Songs From a Padded Envelope

Back to the UK for Episode #35 and a really enjoyable chat with guitarist, Sid Stovold from Who Moved the Ground? This is a quintessential SFaPE epsiode in many ways, not lease because the song is from the first demo from Sid's first band. Loads to enjoy in Sid's story and that of Who Moved the Ground, much of which captures what is was to be an indie band in the early 90s in the UK. Thank...

Episode #34 sees the return of the splendid, Jason NeSmith. Jason joined us for a conversation about his musical adventures and, as you'll hear, he has a style, tone and perspective to which you could listen all day. It was a real pleasure to have a chance to speak with Jason again and please do explore his music via the links below. Thanks to Jason for sharing some more time with us and pleas...

Rock legend, Mike Peters MBE joins us for episode #33 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. This episode centres around Coloursound, the band Mike formed with The Cult's iconic guitarist, Billy Duffy and closes with both the demo and mastered versions of, 'Under the Sun'. Along with the fascinating story of the formation and journey of Coloursound, there's also some great Alarm conversa...

Welcome to episode #32 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. Our guest for this episode is Tom Stubbs, one half of the excellent, My Two Toms. This is an episode packed with stories and imagery from adventures in music making, friendship and camaraderie, told with warmth, humour and humanity. Lots ot recommend here and by following the links in the shownotes. Sincere thanks to Tom for coming on the pod...

Welcome to episode #31 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. Our guest for this episode is Cathal Coughlan, who joined us for a wonderful conversation which ranges through his craft, his musical experiences and much more, leading right up to the new music which Cathal has begun to release this year. As you'll hear in the introduction, having Cathal on as a guest holds a special significance and our...

Our guest for episode 30 is the inspirational and inimitable, Bruce Russell. Bruce's music is unique, engaging, challenging and born out of a passion and drive which, as you'll hear from this conversation, remains undiminished. There is so much we could say to trail this conversation - better to let Bruce take it from here, though. Thanks to Bruce for coming on the show and to the good fol...

We are joined by Kathy Potter for episode #29 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. Kathy spoke to us from her home in Vancouver, to share some fantastic stories from throughout her creative life, including her time as bassist in the indie rock band, Scarlet. There are so many great stories in this episode, many of which evoke a time in music making and being in a band which has disappeared from view,...

Welcome to episode 28 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. We are joined by Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite for this episode which is something both Ben and I were so excited about, both being long-time fans of the band. Stuart spoke to us from his home in Glasgow and, despite some wifi difficulties at both ends, we had a fantastic conversation which culminates with Stuart sharing the home demo for th...

Merry Christmas! It's a festive episode of sorts with a visit from Santa Dave coming to 'present' the show! Like the best of gifts, all will be revealed. We'd also like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have come onto the show during our first year. We love doing the podcast and having an opportunity to meet and speak with so many talented and creative people. Thank you...

Paul Comaskey joins us for our final episode of 2020, with a fantastic tale which takes us from the streets of Birmingham to the USA, just as the 1970s ended and the 80s began. Paul's story rattles along at breakneck speed, much like his journey into music making. It's a brilliant story, told with humour and pathos and we thank Paul very much for sharing it with us. You can find more of Pa...

Welcome to episode #25 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. We travel to Reykjavik for this conversation with vocalist and guitarist, Dagur Gíslason. Dagur is a driving force within the Icelandic Black Metal scene, and is someone who has a focus and drive to create and support music that is hugely impressive. It was a real pleasure to speak with Dagur and after listening to this episode, it is definit...

Sarah Lippitt joins us for episode #24 with a story which is uniquely fascinating and is not like any conversation with had before. From England to NYC to California, Sarah's musical journey reveals itself with some huge contrasts, challenges and a lust for life which slowly emerges throughout the episode before blasting off with the track at the end. SIncere thanks to Sarah for coming on the...

A slight change of direction for episode #23 as we are joined by writer and broadcaster, Simon Ashberry. Simon has worked in and supported music for many years, as this conversation reveals. He is a passionate advocate of new bands and artists, as well as being a musician in his own right. You can check out his radio show via the link below, as well as finding a link to the Bradford Music site we...

Matt Longley joins us for Ep#22 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. Matt's story is one which will doubtless resonate with many people when they think back to their formative band experiences. And, like many bands, the Pelican Sparks story serves as the foundation for a number of lifelong friendships and an important, enduring connection to music. Matt also discusses his work with 6ft From the Sp...

Our guest for episode #21 is Dale Hibbert. He is mostly known as being the original bass player in The Smiths and, having recorded and played on their first two demos and their first show, that in itself would have been reason enough to reach out to him. However, Dale has written a fantastic memoir, Boy Interrupted, and after reading it, it was clear that his time in The Smiths, whilst important,...

We are joined for our 20th episode by the multi-talented, Joe Wong. Joe is a multi-instrumentalist, composer of soundtracks for film & tv, a highly versatile and accomplished drummer and host of the excellent podcast, The Trap Set. This conversation ranges through all this and more, with Joe's thoughtful ideas and insights shared throughout. The show culminates with a cross fade between Jo...

Back over to the US for episode #19 and a wonderful conversation with Pylon singer, Vanessa Briscoe-Hay. Also joined by producer and musician, Jason NeSmith, we take a look at Pylon's musical journey and influence as the band prepares to release a career-spanning anthology set, 'Box'. This is an inspiring conversation and stands as a wonderful example of how the most amazing music can...

The Sodajerker on Songwriting podcast is a consistently brilliant listen, featuring fascinating and engaging interviews with some of the world's most successful songwriters. Co-hosts Brian and Simon join us to sit on the other side of the interview table to share stories from their music making together, which started when they met at school aged 13. Ben and I were thrilled to have a chance to...

Joe Thompson joins us for episode #17 for a fascinating conversation which centres around the underground/DIY music scene. Joe has played with his current band, Hey Colossus, since the early 2000s, during which time he has striven to support not only his own music but that of so many others. His commitment to this culture is rooted in community and creativity and the stories he has shared with us...

Ed Percival joins us for our 16th episode to share stories from the heart of the new wave of British Progressive Rock as well as two very different incursions into the world of the tribute band. Once again we have the privilege of sharing a conversation with a creative person whose passion for music making has taken them on a twisting and turning journey which spans decades, with many unexpected s...

Kevin Lyons is an accomplished and experienced musician as well as being an expert in horror, science fiction and fantasy film and TV. During Kevin's most recent appearance on the highly recommended Evolution of Horror Podcast, he let slip that he used to play in bands, and here we are! The conversation with Kevin reveals a highly creative person who has drawn influence and inspiration from a...

Where to begin with this episode? So much to recommend about listening to this conversation with Dave, a funny, charming, fascinating man who is living a richly creative life. Suffice to say, we feel lucky to have had a chance to speak with Dave and share that conversation here. Enjoy! Links: Check out Dave's fantastic photography here: www.thephotounit.co.uk/ DJ78 - http://www.dj78.co.uk/ and...

Suzi Gage is our guest for episode #13 and what a fantastic conversation this is. Suzi is a hugely successful podcaster in her own right and we've included a link to her Say Why to Drugs podcast below, along with a link to her accompanying book. The show is fantastic and an important resource in the conversation around drugs, their use, effects and impact. Suzi has been in quite a few bands bu...

Taranis were a thrash metal band, playing around Norfolk and Suffolk in the late 80s/early 90s. Singer and guitarist, Jason, joins us for a conversation about the metal scene there at that time and shares some gently poignant recollections and thoughts about why playing in a band has been so important to him throughout his life. We came across Jason and Taranis via Music from the Eastzone , which...

Rapper, Demzie, joins us for episode #11 of Songs From a Padded Envelope. There is a lot to enjoy in this conversation, not least hearing from someone who is driving their musical career from a small coastal town in North Wales where peers are few and opportunities fewer. Demzie's determination is matched by her talent and musical output and we are delighted to have her as a guest on the show....