Songs & Spirits

Send us Fan MailLesley and Luke's Beverage: A Merry Christmas MargaritaSeason one is done! Thank you all for listening and for the support from all over the globe! We had a really wonderful and wild time making this first season and are looking forward to finding out what Season Two will hold! I want to thank ALL of our guests this season for taking the time to have a drink and chat with us! Huge thank you to Sera Liltih Gold, Ben Keenan, Daniel Scott (of Super Specific artist management), Daisy Chute, Vin Goodwin, Martha Phillips, Joseph and David Dunwell (of The Dunwells), Jemma Johnson, Vincent Marcone (aka My Pet Skeleton), Sonya Titus, Ross Stewart and Alexandra Carlos. We had a wonderful time recording all your episodes and making a drink with you! We love watching you all thrive and grow as beautiful artists and humans! Lastly thank you to all the people that tuned in especially you all that texted us about  episodes! It truly means a lot when we know you are listening! We wish you a very happy holidays and we will see you next year for Season Two! From Lesly and Luke - Cheers!Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailAlexandra's beverage: Raspberry MojitoOn our second to last episode of the season we have the absolutely delightful Alexandra Carlos! She happened to be in London for a gig and, lucky for us, she spent an afternoon hanging out with the podcast crew. We whipped up a truly delicious drink that you absolutely need to try at home because yes, it is that good. Alexandra bravely muddled for the first time, and as she said... she's going to stick to music.We dove into all things music, laughed about how Lesley and Alexandra first met (you guessed it, a songwriting retreat full of creative chaos) and explored how we as songwriters can sometimes discover, years later, that we are surprisingly deep people, even if we mostly just drink cocktails and talk nonsense. We got so into our conversation that muddled mint and raspberries found their way into all the wrong places, mainly our teeth, but it was all part of the fun.Alexandra is based in Yorkshire and is no stranger to the live stage, so make sure to check her out in person if you get the chance. And while you’re at it, listen to her latest single "Written in the Stars" and revisit "Siren," which we had a blast talking about on the pod. Full of music, laughs, and storytelling, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best times happen offstage. Don’t miss it!Follow Alexandra Carlos - https://www.instagram.com/alexandracarlosmusicFollow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailRoss' Beverage: An Old FashionedOn this week’s episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Ross Stewart. Our dear friend stopped by for a quick drink and a chat before heading off to play a gig in London, and it was an absolute pleasure having him with us.As Right Chord Music describes, “Ross Stewart is quickly establishing himself as a compelling new voice in the UK music scene. His sound weaves together elements of blues, Americana, pop rock, folk soul, and country, resulting in a style that’s both genre-blending and distinct." It is the kind of music that hits you right in the chest, full of emotion and honesty.In a relatively short time, Ross has discovered a sound that many artists spend decades searching for. His gift for guitar playing, songwriting and connecting with listeners of all ages makes him a standout talent. On top of that, he is one of those people who makes you instantly feel at ease, humble, genuine, and always great company.We are thrilled to have him on this episode of Songs & Spirits, where he enjoys a classic Old Fashioned while we talk about his creative process, life on the road, and what lies ahead.This episode is a special one as we near our first season's ending, and we could not think of a better guest to share it with. Please enjoy Ross Stewart!Explore Ross Stewart - https://linktr.ee/rossstewartofficialFollow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailSonya's Beverage: Mezcal MargaritaOn this week’s episode, we welcome the mysterious and ever-charming Sonya Titus! Born in Texas, grew up in Australia, New Zealand and Norway, and now living in London for quite a while, Sonya has packed several lifetimes’ worth of experiences into one fascinating journey. Luke first met her while he was at Malt, a cozy music venue and bar just down the road from his flat, where Sonya is the manager. When he found out she was also a talented musician, he knew she had to come on the show!Sonya brought her signature charm and a seriously good Mezcal Margarita, to share with Luke and Lesley. (For the curious, Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit distilled from roasted agave, known for its rich, earthy, and smoky taste.) Lesley and Sonya quickly bonded over their mutual love of staying home and getting cozy, while all three dove into conversations about musical inspirations, the Tuesday Night Music Club, Sonya’s remarkable mother, the Egyptian army, and plenty more unexpected twists and turns.It’s an episode full of laughter, stories, and smoky-sweet vibes - so pour yourself a Mezcal Marg and enjoy this warm, heartfelt chat with Sonya Titus!Check out Sonya's InstagramCheck out Malt's Instagram Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailVincent's Beverage: Warlock TeardropOn this week's chillingly cozy episode, Lesley stops by the lair of the multi-talented Vincent Marcone, better known to the art world as My Pet Skeleton! While Luke held down the fort across the pond in bonny England, Lesley connected with Vince in Canada for a signature drink and a deep-dive conversation.Get ready for an eclectic mix of macabre and fun as we sink our teeth into horror films, watch Vince show off his surprising skill for coining phenomenal drag names, and unpack the intriguing origin story of how the My Pet Skeleton project first came to life. We also discuss some of Vince's super cool projects and have  a thoughtful look at the complex benefits and sometimes terrifying pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence in the creative sphere.It's a fantastic, wide-ranging chat with one of the internet’s favorite dark artists. You absolutely need to explore Vincent Marcone's incredible body of work before and after you listen!Explore My Pet Skeleton here - https://my-pet-skeleton.myshopify.com/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailJust the Sip of a: Death in the AfternoonOur “Just the Sip” episodes are quick little cocktail adventures! No guests, no pressure, just us, a drink, and whatever conversation bubbles up after the first sip (or two). Think of it as the happy hour version of the podcast.On today’s spooky edition, Lesley and Luke summon up an Ernest Hemingway favorite: Death in the Afternoon! This ghoulishly simple cocktail calls for absinthe, a splash of simple syrup, and a good pour of prosecco. It’s bold, it’s a little haunting, and it’s probably not everyone’s cup of…well…green fairy. Lesley was into it right away, while Luke needed a moment (or three) but eventually grew to love it.Between sips, they dive into the important topics: songs, Strega (the mysterious Italian herbal liqueur), the many ways they cry (spoiler: often), the eternal cookie vs. biscuit debate, and of course, the true Canadian treasure - Ryan Gosling.Basically, if you like cocktails, questionable opinions, and a few unexpected tangents, this one’s for you.Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailJemma's Beverage: Strawberry DaiquiriThis week we’re joined by the quiet force that is singer-songwriter Jemma Johnson — quiet, that is, until she opens her mouth to sing and suddenly you’re rethinking every life choice you’ve ever made. She’s a soon-to-be pop star with a voice so good it should probably come with a warning label. Based out of Derby in the UK, Jemma has built a loyal following of over 65,000 YouTube subscribers and racked up millions of streams on Spotify — proof that people all over the world can’t stop hitting repeat.Her sound is hard to pin down, but imagine Britney Spears at her most “Toxic” colliding with moody alt-pop drama — stomping beats, dark energy, and melodies that haunt you in the best way. In short: dangerously catchy tunes.We sipped on daiquiris and chatted about everything from gigging in the UK to French songwriting retreats, her latest projects, and the new music you absolutely need to hear. Make sure to check out her latest single “So Dramatic” along with some of our personal favorites, “Good Guy” and “Come to the Dark Side.”Jemma Johnson's Website: https://www.jemmajmusic.com/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailDave's Beverage: Whiskey SourPart Dos! We couldn’t bring ourselves to cut anything out of this one, and since we know our listeners prefer episodes that run around an hour or less, we thought—why not split it up? Two Dunwells, two parts! In this second half, we mixed up a delicious Whiskey Sour with David Dunwell and kept the stories rolling. Along the way, we discovered Joe’s genuine admiration for his brother and even heard about his lifelong dream of becoming a postman. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Part 1 first so you can enjoy the full story of these two incredibly talented and down-to-earth musicians. Sit back, pour yourself something good, and enjoy Part 2 with The Dunwells!The Dunwells consist of Joseph and David Dunwell brothers turned bandmates. They are a successful Leeds based Indie-folk / Americana band with strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut album “Blind Sighted Faith” was released in 2012 following which they have released a further 6 albums / EPs.The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively in the USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford and Sons and Elbow on UK tours. They are passionate and prolific singer-song writers having written material for joint collaborations as well as other high profile up and coming artists.​The Dunwells will be at St. Pancras Old Church (supported by our very own Lesley Pike!) on 10 October, 2025! Grab tickets here! (if there are any left!)Find out more about the Dunwells - https://www.thedunwells.com/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailJoe's Beverage: Maple Old FashionedThis week on the podcast we’re joined by the very dashing and endlessly talented musical duo, The Dunwells! We had such a joy-filled conversation with Joe and Dave Dunwell. Lesley has known these two for years and years, while Luke only recently had the pleasure of meeting them but it instantly felt like catching up with old friends. The Dunwells are not only extraordinary musicians and songwriters, but also true storytellers, weaving heart and soul into every word and melody. Beyond their talent, their humility of spirit shine just as brightly. We ended up talking late into the night, sharing laughs, stories, and insights about music, life, and everything in between. It was one of those evenings that reminds you why conversations around music matter so much, and we can’t wait for you to hear it.The Dunwells consist of Joseph and David Dunwell brothers turned bandmates. They are a successful Leeds based Indie-folk / Americana band with strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut album “Blind Sighted Faith” was released in 2012 following which they have released a further 6 albums / EPs.The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively in the USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford and Sons and Elbow on UK tours. They are passionate and prolific singer-song writers having written material for joint collaborations as well as other high profile up and coming artists.​The Dunwells will be at St. Pancras Old Church (supported by our very own Lesley Pike!) on 10 October, 2025! Grab tickets here! (if there are any left!)Find out more about the Dunwells - https://www.thedunwells.com/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailToday's Beverage: AviationThis week, Lesley and Luke reunite after some much-needed travel and family downtime! To mark the occasion, they shake up an Aviation, a classy little cocktail that’s equal parts elegant and divisive. Made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and some lemon juice, it’s the kind of drink you either swear by or swear off. (Think of it as the cilantro of cocktails.) If you can track down crème de violette, it’s definitely worth a try - if only to feel like a 1920s pilot for an evening.With drinks in hand, the conversation takes off in all directions: from Vin’s Night In with our good friend Vin Goodwin and our love for the ever-charming Martha Phillips, to the ups and downs of living with anxiety, to… well, not much about music at all. (But hey, sometimes the best chats are the ones that drift off course, right?)So buckle up for a laid-back, laughter-filled episode that proves not every landing has to be on the music runway. Cheers! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and download all our episodes so you never miss the next round!Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailJust the Sip: Cosmopolitan A quick pour, a quick chat. In this mini-segment, Lesley and Luke mix up a drink (and its mocktail twin) and take a short detour into conversation while they taste it. This time, it’s a Cosmopolitan—with all the classic flair—and a no-proof version that’s just as good we dubbed the Mockmopolitan (working title). Think of it as a sip-sized break from the main show. Hope you enjoy and be sure to check out all the other episodes that came before!Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailMartha's Beverage: Espresso MartiniThis week on Songs & Spirits we’re joined by our very own spirit animal, woodland nymph, and all-around magical human: Martha Phillips. She’s a writer-producer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist whose calm, peaceful energy somehow pairs perfectly with the caffeine kick of an Espresso Martini.In this episode, we dive into her musical journey—from teenage angst, Ben Howard inspirations, and learning how to turn feelings into songs, to the collective realization that some of us are simply not built for the 9-to-5 life. Martha lets us peek behind the curtain of her creative world, where as a producer she builds emotive sonic landscapes for artists, screen, and stage.She’s insightful, funny, and one of those people who makes you feel a little lighter just being around them. We love her, and we’re pretty sure you will too!Check out Martha's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/somarthalous/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailToday’s Beverage: Rosemary GreyhoundToday’s episode is what Lesley and Luke call a “solo” episode… but if we’re being honest, it’s actually a duo episode.  It’s just the two of us this week—no guests, just Lesley, Luke, and a cocktail that sounds way fancier than we are: the Rosemary Greyhound. We sip, we chat, we overshare. Topics include: mysterious background noises at Lesley’s place (ghost? neighbor? Definitely just construction next door), the new F1 movie that neither of us should be qualified to review but do anyway, why “1000 foot views” are a real thing that people HAVE heard of, the joys and aches of getting older, and how we may need a certified Po-terpreter to translate certain menus.And if that’s not enough, Luke finally confesses how he bamboozled Lesley into starting this podcast: a couple of pickle backs, some white wine, and the kind of persuasive charm that’s usually reserved for late-night infomercials. (“But wait, there’s more!”)So grab your drink of choice, enjoy the convo, and don’t forget to download all our episodes—even the ones you haven’t listened to yet—because numbers don’t lie… but they do make us seem way cooler. 😂Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailVin’s Beverage: The Classic Negroni This week’s episode features the one and only Vin Goodwin (or should we say Vin Great-win? …we’ll see ourselves out). We first crossed paths with Vin on a night out in London at our friend Daisy Chute’s gig, and after one conversation, we knew we had to get him on the pod.We dive into Vin’s very entertaining musical journey, his love of pathos in art (yes, we do use the word “pathos” in casual conversation, thank you very much), and a little something we’re calling Vin-tage YouTube, a trip down internet memory lane that you won’t want to miss.We also chat about how he started his long-running show, Vin’s Night In, which has been going strong for an impressive 15 years! (If you haven’t snagged tickets yet, what are you even doing with your life?)Vin also shared his love for performing, describing that magical feeling of being in front of - or even right in the middle of - a buzzing crowd when everyone’s vibing together. Spoiler: this episode is a lot like drinking a perfect Negroni - balanced, bittersweet, and guaranteed to leave you smiling.Please check out Vin's Night In on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vins-night-in-15th-birthday-tickets-1258463390879Vin's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vingoodwin/?hl=enFollow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailToday's Beverage: Monte BericoThis week it’s just your pals Lesley and Luke holding down the fort! We’re taking a breather from our incredible run of guests (Ben Keenan, Daniel Scott, and Daisy Chute, you absolute legends) to catch up, swap stories, and let you in on the chaos of Lesley’s current living situation. Think of it as a cozy midweek hang: no pressure, no drama, just two friends with glasses in hand. Luke swooning over the drink of the week while Lesley insists it tastes more like a trip to the pharmacy. It’s light, it’s funny, it’s a little bit therapeutic, and hopefully it feels like the perfect warm companion for your Wednesday blues! Don't forget to text us with any ideas, thoughts or questions!Because sometimes all you need is two friends, a questionable cocktail, and a good chat!Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailDaisy's Beverage: Gin Martini In this week's episode we chat with the hilarious, talented and charming Daisy Chute. We talked about music, witches and Lesley got her feet in a bowl of water blessed by Daisy, it was a wonderful time! Daisy Chute is a Grammy-winning American-Scottish folk/Americana singer-songwriter based in London. A multi-instrumentalist with transatlantic roots, she’s a former lead vocalist of platinum-selling All Angels and a sought-after session singer (Radiohead, David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet, Loki, The Sims 4). Her acclaimed original work—praised by Sir Ray Davies and Paul Sexton—has earned significant industry awards and airtime across the BBC, ITV, and CNN. In 2024, she featured on a Grammy-winning project, showcasing her deeply expressive songwriting and vocals.Grab tickets to her show 3 September at St. Pancras Old Church in London -https://www.greennote.co.uk/production/daisy-chute/Learn more about Coven at Kiln Theatre - https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/coven/Learn more about Daisy Chute - https://www.daisychute.com/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailDaniel's Beverage: Piña ColadaIn this episode, we chat with Daniel Scott, founder of Super Specific—an artist management and consultancy company helping musicians build sustainable, long-term careers. With years of experience in artist development and a sharp eye for strategy, Daniel shares how he helps artists move beyond the algorithm and focus on what really matters.We dive into Daniel's career journey, his love for music beyond management, and what makes a great partnership between artist and manager—all while sipping on a smooth piña colada.“You don’t need millions of listeners to have a meaningful career—you need a sustainable plan and an engaged audience.” — Daniel ScottWe explore the evolving role of managers, the danger of false promises, and why being super specific isn’t just a name—it’s a mindset.Learn more at superspecific.co.ukFollow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailLesley's Beverage: Tommy’s Margarita In this episode, we mix up a bright and refreshing Tommy’s Margarita—perfect, classic, and a little bold—just like our cohost Lesley Pike. This time, she is in the hot seat as Luke James Shaffer digs into her story. From early influences to career pivots and personal revelations, it’s an open, honest, and often hilarious conversation over one damn good drink. If you’ve ever wanted to know what makes Lesley tick, this is the episode to sip on.Check out Lesley's music and socials: http://lesleypike.comFollow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailBen’s Beverage: Spicy MargaritaBig Laughs, Wild Stories & a New Short FilmThis week we’re joined by the hilarious and endlessly entertaining Ben Keenan—actor, director, writer, voiceover artist, and comedy host. Our chat goes in every direction (in the best way), covering everything from performing for massive crowds to getting arrested in the airport!Ben shares a sneak peek at a new short film he’s working on and hints at even more exciting projects on the horizon. It’s honest, funny, a little chaotic—and full of charm.Heads up: Not unlike our drink today, the language gets a little spicy in this one.Check out Ben elsewhere:https://www.instagram.com/its_benk/?hl=enhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm11297693/Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailSera's Beverage: Old FashionedThis week's guest is our good friend Sera Lilith Gold!  She chose a classic cocktail - an Old Fashioned - which we all thoroughly enjoyed while chatting about witchy things, tantric temples and TGIFs!  Please give Sera some love on the socials and check out her music as well!From Sera's website:"Sera Lilith Gold weaves her musical tapestry with raw emotion and authenticity. With a fondness and love for music of days gone by, her soulful powerhouse voice has been compared to the likes of Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Ann Wilson (Heart)​Drawing inspiration from soul legends and rock pioneers, she crafted a unique sound that blends the grit of rock with the soulful nuances of pop. Her voice, a powerhouse of emotion, effortlessly navigates the highs and lows of her storytelling. In a world saturated with manufactured sounds, Sera Lilith Gold emerges as a beacon of authenticity, using her music to connect souls and evoke a visceral response. With a promising career on the rise, she stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of soulful pop-rock."Check out Sera's music and socials: http://seralilithgold.comFollow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailLuke's Beverage: Paper PlaneLesley Pike and Luke James Shaffer have spent years in the music industry, crossing paths with fascinating people—from managers and producers to fellow artists and beyond. Along the way, they’ve discovered that some of the best conversations happen late at night, often with a good drink in hand. That’s the spirit (pun intended) behind Songs & Spirits, a weekly podcast where music meets mixology.Each episode features candid conversations about how music has shaped lives and careers—with a twist: guests share their favourite drink, which Lesley and Luke mix up and try on air. Some weeks they’ll be joined by special guests; other times, it’s just the two of them catching up, swapping stories, and diving deep into whatever’s on their minds.But Songs & Spirits isn’t just about music or cocktails. Conversations flow freely, touching on everything from creative journeys and personal stories to unexpected detours—whatever direction the night takes. It’s like hanging out with old friends, swapping stories over your favourite drink.Pour yourself something good and enjoy Songs & Spirits.Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Songs & Spirits — where music meets mixology. Hosted by Lesley Pike and Luke James Shaffer, each episode dives into candid conversations with artists, producers, and creatives about the highs, lows, and in-betweens of life; all while sipping a favourite cocktail, mocktail or whatever our guest may fancy! Sometimes it's just us, sometimes we bring friends. Either way, you're invited.  Episodes 1 & 2 out July 30th, 2025!Follow Songs & Spirits:https://linktr.ee/songsandspiritspod