The Music That Shaped Us

This week’s guest is our final Slam Dunk festival act, I know what you’re thinking, Slam Dunk was AGES AGO! But I’m dragging it out because I’m not ready to accept we’ve got like 8 months to wait until festival season starts again. Joining me for this episode is Harry Hoskins from UK pop-punk band, Weatherstate. In the episode we talk about how bands like Green Day and Linkin Park opened the doors to a whole new world of music, his favourite venue in his hometown and just how much it meant to play Slam Dunk after covid ruined everything for a year. As mentioned previously, this was recorded at Slam Dunk Festival so the episode is a little shorter than normal and there’s a whole lot of background noise, but I hope you enjoy it all the same! 

This week it’s episode three of the special Slam Dunk festival snippets and joining me is Ash Wilson from Blackpool’s finest, Boston Manor. In the episode we talk about his early days of dancing to the Grease Soundtrack, the influential Myspace era and then we kind of emotionally gushed about Halsey for a few minutes at the end. What more did you expect? Just a reminder that with these episodes, they are a little shorter than normal and there is some background noise from the stages around us, but I hope you enjoy it all the same!

This week’s guest is another act who graced the stages of Slam Dunk festival earlier this month and a band that are making some real moves in the alternative world right now. It is of course Doll Skin. In the episode I speak with Sydney all about their adoration for One Direction, the wild years of Tumblr (we’ve all been there) and their favourite thing about being in a band. Meghan also dropped in at the end to shout out some of her favourite bands too.

I'm back! After a little break, I thought I'd kick off the new round of episodes by heading to Slam Dunk Festival and having a chat with a few special guests, the first of which is Tobi Duncan from Trash Boat.  In the episode we talk about how our older brothers influenced our music tastes and the almighty impact that The School of Rock movie had on him. Trash Boat may not exist because of that film, which is mad when you think about it. Now, interview time with bands at festivals is very limited so this episode are going to be short and sweet but just as much fun as they usually are, promise. Also, forgive the noise, we were at a festival after all and had a stage either side of us, but you gotta work with what ya got.

Joining me this week is Bethany Hunter from the amazing As December Falls. Their new album, 'Happier', is out TODAY (6th August) so make sure you give it a spin once you’ve listened to the episode. I had a lot of fun chatting to Bethany about growing up as a bit of a goth kid, how it feels to be a female within the alternative music scene and naturally we talked about our adoration for Paramore and Hayley Williams. Is it even a podcast episode if I don’t mention them?

Cassie Fox is an integral part of the DIY grassroots music scene and is doing incredible things to get women's voices heard both on and off stage, so it was an honour to have her on the podcast! In the episode we talk about her love of Madonna and pop music, what it was like playing at Glastonbury and how you're never too old to follow your dreams. 

Joining me this week is Thomas Coe-Brooker from DIY grit-pop trio, Snake Eyes. You may also recognise him from his days spent in Yearbook and as an incredible live music photographer. Honestly it’s quite offensive how talented he is. In the episode we get a look into his childhood – which yes, involved ballroom dancing – as well as hearing his tales from tour and the festival moment that changed his life. He’d also like me to mention that he completely forgot to talk about Coldplay, so just so you’re aware, he loves them too. It’s a long one this week, so go grab a cuppa and settle down for my chat with Thomas Booker.

Joining me this week is rising singer-songwriter, Cian Ducrot. Some of you may know him from TikTok, but believe me, he’s so much more than just another viral star. His voice is stunning and in this episode we go more in-depth about his classical training, how he found his strength as a songwriter and his experiences of music growing up.

Yes, it's another Welsh band, but what can I say? They make good music! This week's episode featured David Bassey (yep, a relation to Shirley!) and we go in-depth about his old-school music tastes, his favourite festival moment and the reason behind the band's flamboyant style.

This week I'm joined by Adam Young from indie-rock band, The Howlers. If you’re one for scuzzy, desert-rock vibes and vintage sounds then this is a band for you. In the episode we talk about following your passions, the Portsmouth music scene and his love of afro-funk. He was also in the car on the way back from Ikea, but personally I think the sound of the sat nav adds a nice touch.