This week I’m joined by TWO amazing songwriters and performers. We talk about how they manage to make a living as full-time musicians, we talk about songwriting, we talk about touring, and there’s even a live performance. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER CIARAN MCMEEKEN: Website | Facebook JASPER HAWKINS: Facebook...
Jan 13, 2018•49 min•Ep. 24
The formation and early years of Shihad, and how Shihad has evolved and maintained a 30 year career. We talk the in’s and out’s of management, the future of the music industry, mental health among musicians, and what he looks for in an artist. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER SHIHAD: Website | Facebook VVV MANAGEMENT: Website | Facebook ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Bakers Eddie - Website | Facebook...
Jan 06, 2018•53 min•Ep. 23
To see out the year I'm joined by two snoring dogs and a bottle of wine, and I've got some presents for you! You didn't think there'd be a useful podcast on xmas day, did you? LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTIST OF THE WEEK SPOTIFY PLAYLIST. ARTIST OF THE WEEK: God Mother - W ebsite | facebook...
Dec 23, 2017•17 min•Ep. 22
The role of a producer, pre-production, getting ready for the studio and how to find a killer guitar tone. We’re going to touch on some secrets for recording bass, alternative ideas for recording drums, and you’ll get a tip about some awesome drum software. Also, we go into creating a conducive atmosphere in the studio, advice on how to stay relaxed while recording, and how to translate your live energy into your recording. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER MORE OF ZORRAN: Face...
Dec 16, 2017•57 min•Ep. 21
This week Ruth and I have a few drinks and discuss getting ready for gigs. We talk about rehearsal, set-lists, gear, clothing, punctuality, working the room and getting drunk. You’ll hear appearances from two French Bulldogs and a herd of cows, and if you watch on YouTube you get to watch the sunset with us! Click here to download the FREE 'GIg Prep' checklist! LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER PIANO PICNIC: W ebsite | Facebook ARTIST OF THE WEEK: St. Vincent - Website | Facebo...
Dec 09, 2017•45 min•Ep. 20
Eric shares why Rosetta choose to remain independent, how they operate, and the pros & cons of DIY. He talks about the value of a loyal fan base, how they organise and fund their tours, and the value of being unique. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER ROSETTA: W ebsite | Facebook ARTIST OF THE WEEK: R Beny - Bandcamp | Facebook...
Dec 02, 2017•37 min•Ep. 19
Paul shares how he got started in music and radio, and why he’s a supporter of unsigned talent. He talks about forming Devilskin and their rise to fame, why they started their own label, and the advantages of management, and how to achieve success. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER THE AXE ATTACK: Online Radio DEVILSKIN: W ebsite | Facebook ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Seas Of Conflict - Bandcamp | Facebook...
Nov 25, 2017•38 min•Ep. 18
What are subcultures? What makes us identify with them? And why finding and immersing yourself in your scene can benefit you and your music. We discuss identity, community, stereotypes, bogans and heavy metal. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER MORE OF DAVE: LRH Productions - Facebook | YouTube ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Battlecat - W ebsite | Facebook...
Nov 18, 2017•55 min•Ep. 17
How to form a group, how to join a group, how to rehearse and how to jam. Finding likeminded people, practise rooms, the gear you need to start, and the vibes you need to continue. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Jakob - W ebsite | facebook...
Nov 11, 2017•35 min•Ep. 16
Optimism and positivity is thrown aside as we recount our worst gig experiences. Every musician has had them (or will have them!), and they can be some of the best stories we have. So let’s share in the pain and misery, and laugh it all away! This week there’s blood, there’s shit, there’s exploding equipment, humiliation, record label talent scouts and car breakdowns. There’s drink spiking and there’s adult diapers. It’s going to get messy. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER STO...
Nov 04, 2017•30 min•Ep. 15
Emma shares how she started playing music, and how she broke out of obscurity with her band Decades. She talks about songwriting, pre-production, working with a manager, and releasing an album with a major record label. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER MORE OF EMMA: Decades - Website | facebook | Spotify ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Waax - W ebsite | facebook...
Oct 28, 2017•44 min•Ep. 14
This week we’re talking about the dynamics of being in a band, creativity and teamwork. We discuss the different roles of playing in a group, how to deal with egos and why self awareness is essential to collaboration. We also touch on creative control and royalties. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER MORE OF LORA: Ms Take - facebook ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Cheshire Grimm - Spotify | facebook...
Oct 21, 2017•49 min•Ep. 13
We discuss the importance of goals, how to set them and follow through, and how your dreams dictate the path of your life. How to achieve success, and how to deal with failure. My guest this week is Matty Lovell. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER MORE OF MATTY: Earth To Matty - Website | facebook Earth To India - Website | facebook ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Chase & Status - Website | facebook...
Oct 14, 2017•52 min•Ep. 12
This week we’re talking about mastering. What is it? Why do we need it? And can you do it yourself? We’re delving into the world of audiophile wizardry to uncover everything you need to know about preparing your tracks for release, and a whole lot more. If you’re already familiar with mastering and the ideas behind it, you’ll still find value here as we go into the philosophy behind why mastering engineers exist, and where the craft is heading. My guest this week is Kevin Tuffy. LISTEN HERE: WAT...
Oct 07, 2017•34 min•Ep. 11
Your inner circle, your scene and your niche. What are these things and why are they essential to grow your fan base and spread your music? I share some hard truths about failure, success and...fishing. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER BAND OF THE WEEK: Body Hound - Website | facebook...
Sep 30, 2017•23 min•Ep. 10
This week’s episode is about sharing and influence from the perspective of your audience; how they find you, how they hear you, how they absorb your message, and most importantly; how they spread your music. Why recommendations are the most important, effective way to spread your music, and where your audience gets their recommendations from. Authenticity, and the importance of having a genre and a niche. My guest this week is David Zeidler LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER MOR...
Sep 23, 2017•51 min•Ep. 9
Today we’re going to talk about the essential equipment you need to start recording yourself and making music at home. Whether you’re looking for the right software to make beats or electronic music, or you want to know how to record yourself and your instrument - this is where you need to start. Microphones, interfaces, software, headphones, keyboards and computers; we outline the best options, the different applications and the minimum requirements. To help me on this journey through the audio...
Sep 16, 2017•43 min•Ep. 8
I’m listening to music and providing feedback to artists on a daily basis and the number one comment I make is ‘you need to work on your singing’. So, in this episode we’re talking about vocals: why they’re so important, where you’re going wrong, and how to make them better. My guest today is the incredible Cherie Mathieson. Cherie is a singer, songwriter, producer, vocal coach and artist development mentor via her awesome site bignotesgetvotes.com LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STIT...
Sep 09, 2017•47 min•Ep. 7
In a world where new information is a constant flow and attention spans are at an all time low; how do you make sure your music is being heard? Today we’re talking social media essentials. How to create quality content, and get the most out of each platform. How to post, when to post, and how to stand out from the crowd. We go into detail about developing your online presence, different platforms, advertising, branding and marketing yourself on social media to get more fans. To help me answer th...
Sep 02, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 6
Money Talks is a regular set of episodes dedicated to making money as a musician. Each episode will feature candid interviews and discussions with musicians doing the one thing that seems to elude so many of us: making money from making music. Today we’re talking about covers gigs. How to get started, how to book gigs and keep booking gigs, how to set your fee and how to turn your passion into a career. I'm joined by New Zealand artists Nicola Thomson and Simon Hirst to discuss the ins and outs,...
Aug 26, 2017•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 5
In this episode I'm joined by Ruth Power from Piano Picnic ; we talk about learning your instrument, practising and building your skill. We go over the best ways to practise, including my 11 tips for easier practise, we talk about something called micro-practise, and discuss the pros and cons of online learning. Also, as part of the podcast I'm giving away a FREE ‘11 tips for easier practise’ checklist: click here to download it now. LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER CHECK OUT:...
Aug 19, 2017•56 min•Ep. 4
This week is part two of a two part podcast with engineer, musician and venue owner Tom Anderson. In part two we’re talking about achieving the best on-stage sound possible, so you can deliver the best representation of your music. We talk about gear, rehearsal, set-lists, sound checks, stage monitors, dynamics, mic technique, sound engineers and how drugs and alcohol can affect your performance. This is important listening for those getting ready to gig, and essential for people already playing...
Aug 12, 2017•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 3
This week is part one of a two part conversation with sound engineer, venue owner and multi-instrumentalist Tom Anderson. First; we’re talking touring. We’re going into scheduling, booking, route, contacts, venues, gear, transport, accommodation, money and a whole lot more IN DETAIL. We’re going to discuss how to book, promote and execute a successful tour as an independent musician, as well as how to fund it off your own back. This is DIY touring, and it’s what you’re going to have to deal with...
Aug 06, 2017•55 min•Ep. 2
The first episode of the Musician's Map Podcast features world-renowned Talent Manager Sharon Power. We talk about artist management - what you should be looking for and WHEN you should be looking for representation - auditions, up-skilling and diversifying your skill in order to become a better performer. We’re going to distinguish between talent and skill and we’re going to talk about the ever illusive X-Factor. What is it and do you have it? LISTEN HERE: WATCH HERE: GET IT ON: iTUNES STITCHER...
Jul 29, 2017•52 min•Ep. 1