BPM Pod

SCARS aren't your typical thrash metal band. Starting out in the depths of Chile, SCARS amassed a band from a mix of cultures, influences and styles to create angry, hard metal music that still maintains clarity, melody and skill. Oh, and they just so happen to be the most chilled people I have ever met.

Blues lover Iadora Johnson talks to BPM about gear, childhood musical duels, and a whole lotta' love for Led Zeppelin.

As the Queen biopic stuns the Golden Globes, Ashley gives his critique of the movie.

A quick review of 'Springsteen on Broadway', available on Netflix and DVD.

The delightful Lisa Akuah sits down with me over a long, relaxed interview to discuss the important of vulnerability, honesty and sincerity in songwriting. You're also treated to the first album review on BPM Pod, thanks to a submission from Tihomir Zdjelarevic and his album 'Mikrowelt'.

This week we head into a dark headspace, as we let Vlad tell us the story of Zeug - a post-rock, noise-rock, industrial-rock blend that's surprisingly melodic and relaxing amidst the noise.

'You know, the guitar kinda sounds like John Mayer.'

And immediately upon recounting my wife's praise, Gui, Julia and I were friends. I mean it's a pretty good thing to hear.

Inviting, warm, friendly and just a pure joy to be around, this married couple blend funk, soul and pop into tracks you cannot help but dance to.

Dreamy soundscapes and ambient trance - Otari can create a mood in and instant with their chilled, melodic dance vibes. From events to bedroom gigs, this duo are just starting out in the music industry but have a wealth of knowledge behind them. Hear how they made their first steps, how they write together, and how they carve out a niche in a packed Berlin music scene.

Funk, soul, rock, pop - it's all in the mix with the stunningly talented Manono band, a four-piece gang based out of Berlin. We talk recording, gigging, travelling and just what the hell the name of the band means (it's attracted some rather strange-yet-cool attention).

In this first proper episode of BPM Pod, we talk to multi-instrumentalist, teacher, music producer, session musician, and all-round nice guy, Chris Weinhardt. Chris tells us about his life on the road, how he finds time for music today, and the influences he gets from the world around him (including a weird metal sound in the factories nearby).

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