The Music Room

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

In this episode, Helen Lyon chats with composers Ben McAvoy, Jenny Plant and Florence Sabeva about how they balance work and home life.

Host: Gareth Davies & Helen Lyon

Produced by The Sound Boutique

This episode dives deep into the challenging world of time management for freelancers in the music industry, especially for those balancing parenthood. Host Helen Lyon leads a candid conversation with three remarkable guests - Jenny Plant, Ben McAvoy, and Florence Sabeva - who share their personal experiences and strategies for managing work and family life. The discussion highlights the common struggles that many composers face, from juggling deadlines to dealing with the unpredictability of parenting. Each guest offers valuable insights into the importance of setting boundaries and the need to surrender to the chaos that often accompanies a busy life. Ultimately, this episode aims to normalise the challenges of balancing a creative career with family responsibilities, fostering a sense of community among those navigating similar paths.

Takeaways:

• Managing time effectively as a freelancer and parent requires constant adjustment and flexibility.
• Many freelancers feel the pressure to maintain visibility in a competitive industry, especially after having children.
• Self-care and taking breaks can greatly improve mental health and productivity for busy parents.
• Networking is essential for freelancers, but it often requires careful planning and prioritisation.
• Balancing work and family life can be overwhelming, but sharing experiences can foster community support.
• Surrendering to chaos and accepting imperfection can lead to a healthier approach to parenting.

Links

Everything Music Room

• Helen's guest episode
• Ben's website
• Flo's website
• Jenny's website

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Sound Boutique

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by The Sound Boutique

This special episode delves into the fascinating world of on-set music, also known as diegetic music, where sound is organically integrated into the scenes being filmed. Gareth is joined by composer Ian Arber and actor Adrian Scarborough, who discuss their collaborative efforts in the drama series The Chelsea Detective. The conversation highlights the challenges and creative processes of ensuring that music performed on set feels genuine, particularly as Scarborough's character plays the piano in the series. Listeners are treated to insights about the behind-the-scenes dynamics, including how the two artists work together to achieve a realistic portrayal of musical performances. The episode also touches on the evolving nature of music in the show across its three seasons, maintaining a balance between established themes and fresh, new compositions.

Takeaways:

• On-set music, also known as diegetic music, is integral to character development and storytelling.
• Adrian Scarborough and Ian Arber discuss the challenges of integrating live music into performances.
• The collaborative relationship between actors and composers enhances the authenticity of on-screen music.
• Filming The Chelsea Detective involves creating individual stories that require unique musical scores.
• Both guests emphasise the importance of preparation and practice for on-set musical performances.
• The creative process involves balancing established themes with new ideas to keep the series fresh.

Connect with Gareth

Everything Music Room

• John Elleson-Hartley on Sound Discussion
• Ian's other The Music Room episode
• Ian on IMDb
• Adrian on IMDb

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Music Room newsletter

Mentioned in this episode:

The Sound Boutique

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

In this episode, Gareth chats with composer, songwriter and musician Rich Chance about negotiating techniques, following his own lead and getting the right kind of therapy.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by The Sound Boutique

Connect with Gareth

Everything Music Room

• Rich on YouTube
• ‎Rich Chance - Apple Music
• Rich Chance | Spotify
• Rich on Instagram
• Rich on Facebook

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Music Room newsletter

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

In this episode, Gareth chats with composer, producer and vocalist Karina Byrne about writing music for ads and sonic brands, and accidentally writing with Hans Zimmer.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by The Sound Boutique

Connect with Gareth

• The Music Room: Segun Akinola
• Neighbourhood Jukebox

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Music Room newsletter

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by The Sound Boutique

Connect with Gareth

Support The Music Room

Music Room newsletter

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

In this episode, Gareth chats with John Elleson-Hartley, who shares expert advice on mixing & mastering, and chats about the power of networking to nurture professional relationships

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by The Sound Boutique

Connect with Gareth

• Mixing, Mastering & Coaching with John Elleson-Hartley
• Help Musicians | Protect your hearing

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Music Room newsletter

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

In this episode, Gareth chats with drummer Rick Jupp about neuroplasticity, his 25 years as the drummer for Elbow and not using the word 'teacher'.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by The Sound Boutique

Connect with Gareth

• "Ain't No Superstition" - Chaka Khan/Stevie Wonder mashup by Toby James
• THE 9TEEN8TEES | LPM
• Rick's website

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Music Room newsletter

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.

This episode of the Music Room podcast is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Week, focusing on the mental health challenges faced by individuals working in the music industry. Gareth chats with composer Alex Attwood and head of charity Music Minds Matter Grace Meadows.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique.

Links

Alex’s website

Music Minds Matter

Connect with Gareth

Find out more about the Music Room community

Personal stories of inspiration from professional composers, songwriters and musicians.

In this episode, Gareth chats with vocalist Amelia Jones about moving to the other side of the world, singing on gaming soundtracks and doing things her way.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

Links

Amelia's website

Amelia on Instagram

Connect with Gareth

Support The Music Room Podcast

Find out more about the Music Room community

Personal stories of inspiration from professional composers, songwriters and musicians.

In this episode, Gareth chats with composer Alex Parsons about creating the sample library Trails, the Suzuki method and bunking off Geography.

Host: Gareth Davies

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

Links

Alex’s website

Intro to Trails (YouTube)

Buy Trails (gift code for an extra £10 off: MUSICROOM)

Connect with Gareth

Find out more about the Music Room community

Support The Music Room