Time For Heroes

A bit different this week as i sit in the hotseat and let Steve Nussbaum of The Fantastival Podcast grills me both on my heroes and on my fantasy festival line up!Wediscussed the journey of transitioning from a podcast listener to a podcaster, the challenges and persistence in booking guests, and the impact of early podcasting experience. It also explores the evolution of the podcast, memorable episodes and guest experiences, future plans, and flexibility in podcasting.I must say its a bit uncomfortable having the tables turned, i definetley prefer asking the questions!Also make sure you go listen to The Fantastival Podcast!The Fantastival Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyTakeawaysPodcasting as a medium for personal and professional growthThe impact of influential guests on the success of a podcastChapters00:00 Dinner Party Guest Selection: Henrik Larsson

This week on the podcast my guest is Simon Williams of The Samurai Seven, a band back after a 20 year hiatus, a new EP just released and a run of gigs supporting The Boo Radleys.We discussed Simon's early life and influences, exploring the local music scene and emotional investment in his local football team. The connection between music and football is also highlighted. The conversation covers the influence of Teenage Fanclub on songwriting and vocal harmonies, the experience of gigging and touring, the changes in the modern music landscape, and the process of songwriting and exploration of contemporary themes in music.As i said the band have a new EP which you can check out below:Make It Real - EP by The Samurai Seven | SpotifyGig wise they play Portmouth Wedgewood Rooms on September 20thThe Samurai Seven Portsmouth Tickets, The Wedgewood Rooms Sep 20, 2026 | BandsintownAs well as dates with The Boo Radleys in November (Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Lewes)And then Oslo Hackney in LondonThe Samurai Seven London Tickets, Oslo Hackney Nov 15, 2026 | Bandsintownand a hometown show in Oxford at The BullingdonThe Samurai Seven Oxford Tickets, The Bullingdon Nov 19, 2026 | BandsintownAnd check out their links below:InstagramFacebook

My next guest on the podcast is the amazing Colin MacIntyre aka Mull Historical Society.The conversation covers the early influences and music scene in Glasgow, the birth of Mull Historical Society, debut single and radio play, signing with Rough Trade and Geoff Travis, touring with The Strokes and festival performances, album creation and collaboration, and The Reindeer Section. The conversation delves into the journey of collaboration, the art of storytelling, and the influence of musical inspiration. It explores the connections and experiences that have shaped Colin's creative path, highlighting the significance of collaboration, storytelling, and musical influence in his work.As discussed Colin has a tour starting imminently and you can buy tickets here Mull Historical Societyand here is all the other links you'll need:Facebook FacebookMull Historical (@MullHistorical) / XInstagramInstagramMull Historical Society | Spotify

This week on the podcast I spoke to John Campbell of London band iC1's.The conversation covers the origins of iC1's, the band's influences, early beginnings, and the magic of their first rehearsal. It also delves into the challenges, recording of the 'Lowering the Tone' album (which subsequently was never released), and the band's reunion. The conversation covers a range of topics including the influence of age on music, changes in music release and consumption, the evolution of live music, the role of live shows in album sales, the shift in music promotion, upcoming album and shows, and as usual at the end John chose his heroes!Ticket links below for upcoming gigs as well as all their socials:iC1s - UniverseTickets: iC1s, London | Sat, 27 Feb 2027, 19:00 | Ticketmaster UKInstagramFacebookic1sofficial (@ic1sofficial) | TikTokiC1s - YouTubeHome | iC1sIC1s | Spotify

% years in the making i finally speak to Danny McNamara of Embrace, a band i've followed from the beginning in a career spanning 30 years so far!We discussed everything including his childhood, musical influences, struggles with OCD, and the band's journey through success, setbacks, and creative renewal. The conversation covers topics such as the band's collaborative dynamic, the songwriting process, the release of their new album, and the future plans for the band and its members. It also delves into the themes of creativity, artistic inspiration, and the impact of AI and billionaires on society.We mentioned a couple of podcast that Danny did discussing his OCD in more detail and i've included them below:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MQrke1n6ZT7gH1B1N0iND?si=e26a3991d9a84bf8 - The James McMahon Music Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6Cf3vQQYhkFuRWgWVJcI8F?si=a9ef905d075f48bb - Sound Affects Podcast: Music & Mental Health, with Katy Georgiouand here is links for Embrace including upcoming tour, book and Danny's spoken word tourLive - EmbraceGood Good People: The Story Of Embrace - Luxe Editionawaywithmedia.com/tours/danny-mcnamaraHome - EmbraceFacebookEmbrace (@embrace) / XInstagramEmbrace (@embrace_band) | TikTokEmbrace | SpotifyEmbrace - Up in Your Feelings (Official Video)Thanks for listening/watching, please continue to Like, Share, Subscribe and tell yer pals!