BPM Pod
Giving a voice to unsung musical talent. Join musicians and music lovers Ashley Scrace Wendel and Chris Weinhardt as they discover the lessons, inspirations and tips behind great musicianship. Plus, you‘ll hear some of the latest music reviews, of music both famed and not, plus you‘ll have a few laughs along the way down various deep rabbit holes (which, quite frankly, don‘t always relate to music).
Episodes

Thursday May 05, 2022
Thursday May 05, 2022
On this episode, the boys dedicate half the runtime to the Behringer Vintage Time Machine - a guitar pedal they adore, despite it being a copy of my a more expensive Electro Harmonix one. Chris teaches you a bit about how delay works, and how it can add to your overall sound, no matter what instrument you play. Plus they review new music from Emma Elisabeth, Bon Iver, and Son of a Pixel, as well as catching up with the funky 'Superbloom' by Misterwives. There's a tonne of fun in the Fact or Fiction segment too, this week focusing on classic rock myths. Got any Fact or Fiction questions for the guys? Send them in via Instagram or Facebook. Oh, and there's a bit of talk about dildos and sponsorship. It's weird, but it passes within a few minutes. Music on this episode MisterWives - SUPERBLOOM (Official Visualizer) Tessa Violet & MisterWives - Bored (Official Quarantine Video) Bon Iver - Second Nature (From 'Don’t Look Up') (Official Audio) Son of a Pixel - DIGIHELL (Official Video, 2022) - YouTube Emma Elisabeth - Some Kind Of Paradise (Official Music Video)

Friday Apr 08, 2022
Friday Apr 08, 2022
Packed episode with the guys this time, touching on a bunch of stuff in quick succession. What we've been listening to The delightful Tonight from Vanda Essay gets a spin and a bit of chat We cover other artists we've loved recently, including Son of a Pixel, Poor Man's Poison, and Pluralone 8 Bit Wonderland We look at some of the computer game soundtracks we love, with the featured soundtracks this time being the 2016 DOOM soundtrack by Mike Gordan, and the Shadow of the Colossus soundtrack by Kow Otani. Plus, Zelda gets more than a quick mention, by way of Half Life (you'll see how). Chris's drum mixing education Long chunk of the episode is dedicated to drum mixing tips, from minimising mic bleed, to determining the space you record in, to how samples are created, to how music is a constant fight in balancing frequencies. Really interesting deep dive into an area of expertise that is not talked about enough (and a big shout out to Chance Bair of HEAVY HEAVY for bringing this one up). Music featured in this episode Vanda Essay - Tonight (feat. Joni Saksala, Camilla Meisterjahn, Simon Löschke, Livia Thauer & Theo Hartmann) Providence - YouTube Shadow of the Colossus Remake FULL Soundtrack - YouTube DOOM - Original Game Soundtrack - Mick Gordon & id Software - YouTube Son of a Pixel - BUGFIX (Official Video, 2022) - YouTube Feeder - Come Back Around - Official Video - YouTube Rihanna - Umbrella (Orange Version) (Official Music Video) ft. JAY-Z - YouTube Forest Temple - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time - YouTube

Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Ben talks about learning a new recording process during the pandemic, on the influences of David Byrne and how underrated Byrne is as a lyricist, and how honoured Ben is to work with the wonderful Josephine Stephenson on an upcoming opera. Check out more of Ben's music at http://ben-osborn.com/ And put 15 April in your diary for the new EP. We'll review it on the show in the future.

Monday Mar 14, 2022
Monday Mar 14, 2022
A bunch of stuff on this packed episode with the guys. Yes, while this is a music podcast, none of us can avoid what's going on in the world at the moment, so Ashley and Chris spend a bit of time in the beginning talking about that and the sadness of it all. Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. But to try and celebrate Ukraine a bit, Ashley mentions some of the wonderful Ukrainian music he's been listening to including Postman, Me'Leron, Poweder Echo, Mandarinaduck, House of Flowers, and Jinjer (by Chris' request). Big shout out to The Quietus for their excellent article around Ukrainian music, and to Rolling Stone for their feature. Check them out. The special guest this week is Chris himself, who talks about getting out gigging again, the energy he's gotten from as we emerge from COVID lockdowns, and where we can check out Weinhardt going forward. Plus, we mention the latest music news of Epic Games acquiring Bandcamp (read more here), and the tracks that have caught our attention including Ed Sheeran, xxxtenacion, and Sabaton Music featured on the episode this week: Powder Echo - https://powderecho.bandcamp.com/album/bung Mandarinaduck - https://mandarinaduck.bandcamp.com/album/long-life Me'Leron - https://meleron.bandcamp.com/album/r Postman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXlPVhm4HDI House of Flowers - https://hofbandukraine.bandcamp.com/releases Jinjer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQNtGoM3FVU Stormtroopers - YouTube Ed Sheeran - Overpass Graffiti [Official Video] - YouTube what are you so afraid of - YouTube

Monday Mar 14, 2022
Monday Mar 14, 2022
In this bonus edition of BPM Pod, Chris reviews, comments on the use of, and demos the Line 6 HX Stomp XL - a multi-effects guitar pedal, which is the smaller version of the Line 6 Helix unit. Say goodbye to ridiculous amps, hundreds of pedals, and a bunch of cables and potential gig issues. Say hello to everything combined in one small, handy, sturdy box. Find out more here: https://www.thomann.de/gb/line6_hx_stomp_xl.htm

Thursday Feb 17, 2022
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
On this edition, Ashley takes the reins for a solo podcast, reviewing the sublime debut album from Lisa Akuah titled 'Outgrowing Nymph' (out 25 February wherever you find good music). Plus, Ashley celebrates the music that has caught his attention recently, including Ben Osborn, Vizard, and Manchester Orchestra. The next episode of BPM Pod will be a little later than usual as the boys take a break. Check out past episodes wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch via Facebook and Instagram for more. Don't forget: the best reviews on Apple, Amazon etc. get free stuff! Music on this episode Ben Osborn (bandcamp.com) Vizard - Tornado https://open.spotify.com/track/4E6qB3GtzZ1oINFR5mUCH9?si=60a5a71bcfb34598 Manchester Orchestra - Angel Of Death (Live) – The Stuffing at Fox Theatre Atlanta - YouTube Manchester Orchestra - Telepath (Live) – The Stuffing at Fox Theatre Atlanta - YouTube Outgrowing Nymph | Lisa Akuah (bandcamp.com)

Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Quite shoutout to three incredible artists, two rather well known, and one who certainly should be more well known. For more BPM Pod, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a review and we'll read it out on the show, plus send you a thank you gift! Music in this episode Caroline Polachek - Billions (Official Video) - YouTube Lisa Akuah - Fluid Suits [Official Video] - YouTube Sharon Van Etten - Porta (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - YouTube

Friday Feb 04, 2022
Friday Feb 04, 2022
Big thanks to Moves Johnson for stopping by the podcast this week to tell us about his upcoming musical projects, one of which involves his grandfather and an orchestra to boot. Plus, the gang reviews the music that's caught their attention including stuff from Jim James, Lane 8, Aesop Rock, and more. Also, Ashley reviews the latest release from psych-singer-songwriter Mabloni called 'Lotta Freaks', available from 11 February on all streaming platforms. And to round off the episode, the gang talk all things guitar gear, as they choose some of their favourite guitar tones before advising how you can achieve them. For more about Moves Johnson: www.movesjohnson.com For BPM Pod on social media: @BPMPod And for the BPM Pod Desert Island Playlist, head to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ES1QBww3CwmmzPf8sXbDL?si=4409e10c7b5841e2 Music featured in this episode Tame Impala - The Less I Know the Better (Official Audio) Same Ol' Road - Dredg - YouTube Porcupine Tree - The Incident - YouTube Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger (Official Video) - YouTube Queens of the Stone Age - Turnin On The Screw - YouTube The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary - YouTube Queen - I Want It All (Official Video) - YouTube Lane 8 - Reviver (Official Visualiser) Ricky Reed, Jim James & Duendita - Us (How Sweet It Was) (Official Audio) - YouTube The Chemical Brothers - Wide Open ft. Beck (Official Music Video) - YouTube Aesop Rock - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HEq8UqrujM

Saturday Jan 29, 2022
Saturday Jan 29, 2022
On this episode, the guys talk at length about what musical gear and equipment you really need if you're starting out on your musical journey, from pedals, to cables, to the instrument itself. Definitely worth a listen for amateur musicians, and any pros who might be having some gear-hoarding issues! (Spoiler: you NEVER need as much gear as you think to be a good musician.) Plus, there's new music reviews of Lazer Beam, Julien Baker, Muse, Limp Bizkit, Volbeat, and one of Berlin's best darlings, the wonderful Tara C. Taylor with her newest release 'Under the Influence: A Tribute to 40 Years of Depeche Mode'. Music in this episode Tara C. Taylor - Under the Influence: A Tribute to 40 Years of Depeche Mode - YouTube Julien Baker - Hardline - YouTube Muse - Muse - WON'T STAND DOWN (Official Video) - YouTube Limp Bizkit - Dad Vibes - Sing Along by Marcelo - YouTube Lazer Beam - Lazer Beam - Turn N Burn (2021) (New Song) - YouTube

Sunday Dec 26, 2021
Sunday Dec 26, 2021
It's time for the BPM Pod End of 2021 Special! This means it is time for the BPM Pod Awards (categories and winners tagged below). Plus, we review Chris's year on Spotify (spoiler: he likes 21 Pilots), we talk Christmas music that we love (spoiler again: The Darkness), and we chat about random nonsense along the way. Also, there's a quick chat about Avril Lavinge's newest single 'Bite Me' and how it transports us back to our naive, dumb years in the early 2000s. Before we list the awards, thank you to everyone for supporting this podcast. Don't forget: we're not monetized, and we do this only to connect with you, whether you're a musician or music fan. Whoever you are, wherever you are, thank you. Be safe, take care, and speak to you in 2022. Now... prizegiving time! (Note: your prizes are nothing. Sorry. Use our praise on your own PR material or something.) Recurring guest of the year - Chance Bair Tracks of the year - shortlist includes anything from Alexi Laiho, Shy Away by 21 Pilots, Harmonia's Dream by The War On Drugs, In Color by My Morning Jacket (especially the live version at Forest Hills), Hunger In Your Haunt by Biffy Clyro. But the ultimate winner for Ashley: Litte Things by Big Thief @pitchperfectpr) Album of the Year - (Chris's pick) Scaled and Icy by 21 Pilots; (Ashley's pick) I Don't Live Here Anymore by The War On Drugs. Honourable mentions: Wolf Alice, Manchester Orchestra, Black Country New Road Artists to watch - Lisa Akuah, D. $ahin, Samantha Crain, Natasha Jaffe Timecodes 00:00:00 - Show begins 00:02:09 - New gear purchases inc. XLN Audio 00:04:20 - What we've been listening to (Blink 182, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Caroline Polachek) 00:11:35 - Chris reveals his End of Year Spotify list 00:16:08 - Christmas songs inc. The Darkness 00:21:57 - BPM Pod Awards 00:47:50 - We talk Avril... 00:52:45 - A heartfelt thank you Music mentioned on this episode Caroline Polachek - Bunny is a Rider (Official Video) - YouTube Low - White Horses - YouTube FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE - The Violation (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) - YouTube Twenty One Pilots - Shy Away (Official Video) - YouTube PERIPHERY - Marigold (Official Music Video) - YouTube The Darkness - Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End) (Official Music Video) - YouTube HEAVY HEAVY - Red Canvas (Official Video) - YouTube The War On Drugs - I Don't Live Here Anymore (feat. Lucius) [Official Music Video] - YouTube Shine - YouTube Camel Song - Live from "Cello in Bloom" Release Concert - YouTube Samantha Crain - Bloomsday - YouTube Lisa Akuah - We Will Pass [Official Video] - YouTube Avril Lavigne - Bite Me (Official Video) - YouTube

About Ashley & Chris
Ashley is a communications professional, voiceover artist, and (sometimes) a musician, based these days in Malmö, Sweden.
Chris is the founder, songwriter, vocalist and guitarist with the band Weinhardt. Chris is also a guitar tutor and video maker, baased just outside of Berlin, Germany.