The Spirit Studios Podcast

As the UK's first school for music production and sound engineering, we certainly know what we're talking about. Expect conversations with our expert tutors, inspiring students and creative guests from the music industry. If you're looking to discover new artists, learn how to take your tracks to the next level or just want to get nerdy about synths, this is the podcast for you.

Student shoutout: In conversation with Toby McFarlane

Toby is in his first year studying BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management. After growing up performing and producing music he decided to study the operations of music industry, so far exploring publishing, live event planning and artists management. To build his experience and support his studies, Toby has started working in the industry as a show rep at renowned venues like YES and The Deaf Institute.

04-08
10:30

Student shoutout: In conversation with Issie Marsh.

Issie is finishing her first year studying BA (Hons) Popular Music, Songwriting and Performance. With 12 years of experience in music she decided to study with us at degree level to work towards her goal of being a full time artist. She has been making the most of the course, collaborating with other students on the course and performing at Open Mic nights around Manchester.

04-08
14:08

Student shoutout: In conversation with Cameron Lewis.

Cameron is an artist and producer who releases music under the pseudonym ‘Treks.’ Despite only being in his first year, he’s already made a serious name for himself performing at venues across Manchester, including a sold out gig Academy 3 before he was even studying at Spirit.

04-05
15:46

Student shoutout: In conversation with Tilly Mills

Tilly is finishing her first year studying Entrepreneurial Audio Production after finding her interest in sound for visual media and post-production. Inspired by the soundtracks of Hans Zimmer, and scores for games like ‘The Last of Us’ she loves how sound design and scores elevate the storytelling, and elicit a particular mood.

04-05
12:24

Student shoutout: In conversation with Gustavo Pinto

Coming to the end of his first year of Music Production with Foundation Entry, Gustavo has been making the most of his time at Spirit, creating his first sample pack, exploring different recording techniques in the studio, and embracing new genres when collaborating with students on compositions.

04-05
17:36

Student shoutout: In conversation with Bradley Green

If you’re a fan of the Northern grime scene, you’ll likely recognise third year Music Production student, Bradley aka ‘Blizzard.’ Starting out in Manchester grime collective ‘Mayhem’ he’s featured on platforms such as SB:TV, Fire in the Booth, and BBC Radio 1 Xtra. Nearly a decade later Bradley is back in the North West, coming to the end of his degree.

04-05
23:18

Student shoutout: In conversation with Lily Burrows

Getting ready for a summer of stage teching at festivals wasn't something Lilly would have expected two years ago. When starting her degree in 2022, she was a self-professed ‘studio kid’ but over the past two years she’s followed a route into live sound, something that’s surprised both herself and everyone else.

04-05
14:29

Student shoutout: In conversation with Corey Brown

Corey is a Producer and Rapper who releases music under the artist pseudonym ‘Superlative’. Despite still only being in his second year, he’s made a serious name for himself. With his latest release 'The Wave' surpassing 15.5 million Video Views on TikTok in just seven days, the future's certainly looking bright.Follow Corey: @official_superlative

03-16
15:31

Student shoutout: In conversation with Sarah Williams

Coming from a small town, it was no small decision for Sarah to pursue a career in live music - but she’s certainly not looking back. She's no stranger to the world of podcasting, having hosted, edited and promoted a number over the years. We sat down to hear all about her first year as a student at Spirit.Follow Sarah: @sarahwilliamsaudioListen to her podcast: @shoutlouderzineFind out more about Manchester Punk Fest: @mcrpunkfest

03-16
16:50

Student shoutout: In conversation with Drew Selby

If you’re a lover of the Northern indie-rock scene, you’ll likely know our third year Music Production student, Drew. Frontman for the well-renowned band Rosellas, he’s set for the world stage, having recently sold out a show at Manchester Academy. We managed to sit down with Drew in between tour planning and prepping for the 2023 Degree Show.Listen to Rosellas' latest track HIDEAWAY on all streaming platforms.Follow Rosellas: @rosellas.band

03-16
19:23

Student shoutout: In conversation with Harvey Bishop

Like a lot of our students, Harvey didn’t join us straight after leaving college. It was only in lockdown when he decided it was finally time to pursue his passion in recording and production. But with two years of study under his belt, he now has a huge variety of recording experience including piano and drums, as well as full bands and ensembles.Follow Harvey's journey: @HarveyBishopMusic

03-16
14:04

In conversation with: Corey Brown (Superlative, Rapper + Producer)

Al chats with rapper and producer Corey Brown, aka Superlative. Corey talks about his journey from producing bedroom beats to collaborating with Mr Scruff and touring with renowned hip hop collective The Mouse Outfit.Links to Corey's work:https://www.instagram.com/official_superlative/https://www.sprhub.com/

09-01
33:28

Student Showcase: Thomas Lowe

Tom produces music under the name Whitely and recently released his latest album, A Happy Place. He chats to Al about his production workflow, favourite synthesisers, and the wonders of making dance music with Gameboys.Listen to Whitely here: https://ptesquad.bandcamp.com/album/a-happy-place 

08-18
23:12

Making Tracks: Vaporwave

Join Al as he explores the nostalgic sound of Vaporwave, with sugar-coated synthesisers, dreamy reverbs, and surreal sampling techniques.  

08-03
20:52

Making Tracks: Nu-Disco

Get groovy with Al as he makes a Nu-Disco track in Ableton Live, complete with vintage strings, glittering arps, and funky 'chic' guitars.

07-21
17:30

Making Tracks: Dub Reggae

Get skanking with Al as he creates a dub reggae track in Ableton Live. WARNING: This episode contains heavy bass, booming drums, and psychedelic spatial effects.

07-07
20:55

In Conversation with: Ryan Davies

Al chats with producer, engineer and soon-to-be Spirit Studios graduate Ryan Davies. Ryan talks about his experience working in studios and at festivals, collaborating with artists, and developing his own business creating handbuilt plate reverbs. Follow Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubosound/

06-23
20:15

Making Tracks: Deep House

Join Al as he combines deep grooves, big bass sounds and chopped up vocal samples to create a banging modern deep house track. 

06-09
21:27

In conversation with: Vicky O'Neon, Drummer + Producer

Al chats with drummer and producer Vicky O'Neon who has performed with acts like Clean Bandit, Rachel K Collier and Hans Zimmer. In this episode Vicky talks about her work with non-profit music organisations Girls Rock London and Rock Donna and shares insights into her upcoming YouTube series 'Drumming Through the Decades'.Follow the link to see more from Vicky:https://linktr.ee/vickyoneon 

05-19
40:46

Making Tracks: Chillhop

Sit back and relax with Al as he uses Ableton Live to create a mellow chillhop track that combines elements of classic hip hop with lush instrumentation and lo-fi production techniques.

05-05
19:44

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