Send us a text

Garland Lo takes us on a personal journey through the vibrant musical landscape of his youth, growing up amidst the eclectic sounds of his London household. With a nod to nostalgia, Garland recalls his auntie's love for country tunes and the bold Britpop rebellion of Oasis that shaped his songwriting vision. Discover how iconic albums like the Beatles' "Revolver" and the swagger of the Gallagher brothers fueled his creative fire, leading to a rich tapestry of over 180 songs. Garland shares the serendipitous moments of inspiration that drive his songwriting, highlighting the delicate balance between catchy melodies and compelling storytelling.

But the journey doesn’t stop with Garland’s past. We explore his current artistic endeavors, from crafting evocative music videos with a DIY flair to ambitiously planning future releases. Garland's commitment to releasing four singles a year pushes him to explore new musical frontiers, leaving us with a sense of anticipation for what's next. As he reflects on his evolution from teenage aspirations to pushing production boundaries, the excitement in his voice is contagious. Don't miss the chance to hear directly from Garland about his growth and future plans, as he invites listeners into his world of nostalgic and hopeful love.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

Ever wondered how a white MacBook and GarageBand could spark a musical journey? Meet Malia DelaCruz of CIAO MALZ, a talented musician from Brooklyn, who takes us through her captivating origin story. From her childhood fascination with instruments like the piano and clarinet, to those early days of crafting songs with the hum of background TV and basketball games, Malia reveals how he discovered his unique creative process. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing distractions and letting go of overthinking to allow musical ideas to flow with ease.

Malia's narrative unfolds as we explore her evolution from band member to solo artist. Listen as she recounts the serendipitous encounter with the band Frog and the label Audio Antihero, which opened doors to dream collaborations. Transitioning from collaborative projects to solo endeavors, Malia shares the liberating yet challenging experience of finding her voice and style. Her heartfelt EP Safe Then Sorry, showcases her growth as an artist and her commitment to creating richer musical textures.

Navigating the world of music production and performance, Malia offers insights into the balance between technical skills and songwriting. From opening gigs for bigger bands to receiving uplifting feedback from peers, her journey is filled with motivational moments that inspire aspiring musicians. Emphasizing the importance of consistency, discipline, and seizing opportunities while maintaining one's unique charm amidst a world of repetitive patterns. Join us for this lyrical journey, celebrating individuality and the allure of CIAO MALZ's irresistible presence in the music scene.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

Lucas Mayo, affectionately known as Pickle Darling, shares the musical journey that took him from strumming a ukulele in his primary school days to becoming a defining voice in the indie pop scene. We explore the powerful impact of DIY ethos, drawing inspiration from artists like Dylan of Bedbug, and how these influences have shaped his distinctive sound. Lucas offers a candid glimpse into his time at music school, where songwriting became his refuge, and discusses the collaborative spirit that fuels his projects.

Continuing our conversation, Lucas reveals the art of embracing limitations to craft authentic music from his home studio. We dissect the evolution between his albums, "Cosmonaut" and "Laundromat," highlighting a shift towards a spontaneous, raw style that captures the essence of daily inspiration. Lucas offers a peek into his latest project, where experimental recording techniques take center stage, showing his relentless dedication to evolving his sound. Our discussion also reflects on the synergy between songwriting and production, underscored by his experiences with the legendary band The Bats, which transitioned him from studio work to vibrant live performances.

Performing live, Lucas finds a unique connection with audiences, from intimate solo shows to energetic band settings. He shares his admiration for Billy Bragg, whose simple yet impactful performances inspire Lucas's own aspirations. With exciting future projects on the horizon, including an upcoming album and a video game soundtrack, Lucas promises to push the boundaries of his creativity while keeping accessibility at the forefront. As we conclude, we celebrate the vibrant community that surrounds the podcast, leaving listeners eager for the new chapters yet to unfold.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

Eden Sierotnik from COOL HEAT transports us into the beating heart of Chicago's music scene. Born amidst the vibrant streets of Chicago, Eden's journey from high school bands to being awestruck by iconic venues like the Aragon Ballroom is nothing short of captivating. Through Eden's eyes, listeners gain a unique perspective on how Chicago's rich musical history, with its roots in genres like post-punk and shoegaze, continues to thrive. Despite the challenges that have arisen post-pandemic, including the decline of DIY venues, Chicago's music festivals and the energy they generate keep the city's spirit alive, offering a fertile ground for both new and established artists.

Dive into the creative processes that shape Eden's music-making world. With a keen focus on balancing consistency and the need to recharge creatively, Eden shares insights into how platforms like Spotify can play a role in an artist's journey to success. As the conversation flows, we uncover Eden's evolution from crafting intricate studio recordings to developing a more direct sound he fondly calls "dream punk." The transition is inspired by the electric energy of live performances, and Eden offers us a fascinating glimpse into how these studio creations metamorphose on stage to offer an immersive, organic experience for audiences.

Eden opens up about the complexities of songwriting and collaboration, especially highlighted in tracks like “Change" on Abandoned. His meticulous approach to vocal production, from initial whispers to confident performance, reveals a journey of growth and introspection. With choir classes boosting his confidence, Eden has embraced the transformative power of vocal processors for live shows, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The exploration doesn't stop there; Eden discusses the potential of revisiting older tracks, keeping his music fresh and resonant for fans, ensuring every live performance is as exhilarating as the last.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

Ever wondered what it takes to keep the creative spark alive amidst the hustle of life? Join us as we chat with Drew Danburry of Icarus Phoenix, who shares his incredible journey from a spontaneous songwriting moment at his brother's house to performing over 800 shows and releasing 400 songs. Drew provides a candid look into his world, revealing how his love for music and songwriting became a vital form of self-expression. He talks about the challenges and joys of forming a band, organizing performances, and nurturing creativity through an organic songwriting process. With personal anecdotes and reflections, Drew sheds light on how interactions with different generations inspire his music, especially the storytelling woven into each album's first track.

As Drew and Icarus Phoenix emerge from a whirlwind Japanese tour, we explore his remarkable achievement of recording 40 songs in just three days. Despite facing mental exhaustion and a guitarist's wrist injury, the band is steadfast in their creative journey, with plans to release singles over the coming year. We also get a glimpse into Drew's personal transition from barbershop owner to his current role at Old Bank Barbers in Baltimore, where he welcomes visitors for both haircuts and engaging conversations. This episode celebrates the resilience and passion that fuels Drew's pursuits, both musical and personal, while building anticipation for what Icarus Phoenix has in store for fans.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

What if the key to understanding life's circular beauty was found in an apple orchard? Join us as we explore the artistic world of Graham Ereaux of Devarrow, an indie singer-songwriter hailing from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, whose music is deeply rooted in nature and folk traditions. Graham takes us on a journey from his bohemian upbringing to the European tours that tested his introverted spirit. Through a series of candid reflections, he reveals how his teenage angst and freedom forged the path for his creatively charged life. From his first song, "The Apple Tree," to planting a real orchard, Graham's story is a poignant reminder of how art and life intertwine in unexpected, meaningful ways.

Graham also unlocks the secrets behind his songwriting process and the evolution of his musical voice. We uncover how the pandemic has left its mark on his work, influencing the themes of his albums "A Long Distant Wave" and "Heart-Shaped Rock." Both projects capture contrasting essences of the human experience, from the solitude of 2020 to the joy of unbridled freedom. As Graham gears up for a Canadian tour, he shares his excitement about performing with a full band, promising to bring his latest songs to life on stage with newfound energy. Tune in to hear Graham's refreshing perspective on music, life, and everything in between.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

SJ Riedel from Dutch Mustard takes us on an emotional and musical journey that began at eight years old, all sparked by the iconic film "School of Rock." Her story is a testament to passion and perseverance, from diligently saving up for her first guitar to mastering classical compositions in the Netherlands. After moving to the UK, SJ's transition to rock music marked the beginning of a new chapter, where early songwriting and an unforgettable school talent show win set the stage for her burgeoning career.

In our conversation, SJ opens up about the pivotal shift from band member to solo artist. After forgoing traditional college in favor of a sound engineering apprenticeship in London, she discovered a new world of creative possibilities. The isolation of the COVID lockdown, though challenging, offered her a unique opportunity for self-reflection and musical innovation, resulting in 20 demos and a debut EP. SJ's narrative highlights how this time of solitude was a catalyst for finding her authentic voice and artistic identity.

Listeners will be inspired by SJ's resilience as she navigates the music industry, embracing authenticity and collaboration with artists like Steve Milbourne and Gang of Youths' guitarist. Her story of overcoming personal struggles and the serendipitous connections that shaped her career is truly uplifting. With upcoming live performances, recording sessions, and new music releases on the horizon, SJ embodies the power of positive energy and creative collaboration. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, exciting plans, and the unwavering passion that fuels SJ's musical journey.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc

Send us a text

What drives an artist from secretive teenage recordings to captivating live performances and recording contracts? Join us as we embark on a journey with Matthew Thomas Dillon, the creative mind behind Windmill, whose musical evolution has been nothing short of transformative. Matthew shares his story about moving from quiet four-track sessions to the spotlight. Through a conversation rich with Matthew's personal insights, discover how an unexpected love for pop music shaped his songwriting.

Unveiling the whirlwind of emotions behind releasing a debut album, we navigate Matthew's reflections on the unexpected praise and the introspective process of music creation. The stories behind tracks like "Tokyo Moon," "Replace Me," and "Boarding Lounges" reveal their deeper significance, serving as reminders of ambition and new beginnings. This chapter captures the delicate balance between personal detachment and artistic expression, where Matthew's blend of poetry and subconscious creativity turns his music into intimate memories or snapshots of life, rather than mere songs.

In a heartfelt exploration of artistic fulfillment, Matthew shares how the purchase of an acoustic piano reignited his passion for music creation. He discusses integrating classical piano into his work, leading to a unique approach of releasing multiple versions of tracks on Bandcamp. Additionally, his innovative vocal techniques highlight the importance of authenticity and genuine emotion, painting a vivid picture of an artist dedicated to capturing raw, unique qualities in music. Tune in to experience Matthew's journey through the struggles and triumphs of a music career, leaving listeners inspired by the power of personal expression.

Support the show

linktr.ee/colleyc