Songs From a Padded Envelope

Welcome to episode #25 of Songs From a Padded Envelope.

We travel to Reykjavik for this conversation with vocalist and guitarist, Dagur Gíslason.

Dagur is a driving force within the Icelandic Black Metal scene, and is someone who has a focus and drive to create and support music that is hugely impressive.

It was a real pleasure to speak with Dagur and after listening to this episode, it is definitely worth checking out his current band, Misþyrming. There is a link to their Bandcamp page below.

Our sincere thanks to Dagur for coming on the podcast and discussing so much of his story with us.

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben xx

https://misthyrming.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Misthyrming

Sarah Lippitt joins us for episode #24 with a story which is uniquely fascinating and is not like any conversation with had before.

From England to NYC to California, Sarah's musical journey reveals itself with some huge contrasts, challenges and a lust for life which slowly emerges throughout the episode before blasting off with the track at the end.

SIncere thanks to Sarah for coming on the show and sharing her memories with us.

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben xx

A slight change of direction for episode #23 as we are joined by writer and broadcaster, Simon Ashberry.

Simon has worked in and supported music for many years, as this conversation reveals. He is a passionate advocate of new bands and artists, as well as being a musician in his own right.

You can check out his radio show via the link below, as well as finding a link to the Bradford Music site we discuss in the show.

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy the show!

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben xx

https://www.bcbradio.co.uk/presenters/simon-ashberry/

https://www.bradfordnoise.com/

Matt Longley joins us for Ep#22 of Songs From a Padded Envelope.

Matt's story is one which will doubtless resonate with many people when they think back to their formative band experiences. And, like many bands, the Pelican Sparks story serves as the foundation for a number of lifelong friendships and an important, enduring connection to music.

Matt also discusses his work with 6ft From the Spotlight, an initiative which we wholeheartedly recommend you take a look at. No doubt, after hearing Matt speak, you'll want to do just that - there is a link below, of course.

Thanks to everyone who has been checking out and supporting the show. Tell your friends and stay tuned - you won't regret it!

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben xx

You can find Matt on Spotify under Matt Longley, Pelican Sparks or PS 1989!

6ft from the spotlight can be found here: https://www.6ftfrom.org/

Our guest for episode #21 is Dale Hibbert. He is mostly known as being the original bass player in The Smiths and, having recorded and played on their first two demos and their first show, that in itself would have been reason enough to reach out to him.

However, Dale has written a fantastic memoir, Boy Interrupted, and after reading it, it was clear that his time in The Smiths, whilst important, was just a small part of his life and that music has been significant for him in so many ways, from a young age to present day.

Our thanks to Dale for coming on the show and speaking with us about his life and his relationship with music. Do check out his book, it is a fascinating read.

Our thanks too to the good people at Pomona Books for their support in setting up this conversation with Dale.

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben xx

https://www.pomonauk.com/books/catalogue.php

We are joined for our 20th episode by the multi-talented, Joe Wong.

Joe is a multi-instrumentalist, composer of soundtracks for film & tv, a highly versatile and accomplished drummer and host of the excellent podcast, The Trap Set.

This conversation ranges through all this and more, with Joe's thoughtful ideas and insights shared throughout.

The show culminates with a cross fade between Joe's very first rough idea for the song Nite Creatures, which segues into the full album version - it is a fascinating listen.

Nite Creatures can be found on Joe's debut solo album of the same name, which we've linked to below, along with a link to his wonderful podcast.

Our thanks to Joe for giving us his time and also to his publicist, Nick, for assisting with the set up for the interview.

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben

https://www.thetrapset.net/

https://www.nitecreatures.com/

Back over to the US for episode #19 and a wonderful conversation with Pylon singer, Vanessa Briscoe-Hay. Also joined by producer and musician, Jason NeSmith, we take a look at Pylon's musical journey and influence as the band prepares to release a career-spanning anthology set, 'Box'.

This is an inspiring conversation and stands as a wonderful example of how the most amazing music can emerge from open and honest collaboration and expression.

Vanessa's story and that of Pylon and the roles which Jason now plays within it are wonderful to explore and then the song kicks in at the end.... amazing!

Sincere thanks to Vanessa and Jason for coming onto the podcast. Please do check out Pylon's music and, if you're enjoying the show, don't forget to like and subscribe and spray paint 5 stars onto the walls of Apple Podcasts on our behalf.

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben x

https://pylon.band/

The Sodajerker on Songwriting podcast is a consistently brilliant listen, featuring fascinating and engaging interviews with some of the world's most successful songwriters. Co-hosts Brian and Simon join us to sit on the other side of the interview table to share stories from their music making together, which started when they met at school aged 13.

Ben and I were thrilled to have a chance to speak to Simon and Brian, and find out more about the journey they've been on with their music and their hugely successful podcast - if you're listening to this, you should definitely check out Sodajerker on Songwriting.

Thanks to Simon and Brian for coming on the show and for sharing a demo from their archive.

If you're enjoying Songs From a Padded Envelope, please do slide on over to Apple Podcasts and plant a nice 5 star review and some kind words in their podcast orchard - we'd be very grateful indeed!

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben x

https://www.sodajerker.com/

Joe Thompson joins us for episode #17 for a fascinating conversation which centres around the underground/DIY music scene.

Joe has played with his current band, Hey Colossus, since the early 2000s, during which time he has striven to support not only his own music but that of so many others. His commitment to this culture is rooted in community and creativity and the stories he has shared with us are inspirational.

As you'll hear, we reference Joe's fantastic book, which is part of the Sleevenotes series published by Pomona. It comes highly recommended!

Our thanks to Joe for coming on the show and to the team at Pomona for their support in setting it up.

Check out the links below to get a copy of Joe's book and to hear and buy some incredible music.

Love and thanks, as ever

Steve and Ben x

https://wrongspeedrecords.bandcamp.com/artists

https://www.pomonauk.com/

Ed Percival joins us for our 16th episode to share stories from the heart of the new wave of British Progressive Rock as well as two very different incursions into the world of the tribute band.

Once again we have the privilege of sharing a conversation with a creative person whose passion for music making has taken them on a twisting and turning journey which spans decades, with many unexpected stop-offs along the way.

Our thanks to Ed who has shared the following links to some of his work and activities which are well worth exploring.

If you're enjoying the show, please do help yourself to five stars from the bucket and throw them our way with some words of appreciation - we'd be everso grateful!

Love and thanks

Steve and Ben x

Airbridge archive

https://www.facebook.com/AirbridgeProg

Fossil Fools XTC

https://www.facebook.com/FoolsXt

Mellotronanism

https://www.facebook.com/Mellotronanism/

Living in a Haunted Heart (video) - Mellotronanism

https://youtu.be/V0CEIs_2tis