Sonic Bytes

We’re delighted to welcome our third musical guest on the podcast - Hannah Elkins! Hannah is a British based R&B and soul-pop artist, singer and songwriter from Bournemouth living and performing in London. Channeling artists such as Lianne La Havas, Jessie Ware and Rosie Lowe, Hannah has released four singles throughout 2019 and 2020; After the Midnight, Mideaway, Cloud Nine and Breathe Deep, with her fifth single 'Paradise' out this Friday October 9th. In this episode we discuss Hannah’s songwriting process, performing on livestreams, collaborative writing, working with a producer, starting her own record label, social media and release strategy and much more. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content. Listening Companion: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6rpgWI7JLar1V7xlbcF2et?si=7LZQCt-ITw6ocswumC0S2Q

This week, we have Part 1 of a 2-part conversation with a very special guest: violinist, violist and close friend, Min Seo. From reflecting on the significance of music exams and grades, to revelling in the expression and virtuosity that can be achieved on violin and viola, we compare what it’s like to learn and enjoy music from a classical perspective as opposed to more contemporary styles and genres. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us at Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content.

Introducing our second musical guest on the podcast - Phill Vidler! Phill is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Medway currently living and performing in London and across the UK. Inspired by artists such as David Bowie, Bon Iver and bands such as Fleet Foxes, Phill’s songs are emotional and raw with moving vocal performances, yet clever and evocative with thought provoking lyrics and expansive and dynamic instrumentation. In this episode we discuss his latest release “This, Too, Shall Pass,” as well as Phill’s writing and recording process, musical inspirations, life as an independent artist and advice for younger artists starting out. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us at Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content. Companion Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2k5hpkCBldIaIpGobgdtxN?si=LUXxdZp7TKCJFvqiu0OObg

We’re excited to introduce our first musical guest on the podcast: Jonathan Blake. Jonathan is a guitarist, singer and songwriter from Leicester currently living and performing in London and the UK. We discuss his latest release “Fireworks” as well as the songwriting process, shifting perspectives, writing in a relationship, collaborative writing, playing in bands vs playing solo, being part of a musical community, UCL’s Live Music Society and lots more. If you're enjoying the podcast, follow us on Spotify, Apple or Stitcher or subscribe to us on YouTube, as it really helps support the show. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us at Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content. Companion Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ic37hqRqJoDVe3MidBZeP?si=bwPN2RWEQLeh03VlTP0osg

This week, we have a special extended episode recounting our experiences with one of the most popular musical instruments of all time - the acoustic guitar. From arguing whether Taylor Swift is a good guitarist, to discussing the playing styles of Hozier, Dave Matthews, Laura Marling and Jack Johnson to name a few, we discuss which guitarists we think are underrated and demonstrate some of their riffs and playing styles. Companion Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5LvKMVZ0zNeaKZVESJD0vv?si=y6I4nz6uQ3uNu0XncYvwpA

For Episode 8, we're jumping forward to the new wave sound of the 80s with Song From the Big Chair by Bath-based synthpop bastions Tears For Fears. From the unmistakable instrumental virtuosity of “Head Over Heels” and “The Working Hour,” to the iconic drum loops, synth lines and production of “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule The World,” we discuss politics, the 80s sound and the amount of music per square inch in various genres. We also explore the “Second Invasion” of British artists into the American charts and whether a third invasion is imminent, somewhere down the road, or may have already happened. We also pay our tributes to the wonderful talents of Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away after a long battle with cancer the morning we filmed this episode. If you're enjoying the podcast, follow us on Spotify, Apple or Stitcher or subscribe to us on YouTube, as it really helps support the show. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us at Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content.

In Episode 6,  we’re discussing our favourite covers, why artists cover songs and what makes a good cover. From “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston to “Mrs Robinson” by Lemonhead, we pick out the best of the best and the worst of the worst and uncover the surprising importance of covering music over time. If you're enjoying the podcast, follow us on Spotify, Apple or Stitcher, or subscribe to us on YouTube, as it goes a long way to supporting the show and helping us make more freewheeling content. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us at Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content.

This week we talk about when artists go outside the box and defy the expectations of what was previously thought of as conventional. From the complex harmony of Jacob Collier and the obscure lyrics of Oasis to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” and a hypothetical Nickelback reggaeton album, we discuss the limitations of musical styles and whether it is possible to go too far when pushing their boundaries. Watch this episode with video on YouTube channel 'LeoKellyGeeMusic', write to us at [email protected], and follow us at Instagram @sonicbytes and Twitter @sonicbytespod for bonus content.