Composer and pianist Jo Gendle dives deep into the sounds of grief and how it can transform into music, not as a dark experience, but as a means of connection and release. We explore the question of what grief truly sounds like when it weaves its way into our melodies. Through personal reflections and poignant stories, we see how Jo's journey with loss has shaped her music, beginning with the memory of a dear friend, Irene, whose influence led Jo to embrace singing and ultimately confront her own grief. As we talk about the cathartic power of music, Jo shares how her album emerged as a vessel for emotions that words often fail to capture, illustrating the profound relationship between loss and creativity. Join us as we uncover the delicate balance of vulnerability and expression, and discover how grief can resonate in unexpected, beautiful ways through sound.

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Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

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What matters more in music: technical skill or emotional feel? In this episode, we dive deep into this question with saxophonist and composer Toby James, who shares his experiences navigating the extremes of music, from composing on a deadline to performing spontaneously without sheet music. Toby makes a compelling case that skill and feel are not opposites but rather interconnected elements that can unlock each other. We explore how musical skill is essential for communication, while feel brings depth and authenticity to that communication. By the end of our conversation, we arrive at the idea that true balance between skill and feel might not be a simple 50/50 split, but rather a full embrace of both in harmony. Join us as we unravel this musical conundrum and discover how to blend technique with emotion in our creative endeavors.

Takeaways:

• In the realm of music, the debate between technical skill and emotional feel is ongoing and complex, as both elements play critical roles in creating impactful sound.
• Toby James emphasises that skill and feel should not be seen as opposites; rather, they can complement and enhance each other in the musical process.
• Listening and internalising musical elements are vital skills that underpin emotional expression in music, proving that technique can enhance feel.
• The journey of a musician often involves balancing their technical ability with the emotional aspects of music, creating a unique and personal sound.

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Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

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What is a podcast? This episode dives into the evolving definition of podcasting, as we explore how audio content is now intertwined with video, social media, and various platforms. We challenge the traditional notion that podcasts are solely audio delivered through RSS feeds, highlighting how many shows resemble TV productions with their viral video clips. Through conversations with industry professionals Charles Commins and Matt Cheney, we unpack the essence of a podcast, emphasising that it’s about intention - knowing who you're creating for and why. While some believe video enhances engagement, we argue that it shouldn't overshadow the core audio experience that makes podcasts unique. Join us as we navigate this complex landscape and determine what truly defines a podcast in today's media world.

Takeaways:

• Podcasts have evolved from simple audio files to complex content ecosystems that include video.
• The essence of podcasting remains in its audio-first approach, despite the rise of video content.
• Defining a podcast is tricky, as the term now encompasses a variety of formats beyond just audio.
• Creators should focus on their audience's needs and how video can enhance their message, not overshadow it.

• Charles' website: Vibrant Sound Media
• Matt's website: Kult Media

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Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

Mentioned in this episode:

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The Sound Boutique

Need music for your podcast?

Podcast Music Kits