The Apollo Audio Podcast

This week’s episode starts in the rehearsal room with a sold-out hardcore night at Apollo Audio and a wider look at why live music and young bands are still thriving.

From there, the conversation moves into the fundamentals that separate average recordings from great ones. Martin and Billy discuss common mistakes bands make in the studio and on stage, including preparation, tone choices, gear decisions and why relying on fixing things later often leads to worse results.

There is practical advice on capturing performances properly, managing dynamics, avoiding over-processing and making decisions earlier in the process. The discussion also touches on live performance discipline and how small details can make a significant difference.

The album feature focuses on Prince’s Purple Rain, exploring its production approach, live recording elements and why it remains one of the most important records of its era.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Martin is joined by artist Dan Thomas to discuss the making of his debut album This Is Where You’ll Find Me, released April 27.

The conversation covers the shift from solo acoustic artist to full-band sound, the reality of long-term project development, and how artistic identity evolves over time. Dan explains how songs written across nearly two decades came together into a coherent album, and why sequencing played a key role in shaping the final record.

They also discuss the continued relevance of albums as a format, the importance of committing to creative ideas in the studio, and what it takes to create a record that genuinely reflects the artist behind it.

The episode closes with details on the album release and launch show.

If you are working towards your own release and want support taking your songs from demo to finished record, get in touch via apollo-audio.co.uk or froodymusic.com

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode moves from the studio floor into the bigger picture of how records actually get made.

We compare two very different recording approaches. One is a live in-studio session where a band captures performance and energy in the room. The other is a more detailed production process, building a track step by step from a simple guitar and vocal demo.

There is also a wider discussion around finding your sound, making decisions early, and understanding how arrangement and collaboration shape the final record.

In the second half, we listen to the latest release from Ye and discuss how it compares to earlier work, both musically and culturally.

If you are working towards your first recordings or thinking about how to develop your songs into finished tracks, this episode gives a clear view of what that process can look like.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode featuring a conversation with Luke James Williams ahead of the release of his second album Limes Hotel.

We talk about the songwriting and recording process, how albums come together over time, and why the album format still matters. Luke shares the story behind the record, including the personal experiences that shaped its themes and direction.

We also discuss audience building as an independent artist, focusing on direct connection over streaming metrics, and how platforms like Bandcamp and Patreon play a role.

Finally, we touch on Otis Blue by Otis Redding and why it remains one of the most complete and powerful album statements in recorded music.

Luke James Williams Official Website - https://lukejameswilliams.co.uk

Otis Redding - Otis Blue (Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Blue-Otis-Redding/dp/B0000029X4

Tim Burgess Listening Parties (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/timburges

Body of Work by Keith Jopling (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Body-Work-Keith-Jopling/dp/XXXXXX

music, songwriting, album production, audience engagement, indie folk, Luke James Williams, Limes Hotel, Otis Redding, music industry, creative process

Music Production / Artist Development

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk about studio experiences, recording approaches, and what actually makes a great record.

We discuss a visit to a newly built high-end studio, the realities of live tracking, and why even the most advanced setups still come down to performance.

Along the way, we get into gear myths, studio culture, and why environment and mindset often matter more than equipment.

In the second half, we listen to Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin and reflect on its impact, sound, and influence.

music production, recording studio, live tracking, studio experience, music performance, gear vs skill, mixing and mastering, music industry, Led Zeppelin, studio workflow

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode is a lighter conversation around music culture, listening habits, and how people discover and connect with artists.

We talk about vinyl, record buying, and how music fits into everyday life, alongside a discussion about why word of mouth still plays a central role in building an audience.

In the second half, we listen to The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails and reflect on its impact, production, and how it contrasts with more commercial records.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most independent artists are not getting paid properly from their music. Not because streaming does not work, but because the system depends on information being set up correctly.

In this episode, Martin and Billy break down one of the most overlooked parts of releasing music. Metadata, recording codes, and songwriting registration. The unglamorous details that determine whether money reaches you or disappears.

They also talk about the reality of building momentum as an artist now. Why releasing a song is no longer enough, and what it actually takes to stay visible and relevant.

Alongside this, they listen to Paul McCartney’s 1971 album Ram and discuss what still holds up today.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Martin and Billy talk pedals, plugins, and the difference between building a sound you can actually own versus pressing a button and borrowing someone else’s. They get into live guitar setups, tracking tones properly, why “inspiration not replication” still matters, and how technology makes it easier than ever to sound like everyone else.

In the recommended listening section, they dive into John Mayer’s Continuum — a beautifully played, brilliantly produced record that raises an interesting question: when does “really good” become almost too polished? They discuss the guitar work, the songs, the production, and whether this is an album they admire more than love.

Recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Topics include: John Mayer, Continuum, guitar pedals, plugins, guitar tone, recording guitars, production choices, analog vs digital.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk about why so much modern production feels indistinguishable — and how to use reference tracks without turning your mix into a copy. We also touch on The Brits, live performance vs polish, and why Charli XCX’s Brat connected as a cultural moment as much as a record.

The Brits: commercial success vs critical success

Everything sounds the same because it can and what that means in practice

Reference tracks: use them for direction, then ditch them

Inspiration vs replication in recording and mixing

Charli XCX — Brat: sound, identity, and audience connection

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk about gig culture: last-minute ticket buying, dynamic pricing, bots, and why buying tickets early genuinely helps venues survive. We also reflect on the difference between “event gigs” and being five feet from a band in a proper room and why supporting grassroots venues is how future headline acts get made.

Album-wise, we dive into R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People - a downbeat, confident record packed with slow-burn hooks, careful arrangements, and emotional weight. We compare it to Out of Time, and ask a bigger question: what actually makes a “great album” — commercial hits, sequencing, or the whole journey?

If you’re making music, playing shows, or building an audience: support your local rooms, buy tickets early when you can, and keep the ecosystem alive.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by record producer Martin Lumsden and musician and studio owner Billy Hills and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

Also available to watch on YouTube and Spotify

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 [email protected]

A Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.