Feeling Versonic

Joining me as my guest on Episode 041 of the increasingly high profile Feeling Versonic Podcast is the ebullient all-rounder Kev Bland.  Kev is multi-talented with a diverse range of life skills and an expert in the field of outdoor pursuits and mountain leadership. A former Royal Marines Commando and recipient of the illustrious Kings Badge, a visible mark of a man who is first amongst equals and exemplifies the Commando Spirit.

A notable and creative Singer-Songwriter, Kev uses the songwriting process as a cathartic measure in dealing with his own feelings and emotions. 

Having qualified as a lecturer in further education teaching disaffected year 10 and 11 students, Kev followed his passion to motivate and drive for excellence steering him towards becoming a part of the quality audit team and teacher training staff. He left full time teaching when he was selected as a Performance Coach with Worldskills UK where his role was to mentally and physically prepare young apprentices to compete on the world stage. 

Outside of education he has worked to support the film industry in a number of areas both in front of, and behind the camera as support crew or special action roles alongside stunt teams. With over 30 years of climbing experience he has mentored a number of stunt men in this skill. Other outdoor instruction has seen him teach navigation to a range of candidates from disaffected youngsters to potential UKSF candidates. Being a singer/songwriter has always been a steady fixture in the background with countless gigs under his belt, both solo and in bands, and a handful of tracks on prestigious climbing movies to boot! Favourite current quote "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm".

Kev is the Founder Director and CEO of men's mental health group The Leg Up Project. A social hub with the sole purpose of raising the holistic well-being for all involved. 

https://www.facebook.com/TheLegUpProjectCIC

https://www.instagram.com/thelegupproject_menshealth/

https://kevbland.bandcamp.com

Delighted to welcome UK-based composer Richard Bagley as my guest on Episode 040 of the increasingly high profile Feeling Versonic Podcast titled 'Getting to Grips'.

Richard is a classically trained pianist and multi-instrumentalist, his experience ranges from choirs to orchestras, from brass bands to rock bands.

https://richardbagleymusic.com

Joining me as my guest on Episode 039 'Gasoline' is Singer-Songwriter David Neil Crabtree.  In this episode I talk to David about the writing process and forthcoming release of his new single 'Gasoline'.  We also talk guitars, songwriting, live performance, guitars, bands, guitars, Whitby and guitars...

"The optimum number of guitars is how many you've got..plus one!"  

https://davidneilcrabtree.com/

https://www.thementulls.com

Delighted to welcome LA based Singer-Songwriter Natalie Duque as my guest on Episode 038 of the increasingly high profile Feeling Versonic Podcast.  In this Episode titled 'Imposter' I talk to Natalie about her new single 'Imposter' and in particular, the lyrical content and context in relation to Imposter Syndrome.

If there’s one thing that makes Natalie happy, it’s a sad song. She infuses soulful folk melodies into a pop delivery garnered with poetic lyricism. Through evocative and comforting vocals, she communicates feelings of truth, connectedness and vulnerability.

https://natalieduque.com

Delighted to welcome singer, songwriter, guitarist, front man, music producer and podcast editor Alan Smith.

In this episode Alan and I chat around his music with his band Bellevue Days, and also his solo music project under the auspices of A.Charles Music. 

We touch on the vagaries of music and podcast production, and enjoy the novelty of actually being in the same room whilst recording the interview! 

https://www.facebook.com/BellevueDays/

https://www.instagram.com/acharlesmusic/

https://www.versonicmusic.com

In this Episode I look at the viability, and assess the pro's and con's of modern day Working from Home.  

The Coronavirus Pandemic has prompted countless companies and business owners to close their offices, and switch to encouraging employee's (and themselves) to work from home, or work remotely.  The prospect of working from home can sound exciting, but if it's not something the individual has experienced before it can take a lot getting used to and adapting to a new way of life and work can be challenging.  Getting the balance right is not easy and the initial novelty of working from home can soon wear off.  It has been commented on that enforced working from home for some people can have a negative impact on their their mental health, their motivation and productivity. 

It's a bit like Marmite. Some people love having the opportunity to work from home, others hate it.  If you work from home, are you as Snug as a Bug, or do you feel bit left Out on a Limb? 

My guest on Episode 035 of the Feeling Versonic Podcast is Singer-Songwriter Ben Drake. The episode is dedicated to Ben's father Barry who was taken all too soon to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Ben has recently been made an Ambassador of The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust and has written a touching, soul searching song titled 'There' in memory of his late father.  The song is being released as a fundraiser on all digital music streaming and download platforms with all proceeds going to the Trust to help others suffering from this debilitating disease.  

The aim of this episode is to raise awareness of IPF, and to encourage people to actively engage with Ben's beautiful song.  Please download the song, share with your friends, add to yourPlaylists - whatever you can do to support the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust and their work.

'There' is officially released on Friday 16th April 2021. 

https://pulmonaryfibrosistrust.org

http://www.bendrakemusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/thebendrakecollective

The very first Feeling Versonic Podcast 'Brand New Man' was published on 10th August 2020,  followed by a further 33 episodes including chats with high achieving entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and of course some amazing singer songwriters, independent bands and artists that do it for themselves.  

This is Feeling Versonic 'Bank Holiday Bangers'.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7kXQdgunC9e4cTXyq2EBAM?si=VmhlxVQdS2mFZghhLfsgYg

https://www.instagram.com/jackperrettmusic/

https://www.instagram.com/bellevuedays/

https://www.instagram.com/versonicmusic/

https://www.instagram.com/nathaliemirandamusic/

https://www.instagram.com/jsa_band/

https://www.instagram.com/thebendrakecollective/

https://www.instagram.com/bestofenemiesuk/

https://www.instagram.com/stayasleepuk/

Delighted to welcome singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, vocalist, function band member, session musician and all round muso Sam Christmas as my guest on Episode 033 'Shake the Feeling'.  

Sam is a genuine music lover, with a palpable energy and enthusiasm for live music performance.  Given the chance, he would spend 100% of his time doing music, or work within the music industry in some capacity.

Sam fronted indie rock band Best of Enemies for 6 years, and is currently the bassist in Bellevue Days. He has toured the UK and Europe numerous times in his own bands, and also as a session player for other bands.

Sam launched his own solo music project in 2020, and is also guitarist/co-singer in 4 Repeats Sake covers band.  

https://www.instagram.com/bestofenemiesuk/

https://www.instagram.com/bellevuedays/

https://www.instagram.com/4repeatssake/

Delighted to welcome the enigma that is Chris Michaels as my guest on Episode 032 of the Feeling Versonic Podcast 'Welcome to the Darkside'.  

Chris is a former Royal Navy Air Engineering Mechanic. Growing up, Chris always aimed to serve in the military and having his dream and ambition curtailed through medical discharge due to a career ending knee injury, he found it very difficult to handle that disappointment and was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD and associated mental health issues.

Chris has written about his experiences and is a self-published author, creative writer, blogger and podcast host.  A self-confessed adrenaline junkie with a love of extreme sports, martial arts and tattoos.  

Musically, he is a metal head and his favourite band is Metallica, but also loves a bit of techno and classical music. Chris has found himself in the deepest, darkest places mentally and yet all he sees is a light that he wants to shine into the darkness to help others.

https://www.instagram.com/the_darksidepodcast/