Dear Rob,

Central to the interview was a deep look at The Goods’ new album Don't Spoil the Fun, including the story behind the album cover, the long, songwriting and recording process, a period of losing and regaining your voice, and the decision to strip some tracks back to basics. I love how you can hear the faint Influences from band such as The Posies, The Byrds, Teenage Fanclub and 60s British pop thread throughout the record, but still claim your own unique sound. You're quite adept at writing such beautiful melodies. 

Overall, I thought our conversation was candid, warm-hearted, and optimistic that will appeal to fans of sparkling power-pop, jangly indie, and anyone curious about the craft behind such a heartfelt record. Thanks for delivering the podcast goods!

Follow Dandy Boy Records: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/artists

Other music included in the podcast by:

Dear Ryan and Rebecca,

The conversation turned to craft and creativity: Ryan, you explained your hands‑on, attention to detail approach to making music, and Rebecca, you described how you found emotional entry points for lyrics and how your voice has changed and matured over time. 

 Keep up the great work. I feel "Wiser" whilst listening to your music!

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Skinny Puppy: https://skinnypuppy.com/

Dear Grace and Eva,

The bulk of the episode focused on your sparkling self-titled debut album. You had mentioned producers Jonny Scott (Chvrches) and Simon Liddell (Frightened Rabbit) gave the two of you creative freedom while providing important suggestions (better snare parts, cymbal choices, etc.). You kindly described the songwriting process, preference for short, punchy, punky songs. It really is a special album!

I loved that you two geeked out on musical equipment and explained how you prepare for shows, connect with fans at merch, and stay grounded despite growing attention. Your parents did a beautiful job instilling terrific values in you. You touched on charities and benefits you played for, the labels behind the release (Skep Wax and Slumberland), and plans to record more and tour (including hopes to play the U.S., with visa and cost hurdles). Let's make it happen! 

Follow Skep Wax Records: https://www.skepwax.com/

Follow Slumberland Records: https://slumberlandrecords.com/

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Dear James,

You explained how the project began — moving into a new house near a "creepy" old inn, vintage photographs (from dad) that conjured spooky imagery, and a decision to build a continuous, soundtrack‑style journey in chapters. What a great concept! I know the new/old album will serve as both a seasonal listening experience and an album suitable for any time of year.

Thank you for keeping listeners and me updated on the ongoing work of Maps, including mixing and production projects, and for sharing your plans to continue evolving while remaining true to your incredible sonic electronic DNA. You're always a breath of fresh air, continuing to make music that matters and soothes the soul. 

Follow Mute Records: https://mute.com/

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Dear Jonathan,

You provided wonderful insight into live performance and stage design including concept sketches for the NIN 'Self-Destruct' tour. Thank you for sharing your personal reflections on touring with Trent, capturing the exhaustion and intensity of long runs, and why collaboration is essential to ambitious live shows. Who can forget your hilarious story about Andy Warhol?

The conversation also dove into identity, fear and courage — how your fluid sense of self helped you fit into intense creative communities and how you learned to move past fear to take the images you felt were important. So interesting! 

Follow Nine Inch Nails: https://www.nin.com/

Dear Sice and Tim,

Your announcement of the upcoming tour, new music plans, and a new single was shared with great enthusiasm. It was easy to pick up on the gratitude you feel toward long-time fans. 

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Dear Stefanos,

Thank you for sharing your gratitude for the label support from Shelflife Records, as well as the challenges of bringing the band’s live show abroad, personal concerns about AI in music and your hopeful plans for singles in 2026 and a new album by 2027. Exciting!

It was an intimate and warm conversation, my friend. Your heart is filled with love—as it always expresses with so much creativity and colour. 

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Interpol: https://www.interpolnyc.com/

Aphrodite's Child: https://vangelis.online/themes/thestoryofaphroditeschild

Dear Minaxi,

Thank you for allowing me to use the educational framework to pose questions. You all handled them with great precision and aplomb. 

I'm excited about your future creations.  Keep making the music you believe in and let the work speak for itself. Your musical intelligence will always be admired. 

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Dear Jem,

It was fascinating to hear your honest thoughts on how technology and AI impact creativity and education. You described AI as a powerful tool for research and music production but also warned about its risks: the danger of bypassing critical thinking, the potential decline of humanities studies, and the social and political forces shaping how knowledge is shared. 

Thank you for pulling back the curtains with your stories behind The Wild Swans. You provided honest accounts of the inspiration behind the album, recording details, and gigs. You explained the origins of the B-side “Holy Holy,” its distinctive drum sound, and why certain production choices were made — which were quite ear-opening to hear. I loved hearing your memories about music videos, including "Young Manhood" and "Bible Dreams". 

This conversation was deep, thoughtful, and warm. You brought the English charm, which added variety to the table. You delivered sharp observations and opinions with Jem Kelly passion. Thanks for keeping the spirit of humanity alive!

Dear Ian,

Thanks again for taking the listeners and me on a wonderful storytelling experience. It felt so intimate and warm, just like one of your Balloon songs!

https://www.patreon.com/Balloontheband

https://balloontheband.bandcamp.com/

https://balloontheband.com/

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