Feeling Versonic

My guest for Episode 11 of the Feeling Versonic Podcast is Session guitarist Jordan Humber.  Jordan is an in-demand and experienced session guitarist, consistently writing, recording and performing in a wide range of genres. As one of the UK's original and most experienced online session guitarists, Jordan has played on countless tracks across just about every style available - from country to flamenco, rock to folk, jazz to pop - for producers and artists all over the world. Having played in seemingly every situation from solo acoustic performances, string quartets and full orchestras, studio session work, live radio sessions, major UK tours, and all levels of festivals, clubs and corporate function gigs, there are few busier or more experienced guitarists around.

http://jordanhumber.co.uk

Music: 'Be Careful What You Wish For'/'Life is a Game we Play'/'You Make Me'/'KickBack' Lead Guitar: Jordan Humber, Lyrics: Stephen Connor Performed by Versonic

Episode Cover Art: https://www.joshleveridge.co.uk

Luke Moseley is a professional Producer / Composer / Songwriter / Musician / Engineer and all round Muso.  Moseley works out of his studio in Brixton, South London.

He works with Major and Independent Labels such as, amongst others, Sony, BMG, Capitol and Black Butter.  Moseley works closely with Artists on upcoming releases providing a range of music production services,  and also works with brands such as BT, Lowe Alpine and Primark on advertising and marketing campaigns.  Luke has also been successful in placing music in film and TV including shows like Home & Away and Neighbours.

https://www.moseleynoise.com

My guest on Episode 009 'Sputnik' is Singer-Songwriter Charlie Austen. Charlie creates dynamic finger-picking folk-soul with an emphasis on carefully crafted lyrics, intricate guitar parts and unusual melodies to suit an airy-yet-powerful, blues-infused vocal style. All delivered with a genuine smile and, more often than not, a conspicuous lack of shoes...

Charlie has caught the eye of Squeeze frontman and Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter Glenn Tibrook, as well as Roxy Music frontman and icon Bryan Ferry, leading to high-profile support tour dates in Europe and extensively around the UK. Charlie also features as a vocalist for cult R&B band Nine Below Zero and in various roles for DIY Indie band Lux Lisbon.

https://www.charlieaustenmusic.com

COVER.  In popular music a cover version, remake, cover song or simply, cover is a new performance or recording by someone other than the original artist or composer of a previously recorded song.

In this Episode I chat around some classic hit songs that I didn't even realise were actually cover songs! I debate whether some cover versions are actually better than the originals, and what could possibly be popularly considered as the best cover of all time?

I also play some brilliant covers of the likes of The Jam, Aha, Radiohead, Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver, and DJ Drake ft Justin Bieber.

Playlist: 'That's Entertainment' - The Jam cover by Versonic.  'Let Me Love You' - DJ Drake ft Justin Bieber by Dreamers https://youtu.be/TUC7t29E1N8

'Exile' - Taylor Swift ft Bon Iver cover by A.Charles & Sam Christmas https://acharlessamchristmas.bandcamp.com/releases

'Take on Me' - Aha cover by McGoozer https://youtu.be/LZUFy2QX26A

'The Bends' - Radiohead cover by JJ O'Sullivan https://open.spotify.com/track/1EP8WihHSVloHkItu67nwp?si=CuUfcFE8RL-Fgq_V_NXLMw

Joining me for Episode 007 'Catch 22' is Singer-Songwriter Nathalie Miranda.  Nathalie is a full-fledged, soul belter, power-house vocalist with a 4 octave range. Notable for her unique, soulful voice, and high energy performances, this artist is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The voice and energy is distinctly Nathalie Miranda - the UK’s answer to the US Uber Divas.

Nathalie’s biggest musical influence is Freddie Mercury, both vocally and in terms of performance. She is also greatly influenced by Prince, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Whitney, Chaka Khan, and Christina Aguilera to name but a few.

Hot on the heels of her recent release ‘Poltergeist’ earlier this year, her new single ‘Catch-22’ was released on 18th September 2020, and is available for streaming and download on all major platforms. I am thrilled to play 'Catch 22' exclusively on the Feeling Versonic Podcast. The track is a totally different sound for Nathalie, and one that she feels reflects her love of soul and blues music, while still being, without doubt, a relatable, catchy, pop song.

 www.nathaliemiranda.com

Joining me on 'Pressure' Episode 006 of the Feeling Versonic Podcast is Indie Singer-Songwriter Jack Perrett.  During the episode we chat around Jack's musical influences and inspirations, songwriting and coping with the weight of modern day expectation and pressure.

"Over the years I've given first sessions to The Smiths, Primal Scream, Amy Winehouse and many more.  I get a buzz and a tingle when I hear something special.  that's what happened when Heard Jack Perrett". (Janice Long, BBC Radio). 

This is episode is brought to you by Scott's Menswear.  scottsmenswear.com

Delighted to welcome fantastic Singer-Songwriter Hayley McKay as my guest for Feeling Versonic Episode 005. 

Displaying an incredible vocal range with a distinctive all-round style, which can effortlessly leap from earthy and soulful raw emotion to soaring and ethereal angelic tones, Hayley has been likened to Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchel, LeAnn Rimes and Kate Bush.

An accomplished and insightful songwriter, who effortlessly captures deep emotional sentiment with moving sincerity, she has co-written with twice Grammy-nominated songwriter Jan Buckingham (Whitney Houston) in Nashville, performed in Bob Harris's home studio for his Under the Apple Tree sessions, and supported major acts including Tom Jones, Albert Lee, Scouting for Girls, Martha Reeves and Hazel O'Connor.

Hayley is releasing new material this year, and is especially looking forward to performing at C2C: Country-to-Country at the O2 Arena in London, at Glastonbury, and at The British Country Festival when they return in 2021.

Her new single, Thinking About Last Night was released 3rd April, and has been getting great response particularly in Ireland and many country stations in the UK, and was recently voted in the top 10 Valley FM Indie charts in Australia and in the top 3 best new singles in Ireland. It has also gathered support on BBC Introducing, and reached No 1 in The Ignition Country Charts. Hayley has been artist of the week on various radio stations in the USA and the UK, and has had recent support with features in Country Line TV, BMCA, ISSA (International Songwriters Association), The Sage Gateshead, NE Volume, and NE Connected amongst others.

What would you do if you couldn't fail?  This was the question Gavin Simpson asked himself around three years ago, before putting the day job to one side and launching his music project Sourfish. The answer was to write songs, and make music that evoked emotion.

“What do you Say?”, is an eclectic collection of five songs which were finalised  during a busking venture to New York and New Orleans. Accompanied by two podcasts the EP picks up musically where Sourfish left us with the catchy What do you Say? and its poppy Friends vibes. Angel of My Eye takes us somewhere new, a piano based outing it is a raw, emotional song. The EP closes with the sweet, acoustic Neil Young inspired Hey, Hey.

Raised in The Highlands of Scotland, Gavin initially picked up the guitar after falling in love with the anthems and melodies of Oasis and the Britpop generation. This opened the doors to their musical influences and led to a fondness of the songwriting talents of The Beatles, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.

Sourfish is Gavin’s guitar driven musical act, he writes and arranges all the songs, plays the guitar and provides an occasional vocal.  The debut EP Time to Play was accompanied with a debut boxing match. The title track was a finalist in The UK Songwriting competition and selected for placement on reality TV. This was followed up with the single “The Sheep are on Fire”, a tie in with leading Scottish football team Aberdeen FC.

Gavin’s journey to understand and discover new music  includes working as radio DJ promoting breaking music. Most recently this has pivoted to Gavin's 'What do You Say?' podcast sharing the stories of other acts, with guest such as Frank Turner, Amanda Palmer and Bear’s Den.

Alan Smith is lead singer and guitarist for Indie Rock band Bellevue Days. Alan embarked on his music career at the tender age of 14 learning his craft from the ground up by playing in bands, and ever since has totally immersed himself in pursuing his dream of being in a touring rock band. As a Songwriter, Alan has credits on the Bellevue Days’ three critically acclaimed EP Records released by the band; Rosehill, Sad Boy and The Sun Came Up When We were Young.  The band’s eagerly awaited debut album 'It Can't Possibly Go Wrong - Ever' was released in November 2019.  As far as band reviews go, this one is not too shabby;

"Probably my favourite band in the whole world" – Alex Baker – Kerrang

Alan’s trademark vocals; strong and soaring in parts but soft and tender in others create a whimsical atmosphere to his sound. Alan has contributed to, and been featured on numerous releases from other artists, including Versonic, and unsurprisingly is held in very high esteem by his musician peers.   Alan has recently established himself as sought-after Producer and Mix Engineer in the world of music production.

I am delighted to be able to call him a friend, and to share his story on Feeling Versonic.

In this Episode I talk to the mega-talented Ben Drake of The Ben Drake Collective. Ben is a British Singer-Songwriter based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. He is a true music collaborator having formed his collaborative group of multi-talented musicians in 2012. Ben is a prolific Songwriter and consummate live performer. 

The group have recently released their 6th Studio Album ‘AfterGlow’.  

Ben has always loved the Album concept and stayed true to that purposeful writing and recording process throughout his Songwriting journey.

He uses the word ‘We’ rather than ‘I’ when referring to his music, and describes his Songwriting as ‘therapy’ in getting his thoughts and situations down on paper and brought to life as a song…and he’s very, very good at it.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zPF7zyeEHqWqT6Pf5ovtO?si=g2ui6nNKQemXgMbtwFPm6g

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

https://www.youtube.com/user/bennyboydrake/featured

https://www.facebook.com/BenDrakeMusic