Gemma Turl

Adam joins Michael to discuss Above Average Clothing and its on-demand merch model, which helps emerging artists and grassroots musicians sell merchandise without paying for stock upfront.They explore the financial pressures facing independent bands today, from low streaming income and ticket splits to the rising cost of touring, recording, and building an audience. Adam explains how print-on-demand merchandise can reduce risk, remove upfront costs, and give artists more time to focus on writing, rehearsing, and making music.The conversation also covers the wider work Adam is doing to support emerging bands and independent artists, including creating sustainable, high-quality merch that artists can sell without holding inventory. Above Average Clothing offers bands creative control, shared revenue, and no unsold stock, making it a practical alternative to traditional bulk-order merchandise.[aboveaverageclothing +2]Adam also shares the personal importance of music passed down to him by his dad, and how he is now passing that same love of music on to his own son.#AboveAverageClothing#BandMerch#OnDemandMerch#EmergingArtists#GrassrootsMusicListen to Adam’s choice here on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/adam-above-average/pl.u-DdANN9eIaq3B11Or here on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5N2CTOhyqJduqbiu8qg3U8?si=GUs-2C_eSfeC-k_HVGwgzA&utm_source=copy-link&pi=zSU5I4IsQZuWB

Independent artist Shelle discusses reinvention, heartbreak, songwriting and building a music career later in life. She talks about working with Elliot Kennedy, creating emotionally honest pop, finding the right musicians, selling tickets, and the album tracks that shaped her sound—from Maria Mena and Pet Shop Boys to Peter Gabriel and All About Eve. A conversation for independent musicians, songwriters and anyone pursuing a creative path later in life.#IndependentArtist #Songwriting #MusicCareer #NewMusic #WomenInMusicListen to Shelle’s choice here on Apple :https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/shelle/pl.u-38oWW0ETPLz9MMOr here on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3773e1a1vgThUsg9xY6xit?si=xSzOIW6IQl6YAXSML7NRxg&utm_source=copy-link&pi=2VVWDrhRSvqhX

MARQelectronica on the songs that shaped him: from Loose Ends and Skunk Anansie to Massive AttackIn this episode of the podcast, UK electronic artist MARQelectronica shares the songs that shaped his life, sound and career. From the R&B classic “Don’t Be a Fool” by Loose Ends to the emotional intensity of “Weak” by Skunk Anansie, Mark reveals the music that helped him leave a dead-end job, rebuild his confidence and pursue a career as an independent electronic musician.MARQelectronica is a Newcastle-based singer, songwriter, producer and performer creating genre-blending electronic music. His sound combines electro, deep house, orchestral house-pop, R&B, dance and trip-hop, with influences including Freemasons, Goldfrapp, Gorgon City, Missy Elliott, Daft Punk and Massive Attack.Listen to MARQ’s choices here on Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/marq/pl.u-e98ll7EizdN088Or here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40AVZeqbN8mcu0gu2Glr60?si=wyudK7XWS0OJoH_lhN87AA&utm_source=copy-link&pi=pPBVfGRMRQ6EY

Pop Idol is just one chapter in Sarah Whatmore’s story , not the whole book. In this episode, Sarah shares the songs, memories, and turning points that took her from a young girl obsessed with Michael Jackson and the Human League to the artist behind “Hate”, “When I Lost You”, and the deeply personal “Guardian Angel”.Sarah traces her musical journey from the first time she saw Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and knew music was her future, to hearing the Spice Girls’ “2 Become 1” and manifesting a path that would eventually bring her into Simon Fuller’s orbit. She also opens up about:The emotional story behind “Guardian Angel”, written after losing her dad The Royal Albert Hall performance that turned a technical disaster into a career‑defining breakthrough How those experiences shaped her resilience, reinvention, and return to her own artistic voice 80s Classics, Dance Anthems, and the Soundtracks of a LifeYou’ll hear why:Chicane’s “Offshore” still feels like “sunset in a song” The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” became an instant, impossible‑to‑ignore classic Bryan Ferry’s “Slave to Love” was the perfect wedding dance track Michael and Sarah get wonderfully nostalgic about mixtapes, Top of the Pops, vinyl, and the kind of music that doesn’t just sound good , it transports you somewhere else entirely.Sarah also shares what still drives her today,Writing and collaborating with Sholz‑y Trusting her instincts in the studio &Releasing music only when it truly feels right If you love 80s classics, atmospheric dance music, or honest stories about resilience, reinvention, and finding your way back to your own artistic voice, this conversation is for you.Listen to Sarah’s song choice here:Apple https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/sarah-whatmore/pl.u-d2b00GZIM482JJSpotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73cF3xGD3JnfmXS4Oi2SkB?si=1OvgPQiLSzaDi3gE-PUnTQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=juoG9glSTqSbT

Alexis Strum is doing what the music industry told her not to do: making a bold, funny, deeply personal comeback on her own terms. In this podcast interview, the singer-songwriter behind tracks for Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens opens up about shelved albums, major-label detours, and how a 15-year hiatus, viral honesty, and a refusal to play it safe turned her from the internet’s favourite “nearly woman” into an actual one.In this conversation, Alexis talks about recording again, rediscovering why she loves making music, and the surprising freedom that comes with being older, more honest, and less obsessed with perfection. She shares the stories behind new projects including a cover of James’ Sit Down and an upcoming Billy Steinberg tribute album featuring songs like True Colours, Eternal Flame, and I Touch Myself.You’ll discover:​ Why she set a rule to never do more than three takes on any cover​ How Billy Steinberg’s songwriting shaped some of the biggest pop songs of all time​ What it feels like to have Kylie Minogue record one of your songs​ Why she believes the best pop comes from playfulness, silliness, and not taking yourself too seriously​ How Swim became her most personal song yet—and why it hits harder than a standard pop anthemAlexis also traces the artists that made her, from Joni Mitchell and Pearl Jam to Hole, Outkast, and Charli XCX, showing how her taste runs from grunge to glock-pop without missing a beat. She talks about growing up with appointment-to-view television, taping the charts off the radio, and why music still matters most when it feels communal, strange, and alive.This episode is a reminder of what happens when you stop waiting for permission. Alexis speaks candidly about being a single mum, balancing auditions, recording, and family life, and building a career that’s less about chasing trends and more about making work that genuinely connects. If you love great songwriting, pop with heart, and comeback stories that feel bigger than nostalgia, this one is essential listening.Perfect for fans of pop history, behind-the-scenes songwriting, and anyone who needs proof that it’s never too late to make something brilliant.Guest credibility: Alexis Strum is a UK singer-songwriter who has written for Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens, released long-awaited solo albums after a major-label hiatus, and built a cult following through her viral honesty and fearless approach to pop.Listen to Alexis’ song choices and some of here music on Apple Music here-https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/alexis-strum/pl.u-11zBBdbh8bl9PPOr on Spotify here-https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fKsvEUmLyc87XcJ5N2JUd?si=2sHXjHnrR326PLgbnxOGZg&utm_source=copy-link&pi=o3Hgf9e0RR-YB

Glasgow guitar bands, 90s anthems, and one killer new single – Allan and Colin from BEHR reveal the songs that shaped their sound and songwriting. If you love Oasis, The Stone Roses, Guns N’ Roses, or the thrill of discovering a new band that still feels dangerous, this episode hits the sweet spot.What starts as a chat about influences turns into a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional tour through the records that made them. From “Don’t Cry” getting them through grief, to “Whatever” as a lifelong favourite, to the Stone Roses moment that changed the direction of a musical life, the conversation keeps landing on the songs that don’t just sound good – they mean something.You’ll discover:• Why Allan and Colin describe BEHR as “Glasgow punk” and what that really means• The songs that formed their taste, from post‑punk and baggy to Britpop, hard rock and indie• How a handwritten tape, a bootleg cassette and an old radio session sparked a songwriting obsession• Why live music still matters most when a crowd starts singing back• What made “Start Tonight” connect immediately, and how their upcoming release “Social Media” is building momentumAllan shares the long road from first guitar chords to drums, band line‑ups, lost years, and finally getting BEHR into shape with real intent. Colin brings the brotherly fire, the gig memories, and the kind of blunt honesty only a sibling in the same band can get away with. Together, they argue the great musical debates – Oasis vs The Stone Roses, the power of a perfect anthem, and why some songs become part of your life forever.This episode is for anyone who still gets excited by a great chorus, still believes small venues can feel bigger than stadiums, and still thinks music is about memory as much as melody. Perfect listening if you’re into British guitar music, band stories, or an episode that leaves you with a playlist full of songs to revisit.Listen to the playlist on Apple & Spotify at the links below;https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/the-behr-playlist/pl.u-DdANN5BIaq3B11https://open.spotify.com/playlist/09sHehJ0B9eOBcF9P2j1Br?si=xuCFxviiSQ2sNlsLEWZxaQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=q13gT9IhRi6xt

Ash, the other Wilson sister, joins me from her home in Vancouver to talk about her love of music, her musical influences and teased some future musical projects.Listen to Ash’s choices & some of her own music Here on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43nfyFrvVCnuKaxH2KMvAq?si=lzmBe4T1TFOCcD10zT_FlQ&pi=uGyl1lNeSu6KjOr here on Apple:https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/ashs-playlist/pl.u-11zBBE3C8bl9PP

iC1s are a London indie rock band known for their energetic live shows and gritty, guitar-driven sound. They first built a following in the early 2010s before a long break, then returned with a reunion and a long-awaited debut album, *What Took You So Long?* Their story is one of unfinished business, comeback spirit, and loyal support from the UK indie scene. If you like your bands with attitude, history, and a proper London edge, iC1s fit the bill.In this episode I’m joined by Frontman Dan Coburn & Guitar Jesse James as they take time out of working of their second album to talk about the songs that shaped them.Listen to Dan & Jesse’s choices and their album “what took you so long here on Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/dan-jesse-from-ic1s/pl.u-11zBB7mi8bl9PPOr here on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4m4EcWHtMJAnB2IXuWePXH?si=eLeIEaSjR5qMB-iWw3Vehw&pi=_2kRBYcpQGqYj

In this episode Gemma Turl shares her fantastic song choices and her amazing memories attached to each.Listen to Gemma’s choices here: On Apple:https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/gemma-turl/pl.u-aZb00o9TPo3JxxOn Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wosMcIHzQxcGLYbP1IFVh?si=Z8sCnRuBS4O-ztkKjgGdiw&pi=hDElNMp1SriaH

In this episode, which is part of this years Podcasthon, I talk to Jamie Tyson about his music choices and his recent fundraising activity for the charity “Sands” who support people through the loss of a child. ** please be aware the episode discusses the sensitive subject of child loss. If you would like to donate and support Sands follow the link below.https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/s/64648/69475/ilisten to Jamie’s song choices on Spotify here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4j0o7tNTpPuxn386lQxiLl?si=fFAWYRUeSUGMvZsg4jDBPA&pi=SxGXg9zNQuizgOr listen to his choices in Apple music here:https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/jamie-tysons-playlist/pl.u-JPAZZlPFDGVb22