Anyone Can Play Guitar

This week Ben meets up with Duncan Lloyd of Maximo Park to talk song writing, writers block and writing songs for live audiences. Having had Paul Smith, the singer of Maximo on episode 001, it was great to get to speak with Duncan to get his perspective as the guitarist of the band on some similar (and some new) topics. The good cause this week is St Oswald's hospice. More info and show notes at w...

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 th...

This week we continue to the middle slice of the trilogy with Jamie McCredie by moving on to discuss how to replicate things you hear on a guitar, moving to a big city and being professional. Jamie has made a few key decisions during his career. Moving to London was one of them, however that was just the start. How he conducts himself whilst there is equally important. The good cause for this tril...

This week we start a one off three part special with band leader and session musician Jamie McCredie. We kick this off by discussing how he learnt the guitar; covering self-study vs formal education. Jamie's passion is clear, whether obsessing over learning a song, moving cities to chase his dream, or simply how long he can enthusiastically talk about music. The good cause for this trilogy is Brit...

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 not...

This week we stay at the Cluny in Newcastle speaking to the man with boundless energy, Paul Langley. In a shift of direction we move onto Paul's other passion, photography. Here we cover the importance of a good photo, why to use a professional and what musicians should consider. Growing up in Manchester during the days of the Hacienda, Paul has been amerced in the music scene for decades. That ha...

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 insi...

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 arti...

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 her...

This week Ben is up in Edinburgh speaking to Mike Livesley AKA 'Made By Mike' where we cover all things guitar pedals. In this first of a double header, we cover Mike's fascination with guitar pedals, building them, and why musicians want to use them. Another guest with a real DIY ethos, Mike brings a real passion and enthusiasm to the show. A genuine bonus to the music community. The good cause m...

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...

This week Ben is in Newcastle's Bridge Hotel with Mercury prize nominated singer songwriter and adopted Geordie Kathryn Williams. With Kath we discuss song writing for yourself vs. others, song writing classes and stage fright. We could listen to Kath for hours. She is a true gem and the honesty and openness of her music also comes through in the interview. The good cause is Percy Hedley Foundatio...

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 dis...

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...

This week we talk to Mark Morriss of The Bluetones about repartee, crowdfunding and the importance of musicians getting paid. Whether solo, or as part of the band, Mark is superb at engaging his audience during a live set. We discuss this, along with his experiences of crowdfunding an album. The good cause is Re-think your mind, a charity aimed at promoting mental well-being. More info and show no...

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 Hun...

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 to...

This week we enter the world of Chap Hop talking to Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer, about creating and living a persona, DIY management and tailored merchandise. In a world with so much musical choice, Mr B has created a truly unique genre. This episode provides some great things to think about for anyone looking to be slightly different, which probably covers a decent proportion of all musicians out t...

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...

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 infor...

This week we have the first part of what is a really brilliant delve into music fandom with Mark Duffett of Chester University, who has recently been quoted in the New York Times and Rolling Stone magazine. All musical artists need fans. Here Mark provides some great insight into tradition, consistent image, being memorable, playing your audience as an instrument and using your music. The good cau...

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 ha...

This episode we head over to Beverly Hills to speak with Sari Delmar of the Concord Music Group. Here we cover how to promote your music, the importance of having a story and vision for your music, as well as the value of being unique. We also cover publicists, including what they look for when taking on a band. The good cause this week is Women in Music, a non-profit organisation Sari is involved...

This week we continue in the pub with Ross Millard of The Futureheads for the second part of this double header. Here we discuss set lists, recording, external perspectives, record labels and being allowed to fail. We finish with a bit on Sunderland's city of culture bid, and the overall message of how culture is for everyone. For show notes, links, our blog and more, visit our website www.acpgmus...

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 Hosted o...