Matt Gallaway’s creative journey unfolds like a carefully crafted album—each chapter a different sound or mood, yet all tied together by a thread of honest self-expression. From basement jam sessions in Brooklyn to publishing acclaimed novels, Matt’s story is a powerful reminder of how art can shape, and be shaped by, personal transformation.

In our conversation, Matt shares how Saturnine came together almost by accident. He had moved to New York, supposedly for law school, but really to chase the city’s music scene. He lucked into a Brooklyn apartment with a basement perfect for band rehearsals, and soon after, Saturnine was born. They’d go on to record a handful of under-the-radar but beloved indie albums. Matt still lights up when talking about their first show at Brownies, booked by the legendary Karen Edlitz, and an unforgettable rooftop gig on a sweltering July 4th in Chinatown.

What really sets Matt’s story apart is how deeply intertwined his art is with his personal life. Listening back to Saturnine’s albums—especially Mid the Green Fields—he can now hear the hidden struggle he was going through. “I listen to that record and I’m just like, ‘this is about wanting to kill myself,’” he says, half-laughing, half-sighing. It’s raw, but honest—and a reflection of what it meant to grow up gay in a time when role models were few and far between.

Matt didn’t leave music behind; he just found a new way to tell his story. Writing novels like The Metropolis Case and #Gods let him explore identity and emotion in a more direct way. “A song takes me a few weeks,” he says. “A novel takes years.” But both are cut from the same creative cloth.

Now, with his latest project Death Culture at Sea, Matt is circling back to songwriting—this time with a broader view and a deeper well to draw from. Last summer, he teamed up with former bandmate Mike D’Onofrio and Matt Kadane of Bedhead/The New Year for recording sessions in Vermont, and there’s more music to come.

Want to hear what this journey sounds like? Head to Matt's blog for a playlist of his latest work with Death Culture at Sea.

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Pieter Van Dessel takes us on an unexpected journey from law student to the creative force behind Marble Sounds, revealing how serendipity and persistence shaped his musical evolution. When his wife received a grant to work in Montreal in 2005, Pieter's planned sabbatical transformed into musical opportunity after landing a position at a recording studio. This fortuitous circumstance provided both equipment access and creative community, allowing the first Marble Sounds EP to take shape with help from Canadian musicians.

His evolution as a performer stands as perhaps the most compelling aspect of Pieter's story. With disarming candor, he admits never aspiring to sing or front a band, making his growth all the more remarkable. "I wasn't a born entertainer," he shares. "I really had to learn it." Through countless live shows and persistence, he gradually developed the confidence that studio work alone couldn't provide. The key lesson? Rehearsals only help so much—real growth comes from repeatedly facing audiences.

For Pieter, songwriting remains his natural strength, with musical composition flowing more easily than lyrics. He chases that elusive creative spark—"the best feeling in the world"—that signals something special is emerging. Recent albums showcase distinct artistic approaches: the self-titled 2022 release employed self-playing pianos in deliberately limited arrangements, while 2025's "Core Memory" embraces 80s influences and childhood musical touchpoints like Phil Collins. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate "More Memory" featuring outtakes from recent sessions, while Peter already contemplates his next full album for 2028. Subscribe to hear our conversations with other fascinating musicians whose unexpected paths led to creative breakthroughs.

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What happens when a musician rediscovers their creativity after a 15-year hiatus? Neil Hill's journey with his project SHOPFIRES answers this question with a soul-stirring blend of reverb-drenched melodies and DIY ethos.

Unlike many musicians, Neil grew up in a home devoid of musical influence. No parental record collections, no instruments lying around—just the chance encounters with music through television and radio that would eventually shape his artistic sensibilities. The turning point came through John Peel's legendary radio sessions, introducing him to post-punk and experimental sounds that resonated deeply with his emerging musical identity.

After early musical explorations followed by a lengthy break, Neil returned to creating music with a beautifully minimalist approach. Armed with nothing but "a cheap laptop and the same acoustic guitar from the 80s," he began crafting the intricate, layered soundscapes that define SHOPFIRES. What makes his music truly remarkable is how he creates rich, complex arrangements using just one inexpensive Hohner guitar purchased decades ago for £25.

The result is a sound both nostalgic and fresh—interweaving melodic lines that dance around each other, created through his distinctive technique of recording multiple guitar parts and drenching them in reverb and delay. His latest album "We Are Not There, But We Are Here" represents an evolution toward more mature, cohesive songwriting while maintaining the dreamy atmosphere fans have come to love.

Beyond SHOPFIRES, Neil maintains another project called NEUCLOUDS, his self-described "vacation band" where he challenges himself to write songs under two minutes. This parallel creative outlet showcases his versatility and commitment to exploring different facets of his musical expression.

Listen now to discover how limitations can spark creativity and how sometimes the most beautiful sounds come from the simplest tools. Share your thoughts with us about Neil's unique approach to making music and what inspires your own creative endeavors!

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What happens when toxic furnace fumes accidentally become part of your album's creative process? M Ross Perkins shares this surreal discovery and much more as we delve into his methodical approach to DIY music production.

Growing up with a baseball bat as his imaginary guitar and the crushing disappointment of a shattered Chipmunks record, Perkins' musical journey reflects his systematic yet deeply thoughtful approach to song craft. He reveals how his latest album "What's The Matter M Ross?" came together under bizarre circumstances - with furnace exhaust pumping directly above his writing desk for months. When finally fixed, his bandmates reported sudden clarity during rehearsals, a strange twist that perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of artistic creation.

Perkins takes us behind the curtain of his unique production method, where he records all drum tracks across an entire album before moving to bass, then guitars, and finally vocals. This approach allows him to maintain consistency while maximizing efficiency in his small studio space. He demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship in how he handles tempo, watching a BPM counter while playing claves to allow natural fluctuations within a controlled range - creating recordings that breathe with human authenticity.

Beyond technical insights, our conversation explores deeper philosophical territory. Perkins eloquently dismantles the myth of complete originality in music, comparing it to claiming sole credit for your car while ignoring thousands of workers and generations of innovation behind it. This perspective frames his approach as a "lifelong learner" of his craft, constantly refining his systematic techniques while remaining open to new influences and ideas.

Whether you're a musician looking to improve your own DIY production or simply fascinated by the creative process, Perkins' insights offer a masterclass in thoughtful music creation. Listen now to discover how one artist balances methodical precision with creative spontaneity - even when toxic fumes are accidentally part of the equation.

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Ever wondered how a great band finds its voice? Sheffield's dream pop trio Pale Blue Eyes offers a fascinating glimpse into the alchemy of friendship, creativity, and musical evolution that shapes extraordinary music.

Fresh off their spring UK tour, Matt and Lucy describe how their most recent performances felt like "one big party" with their best mates, culminating in their biggest London show to date at Islington Assembly Hall. This camaraderie extends beyond the stage; it's the foundation of their creative process.

Their origin story reads like indie music serendipity—a photographer named Aubrey, originally there just to document a studio session, stepped in when a bassist didn't show up. Despite never hearing the songs before, he immediately connected with the material. Six months of rehearsals without gigs or even a band name followed, until they had unwittingly created an album's worth of material right before lockdown hit.

The pandemic, while devastating for live music, became an unexpected catalyst. Their first single "went nuts on Bandcamp," offering what Lucy calls "a beacon" during difficult times. Three albums later, their approach to songwriting continues to evolve deliberately. Matt collects phrases, experiences, and observations in notebooks that later become songs, while the band consciously experiments with different creative approaches to avoid falling into patterns.

What makes Pale Blue Eyes special is their ego-free collaboration. Where many bands falter when "someone thinks that they're it," this trio thrives on their differences. Lucy and Matt bonded over shared loves like Broken Social Scene, while Aubrey brings entirely different influences from disco, soul, and jazz backgrounds. This fusion creates their distinctive dream pop sound that blends shoegaze and synth elements into something uniquely captivating.

Listen in as we explore how three friends from Sheffield crafted one of the UK's most exciting musical projects, and discover why their latest album "New Place" feels like their most honest work yet. Are you ready to discover your new favorite band?

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Sibling trio Womb takes us behind the scenes of their dreamy shoegaze sound and shared creative journey. From their childhood musical foundations to the evolution of their distinctive sound, this conversation reveals the beautiful simplicity of creating art with family.

Haz and Georgette (GiGi) share the remarkable story of their musical heritage, tracing back to a great-great-grandfather who holds a world record for distance-walking while playing the fiddle. This musical DNA flourished when the family relocated from Illinois to Wellington, New Zealand, immersing the teenage siblings in a vibrant DIY music scene that would shape their artistic sensibilities.

What began as Cello's solo project organically expanded to include her siblings, with visual artist Georgette courageously picking up drumsticks despite minimal experience. "I did always fantasize about being a musician when I was little," Georgette reveals, recalling childhood dreams of becoming "Alanis Morissette in leather." This natural progression highlights the intuitive understanding that makes their collaboration special—no formal discussions about musical direction needed, just a shared wavelength that produces their cohesive sound.

The band's creative process reveals beautiful insights into collaborative artmaking. Their innovative "self-imposed residencies" carve out dedicated space for creation away from day jobs and distractions, blending structured music-making with time to connect in nature. This approach has yielded three distinctive yet connected albums, including their latest release "One is Always Heading Somewhere."

Looking ahead, the band hints at exciting developments: Cello's upcoming residency in Spanish cave structures, potential string quartet collaborations, and film scoring projects. After completing what they consider a trilogy of albums, they stand at the threshold of a new artistic chapter, ready to explore fresh sonic territories while maintaining the sibling bond that gives their music its emotional depth.

Listen for an intimate glimpse into how family connections create artistic magic, and how three siblings from New Zealand crafted one of indie music's most distinctive voices.

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What happens when a band decides to record not just one album, but a complete 52-song deck of cards? Ryan Walsh of Hallelujah the Hills takes us deep into his most ambitious creative undertaking yet.

"DECK" represents what Walsh calls "revenge creativity" – a defiant response to the pandemic that halted their momentum following their acclaimed 2019 album "I'm You." Rather than producing a standard follow-up, Walsh finally brought to life an idea he'd contemplated for two decades: creating a complete musical deck of cards with four distinct "suits" (albums) each containing thirteen songs.

The concept is brilliantly executed – Diamonds features polished, radio-friendly tracks; Clubs delivers faster, punkier "bangers"; Hearts showcases emotionally vulnerable material; while Spades explores experimental territory. Beyond the musical organization, Walsh designed custom artwork for each song, available as an actual playable card deck that fans can purchase alongside the music.

Most fascinating is how the project reimagines listener engagement in the streaming era. Walsh encourages fans to "shuffle the deck" by randomly selecting 13 songs to create unique playlists that statistically no one else will ever duplicate. This transforms passive consumption into something participatory and personal, giving listeners agency in how they experience this massive body of work.

The album features notable collaborations including Cassie Berman (Silver Jews) and Jeremy Gaudet (Kiwi Jr), reflecting Walsh's collaborative songwriting approach. As Hallelujah the Hills celebrates its 20th anniversary in November 2025, "DECK" stands as both an artistic milestone and a defiant statement against disposable music culture: "You work on something for two years. It gets attention for 48 hours and then everyone's on the next thing... we made this in defiance of that idea."

Listen to "DECK" when it releases this June and catch Hallelujah the Hills on tour across the Northeast as they share this extraordinary musical achievement with the world.

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Nick Bendzsa sits down with us to peel back the layers of his musical metamorphosis from synth-pop architect to folk-trap innovator. The Newfoundland native, now based in Montreal, candidly reveals how his sound has evolved alongside his personal journey.

Growing up with a music professor father who specialized in experimental and improvised compositions, Nick absorbed the spirit of musical freedom from an early age. While his teenage years found him playing bass in a blues band and performing for crowds of 2,000 at just 17, his true artistic voice was still developing. Nick reflects on how these formative experiences shaped his approach to music-making: "I think it was very much like being around him and going to his concerts and picking up this spirit of freedom through music and the joy of creation."

The conversation delves into the fascinating transition from his previous project Hello—characterized by densely layered electronic soundscapes—to his current solo work under his own name. This shift wasn't just stylistic but represented a deeper change in creative philosophy. "I'm not trying to add frivolous stuff," Nick explains. "I want to just communicate a bit more directly." His self-described "trap folk" sound merges fingerpicked guitars with trap beats and ambient textures, creating something uniquely authentic that flows from genuine emotional experiences rather than genre conventions.

Particularly illuminating is Nick's discussion of how producing for other artists has informed his own work, teaching him to consider what elements truly serve the emotional core of a song. This perspective has helped him embrace minimalism and authenticity over the pressure to create attention-grabbing pop songs in today's saturated music landscape. With his album "Very Soft Glow" set to release on May 24th, Nick Bendzsa invites us to witness the next chapter in his evolving musical story—one that promises to continue blurring boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in emotional truth.

Subscribe to hear more conversations with boundary-pushing indie artists who are redefining genres and creating deeply personal music on their own terms.

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When does a musical project truly end? Scott Garred of Super XX Man thought he had written the final chapter when he crafted an obituary for his 30-year-old band. Yet somehow, what began as a nostalgic blog post excavating old flyers and cassettes transformed into an unexpected resurrection.

The creative spark reignited when longtime collaborator Allie Wesley reached out after seeing Scott's posts. "It'd be so fun to do something together again," she wrote, not knowing those words would breathe new life into a project Scott had considered complete. That simple connection opened the floodgates to what Scott describes as "the community that was Super XX Man." Soon, songs that had been sitting in limbo found their way to Portland producer Adam Seltzer, forming the foundation of "Rusted Hues" - the first Super XX Man album in a decade.

Throughout our conversation, Scott shares fascinating insights into his creative process, describing how he immerses himself in music daily as both a music therapist and a perpetual student of the craft. "I play music every day," he explains, detailing how creativity generates more creativity once he begins recording. We journey back to his formative musical moments, from the friend who taught him two simple guitar chords that "changed my musical life right then and there" to his first experiences with home recording on a four-track that made songwriting feel accessible.

Most movingly, Scott reflects on what performing means after three decades of making music. "I don't think it's bravery," he says about sharing deeply personal songs. "It's a privilege to be able to go play a show and stand in front of one person, two people, a thousand people." Whether playing in a church basement in Wisconsin or to hundreds in Japan, the feeling remains the same: "When I'm really singing, and it's resonating in my own heart - there's nothing like it." Join us for this intimate look at musical resurrection, creative persistence, and finding renewed purpose in artistic community.

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Garage punk with heart and soul? Australian band Delivery proves it's not only possible—it's transformative.

When Rebecca Allen and James Lynch first connected romantically eight years ago, they weren't immediately thinking musical collaboration. Despite James gifting Rebecca her first bass guitar and both gravitating toward punk sounds, they maintained separate musical journeys until COVID lockdowns created the perfect environment for creative fusion.

"We were at home where you couldn't go out with nothing to do," explains James, "and somehow the idea of 'should we try and make some songs together' happened." That spontaneous decision launched what would become Delivery—a five-piece powerhouse featuring three guitars and four vocalists across their catalog.

Their latest album "Force Majeure" showcases a band that understands the delicate balance between intensity and accessibility. Songs like "Digging Holes" deliver raw garage punk energy while tracks like "New Alphabet" reveal a more melodic, Pavement-inspired sensibility. This thoughtful approach to sonic dynamics creates what host Chris describes as a "soothing" quality unusual for the genre—a testament to the band's mature songwriting approach.

What truly defines Delivery is their commitment to genuine collaboration. "We definitely wanted it to be a band, not like a duo project," James emphasizes. This democratic ethos allows each member to contribute ideas freely, resulting in music that feels both cohesive and delightfully unpredictable. Whether workshopping riffs together in rehearsal or meticulously layering guitars in the studio, the process maintains an "anything goes" attitude that keeps their sound fresh.

The band's live performances capture this collaborative spirit perfectly—high-energy affairs where, as Rebecca puts it, "we have a lot of fun on stage playing together, and that feeds into the crowd too." This authentic connection with audiences has helped Delivery build an expanding international following.

From bedroom recordings to world tours, Delivery represents what happens when musical community prioritizes genuine expression over rigid formulas. As they continue crafting new material for 2025, their journey stands as inspiration for anyone seeking to create art that balances power with nuance, intensity with melody, and individual expression with collective joy.

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Meet liz uninvited, an emerging voice in Toronto's indie folk scene whose journey from classical pianist to DIY songwriter reveals the beautiful alchemy that happens when traditional training meets raw creative necessity.

Our conversation uncovers how Liz's 12-year classical piano background initially hindered rather than helped her songwriting ambitions. The structured nature of classical training left little room for improvisation—until inspiration struck through the music of Elliott Smith and Alex G. What's particularly striking is how Liz found permission to create through Alex G's "subjectively good" vocals. "His voice is not the best, but it matches what he makes," she explains, illuminating the moment she realized authenticity could transcend conventional notions of musical "goodness."

When Liz describes her creative process, you'll feel the urgency that drives her art. Songs emerge from "pressure internally" that demands release, with lyrics serving as the essential connective tissue binding her musical ideas. As a self-described "sensitive person," uncomfortable situations often become the catalyst for her most authentic work. Yet before discovering songwriting, she felt emotionally "stuck," unable to translate her feelings even through her visual art practice. Music became the unexpected but perfect medium for expression.

We also explore the practical side of breaking into Toronto's music scene—from finding band members through Reddit and Band Mix to preparing for first live performances. Liz shares candid insights about the challenges of ADHD and how deadlines ultimately force her creative focus. Her definition of success is refreshingly genuine: creating meaningful connections with listeners who see themselves in her music.

Discover Liz's music on Spotify, YouTube, or Bandcamp, and follow her journey as she brings her intimate, lyrically-rich songs to stages across Toronto and beyond. If you connect with artists who transform personal struggle into universal emotion, Liz Uninvited's music will feel like a conversation you've been waiting to have.

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Ever wondered how music that feels so effortless and dreamy actually comes together? Bill from Darksoft pulls back the curtain on his creative process, revealing the fascinating intersection of mathematical precision and emotional resonance that defines his signature sound.

Growing up surrounded by music—with a cellist mother and pianist father who pioneered home recording—Bill's path to becoming a musician feels almost predetermined. Yet his approach to creating atmospheric indie rock is distinctly his own. "Maybe I never grew up fully," he reflects, describing how childhood musical experiences laid the groundwork for his DIY ethos. Rather than seeing this hands-on approach as limiting, Bill embraces it as both practical and ethical in an industry where margins are thin.

What truly distinguishes Darksoft's music is Bill's conceptual framework. Each album begins with an overarching philosophical idea—his latest release "Rationalism" explores how we understand the world through thought rather than direct experience. This thoughtful foundation supports songs built through meticulous layering: starting with chord progressions (often in drop D tuning), adding sub bass, plucky bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and finally jangly leads. "I've kind of built my own formula or algorithm," he explains, embracing rather than resisting the mathematical patterns inherent in music creation.

The result is music that creates a "swell," gently cradling listeners in waves of sound that feel simultaneously comforting and subtly complex. It's an approach that's connecting with a growing audience, with tours planned across the US and new music on the horizon. Whether you're drawn to the philosophical underpinnings or simply love getting lost in dreamy soundscapes, Darksoft offers a musical experience that rewards repeated listening—each layer revealing itself with time, just as Bill intended.

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What happens when music transforms from an obligation to a lifeline? UK singer-songwriter Sophie Jamieson takes us on her remarkable journey from classical training to authentic self-expression in this deeply moving conversation.

Growing up with piano lessons and orchestral bassoon playing, Sophie never truly connected with music until she discovered songwriting in university. During a period of mental health struggles, writing her own songs became what she calls "the kindest thing I could do for myself" – a radical act of self-compassion that changed everything.

Sophie shares the fascinating evolution of her creative process, revealing how she's become increasingly "lyric forward" over time. She's particularly drawn to the power of a song's first line, which often emerges quickly and without overthinking, guiding the rest of the composition naturally. "I find it really interesting how within a sentence there's a word that wants to be long, a couple of short words that are rhythmic, and somehow you can just hear chord changes within that," she explains.

The conversation explores the vulnerability inherent in sharing deeply personal work with the world. Rather than feeling exposed, Sophie finds that true songs tap into something universal: "When you've written something that feels like you want to share it, it's because you realize you've tapped into something that's a bit bigger than you." This perspective transforms vulnerability from a risk to a strength.

Sophie also reflects on the magical connection that happens during live performances – "the most alive kind of space to be in" – where songs take on their own life beyond both performer and audience. As she looks ahead to a year of shows across the UK and Europe while developing new material, her focus remains on putting creativity first and worrying less about industry expectations.

Listen now to this enlightening conversation about finding your authentic voice, the healing power of creativity, and the courage to share your truth with the world. If you've ever struggled with self-expression or wondered how artists transform personal pain into universal connection, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights from an artist at the height of her powers.

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Dive into the creative world of Brooklyn-based indie artist Caroline Strickland as she unpacks the emotional journey behind her latest EP "Martha's Calling." From humble beginnings playing her father's guitar at age 13 to forming her high school band "RIP ROX" (named after her drummer's deceased lizard), Caroline's path to songwriting authenticity reveals the beautiful evolution of an artist finding her voice.

Caroline candidly discusses how her creative process has transformed over time—from the youthful days when songs would "just pour out" to her current, more deliberate approach to crafting music. This evolution mirrors her growth as both an artist and person, particularly through challenging periods like breakups that sparked some of her most powerful work.

The conversation delves into the fascinating origins of "Martha's Calling," where Martha emerges as a metaphorical figure representing Caroline's "desire for a sign and something to save me." What began as a character in a concept EP evolved into a profound exploration of seeking external validation during times of inner turmoil. Perhaps most touching is the story behind "Prettiest Girl of Heaven," born from a stranger's comment while Caroline was crying on a Manhattan street—a perfect example of how unexpected moments can catalyze creativity.

Looking forward, Caroline shares her excitement about leaning more into indie rock for future projects, including a potential full-length album. She's embracing a balanced approach to music-making while preparing for upcoming performances, including opening for Bria Salmena in Brooklyn and an East Coast DIY tour.

Support independent artists like Caroline by streaming her music, attending shows, and purchasing merchandise. Her authentic songwriting and evolving sound make her an artist worth following as she continues to transform personal struggles into compelling musical stories that resonate with listeners everywhere.

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Musicians often speak of finding their voice, but for Zoya Zafar, that journey has been both literal and metaphorical. The Orlando-based indie folk artist takes us through her evolution from a shy child who couldn't sing in front of others to a songwriter whose dreamy, atmospheric compositions have drawn comparisons to Mazzy Star and Cat Power.

What makes Zafar's story particularly compelling is how her musical development intertwines with her cultural heritage. Growing up in a creatively encouraging South Asian household defied stereotypical expectations, with her grandmother performing classical ghazal (poetic songs) and family members immersed in various artistic pursuits. Unlike musicians who discovered music through their parents' record collections, Zafar's education came through her own explorations – random compilation CDs, film soundtracks, and the early 2000s indie scene featuring artists like Badly Drawn Boy and Bright Eyes.

The conversation reveals powerful insights about artistic perseverance through life's most challenging moments. After consistently releasing music for years, Zafar experienced a significant hiatus between 2017/2018 and 2024, coinciding with both the pandemic and profound personal tragedy – the deaths of her father and grandmother within months of each other. "For a while it was like, 'Oh, I'm not a real artist if I can't turn my pain into art,'" she reflects, before realizing healing needed to precede creation. Her 2024 album "Some Songs," partially recorded remotely during COVID while dealing with health challenges, represents not just music but a milestone of personal resilience.

Listen to Zafar's latest single "I Don't Love You" at the end of the episode, and discover how her evolution from wordier compositions to more spacious, minimal arrangements reflects the journey of an artist who has learned the power of what remains unsaid. As she hints at experimental future directions, it's clear her artistic journey continues to unfold in fascinating ways.

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A conversation with Stella Birdie feels like stumbling upon a secret diary—intimate, raw, and unexpectedly illuminating. Speaking from her candlelit porch in Australia as dawn breaks, Stella reveals how songwriting became her way to process emotions too complex for everyday conversation.

"I want to ruminate on things much longer than most people want to," she confesses, perfectly capturing why her music resonates so deeply. From childhood notebooks filled with song-like poems to her recent EP "Speaking Terms," Stella's creative journey follows a consistent thread: seeking intimate expression for experiences that defy easy articulation.

Her songwriting process begins with lyrics, usually captured in her phone's Notes app while walking home, processing the day. Unlike many artists who begin with melody or chords, Stella prioritizes the words and the emotional truth they carry. This lyrics-first approach explains the rare authenticity that permeates tracks like "Organ Donor" and "He Didn't Mean It"—songs that begin as personal catharsis before becoming universal connection points.

What's particularly fascinating is Stella's revelation about the therapeutic nature of her craft. "Closure is not real," she says with hard-earned wisdom, "and writing is a really good band-aid for coping with that fact." This perspective offers listeners a new way to understand why we're drawn to emotionally complex music—it gives voice to feelings we struggle to resolve in our own lives.

As sunlight gradually illuminates our conversation, Stella reflects on the beautiful paradox of performing painful songs with joy, watching audience members connect with her most vulnerable moments. There's something magical in this transformation—from darkness into light, from private pain into shared experience. For anyone who's ever found solace in a song that seemed written just for them, Stella Birdie's music provides both mirror and window into our shared emotional landscape.

Discover Stella's music across all platforms and catch her upcoming shows across Europe and the UK this May. Your new favorite lyricist is just getting started.

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Owen Ashworth returns to the podcast to discuss his latest Advance Base album "Horrible Occurrences" and the beautifully human stories woven throughout its tracks. Rather than rehashing his origin story (covered in our previous episode), we dive deep into his current creative approach and the emotional weight of performing these vulnerable new songs.

The conversation takes us into Owen's refreshingly authentic touring life—traveling solo in his Subaru Forester, staying with old friends or in characterful motels, and creating space to experience the towns he visits. "I really love traveling... gas stations and motels and diners and seeing the sites," he shares, describing a touring routine built around personal comfort rather than business optimization. This DIY ethic extends to his performances, where he typically sells his own merchandise and makes himself available to connect with listeners.

What emerges is a fascinating portrait of songwriting as a long-term pursuit of meaning. Owen reveals that some songs on "Horrible Occurrences" began as fragments written 15 years ago, only finding completion when new life perspectives illuminated their purpose. The fictional town of Richmond serves as a unifying setting—a deliberate creative choice that allowed him to build "a community where all these stories were fitting in with each other" despite spanning different times and experiences.

Perhaps most compelling is Owen's candid discussion about the vulnerability required to perform these songs. "These shows have felt very heavy," he admits, describing how the minimalist arrangements leave him emotionally spent. Yet he finds a meditative quality in performance, where the music itself carries both him and listeners through difficult emotional territory.

As one of indie music's most thoughtful storytellers, Owen continues to find beauty in everyday human experiences—even the painful ones. Check out "Horrible Occurrences" for its developed stories and beautiful reflections, and catch Advance Base live if you can for a uniquely intimate musical experience.

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Ever wonder how the humming of air conditioners could inspire an entire album? Tim Rutili, the creative force behind Califone and former member of Red Red Meat, takes us deep into his unconventional musical world where everyday sounds become extraordinary compositions.

Rutili's musical journey reveals a fascinating evolution from his early punk roots to his current experimental approach. "In everything there's tonality," he shares, explaining how he once tuned his guitar to match the collective drone of neighbors' air conditioners while recording in Austin. This philosophy of finding music in unexpected places permeates his creative process, whether he's capturing rainfall on outdoor microphones or repurposing mechanical noise from nearby buildings.

What separates Rutili's work is his embrace of happy accidents and willingness to follow unexpected paths. He describes how Califone's songs often emerge through improvisation rather than traditional composition – band members responding to intriguing sounds, creating hours of experimental audio that later gets shaped into finished pieces. One standout track from their recent album "The Villager's Companion" began this way, incorporating environmental recordings that would never have existed through conventional songwriting methods.

The distinction between Rutili's deeply personal work with Califone and his professional film scoring provides fascinating insight into his versatility as a musician. "With scoring, it's like you're serving a story," he explains, contrasting it with Califone's music which can sometimes be so personal "it might be inaccessible to other people." His approach to performance follows a similar philosophy – treating songs as living entities rather than trying to perfectly recreate studio recordings.

Want to experience Califone's mesmerizing soundscapes in person? Catch them on the East Coast this May, or at their upcoming benefit show for California wildfire relief in Long Beach. As Rutili continues to find renewed joy in his craft, his music stands as a testament to the endless possibilities that emerge when conventional boundaries dissolve.

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What happens when lifelong musical appreciation finally transforms into creation? In this candid conversation, Brooklyn-based musician Avery Friedman reveals the surprisingly recent journey that led to her debut album "New Thing," set for April 2025 release.

From her earliest memories singing alto in her Ohio school choir to becoming a devoted music fan and reviewer in college, Friedman's path to making her own music was marked by one significant obstacle: debilitating performance anxiety. Despite loving harmony and understanding music deeply, she couldn't imagine herself as the performer rather than the audience. "I was a goalie in soccer," she reflects, "so it's not like I was totally averse to being in the spotlight in some way, but I was really, really scared."

The turning point came just two years ago when Friedman decided she had to try songwriting or risk permanent regret. That first attempt—simply playing chords and humming melodies—unlocked something profound: "How have I waited 26 years to do this?" Her creative process quickly evolved, typically beginning with guitar chord progressions that express her emotional state before weaving in melodies and lyrics that help process overwhelming feelings.

What makes Friedman's story so compelling is how she conquered the anxiety that had kept her voice hidden for so long. Through supportive relationships and deliberate mindset work, she gradually found confidence to share her music publicly. Now with two singles already released—"Flower Fell" and "Phone Booth"—and a full album on the horizon (available on vinyl and tape following the digital release), Friedman embodies what's possible when creative fear is finally confronted.

Discover how a late-blooming musical journey can produce work that feels both naturally inevitable and remarkably brave. Listen to Avery Friedman's singles now and mark your calendars for "New Thing" in April 2025—because sometimes the most authentic voices are the ones that take the longest to emerge.

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Fionn Montague from the Dublin-based band Bedrooms takes us on a journey through their musical evolution culminating in their 2024 album "Perfectly Still." The conversation opens with memories of childhood weekends filled with disco, soul, and ballads—musical foundations that unconsciously shaped his approach to songwriting and melody.

Meeting vocalist Dev in high school (coincidentally the same school where U2 formed), the pair began crafting songs influenced by melody-focused artists like The Smiths, R.E.M., and U2. What began as punk-infused indie rock gradually transformed into something more atmospheric and distinct. A formative summer in Seattle exposed them to the Pacific Northwest's rich musical landscape, planting seeds for what would become their signature sound.

The turning point came through collaboration with producer Bill Ryder-Jones on their 2021 EP "Afterglow." This partnership allowed Bedrooms to consciously shape their sonic identity—creating space for Dev's unique vocals while incorporating elements of shoegaze and folk influences from artists like Duster, Galaxy 500, Big Thief, and Slow Pulp.

Without label support, Bedrooms self-funded "Perfectly Still," prioritizing artistic fulfillment over commercial considerations. For Finn, success manifests in creating music he genuinely enjoys and receiving authentic appreciation from listeners. The sold-out album release show at Dublin's historic Wheelans venue proved particularly meaningful, with fans traveling specifically to see them perform.

Looking ahead, the band hopes to release their album on vinyl while continuing to explore new sonic territories. As Finn notes with a laugh, "Every artist wants to have their David Bowie Berlin phase where it's like I'm going to go completely obscure and do something totally different."

Discover the beautiful, atmospheric world of Bedrooms on Bandcamp and immerse yourself in their meticulously crafted soundscapes that bridge nostalgic influences with contemporary indie sensibilities.

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Danny Bateman's musical journey unfolds like a richly textured composition – beginning with classical piano at age seven, where he discovered the profound connection between player and composer. "I'm experiencing what Mozart's body feels like 200 years later," he reflects, highlighting how this early training built the foundation for his innovative approach to songwriting.

The pivotal moment came during his first recording studio session as a teenager. Witnessing the magic of production techniques—overdubbing, multiple takes, vocal doubling—crystallized his future path. "That was when I knew this is what I want to do for the rest of my life," Bateman shares, though he admits his real education came through hands-on experience rather than formal training.

What makes Bateman's creative process uniquely compelling is his embrace of improvisation and structure simultaneously. "Form creates the walls that you sit in," he explains. "Without form, nothing means anything." This philosophy manifests in his latest project with FROG, "1000 Variations on the Same Song," inspired by Lil Wayne's mixtape approach—marathon recording sessions yielding dozens of improvised pieces. With his brother Stevie on drums, Bateman captures spontaneous creative moments, later selecting the most memorable to re-record on his increasingly lo-fi eight-track tape machine.

The results speak for themselves—sold-out shows at venues like Bowery Ballroom and an upcoming West Coast tour with rapidly disappearing tickets. For aspiring musicians, Bateman offers crystal-clear advice: "You need to fail a lot, iterate, attempt." He emphasizes that accumulating "reps" through prolific creation is the only path to mastery. Most importantly, "If you're not having fun, then the song isn't good. If you are having fun, then the song is good."

Ready to experience FROG's unique sound? Catch their West Coast tour kicking off next week, or dive into their extensive catalog featuring some of indie music's most joyfully authentic compositions. The beauty of Bateman's approach lies in its simplicity—creating music worth making for its own sake, with each new recording building toward something increasingly extraordinary.

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Dive deep into the indie rock world of French band EggS with frontman Charles Daneau, who joins us from Paris to unpack the band's musical evolution and creative philosophy. Charles reveals how discovering American lo-fi bands like Guided by Voices and Beat Happening fundamentally shaped his approach to music, showing him that expression matters more than technical perfection.

The conversation explores EggS' collaborative songwriting process, where Charles brings acoustic foundations that transform through the diverse influences of his bandmates. We witness how negotiations between his Big Star sensibilities and his colleagues' more contemporary tastes create their unique sonic identity. Charles candidly shares how a simple lineup change—moving their drummer to guitar and bringing in a punk drummer—completely transformed their sound, finally achieving the "wall of sound" they'd been seeking.

Between their 2022 debut "A Glitter Year" and 2024's "Crafted Achievement," we track how EggS evolved their arrangements, creating more space between instruments while maintaining their raw energy. Charles offers fascinating insights into his English-language songwriting, their recording process with trusted studio partners who understand their vision, and their ambitious plans for new music created with open tunings and a revamped demo approach. For fans of indie rock with substance, Charles Daneau's musical journey demonstrates how authenticity and creative evolution can produce something truly special. Listen now and discover why audiences across France—and increasingly internationally—respond with smiles and dancing to EggS' distinctive sound.

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Carolina Chauffe, performing as Hemlock, has spent the past year and three months as a musical nomad, never staying in one place for more than two weeks. Transmitting from Chicago between tour stops, she describes this lifestyle as a delicate balance of the "miraculous and exhausting" — finding empowerment and community connection while sacrificing stability and proximity to loved ones.

Chauffe's musical journey began in competitive choirs, gradually transitioning from the safety of collective performance to the vulnerability of solo artistry. This evolution reflects her approach to creativity: embracing vulnerability while remaining connected to community. Most fascinating is her "Song of Day" project, now in its sixth year, where she writes and records one song daily for an entire month annually. This practice has generated hundreds of compositions and fundamentally transformed her relationship with songwriting. "The more songs that I write, the more kinds of songs I feel comfortable writing," she explains, describing how the project expanded her creative boundaries across genres, narration styles, and instrumentation.

Her latest album 444, released in October 2024, showcases twelve selections from these Song of Day collections, reimagined with a full band of Chicago musicians. The album deliberately spans all six years of the project, opening with "Day One" to honor where it all began. With touring planned through August and several recording projects in development, Schaaf exemplifies artistic dedication in its purest form. Her practice of observing both "the miraculous and the mundane" transforms everyday experiences into universally relatable songs, creating what she beautifully describes as "golden strings that defy geographical proximity and linear time." Don't miss the chance to experience Hemlock live — follow her journey, attend a show, and discover the power of daily creative practice.

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From punk rock venues in Edmonton to London art galleries, Alan D Boyd's creative journey spans decades and continents while remaining true to his Canadian roots. The musician, filmmaker, and sonic explorer shares the winding path that led him to form Movieland in early 90s Vancouver—a band whose unreleased recordings have found surprising new life through 604 Records' Decades imprint.

Boyd vividly recalls his formative years in Edmonton's vibrant music scene, where venues like Spartan's Men's Hall hosted legendary punk acts alongside local heroes. These experiences shaped his DIY ethos as he moved through various musical projects before landing in Vancouver's fragmented but fertile creative community. There, working at the 24-hour Benny's Bagels, he connected with kindred spirits influenced by everything from Stone Roses and De La Soul to the emerging sounds of Dinosaur Jr and Nirvana.

The analog era of music production comes alive as Boyd describes crafting Movieland songs on his trusty Tascam 488 eight-track recorder, challenging conventional studio wisdom by deliberately pushing guitars louder than vocals. These recordings, preserved on deteriorating cassettes and ADATs, have been meticulously restored using AI technology—resulting in music that sounds so contemporary that listeners question whether it's new or from decades past.

Beyond Movieland, Boyd explores his parallel project Little Sparta, which merges post-punk aesthetics with folk sensibilities and cinematic landscapes. His collaborative approach extends to filmmaking, with documentaries about UK session musicians and the late artist Bill Fay currently in development.

Don't miss Movieland's upcoming single release on March 28th, with Boyd returning to Canadian stages in Vancouver and Edmonton this spring—a homecoming that bridges his past and present creative worlds.

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Returning guest Zach Keim takes us behind the scenes of his stunning sophomore album "Battery Lane," revealing how a street address in Bethesda, Maryland became the cornerstone of his musical reinvention. With characteristic openness, Zach shares the fascinating origin story of his hit single "Canyon" — recorded as a voice memo while delivering Uber Eats during the pandemic — and how this moment of inspiration ultimately shaped his entire album.

Our conversation explores the eight-year journey between Zach's debut album and this latest release, touching on the importance of artistic ownership in today's music industry. Having signed away his rights at just 16, Zach now approaches his career with hard-earned wisdom, maintaining control of his masters while collaborating with trusted partners like Super Sport Records for distribution.

The geographic and emotional landscapes of "Battery Lane" reveal themselves as we discuss how transition, upheaval, and personal loss influenced Zach's songwriting. From the jubilant "Canyon" to the introspective title track, each song represents a different facet of his journey through the Washington D.C. area and back to his Pittsburgh roots. Particularly moving is Zach's reflection on how his late father's musical obsession continues to fuel his own passion for creating and performing.

Throughout our discussion, Zach's DIY ethos shines through as he details booking his own tours, coordinating band members across continents, and balancing full-band performances with intimate acoustic shows. His excitement about upcoming appearances at South by Southwest and Tree Fort Music Festival, along with plans for a potential live album, demonstrates an artist hitting his stride while maintaining complete creative control.

Whether you're a musician navigating the industry's complexities or simply someone who appreciates authentic artistic expression, Zach's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Listen now, then catch him on tour or pick up the vinyl at your local record store to experience "Battery Lane" in all its glory.

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