ifitbeyourwill Podcast

Lucas Mayo, affectionately known as Pickle Darling, shares the musical journey that took him from strumming a ukulele in his primary school days to becoming a defining voice in the indie pop scene. We explore the powerful impact of DIY ethos, drawing inspiration from artists like Dylan of Bedbug, and how these influences have shaped his distinctive sound. Lucas offers a candid glimpse into his tim...

Eden Sierotnik from COOL HEAT transports us into the beating heart of Chicago's music scene. Born amidst the vibrant streets of Chicago, Eden's journey from high school bands to being awestruck by iconic venues like the Aragon Ballroom is nothing short of captivating. Through Eden's eyes, listeners gain a unique perspective on how Chicago's rich musical history, with its roots...

Ever wondered what it takes to keep the creative spark alive amidst the hustle of life? Join us as we chat with Drew Danburry of Icarus Phoenix, who shares his incredible journey from a spontaneous songwriting moment at his brother's house to performing over 800 shows and releasing 400 songs. Drew provides a candid look into his world, revealing how his love for music and songwriting became a...

What if the key to understanding life's circular beauty was found in an apple orchard? Join us as we explore the artistic world of Graham Ereaux of Devarrow , an indie singer-songwriter hailing from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, whose music is deeply rooted in nature and folk traditions. Graham takes us on a journey from his bohemian upbringing to the European tours that tested his introverted spir...

SJ Riedel from Dutch Mustard takes us on an emotional and musical journey that began at eight years old, all sparked by the iconic film "School of Rock." Her story is a testament to passion and perseverance, from diligently saving up for her first guitar to mastering classical compositions in the Netherlands. After moving to the UK, SJ's transition to rock music marked the beginning...

What drives an artist from secretive teenage recordings to captivating live performances and recording contracts? Join us as we embark on a journey with Matthew Thomas Dillon, the creative mind behind Windmill, whose musical evolution has been nothing short of transformative. Matthew shares his story about moving from quiet four-track sessions to the spotlight. Through a conversation rich with Mat...

Nigel Chapman, the creative force behind the band Nap Eyes, unveils the captivating story of his musical evolution, from his early days with The Mighty Northumberland to the latest album "The Neon Gate." Broadcasting from the picturesque landscapes of Nova Scotia, Nigel candidly discusses his transition from science to music and the vibrant, albeit challenging, Halifax music scene. His r...

TW Walsh, a talented musician and audio engineer, takes us on a nostalgic journey through his musical upbringing. Growing up amidst the eclectic sounds of classic rock and new wave, thanks to his father's diverse taste, Walsh reveals how pivotal moments like watching Led Zeppelin's "The Song Remains the Same" shaped his passion for music. This episode promises to uncover the pr...

What happens when life throws a curveball at your classical music dreams? Discover the inspiring journey of Robin Koob, the creative mind behind Run Remedy, as she transitions from a classically trained violinist to an indie folk rock artist. Faced with carpal tunnel syndrome, Robin redirected her path, embracing new musical styles and international teaching roles that fueled her artistic evolutio...

What happens when the worlds of music and mathematics collide? David Lowery, from the iconic bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, joins us to share his intriguing journey from a math enthusiast to a prolific songwriter. Discover how his passion for numbers influences his unique, almost scientific approach to creating music. David also lets us into his world of hobbies, including amateur radio,...

Emma Danner from Red Ribbon invites you to an inspiring journey through her musical universe. Ever wondered how isolation can spur creativity and how a city like Los Angeles can offer both loneliness and limitless potential? Emma unpacks her unique experiences, including the move to LA fueled by her passion for music, and the role mentors like Loretta Taylor played in her early development. She re...

What happens when two musicians reconnect after a 17-year break? Join us as we welcome Nick Krgovich and Larissa Loyva, the creative forces behind Vancouver's indie sensation p:ano, who share the evolution of their sound and unexpected reunion. Larissa opens up about their serendipitous meeting through her sister Jessica during high school, a connection that sparked a musical journey through...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Lea Thomas, a talented musician with a rich catalog spanning over a decade. Lea's musical journey began in her artistically vibrant family, where she first fell in love with the piano and guitar. She fondly recalls writing her first song, inspired by Alicia Keys, and shares the unique challenges she faced exploring her musical interests in a place whe...

Musician Ben Lee joins us for a fascinating journey through his life and career, offering insights into his musical beginnings and creative evolution. From the formation of Noise Addict as a teenager to the crafting of his solo debut album "Grandpaw Would". Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for Ben's knack for creating catchy pop gems and his unwavering commitment to genuine...

Namra Saleem, better known as Crybaby Claire, shares her inspiring journey from a small Norwegian town to the bustling streets of Oslo, and how a spontaneous moment at a "nachspiel" with the Talking Heads blaring sparked her passion for music. Without formal training, Namra's determination led her to pick up the guitar and bass, form a band, and explore the energetic realms of punk...

Join us as Maria Maita-Keppeler of MAITA takes us on her remarkable journey of musical evolution and personal growth. Discover how she transitioned from playing complex violin pieces to crafting heartfelt songs with guitar and lyrics that cut straight to the heart. Learn how Maria's songwriting style has evolved over the years, moving toward a balance of figurative language and concise impact...

Celina from Future Star shares her fascinating journey from a childhood filled with music to her career as a successful artist. Growing up with a piano teacher for a mother and a musician father, Celina’s life was enriched with musical experiences that fueled her passion. From a humorous anecdote involving Sarah McLachlan's manager to the communal joy of choir singing, she reflects on how the...

Gary Olsen from Ladybug Transistor takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his first encounters with the magic of radio, which ignited his passion for music. Imagine the excitement of flipping through radio dials as a child, stumbling upon the hidden gems of college stations that would ultimately shape a lifelong musical path. Gary reveals how his unconventional songwriting methods, which rely on...

Join us on a fascinating musical exploration with Mary Water and Pat Maley from Guidon Bear as they reveal the heart and soul behind their new record, "Internal Systems." Discover how their 25-year collaboration began in the 90s when Pat, captivated by Mary's performances, brought her onto the Yo-Yo Recordings label. With roots in church bands and experimental Philly sounds, their j...

Can one night change your entire life? Join us as we reconnect with Max from Castle Frank, reflecting on a turbulent yet transformative period following his record launch back in June 2023. Despite the album's acclaim, including a rave review from Exclaim, Max faced a personal crisis on the night of his release show, where excessive drinking led to a subpar performance. This wake-up call spar...

Can relentless creativity be a double-edged sword? In our latest episode, we sit down with John Andrew Frederick of The Black Watch, a band boasting an extraordinary catalog of 24 records. Hear John's inspiring journey from a childhood accident to his academic ventures in English literature, revealing how these experiences shaped his prolific musical career. We chat about the band's humb...

What happens when music becomes both a lifeline and a battleground? Julia-Sophie opens up about her late introduction to music within her French family, where singing was a cherished form of personal expression. She candidly shares her journey starting from learning guitar at 16 and writing her first song to honor her grandfather, to the thrill and hard knocks of busking and forming a pop band at...

Can music heal a broken heart? Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with James Smith of Good Good Blood as he returns to the podcast, revealing the profound transformations in his life and music since we last spoke in January 2023. James opens up about the deeply personal loss of his baby girl, Poppy, and how this tragedy shaped his latest album, "Forever Scars," allowing...

Ever wondered how a suburban kid from outside Nashville finds his musical path amidst the city's evolving soundscape? Arthur from "Phones with Chords" shares his fascinating journey from childhood oldies mixtapes to bedroom pop anthems. Arthur opens up about his mixed feelings toward Nashville's contemporary hits and his love for older country music, sparked by a spontaneous de...

What drives an artist to bare their soul on stage, and how does that vulnerability shape their musical journey? Join us as we sit down with Sumner Bright of Clearwater Swimmers to uncover the transformative experiences that have brought his music to life. Sumner shares candid memories from his high school performance days, the formative role of mentorship, and the pivotal moments in college that l...