Music doesn't have to fit neatly into a genre, and neither does Melody Zenith.

In this episode of MyMusic, host Graham Coath sits down with the independent artist to explore the influences, ideas and experiences behind her music. From growing up on the sounds of Kate Bush, Depeche Mode and The Cure to finding inspiration in disco, trip-hop, R&B and beyond, Melody explains why she's more interested in emotion than labels.

The conversation dives into songwriting as therapy, the vulnerability of finding a melody with nothing but your own voice, and why imperfections are often where the magic happens. Melody also shares her thoughts on AI, creativity, artistic ownership, burnout, editing her own videos, building an independent career, and why sometimes the most powerful thing a musician can play is... nothing at all.

Along the way, there are conversations about vinyl records, Twitch DJ sets, cats interrupting recording sessions, Bandcamp, touring, and the importance of creating music that genuinely makes people feel something.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, songwriting and the realities of being an independent artist, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen now and discover Melody Zenith's music after the interview. If it resonates with you, consider supporting independent music by buying merch, following her work and sharing her songs.

Check out the new show sponsor https://13thfloorsound.bandcamp.com/merch

On this episode of MyMusic, Graham Coath is joined by Canadian singer-songwriter Mandi Leigh, fresh from a life-changing move across Canada to begin the next chapter of her musical journey in Toronto.

From growing up on a soundtrack of Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, and '90s country to fronting an alternative rock band before finding her own voice as a solo artist, Mandi shares the story of her evolution into an Americana-inspired songwriter whose music is rooted in honesty, healing, and human connection.

The conversation explores the realities of being an independent artist in 2026, why original music matters more than ever, the challenges of streaming, the enduring value of CDs, and what it really takes to build a career from your art. Along the way, there's plenty of laughter, a discussion about Stevie Nicks, dream venues, favourite guitar chords, country music's unexpected rise in the UK, and Graham's passionate plea for people to support independent musicians.

If you enjoy discovering authentic artists before everyone else does, this is a conversation you'll want to hear.

Listen now and discover the music of Mandi Leigh.

In this episode of My Music, Graham Coath is joined by Mani and Rob from Professional 101 for a conversation that starts with their powerful new single "Liar" and quickly expands into something much bigger.

Together they explore why we lie to ourselves, how narratives become accepted as truth, and what happens when music becomes a way of making sense of a complicated world. The discussion moves effortlessly between philosophy, politics, creativity, AI, social media, human nature and the role of artists in an increasingly technological society.

Along the way, they discuss why being in a rock band is "the greatest lie you can tell yourself," why imperfections make music truly human, the future of live performance, and why Professional 101 are determined to keep creating on their own terms.

The episode also looks ahead to the band's ambitious Rock 'n' Roll Freakshow events, their upcoming cover of Madonna's "Vogue", and the release of their debut album, available on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital formats.

Thought-provoking, funny and completely unpredictable, this is far more than a music interview. It's a conversation about truth, creativity and why art still matters.

If you enjoy discovering independent artists and hearing the stories behind the music, don't forget to subscribe to My Music and listen to Professional 101's latest releases.

#MyMusic #Professional101 #IndependentMusic #RockMusic #MusicPodcast #NewMusic #Liar #LiveMusic #Creativity #AI #HumanNature

Graham kicks this one off with a case of mistaken identity involving a pub, a band name and an office furniture manufacturer in Manchester which tells you something about the kind of conversation this is going to be.

Jake is one of the people behind Flok, a four-piece from Manchester who used to be called Blue Train Lines, named themselves after a local pub on something of a whim, and are currently in the middle of a twelve-gig run across eight weeks while spending a lot of money on petrol.

In this episode, Graham and Jake get into what it actually takes to build a following from scratch in 2026, why Flok respond to absolutely everyone who reaches out to them, and what it felt like to go from playing in front of nobody to a room full of people who already know the words.

They also talk about the Manchester rehearsal studio run by a bloke called David, who has an unexplained obsession with monkeys, why a room that is too clean is the enemy of creativity, and the one song in Flok's set that they have seriously considered never recording in a studio and why that might actually be the point.

New single out now. Twelve gigs across the summer. Bristol on the horizon. Well worth your time.

In this episode of MyMusic, Graham Coath welcomes Los Angeles singer-songwriter Stella Prince for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about music, identity, ambition, and why the industry sometimes struggles more with labels than with artists.

Stella discusses her upcoming UK performances, including a residency at London's Green Note and an appearance at The Long Road Festival alongside artists such as Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle. The pair explore her self-described "Gen Z Folk" sound, growing up surrounded by the music of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Broadway classics, and why she has resisted pressure to fit neatly into a single genre.

The conversation also dives into the realities of being an independent artist. From booking tours and radio interviews as a teenager to managing the business side of a music career, Stella shares an honest perspective on what it really takes to build a life in music today.

They also talk about her recent cover of Buffalo Springfield's For What It's Worth, recording in Laurel Canyon, favourite Beatles songs, dream collaborations with Noah Kahan, and why Ed Sheeran may be one of the greatest modern examples of a storyteller with a guitar.

Along the way, there are discussions about folk music, England, cake, Abbey Road Studios, Stevie Wonder's version of Happy Birthday, and the song Stella still hopes to write about the journey from childhood to adulthood.

A thoughtful, funny and inspiring conversation with an artist who combines old-soul storytelling with a distinctly modern voice.

On this episode of My Music, Graham Coath welcomes back singer-songwriter Mara Liddle ahead of the release of her new EP, Extreme Confidence, arriving on 24th June.

The conversation explores the challenge of staying authentic in a music industry obsessed with trends, why some songs take years to find their place, and how social media has changed the way people experience relationships, romance and connection.

Mara talks about writing over 100 songs for the project, the personal insecurities that inspired tracks such as "Too Shy" and "Rivers," and why "Lock Screen" has become one of the most relatable songs she's written. Together, Graham and Mara examine everything from digital-age romance and "soft launching" relationships to the future of music ownership, streaming culture, physical media and the importance of supporting local music scenes.

Along the way, there are recommendations, nostalgia, discussions about online life, creative confidence, and the realities of being a young artist trying to make your voice heard in an increasingly crowded world.

If you've ever wondered how personal experiences become songs, how artists balance vulnerability with creativity, or why great music is still being made every day, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Mara Liddle's new EP, Extreme Confidence, is released on 24th June 2026.

Listen, follow, and discover your next favourite artist.

On this episode of My Music, Graham Coath welcomes singer-songwriter Alan Dreezer to discuss his new album, Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes.

What begins as a conversation about a new release soon develops into a thoughtful exploration of change, creativity, self-belief and personal growth.

Alan shares the story behind the album's title, reflecting on a significant period in his life when he found himself living alone for the first time and questioning how he had arrived at that point. Those experiences became the foundation for a collection of songs exploring relationships, identity, resilience and the courage required to embrace change.

The conversation delves into Alan's songwriting process, the five-year journey behind the album, and the influences that shaped its sound, from classic pop and soul to more contemporary and atmospheric artists. Graham and Alan also discuss the realities of promoting music in the modern world, the role of social media, the importance of creative consistency, and why genuine connection still matters in an age of endless scrolling.

Along the way, they explore friendship, ambition, perspective, Sylvia Plath, Gary Barlow, vinyl records, live music, and the balance between believing in yourself and becoming consumed by your goals.

Honest, reflective and packed with musical insight, this is a conversation about much more than an album. It's about what happens when life forces you to take a closer look at yourself and decide what needs to change next.

Listen now and discover the stories behind Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes.

My Music with Graham Coath talks to Luke from The Radio Addicts

What happens when a 15-year-old musician starts questioning the very technology his generation is supposed to be addicted to?

In this episode of My Music, Graham Coath sits down with Luke from The Radio Addicts for a fascinating conversation about music, creativity, radio, social media, and why young people may be craving something more real than endless scrolling.

Luke shares the story behind The Radio Addicts, how a love of Oasis, live music and songwriting led to a rapidly growing band, and why vinyl records, local radio and genuine human connection still matter in a digital world.

The conversation explores everything from TikTok and attention spans to the return of physical music, the challenges facing young artists, and why Luke believes his generation wants more than life through a screen.

Along the way, you'll hear about the band's journey from school friends to thousands of streams, sold-out vinyl releases, headline shows, and their ambitious new single, "Let's Party Like It's The '90s'."

A thoughtful, funny and surprisingly deep conversation about music, identity, creativity and what comes next for a band determined to do things their own way.

The Radio Addicts are proving that great music, passion and authenticity still cut through the noise.

Listen now and discover why this is a band worth watching.

My Music Podcast – Kat Eaton: What Happens Now

On this episode of My Music, Graham Coath sits down with soulful singer-songwriter Kat Eaton to explore the stories behind her powerful new album, What Happens Now. The conversation arrives at a remarkable moment in Kat's life, as she reflects on releasing a deeply personal record just weeks after welcoming her daughter Ada June into the world.

Together, Graham and Kat discuss the emotional journey behind the album, from years of IVF treatment and the challenges of motherhood to vulnerability, resilience, relationships and the pressures placed on women in both life and music. They delve into the creative partnership between Kat and her husband, producer Nick Atkinson, and how openness and honesty shaped some of the album's most moving songs.

The conversation also explores recording at the legendary Konk Studios, the influence of Northern Soul culture, the enduring impact of The Commitments, and the magic of creating music that helps listeners feel seen and understood. Kat shares touching stories about songs such as Humming Low, By Now and Not Pretending, revealing the personal experiences and emotions that inspired them.

As always, Graham brings curiosity, humour and insight to a conversation that goes far beyond music, touching on creativity, parenthood, authenticity, AI's growing influence on the arts, and why human connection remains at the heart of great music.

A warm, thoughtful and uplifting conversation with one of the UK's most compelling soul voices. Tune in and discover what happens now. 🎵

My Music with Graham Coath featuring @raychealwinters
In this episode of My Music, Graham Coath is joined by independent artist Raycheal Winters for a conversation that wanders through creativity, songwriting, social media, independent music, family life, and the joy of saying yes to new ideas.
Raycheal shares how she balances dark pop, funk, soul, R&B and alternative influences without feeling the need to fit into a single genre, why social media can be a powerful creative tool for independent musicians, and how building a sustainable artistic career has never been more achievable than it is today.
The conversation explores everything from the changing role of record labels and the freedom of being an independent artist to the importance of consistency, creativity and staying true to your artistic instincts.
Along the way, Graham and Raycheal discuss singing around the house, musical families, obscure musical discoveries, Jacob Collier's genius, songwriting habits, social media routines, and even invent a business model for a coffee shop where customers have to sing their orders.
Raycheal also talks about her upcoming releases, including Lucky, her love of exploring different musical styles, and why some of the best creative opportunities come from simply saying, "Why not?"
Expect laughter, thoughtful insights, unexpected tangents, and a genuine celebration of creativity in all its forms.
Topics include:
Independent music in the streaming era
Building an audience through social media
Genre-hopping without limits
Songwriting and creative discipline
The future of record labels
Family, music and everyday creativity
Jacob Collier and musical curiosity
Her upcoming new release!
Why artists should never stop experimenting
A warm, funny and inspiring conversation with one of independent music's most refreshingly authentic voices.
#Music #Podcast #NewMusic #IndependentArtist