Episode Summary: In this insightful and uplifting episode, host James Cox sits down with UK-based electronic artist MarQ Electronica (aka Mark Dickinson) for an open conversation about music’s healing power, battling depression, and creating during turbulent times. MarQ Electronica discusses his journey from band life to solo artistry, the nuances of electronic music, his creative rituals, and offers practical advice for aspiring musicians. The episode is filled with stories about musical discovery, cross-genre appreciation, and how music communities support one another through tough times.

Key Topics:

• Mental Health & Music:
• James opens with a message about the importance of mental health and introduces the episode’s sponsor, BetterHelp. Both James and MarQ Electronica reflect on how music is vital in facing life’s ups and downs.

• MarQ Electronica’s Story:
• From playing in bands to launching a solo career during the pandemic.
• The origins and meaning behind the artist name "MarQ Electronica".
• Growing up in Teesside and now living in Newcastle, England.

• UK Music Scene:
• The vibrant and diverse genres appreciated in the northeast of England — from metal to grime, house, and dance.
• Experiences performing at multi-genre venues and the inclusive spirit of UK audiences.

• Electronica vs. EDM:
• MarQ Electronica explains the differences, creative process, and the emotional depth that electronica brings to modern electronic music.

• Songwriting & Inspiration:
• Using personal and political struggles as songwriting fuel.
• The origin of his album Savage Times and single "Next to Nothing," focused on the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.
• Balancing heavy lyrical themes with uplifting, danceable beats.

• Navigating COVID as a Musician:
• The challenges of lockdown, caring for family, and keeping creativity alive.
• Transitioning to virtual performances and leveraging platforms like TikTok.

• Creative Rituals:
• Insights into MarQ Electronica’s studio set-up, workflow, favorite creative snacks and drinks, and his process for building tracks from sample packs.

• Musical Influences:
• Love for late-80s/90s dance, acid house, R&B, and artists like Janet Jackson, Eurythmics, Brand New Heavies, Human League, and Goldfrapp.
• The importance of keeping an open mind and exploring genres outside your comfort zone.

• Charity Projects:
• Involvement with Musicians Against Homelessness, collaborating with local artists and contributing to charity compilation albums.

• Fun Questions & Rapid Fire:
• Dream festival experiences.
• Karaoke favorites ("Don’t You Want Me" by Human League).
• Music snobbery and promoting inclusivity in the music community.
• Vinyl vs. streaming, favorite beverages, and musical pet peeves.

• Upcoming Releases & How to Connect:
• MarQ Electronica teases upcoming music blending deep house, trip-hop, and grime influences, and invites listeners to follow him for new releases.

Resources & Links:

• BetterHelp Offer: Get 10% off your first month: BetterHelp.com/MusicSpeaks
• MarQ Electronica’s Music & Links:
• Website: marqelectronica.com
• SongWhip: Search "SongWhip MarQelectronica" for all streaming platforms
• Linktree: "linktr.ee/marqelectronica" for all media and socials

Listener Takeaways:

• Keep an open mind to new genres—you never know what will resonate!
• Music and mental health go hand-in-hand; don’t be afraid to seek help or express yourself through art.
• Community and collaboration are key in music, especially during hard times.
• Support independent artists by purchasing music directly when you can.

Connect & Subscribe: Follow When Words Fail Music Speaks for more interviews, insights, and music discoveries.

Remember: When words fail, music speaks.

Welcome back to *When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast that battles depression with the healing power of music. In today’s episode we’re joined by rising indie rocker‑pop‑punk talent Zack King (yes, the one whose TikTok magic you love, now making waves with his own music).

We kick off with a quick word from our sponsor, BetterHelp, reminding listeners that affordable, flexible online therapy is just a click away—plus a special 10 % discount for our audience.

From there, host James “the professional handicapped” Cox dives into Zack’s personal journey: why escaping Minnesota’s bleak, long winters for Los Angeles’s perpetual sunshine transformed his mental health, how a loyal dog and daily walks became his daily dose of vitamin D, and why that sunny vibe now powers his new album Text‑Way‑Into‑Your‑Heart (dropping September 12).

Zack breaks down his genre‑spanning sound—rock, pop, and punk rolled into a fresh pop‑punk hybrid—while sharing his biggest musical influences, from Matchbox 20 to Paramore, and the role of writing, therapy, and honest lyricism in navigating anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

We also explore the modern music‑maker’s toolkit: Zack’s love‑hate relationship with AI, his DIY production experiments in Ableton, the grind of being an independent artist (merch, gigs, social media, and the relentless hustle of juggling day jobs), and why he’s staying indie for now.

Fans will hear Zack’s favorite cover stories, his hot‑take on music legends (Creed over Nickelback, Metallica over Megadeth), and a rapid‑fire round of “hardest questions” that reveal his guilty‑pleasure tracks and secret inspirations.

Finally, Zack teases upcoming tour plans on the West Coast, new merch drops, and where listeners can find his music, TikTok, Instagram, and more.

Tune in for a raw, authentic conversation about creativity, mental health, and the relentless pursuit of a song that truly resonates—because when words fail, music speaks. 🎧✨

Sponsor – BetterHelpQuick pitch + 10 % off code: betterhelp.com/music‑speaks

Show Intro Host explains the podcast mission – fighting depression with music.Guest Intro Kathy Bell (“Ma Bell”) welcomed; brief bio, multi‑genre musician.Recording Roots Works with producer Bob McGilpin at Tone Slinger Studio (Nashville) while living in Indiana.

Musical Influences Janis Joplin, The Beach Boys, early folk, wide‑range DJ knowledge (40s‑now).

Fishing Blues StoryOrigin of “Little Deuce Coupe” inspiration, fishing‑lure hat, humorous lyric anecdote.

Comedy + MusicKathy blends humor with music; community‑based mentoring, “humor‑and‑music” format.

Unexpected Inspiration – “Freedom Truckers”Writing/performing for truck‑driver rallies during COVID; feeling of historic unity.

COVID ImpactPersonal COVID infection, shift to virtual/Zoom, stress of losing live gigs.

Suicide Attempt & Musical RescueHealth battles, 30+ surgeries, a night at the piano, writing “Oh What a Friend” (later “It Matters to the Master”) that saved her life.

Mentorship, Karaoke & DJingHow friends pushed her into karaoke contests, costume scoring, DJ mentorship with Tammy  Lynn.

Faith & Higher PowerKathy credits God/higher power for the moment she didn’t follow through with suicide.

Mental‑Health TalkHost & guest discuss depression, suicide ideation, why sharing stories matters.

Piano RootsGrandfather was a pastor; church & prison‑ministry piano work; playing Johnny Cash’s piano.

Dream InstrumentKathy wishes to magically master the guitar (acoustic & electric).

Guitar CollectionShows off PRS guitars; loves the acoustic sound.

Fan Interaction – Assisted‑LivingTwo residents tried to “adopt” her; funny anecdote.

Upcoming Album – “Dreams Are Made in the USA”Release slated early July; story behind “Nashville Dreams” & message of perseverance.

Pre‑Show Ritual Prays before each show; quick vocal warm‑up.

Vocal Warm‑UpsSings, drinks water/tea/Coke for energy.

All‑Time Favorite ArtistsReba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn (country royalty).

Deep‑Feeling Song“It Matters to the Master” – how it moves her soul and listeners.

Host intro – “Music fights depression” & brief show premise

Meet Orville Stoeber – Composer for Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, The Year of the Flood, etc.

Politics & songwriting – why lyrics often reflect culture even when we try to stay “just music.”

Guitar talk – Taylor vs. nylon strings, why Orville prefers a nylon for his playing.

Story of Orville’s first Baby Martin & how a pawn‑shop moment shaped his early career.

Songwriting process – Voice first, then guitar, then words. The “Story Moon” vibe & why it feels “joyful.”

Scoring horror TV/film – How Freddy’s Nightmare and Let’s Scare Jessica to Death landed; director‑composer dynamics.

Money & royalties – The surprise of a $60 M franchise, the early $500 checks, and learning the business the hard way.

Speed‑writing a hit – The five‑minute song that became a movie staple; the role of inspiration.

Synesthesia & color – Orville sees colors when he writes; how black & white paint the song In Rehab with Persephone.

Alien‑theory question – What Orville hopes extraterrestrials would learn about humanity from his music.

Teenage room & early influences – No poster walls, a transistor radio, the love of solitude for writing.

Hardest‑to‑describe song – Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” & the emotional punch of Grace (Jeff Buckley).

Merch & shout‑outs – Orville’s shirts, hats, website (yearoftheflood.com) and where to find his music

(Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube).

In this episode, James Cox sits down with artist Sophia Warren to discuss the healing power of music and her personal journey with mental health. Sophia shares her experiences growing up with Hashimoto's disease, the role music played in her life, and the evolution of her music from her EP "Bloodstone" to her latest project "Adesso." They also delve into the nuances of musical genres, the impact of living in different cities like Austin, Texas, and Asheville, North Carolina, and the creative process behind their songs. The conversation touches on the challenges of navigating the music industry and the importance of authenticity.

Key Themes Discussed:

• Mental Health and Music: How music serves as a coping mechanism and a source of comfort during difficult times.
• Hashimoto's Disease: Sophia's experience with the autoimmune disorder from a young age, including the challenges of diagnosis and living with an invisible illness.
• Musical Evolution: The growth and development of Sophia's sound between her EP "Bloodstone" and her project "Adesso."
• City Influence: How growing up in Austin, Texas, and Asheville, North Carolina, shaped her musical style and storytelling.
• The Creative Process: Sophia's journey in finding her musical voice and working with producers.
• Artist Identity: Exploring themes of self-discovery, insecurity, and maturing as an artist.
• The Power of Connection: How music helps listeners feel less alone and understood.
• "Static" by Sophia Warren: A song that was cathartic to write and perform, dealing with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
• Dream Collaborations: Sophia's ideal collaborations with artists like Nat King Cole.
• Superpowers: Discussing what superpower music would have and its impact on the world.
• Fictional Dinner Party Guests: Steven Universe, Shaggy from Scooby-Doo, and Johnny Test.
• Mount Rushmore of Artists: Twelve Rods, The Cranberries, Kate Bush, and Radiohead.
• Musical Influences: The impact of movie posters and specific artists on her room decor and music taste.
• Unexplainable Feelings: The song "Illusion" by Henry Mancini as a piece of music that evokes feelings she can't articulate.

Guest Information:

• Sophia Warren: Artist, songwriter, producer.
• Find Sophia Online:
• YouTube: Sophia Warren Music (link may be under construction)
• Instagram: @SophiaWarrenMusic (or similar)
• TikTok: @SophiaWarrenMusic (or similar)
• Website: Sophia Warren Music (if available)

Sponsor Information:

• BetterHelp: Offering listeners 10% off their first month of therapy. Visit betterhelp.com/music speaks to get started.

Connect with When Words Fail Music Speaks:

• Follow them on their journey as they discuss the healing power of music, interview artists and bands, break down genres and music news, review artist biographies, and much more.
• Podcast Tagline: "When words fail, music speaks."

In this episode of the When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, host James Cox sits down with all four members of the band Jane Doe. The band members, Jake (drummer), Charlie (bassist), Izzy (singer and guitarist), and Zephry (guitarist), share insights into their creative process, the story behind their band name, and their experiences on tour. They discuss the dynamics of songwriting as a collective unit and the inspiration behind their music. The band also delves into their favorite artists and bands, sharing personal anecdotes and influences that have shaped their musical journey.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Jane Doe and the origin of their band name
• The collaborative songwriting process and contributions from each band member
• The influence of nature and personal experiences on their music
• Discussion on favorite musicians and bands that inspire them
• Insights into their music videos and the creative process behind them
• Upcoming projects and new music in the works

Connect with Jane Doe:

• Website: JaneDoe.band
• Instagram: @OfficialJaneDoe
• TikTok: @OfficialJaneDoeBand
• YouTube and Facebook: Search for Jane Doe

Music Featured:

• "Desperado" (Rihanna cover) available on iTunes and Spotify

Call to Action:

• Check out Jane Doe's music on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow them on social media for updates on new releases and tour dates

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to the When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast. Remember, when words fail, music speaks.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction:
• Host: James Cox
• Focus: Fighting depression with the power of music.
• Special Guests: Janne & Antti Wirman, former members of Children of Bodom and current members of Warman.

• Discussion Topics:
• Janne's journey from music to pursuing a career in architecture.
• The impact of AI on music and its potential future.
• Transitioning Warman from an instrumental band to having a lead singer.
• The unique chemistry and journey shared by the Warman brothers.
• Stage presence as a keyboardist and engaging with fans.
• Arranging music in melodic death metal and balancing guitar parts.
• Reflections on past creative decisions and cover songs.
• Designing a time capsule for Warman with non-musical items.
• Favorite bands and musical influences from their teenage years.
• Personal music preferences and guilty pleasures.

• Upcoming Release:
• Warman's new album "Band of Brothers" set to release on August 15th.

Connect with Warman:

• Follow Warman on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Closing:

• Thank you to Janne & Antti Wirman for joining the show.
• Encouragement to listeners to explore the healing power of music.

In this episode of "When Words Fail, Music Speaks," host James Cox interviews Brian Tatler, a prominent figure in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, known for his work with Diamond Head and Saxon. They discuss the evolution of metal music since the 1980s, the creative process behind iconic songs like "Am I Evil," and Brian's experiences with both Diamond Head and Saxon.

Key Topics:

• The evolution of metal music over the decades
• The creative process behind Diamond Head's music
• Brian's role and experiences with Saxon
• The resurgence of vinyl and recording techniques
• Personal anecdotes and influences from Brian's early years

Guest: Brian Taylor, guitarist for Diamond Head and Saxon

Highlights:

• Brian shares insights into the longevity and evolution of heavy metal music.
• Discussion on the impact of modern technology on music production.
• Brian's personal influences and favorite bands, including Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
• Reflections on the significance of Diamond Head's debut album, "Lightning to the Nations."

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on social media for updates and more content.
• Visit our website for additional resources and episodes.

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. Remember, when words fail, music speaks.

In this episode of The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, host James Cox interviews Jennifer Alvarado, a redefining country musician known for her unique blend of 90s country storytelling and alternative rock. Jennifer shares her journey of overcoming personal struggles and emerging as a relentless independent artist. She discusses her music, the inspiration behind her songs, and her mission to connect with audiences worldwide.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Jennifer Alvarado and her music style
• The importance of mental health and therapy
• Jennifer's journey in the music industry and her independent path
• The impact of music on mental health and battling depression
• Jennifer's experience with bullying and reclaiming her confidence
• Her involvement in the Break into Darkness Christian music festival
• The significance of her first guitar and her love for Taylor guitars
• Jennifer's favorite artists and musical influences

Featured Music:

• "Playing With Fire" album by Jennifer Alvarado
• Cover of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers

Connect with Jennifer Alvarado:

• Website: jenniferalvarado.com
• Instagram: @jenniferalvaradomusic
• Spotify: Jennifer Alvarado
• Facebook: Jennifer Alvarado Music
• TikTok: @jenniferalvaradomusic

Call to Action:

Follow The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast for more inspiring interviews and discussions on the healing power of music. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, host James Cox interviews Robin Jackson, a talented musician and new dad from Portland, Oregon. They discuss the impact of fatherhood on songwriting, the inspiration behind Robin's music, and his experiences with various bands. Robin shares insights into his journey as a musician, the importance of creating space for inspiration, and his involvement in the Songwriter Soiree community.

Key Topics:

• The influence of fatherhood on Robin's songwriting
• Robin's background in ethnomusicology and its impact on his music
• The formation and experiences with bands like March 4th and Vagabond Opera
• The Songwriter Soiree: A supportive community for songwriters of all levels
• Robin's collaboration with artists like Reggie Watts
• The vibrant music and creative scene in Portland, Oregon
• Robin's latest album, "Silver Lining," and his approach to releasing music

Guest Information:

• Name: Robin Jackson
• Location: Portland, Oregon
• Website: songwritersoiree.com
• Social Media: TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram

Music Featured:

• "October Rain" from the album "Dust Stars"
• Latest album: "Silver Lining" (2025)

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on social media for updates and more inspiring content.
• Visit our website for more episodes and information.

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast. Remember, when words fail, music speaks. Join us next time for more inspiring conversations and musical journeys.