Inside the Songs with Pick Up Goliath

In this conversation, Sam interviews Rok, the founder of OLLO Audio, who shares his journey from a hobbyist to a successful entrepreneur in the audio technology industry. Rok discusses the challenges he faced in the early days of his company, the importance of monitoring in audio production, and the misconceptions surrounding pro audio headphones. He emphasizes the significance of professional support in the audio industry and the challenges engineers face when mixing on headphones versus monitors. The conversation also touches on the future of headphone calibration and its potential to become a standard feature in the industry. In this conversation, Sam and Rok delve into the intricacies of headphone calibration, the challenges of innovation in the pro audio space, and the ongoing debate between Harman target tuning and flat response. They explore the evolution of headphone technology to meet immersive audio demands, the production challenges faced by audio engineers, and provide valuable advice for those looking to invest in high-quality headphones. The discussion highlights the importance of material science, calibration, and the need for consistency in audio products.

In this conversation, Sam George speaks with Yvonne Hartmann about the intricacies of artist branding, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive visual identity that resonates with audiences. They discuss common mistakes artists make, the role of social media, and the evolving landscape of branding in the music industry. Yvonne shares insights on successful branding strategies, the significance of storytelling, and the challenges of maintaining consistency across various platforms. The conversation concludes with practical advice for emerging artists on how to define their brand and stay true to themselves.

In this engaging conversation, Grammy-winning producer ⁠Marc Urselli⁠ shares his insights on the music production process, the differences between studio and live sound, and the evolving role of producers in today's music landscape. He discusses the importance of preparation, adaptability, and creativity in the studio, as well as the challenges and pressures of live sound engineering. Urselli also reflects on the impact of technology, including AI and immersive audio formats, on the industry, and emphasizes the significance of respect and personal fulfilment in measuring success as a music professional.

In this conversation, Sam George interviews Dorian from Groover, a platform designed to help independent artists connect with music curators and industry professionals. Dorian explains how Groover addresses the challenges faced by indie artists in promoting their music and getting feedback from industry insiders. The discussion covers the evolution of Groover, advice for new artists, changes in the music promotion landscape, and strategies for standing out in a saturated market. Dorian emphasises the importance of authenticity, effective promotion, and building genuine connections with fans. In this conversation, Sam George and Dorian from Groover discuss the importance of building personal connections in the digital age, the evolving role of AI in music promotion, and the future landscape of music marketing. They explore how artists can leverage AI tools to enhance their creative processes while emphasising the enduring value of personal stories and connections. Dorian shares insights on Groover's mission to support artists and the exciting developments on the platform, as well as reflections on his journey in the music industry and advice for aspiring artists.

In this conversation, Sam George speaks with Tasha Trigger of Lathe to the Grave about the resurgence of vinyl records, exploring the reasons behind its popularity despite the dominance of streaming. They discuss the differences between lathe cuts and pressed records, the importance of mastering for vinyl, and the sustainability challenges in vinyl production. Tasha shares insights on how vinyl influences artist branding and fan engagement, the story behind their business name, and their artist-centric approach to vinyl production. The conversation concludes with a discussion on common myths about vinyl and the future of the format.

In this engaging conversation, ALIMISH shares her journey from classical training to becoming a prominent EDM artist. She discusses the importance of planning and setting goals for the new year, her experiences at The BRIT School, and the significance of songwriting and top lining in the EDM scene. ALIMISH also delves into her creative collaborations with notable artists and the intricacies of navigating royalties and splits in the music industry. In this conversation, ALIMISH and Pick Up Goliath delve into the intricacies of the music industry, focusing on songwriting royalties, fair compensation, and the importance of branding for artists. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for female artists in the EDM scene, the significance of live performances, and the various income streams available to musicians. ALIMISH shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the industry, preparing for live shows, and her upcoming projects.

In this conversation, Sam George interviews Dom Brown, the lead guitarist of Duran Duran, discussing his 30-year career in the music industry. Dom shares his journey from being a stand-in guitarist to becoming a full-time member of Duran Duran, the challenges of learning songs on the fly, and how he keeps performances fresh after two decades. They delve into the intricacies of co-writing sessions, the balance between creative control and collaboration, and the life of a session musician. Dom also offers insights into setting up recording studios, essential equipment, and advice for aspiring musicians.

In this episode of Inside the Songs, host Sam George interviews Natalie Shay, an indie-pop artist known for her unique guitar playing style and authentic songwriting. They discuss Natalie's journey from her early days at The BRIT School to her current career, exploring themes of authenticity, vulnerability in songwriting, and the importance of diverse income streams in the music industry. Natalie shares her experiences with role models, the challenges of navigating a music career, and the pivotal moments that shaped her as an artist. In this conversation, Natalie Shay discusses her journey as a musician, emphasizing the importance of support from family and the unique environment of The BRIT School. She reflects on her personal growth, the challenges of overcoming shyness, and the realities of navigating the music industry, including dealing with scammy managers and the role of management in her career. Natalie also shares insights on learning the music industry through experience and her future plans, including upcoming releases and performances.

In this conversation, Narayana Johnson, the composer of the award-winning soundtrack for Cult of the Lamb, discusses the unique challenges and creative processes involved in writing music for video games. He emphasizes the importance of adapting music to gameplay dynamics, the influence of narrative on composition, and the innovative use of vocal manipulation techniques. Narayana also shares insights into his preferred DAW, Ableton, and his approach to mixing and mastering, highlighting the fluidity between these processes in his workflow. In this conversation, Narayana Johnson and Sam George delve into the intricacies of music production, particularly in the context of video game soundtracks. They discuss mastering techniques, the importance of loudness in music, and the collaborative process behind the 'Cult of the Lamb: Hymns of the Unholy' EP. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of game soundtracks and the opportunities within the gaming industry for musicians. Finally, they touch on networking and the importance of building genuine relationships in the industry.

In this engaging conversation, Sam George and Mike Malyan delve into the creative process behind their EP 'Cult of the Lamb, Hymns of the Unholy'. They discuss the unique experience of merging metal music with video game soundtracks, the importance of collaboration, and the dynamics of session work. Mike shares insights on his drumming approach, the significance of silence in music, and the necessity of adaptability in the studio. The conversation highlights personal growth through creative challenges and the joy of working on innovative projects. In this conversation, Sam George and Mike Malyan delve into the complexities of collaboration in music, emphasizing the importance of putting the song first and managing ego. They explore the mental health challenges faced by musicians, particularly during times of injury and career transitions. Mike shares his personal journey of overcoming a serious playing injury and the impact it had on his mental health. The discussion transitions to Mike's life after leaving Monuments, focusing on new opportunities and the joy of pursuing diverse musical experiences.

In this episode of 'Inside the Songs', host Sam George speaks with Josh Baines of Malevolence about his journey in the music industry, exploring new musical ventures, and the challenges of self-publishing versus working with record labels. Josh shares insights into his career turning points, the importance of personal branding, and his future goals as a guitarist and musician. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the music industry and the necessity for artists to adapt and diversify their revenue streams.

In this episode of Inside the Songs, Sam George interviews Matthew K. Heafy, discussing their collaboration on the EP Hymns of the Unholy inspired by the game Cult of the Lamb. They explore the creative process behind writing music for video games versus traditional band projects, the importance of understanding lore, and the balance between discipline and creativity in a busy schedule. Matthew shares insights on his vocal techniques, the significance of continuous development as an artist, and the excitement surrounding their upcoming tour.

In this episode of 'Inside the Songs', host Sam George converses with legendary musician Howard Jones about their collaboration on the new track 'CULT' for the video game 'Cult of the Lamb'. They discuss the creative process behind the EP, the unique challenges of writing music for a video game, and the importance of collaboration and individuality in music production. Howard shares insights into his writing process, the evolution of the songs, and his aspirations for future projects, highlighting the excitement of exploring new creative avenues.