
The Sound Mind
Welcome to The Sound Mind, a podcast that provides a unique perspective about traversing this crazy thing we call a ‘career in music’ without compromising your happiness and mental health.
Episodes
28 episodes
#28 Redefining Success as a Creative
In this episode, I dive into redefining success as a creative and why external markers like getting up early or being constantly busy aren’t the key to growth. I talk about the disconnect between time spent and output, the importance of getting...
•
25:24

#27 Growth, Overwhelm & Staying Grounded
In this episode, I dive into the wild ride of my recent social media growth - how it’s created opportunities, the pressure that comes with it, and how I’m learning to navigate the highs and lows. I share some go-to phrases that help when things...
•
41:08

#26 Jed Bevington - String Arranging and Creating Connections Through Collaboration
Today, we welcome Jed Bevington to the podcast. Jed is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, string arranger, and violinist who has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Eloise, Cavetown, Nix Northwest, Enny, Fat Dog, and m...
•
1:05:36

#25 Finishing Projects and Fuelling Creativity
In this episode, we talk about the tricky balance of knowing when a project is finished and when it’s time to move on. We explore why “done is better than perfect” and how taking action often outweighs endless planning. We dive into the importa...
•
45:12

#24 Endings, Beginnings and Rethinking Long Term Goals
In this episode, we reflect on James's final tour with Yakul, exploring the emotions and challenges of stopping a long-term project and the process of moving on. We dive into whether long-term goal setting is always beneficial or if it can box ...
•
48:41

#23 edbl - Cultivating Success in the Modern Music Industry
In this episode, we're excited to welcome Beatmaker, producer, and multi-instrumentalist edbl to the podcast. Known for his prolific collaborations, edbl has collaborations with over 60 artists, helping to spotlight some of the most exci...
•
1:05:24

#22 John Elleson-Hartley - The Mastering Mindset
In this special episode we're thrilled to welcome our first guest, John Elleson-Hartley, a seasoned mixing and mastering engineer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Based in Horsham, UK, John has worked with a diverse array of co...
•
1:13:00

#21 Life Guidelines for Creative Success
In this episode James explores essential life guidelines to help you stay on track, even when faced with challenges. Discover why prioritising physical and mental health is the foundation of sustained creative success, and how focusing on your ...
•
9:20

#20 Mental Clarity, Deep Work and The Path to Creative Depth
In this episode we explore the essential elements of nurturing creativity and mental clarity for artists. We discuss the benefits of taking time off to reset your mind and the power of working less but diving deeper into your projects for...
•
52:52

#19 Building an Audience and Embracing Rejection
This episode is a little different to normal, while Marcus is deep into a project I thought I'd jump in and do a solo quest! This episode is all about audience growth, resetting expectations when releasing, and how minimising the stakes can tak...
•
21:21

#18 The Quest for Achievement, Balancing Ambition and Contentment
In this episode we dissect the intricacies of success, failure, and the pursuit of recognition, all through the lens of our creative endeavours. Reflecting on the overbearing influence of ego on our sense of fulfilment. Listen in as we di...
•
50:32

#17 The Art Of Progress, Achieving Mastery and Consistency
In this episode we delve into the multifaceted journey of musical and career development.. Gain valuable insights from observing and learning from those more experienced, understanding the power of mentorship in your growth.We disc...
•
47:18

#16 In Pursuit of an Audience: Navigating an Everchanging Digital Landscape
In this episode we explore the complexities of growing an audience in today's digital landscape. Discover why sometimes, overthinking and micromanaging don't necessarily yield better results, and how drowning in information can lead to decision...
•
53:24

#15 - The Creative Journey: Embracing Imbalance, Making Progress and Fearless Exploration
In this episode, we embark on a journey through the ups and downs of freelance life, uncovering the secrets to success and fulfilment. Join us as we explore consistency in writing, embracing those pockets of inspiration that propel us forward i...
•
55:18

#14 - The Price of Connection: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Artistry in a Connected World
In this episode we delve into the challenges and triumphs of creativity in the digital age. Join us as we explore the art of being resourceful within a small budget, uncovering the innovative ways artists bring their visions to life.<...
•
41:33

#13 - Authenticity in Growth: Nurturing a Loyal Fanbase
In this episode we explore the profound impact of music as a vessel for nostalgia, transporting us back to the past. We discuss the complexities of sacrificing engagement for a greater vision and the art of cultivating a loyal fan base fr...
•
44:38

#12 - Crafting Excellence: First Principles, Blind Spots, and Creative Peaks
We're back finally after an indulgent break! In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of creative mastery and self-improvement. Join us as we unravel the concept of first-principle thinking, dissecting how it can transform your approa...
•
46:27

#11 - End Of The Year Edition: Reflection, Evolution and Progression
We take a deep dive into the art of goal-setting, reflecting on the milestones of 2023 while setting our sights on the journey ahead in 2024. Join us as we explore the dynamic nature of goals, recognising how they evolve with our progress...
•
1:01:50

#10 - Building Bridges: Networking, Skill-Building, and Collaborative Magic
We starting this episode with an extended rambling on heart rates and sleep, but stick with us, it doesn't go on for the whole hour. FYI there's some crackles going on for the first few minutes, again, these do not go on for the whole episode! ...
•
56:37

#9 - From Inspiration to Innovation: The Art of Musical Expression
In this episode we embark on a nostalgic journey through the gaming consoles of our youth, reminiscing about the classics that inspired us. Join us as we explore the diverse approaches to writing, comparing the art of writing original mus...
•
58:48

#8 - Cultivating Creativity: Breaking Out of Frameworks and Embracing Curiosity
In this episode, we explore the fascinating realm of creativity and skill development. Discover the transformative power of keeping a beginner's mindset, which can breathe new life into your creative endeavours.We delve into the im...
•
49:30

#7 - From Anxiety to Flow: Embracing Your Creative Potential
In this episode, we dive into the world of performance anxiety, the quest for the elusive flow state, and the art of self-expression. Join us as we explore the challenges of dealing with anxiety under pressure and learn why it's absolutely okay...
•
44:29

#6 - Betting on Yourself: Navigating Life's Uncertainties with Confidence
In this episode we delve deep into the world of self-trust, intuition, and the pursuit of your true dreams. Join us as we explore the powerful concept of saying no to the secure path when it doesn't align with your aspirations, and the art of b...
•
45:56

#5 - Less Is More: Master Your Craft with Musical Minimalism
Join us for the first episode recorded in James's new studio. First, we'll examine the "if I knew then what I know now" scenario and how this hindsight could inform your current and future choices in your career and whether a more minimal...
•
1:00:04

#4 - Artistry Amidst Algorithms: Redefining Your Worth in an Age of Likes and Follows
In this episode, we delve into the new driving force of the modern music industry. Is there a shift in the scales, rewarding artists who are consistently good over artists who are occasionally great? We explore the social media landscape, ponde...
•
47:30
