My Music Episode 697 - Mixed Signals

Mixed Signals: Ben Gardiner on Building a Band, Breaking Out of Scotland & Why Great Music Deserves to Be HeardHow do you build a band in a world where social media can matter as much as the songs themselves?In this episode of MyMusic, Graham Coath talks to Ben Gardiner from Scottish alt-rock band Mixed Signals about the realities of being an independent artist today.From the thriving local music scene around Ayr to the band's ambitions of playing London's venues and one day supporting Biffy Clyro at Glasgow's legendary Barrowland Ballroom, Ben shares an honest insight into life as a musician trying to take the next step.The conversation explores where the band's name came from, why relationships and "mixed signals" inspire so much of their songwriting, how they balance melody with huge cinematic soundscapes, and why they believe writing better songs will always matter more than chasing algorithms.Graham and Ben also discuss the challenges facing emerging artists, the importance of musicians supporting one another across the UK, why discovering new music has never been easier—or harder—and whether the industry could do more to help talented bands find their audience.If you enjoy discovering new artists and hearing the stories behind the music, this is a conversation well worth your time.If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to follow Mixed Signals on social media, stream their music, and subscribe to MyMusic for more conversations with the artists creating the soundtrack to our lives.