never Not Nothing who are Space and Vibes are known for creating hard, heavy, electronic sound with incredible live performances.

Enjoy the episode but remember to go back to your podcast provider for episode 94 which is out now.

In the first full length interview of season two. Ben chats to Editors and Minor Victories guitarist Justin Lockey at Northumbria Uni while on tour for Editors latest album, Violence.

Justin chats to Ben about his life in Editors, Touring, Festivals, joining an established band, and much more.

Justin's good cause is Oxfam, Editors as a band have close links to Oxfam.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode060

Hello and Welcome to episode 99. Someone get me a flake.

In this episode we have the second part of our two part episode with Danny Hignett of Cast No Shadow Official.

We pick the conversation up at a cliff hanging moment. Will that tambourine get played.

This episode finishes off Danny's top five Oasis moments and then we have a not so quick, quick fire questions about Danny's favourite Oasis this that and the other.

Thank you again to Danny for chatting to us. 

Hello and welcome to episode 140 of the ACPG podcast.

This is the last of our pre-covid conversation and it's with one of Ben's main guitar influences, Russell Lissack from the outstanding Bloc Party.

Now, this was recorded in the cluny when it was very busy. So expect a little bit of background noise. But it's ok, don't worry.
Ben and Russell speak about Bloc Party, Novacub, touring with Ash and so much more.

We hope you enjoy it and we'll see you in two weeks.

This week Ben is at The Cluny in Newcastle speaking to Shopping at the start of their 2018 tour. They have a real drive that lead us to discuss band ethos and decision making, self-releasing vs label and control over image.

The British punk trio are rising to providence with their ‘get stuff done’ attitude and latest release ‘The Official Body’.

The good cause is this week is Transmission, an artist run organisation in Glasgow.

Info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode020

Hello and welcome to episode 151 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is on zoom with Conradfrom the North West based band - The Luka State.

Ben and Conrad talk about all things The Luka State as well as a lot of rock n roll.

Hailing from Winsford – a forgotten town between Manchester and Liverpool –  The Luka State aren’t overly concerned with the loftier heights of the rock’n’roll dream.

“Music has always been therapy for me,” says Conrad Ellis, frontman of rising UK indie-rock powerhouse The Luka State. “You do feel like there’s a weight lifted, but for people with mental health struggles and people from working-class towns, you feel like you deserve more than the cards you’ve been dealt – those feelings don’t go away.” 

Ellis, along with his hometown childhood friends Sam Bell (bass, vocals), Lewis Pusey (guitar) and Jake Barnabas (drums), dropped their self-funded debut album ‘Fall In Fall Out’ in 2021 to media attention and critical acclaim, but also a world gone quiet due to the pandemic. “It was hard to connect with the wider world when we were all stuck at home, so we couldn’t see what impact we’d had on the scene, the industry and the wider world,” remembers Ellis. 

When the world opened up and the band could return to the stage, they found legions of fans who had connected with their debut album’s punchy stories of hometown life and knew every word. But by then, they’d already been at work on the follow-up and were evolving as a band both musically and lyrically.  

Thank you to Kat for setting up the interview. And thank you to Conrad for coming on.

This week Ben is backstage at the Newcastle arena with Jon Fratelli of The Fratellis.

Jon and Ben talk about naming a band, touring, support slots, massive hits, getting started and so much more.

Jon’s charity of the week is the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund.  Find out more here eilidhbrown.co.uk

This week James is speaking to digital marketing entrepreneur Stacey Kehoe about marketing mistakes, having clear objectives and testing your market.

Through her business Brandlective, Stacey is well versed in how to build up a strong brand and identity. Content is king, with many ways to dive in when promoting your music, some being better than others.

The good cause this week is the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode036

Hello and welcome to episode 158 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week James is back from holiday, and Ben is talking to musician Hamish Hawk. 

Ben caught up in person with Hamish at the Cluny on the first night of his latest UK tour. They spoke about the wonderful of touring, his new album Angel Numbers, influences, and sticking at it. Nothing happens over night kids.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Thank you to Hamish for his time and thank you to James (a different one) for reaching out.

See you next week for Billy Nomates.

Hello and welcome to episode 161 of the ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is zooming with North Shields alumni Schak.

Ben and Schak talk about his life in music, from inline skating to signing to Ministry of Sound and everything, and there's a lot, in between.

Schak has been involved in music for a long time but over the last few years has really developed his sound, released singles, played St James' Park on the semi final, had B&Q raves and so much more.

We hope you enjoy this one. We like to promote local artists wherever possible. Sting, we're coming for you.

See you in a week when we head back down under with Gena Rose Bruce.

Hello and welcome to episode 149 of the ACPG podcast.

In this episode Ben is on zoom with Washington DC based duo Flasher.

Ben, Emma, and Taylor talk all things touring, new albums, living on miles and miles apart, and the Washington DC punk scene.

The band’s 2018 debut, Constant Image, was a triumph – a set of songs both dizzy and explosive, balancing new-wave lushness and post-punk frenzy. Love is Yours steps up the ambition and reaches for the horizon. The record is ablaze with mood, melody, and carefully threaded hooks, finding the band foregrounding the pop sensibilities that had always been present in their previous releases. It retains the attitude that was fundamental to the band’s DIY roots, but cuts loose a touch of the angst. Though the songs process disillusionment and loss, the music evokes warmth and optimism. It is their best record and also their most generous.

Thank youfor listening and see you soon.

In the second half of our two episode special we speak to country star Russell Dickerson. 

Ben speak to Russell on another transatlantic chat over zoom.

Russell released his second album, Southern Symphony last Friday (4th December 2020) and we talk about his new album, how has 2020 changed the release, the sound, the production and how he has adapted this year to make sure this great album gets in as many ears as possible.

Russell is a wonderful guest and so positive. It truly was pleasure to catch up with him on a cold Tuesday evening (not so cold in Nashville though).

Remember episode 93 is also available to download right now.

Hello (happy 4/20, a release date requested by our guest) and welcome to episode 105. This week we speak to the wonderful Hannah Hooper of the equally wonderful GROUPLOVE.

Now based in Atlanta, Hannah and Ben caught up over zoom to talk about GROUPLOVE's new album This Is This. 

In a slight change of format, we discuss the new album and the history of the band through the lens of five songs. Five songs that changed the band.

Thank you to Hannah for talking to us and Jasleen for setting up the interview.

We hope you enjoy this chat.

This week Ben is backstage at the ‘Hit the North festival’ in Newcastle with The Blinders.

Ben catches up with Tom, Charlie, and Matt at the Newcastle Academy to talk about festivals, touring, identity, and moving to another city.

The Blinders charity is Safe Gigs for Women, check it out at www.sgfw.org.uk and also a nod to the RNLI, check them out at www.rnli.org

Hello and welcome to episode 121 of the ACPG podcast.

As season three is coming to an end, we're thought we would release the first part of a two part Rigg special.

Who are The Rigg, well before this podcast was even a thought James and Ben were part of a four piece indie band based in Newcastle.

Rob (drums), Simon (bass), James (vocals), Ben (guitar) were the Rigg and in some ways still are. 

Rob now lives in Qatar and when he was back home in 2019 for a holiday we got together to ramble on and talk rubbish. And this is part one.

Thank you to Kev for the allowing us to record in his flat. 

This week Ben is backstage at the Newcastle Academy with Jimmy Adkins, lead singer and guitarist of the might Jimmy Eat World.

We crammed a lot in a our chat including recording, touring, fans, joining a band, song writing, and even more.

Bleed American was my (Ben) album of year one at uni.  Amazing memories.

Jimmy's good cause of the week is Team Taylor, check them out at http://www.teamtayloraz.com/ 

Hello and welcome to episode 114 of ACPG Podcast.

This week Ben is on the zoom again, this time speaking to Matt and Adam of Brighton based Newcastle band Demob Happy.

Ben caught up with the boys to discuss their music and take a little trip around their world through five songs that shaped their career.

We speak about moving to Brighton from Newcastle, what the live Demob Happy experience is like, hidden musical gems, and much more.  

Demob Happy are going out on tour next week, new singles are being released, and the third album is coming soon.

Thank you to Jasleen for setting up the chat and thank you to Matt and Adam for their time.

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of ACPG Podcast.

This week we are, by accident, the end of a Canadian trilogy.

In this episode Ben talks to John Angus of the amazing The Trews. A Canadian band who might of started in Nova Scotia but spent most of their professional life in Ontario.

John Angus is based in Hamilton and we spoke via the magic of zoom. It was a great conversation about The Trews and John Angus’ musical journey. Talking about five songs that shaped his and The Trews career. From bar gigs to supporting Oasis and 200 shows in one year.

Thank you to John Angus for talking to us and we hope you enjoy the episode.

This week we’re in the green room at the Stand in Newcastle with comedian, musician and actor, Nick Helm where we discuss song writing for TV shows, cramming detail into short songs, and how to start the song writing process.

He may portray a certain persona on stage, however we met the compassionate (shh, don’t tell!) and interesting personality that sits behind the act.

The good cause this week is Shelter, supporting those who sleep rough.

Info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode017

Hello and welcome to episode 119 or ACPG Music Podcast.

This week we welcome Ewan MacFarlane of Apollo 440 and The Grim Northern Social.

Ben and Ewan had a great chat about Ewan's new adventure into his solo career.

We're really looking forward to Ewan's new material coming out at the end of this month (October 2021).

Thank you to Ewan for an amazing chat and Terry for setting up the interview.

Find Ewan's music on Spotify

Hello and welcome to episode 85 of Anyone can play guitar podcast.

This week is our Record Store Day Special. This is something we've been planning since season one and due to a number of reasons, you're getting it now in season three.  

This episode features a conversation with Phoebe Scott, PR and Communications PR executive for record store day, as well as chats with Jake Bugg, Billy Lunn from The Subways, and Tom Gray from Gomez.

So, let's go...

PS, Remember Record Store Day is this Saturday.

This week we cover a career in music. Not everyone makes it to play their music in front of thousands of people and it certainly doesn’t happen instantly. How can you boost your income whilst on your journey to achieve your dreams?

In this episode you’ll hear from MGR music founder Matthew Rusk as well as guitar teacher and enthusiast Leigh Fuge.

The good cause is the WAVE Trauma Centre.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode056

This week the topic is fans. Following on from our two-part special in season 1 with Mark Duffett of Chester University, we take a look at things from the fans perspective. Brian Garcia has taken fandom to new levels, especially when it comes to collecting memorabilia.

In this episode you’ll also hear from Jimmy Eat World, Dave Keuning (The Killers), Fickle Friends and Kevin Brown of GigRev.

The good cause is the MDS Foundation.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com/episode050

This week we have a two of one special as we talk to Tjinder Singh from Cornershop and Shauna Tohill from Rews about releasing music in 2020.

As we continue are 2020 series we look this week at releasing music again but rather than debut releases we look at second album (Warriors) release with Shauna of Rews and release number NINE (England is a Garden) with Tjinder of Cornershop.

Both conversations took place over zoom  with Ben in the summer and we talk about hoe they are doing during the first lockdown. How they have adapted with releasing music in 2020. With experience of releasing music before, how is this different, what have they done differently, what would they do again.

This week Ben is back at the think tank in Newcastle, back at the Hit the North festival with Louisa of She Drew the Gun.

We managed to cram a lot in a short episode including identity, location, support from other artists, Liverpool, and so much more.

Louisa's charity of the week is The Whitechapel Centre, check them out here. https://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/

This week Ben is still at Northumbria University but he's out of the locker room and backstage with Nattie and Sam of Fickle Friends.

Ben, Nattie, and Sam talk about being part of a music community in both Brighton and Liverpool, cancelling gigs, looking after yourself, and a lot more.

Nattie and Sam's good cause of the week is Mind, find out more at https://www.mind.org.uk/

This week Ben meets up with Frankie Francis of Frankie and the Heartstrings at the Amazing Radio offices in Gateshead. Frankie brings a great blend of experiences to the show given his successes as a musical artist, along with his involvement in some parts of the other side of the music industry.

In this first of a two part episode we talk forming a band, investing in a band, and band identity.

The good cause for these episodes is Pop Recs.

More info and show notes at www.acpgmusic.com.episode028