BPM Pod

Vanda Essay, Shadow of the Colossus & DOOM soundtracks, and a drum mixing education

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

Interview: Ben Osborn on upcoming EP ’The Studies’

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. 

Ukrainian music special, Chris updates us on Weinhardt, plus music news

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

BPM Pod extra: Line 6 HX Stomp XL demo

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 

Lisa Akuah ’Outgrowing Nymph’ review + music we love right now

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)

BPM Pod Extra: Three great new songs - Sharon Van Etten, Caroline Polachek, Lisa Akuah

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

Special host Moves Johnson swings by, plus Mabloni music review and guitar tone talk

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 

What gear do you really need as a musician? Plus new music + Tara C Taylor review

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

BPM Pod Awards - end of year special

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

New music review special + our biggest musical mistakes

A review-packed episode this time, featuring music from a bunch of different artists including Cate Le Bon, Marissa Nadler, Big Thief, Cradle of Filth, Bodom After Midnight, Childish Gambino, In Flames, Anna of the North, Porcupine Tree, and even Justin Bieber. (Chris, are you feeling alright?) In the second half of the episode, we talk about our biggest musical mistakes, from being too drunk at gigs, right through to forgetting equipment. We all make mistakes, so let's learn from each other. On the next episode, it's the Christmas special, which means the BPM Pod awards. Stay tuned. Like BPM Pod on Facebook and Instagram. Timestamps 00:00:00 - ASMR and starting nonsense  00:02:10 - Proper introduction 00:03:25 - Chris gives an update on Weinhardt  00:07:25 - Christmas special preview and awards categories 00:09:10 - What we've been listening to (War on Drugs, Cradle of Filth, Childish Gambino, Blackpink, Bodom After Midnight) 00:14:00 - Our K-POP section (Chris talks Blackpink) #clicks 00:18:41 - Bodom After Midnight legacy 00:20:28 - Music reviews (Cate Le Bon, Big Thief, Marissa Nadler, Porcupine Tree, Anna of the North, In Flames, Justin Bieber) 00:36:40 - Shitting on Justin Bieber 00:44:30 - Biggest musical mistakes we have made 01:09:00 - Desert Island Playlist Music featured this week Cate Le Bon - Moderation (Official Video) - YouTube Big Thief - Time Escaping (Official Audio) - YouTube Marissa Nadler - Lemon Queen Porcupine Tree - Harridan (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube Anna of the North - Someone Special (Official Audio) IN FLAMES - I, The Mask (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO) The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber - Stay (Lyrics) Childish Gambino - Because the Internet Cradle of Filth - Crawling King Chaos' Blackpink - Pretty Savage