BPM Pod

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
 

Halloween special! Kris Sinister interview, ghost stories, plus the creepiest songs ever

It's time to get SPOOOOOOOOOKY. Joining this episode is a special co-host: the wonderfully talented, supremely knowledgable Kris Sinister. Kris talks about what music he's making these days, how horror inspires him, and joins in the discussion of the creepiest songs ever.
This one is not for the faint of heart as we delve into the world of scary music, including stuff from Wolf Eyes, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, The Cramps, ELO, Aphex Twin, Rob Zombie, Tom Waits, and Porcupine Tree. 
Plus, the gang talk about what they've been listening to, such as Ossuary, My Morning Jacket, and Lisa Peterson. 
More about Kris Sinister
Instagram - @mrsinisterkris
Facebook - @mrsinisterkris
Tiktok - Kris Sinister (@krissinister) TikTok | Watch Kris Sinister's Newest TikTok Videos
Timecodes
00:00:00 - "I don't have stuff..."
00:00:45 - Let's begin! New jingle
00:02:30 - Do you celebrate Halloween? How?
00:06:10 - What's That Riff?! = SOLVED! (Royal Blood)
00:07:15 - Kris Sinister joins!
00:12:00 - Ghost stories...
00:23:20 - Chupacabra rap
00:23:45 - What we've been listening to (Lisa Peterson, Ossuary, My Morning Jacket)
00:33:00 - Kris Sinister interview
00:42:40 - Creepiest songs ever (Cradle of Filth, The Cramps, Wolf Eyes, Tom Waits, ELO, Resident Evil OST, Silent Hill OST, War of the Worlds, Aphex Twin)
00:59:20 - Kris finishes us off with a history lesson
01:04:45 - Desert Island playlist (Ghost, The Beatles)
01:08:13 - End
Links to music we mention
My Morning Jacket - Regularly Scheduled Programming
The Ossuary - Ratking (Official Music Video) - YouTube
Ylvis - Old Friends [Official music video HD]
Soul Riders - Lisa Peterson | Official Music Video
Wolf Eyes--Half Animal, Half Insane - YouTube
Tom Waits - What's He Building - YouTube
ELO - Fire On High
Cradle of Filth - Satanic Mantra
Silent Hill 2 OST - Silent Heaven
Porcupine Tree - Heartattack in a Lay By (In Absentia)
Go Tell Aunt Rhody (RE7 Official Soundtrack Full Version) - YouTube 
Hurt - YouTube
I Was A Teenage Werewolf (Remastered)
Rob Zombie - Dragula (Official Music Video)