In Session With...

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Today’s guest is Karl Vanden Bossche.

Karl is a percussionist based near London. His credits include Gorillaz, Mark Ronson, Steve Winwood and Maxwell.

Amongst many other things we discussed growing up listening to reggae and soul, discovering the world of percussion, prioritising instruments, and supporting the artist and the song. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

As usual, please consider leaving a nice rating and review.

(Recorded June 27th 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Today’s guest is Jake Reed.

Jake is a drummer based in LA. His credits include Katy Perry, Seth Macfarlane and Bob Mintzer. He’s also recorded on several TV and film soundtracks including “The Old Man”, “Queer As Folk (reboot)” and Cobra Kai.

Amongst many other things, we discussed growing up in Kansas City, studying with Peter Erskine, learning through teaching, and dealing with the pressure of the studio.

We didn’t discuss it, but Jake has a very successful YouTube channel, and sells drum sample packs. The industry is changing ever so quickly, and I think it’s important for us as session musicians to consider trying to create multiple income streams so we’re not 100% reliant on the gigs and studio dates. Jake has certainly found his place in the drum sample world.

Jake's YouTube channel

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded June 22nd 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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No guest today. Just a kind of experiment. 

About 6 weeks ago I did a gig on BVs for a singer called Will Young. I wanted to document the experience a little, so decided to record a bunch of voicenotes describing the process of learning the songs, rehearsals and some of the insecurities I felt going in to a new musical environment and doing something I'd never done before. I've done backing vocals plenty of times, but usually whilst sat at a piano, or with a bass hanging over my shoulder. This was a brand new experience. 

I hope this doesn't come across as self-indulgent. If it does, I've definitely got it wrong. As mentioned, this is an experiment, and if it makes someone else feel a little better about their own anxieties or insecurities or whatever, then I'm happy.

Thanks so much for listening!

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Dishan is a bass player based in London. His credits include Westlife, Jess Glynne, Leona Lewis and Kylie Minogue.

Amongst many other things, we discussed growing up in Sri Lanka and Australia, listening to rap music as a kid, music as an identity, and dealing with anxiety.

Dish and I couldn’t remember if we’d ever actually met, but we’ve certainly spoken here and there over the years. This was a great way to learn more about him and his journey.

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded June 5th 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Today’s guest is Diego Rodriguez.

Diego is a bass player based in London. His credits include artists like Dionne Warwick, Lulu, James Arthur, Mahalia and Nik Kershaw. 

Amongst many other things, we discussed Diego’s early life in Colombia, the importance of groove, moving to the UK for music college, and learning songs quickly.

I’ve known Diego for a long time, but we haven’t spoken in a while, so this was a great way to catch up and learn a bit more about his musical journey. 

As ever, please consider leaving a nice rating or review. The reviews on Apple Podcasts are particularly helpful, so thanks to those who have left some kind words already. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded May 30th 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Today’s guest is James Wyatt.

James is a keyboard player and MD based in London.

His credits include Eliza, Lianne La Havas, Zara Larsson and George Ezra.

Amongst other things, we discussed growing up as a multi-instrumentalist, saying yes, the role of MD, and choosing gigs to go and watch. 

I’ve known James for a decade or so, but haven’t spoken to him in a while, so this was a nice way to catch up and learn a bit more about his journey.

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!

(Recorded May 24th 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Today’s guest is Liv Thompson.

Liv is a bass played based in the UK. Her credits include Raye, Cat Burns, Becky Hill and Zara Larsson. Amongst other things, we spoke about her early musical memories, function gigs, mental health, and getting thrown in at the deep end on big gigs. I’ve never met Liv before, so this was a great way to get to know all about her and her musical journey. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded 18th May 2023)

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Naomi is a singer based in London. Her credits include Dua Lipa, Jessie Ware, Ella Eyre and Jorja Smith. Amongst other things, we discussed growing up with loud music in the house, the benefits of joining a musical ensemble at a young age, mental health, and learning about the business side of the industry.

We had a wifi problem early on, but it gets resolved and the rest of the conversation is great. I left in a little clip of what I do while I wait for a guest to re-join the meeting… You might recognise the song!

I met Naomi on a gig a few weeks ago, so it was nice to chat a bit and learn more about her and her journey. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded May 9th 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Today’s guest is Tom Meadows.

Tom is a drummer based in London. His credits include Duffy, Girls Aloud, Will Young and Kylie Minogue. Amongst many other things we discussed the joy of teaching, auditions, and the reasons for playing music in the first place. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded May 5th 2023)

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Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

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Ginger is a drummer originally from London, but now lives in Nashville. 

His credits include Sam Smith, Westlife, Lianne La Havas, Olly Murs and Jessie J.

Amongst other things, we discussed Ginger’s early introduction to playing drums at church, learning to strip back one’s playing to serve the song, auditions, and the importance of the social side of the job.

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

(Recorded April 21st 2023)

Support the show

Follow me on Instagram - @nategroove

Subscribe to support the show - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2058148/support

Any questions or guest suggestions, please email [email protected]