Openback Podcast

27/09/2023

Have you checked out our latest episode yet!

We had an incredible chat with about his career within the music industry and his involvement as co founder of studios.

Link in bio!

25/09/2023

EP35. Sam Coveney - Co-founder of Small Pond Studios

We first met Sam Coveney at the Pioneer Club in St Albans when we interviewed some fantastic bands as part of our 'Soundchecks' mini Series. One such band was InTechnicolour, a band in which Sam plays drums. Within that conversation it became very apparent that Sam had managed to achieve something so many young producers and musicians dream of; building and running his own studio business. Along with a small collection of talented musicians, Sam founded Small Pond Studios in Brighton, which is the setting for this episode.

Small Pond is an awesome set-up in the centre of Brighton, one of the UK's more vibrant and creative cities. Home to a beautiful studio alongside 6 gorgeous recently revamped rehearsal spaces with, honestly, some of the best equipment we have ever seen in a rehearsal space for hire. Better still it's a super vibey and friendly environment which wears its DIY beginnings on its sleeve with pride.

As incredible as this is, we are more interested in how Sam got to where he is now and what else he wants to create going forward. Sam has truly carved out a career in the music industry, not only as a wicked producer but also writing, performing and touring as a musician and live sound engineer. It's abundantly clear that his success stems from hard work and an ethic to continue pursuing his passion with a desire to learn as much as possible along the way.

25/09/2023

New Episode - EP38. Sam Coveney - Founder of Small Pond Studios

We first met ⁠Sam Coveney at the Pioneer Club in St Albans when we interviewed some fantastic bands as part of our ⁠'Soundchecks' mini Series⁠. One such band was ⁠InTechnicolour⁠, a band in which Sam plays drums. In that conversation it became very apparent that Sam had managed to achieve something so many young producers and musicians dream of; building and running his own studio business. Along with a small collection of talented musicians, Sam founded ⁠Small Pond Studios⁠ in Brighton, which is the setting for this episode.

Small Pond is an awesome set-up in the centre of Brighton, one of the UK's more vibrant and creative cities. Home to a beautiful ⁠studio⁠ alongside 6 gorgeous recently revamped rehearsal spaces with, honestly, some of the best equipment we have ever seen in a ⁠rehearsal space⁠ for hire. Better still it's a super vibey and friendly environment which wears its DIY beginnings on its sleeve with pride.

As incredible as this is, we are more interested in how Sam got to where he is now and what else he wants to create going forward. Sam has truly carved out a career in the music industry, not only as a wicked producer but also writing, performing and touring as a musician and live sound engineer. It's abundantly clear that his success stems from hard work and an ethic to continue pursuing his passion with a desire to learn as much as possible along the way.

Link in Bio - Full video episode available on Spotify!!

08/05/2023

This episode is really heavy...

EP33. Kaspar's Blues Pilgrimage & The Vitality of Context - KBR Blues

Kaspar 'Berry' Rapkin, Blues artist from the UK joins us once more, this time to talk through his most recent visit to New Orleans, the hub and home of Blues music. We discuss his amazing experience and the profound lessons he has brought back.

Blues music comes from hardship and the most awful circumstances, but it is a part of history we must not forget.

Link in bio!

To find out more about Kaspar and KBR Blues you can check out our 2022 episode all about him and his music in our previous episode - EP11. Kaspar Berry Rapkin: Blues Music is Folk Music

01/05/2023

OUT NOW!

EP32. Coping With Lapses In Confidence as a Musician

Do you ever sit down to practice or write a song and feel so unconfident in your ability that you give up? Or maybe the relentless writer's block beats you down to the point of calling it a day. Yeah, us too!!

If studying music taught us anything, it was that everyone struggles with the motivation to keep practising sometimes. It's hard, as you get better, so does everyone else around you, it can feel like a constant game of catch-up.

In this episode, we chat through some of the many experiences and approaches we've had to tackle this horrible feeling. So if this is something you suffer from, as we do, maybe we can give you some tips and tricks to work through this process.

Link in Bio xoxo

24/04/2023

Our first full length video episode! Now available to watch on Spotify and listen everywhere else!

EP31. Leaving Uni - Thing's We Didn't Expect About Post University Life

https://anchor.fm/openback/episodes/EP31--Leaving-Uni---Things-We-Didnt-Expect-About-Post-University-Life-e22sdru

24/04/2023

Our first full length video episode! Now available to watch on Spotify.

EP31. Leaving Uni - Thing's We Didn't Expect About Post University Life

https://anchor.fm/openback/episodes/EP31--Leaving-Uni---Things-We-Didnt-Expect-About-Post-University-Life-e22sdru

03/04/2023

Openback Podcast - Bison Face

Welcome to the second instalment of Openback Soundchecks; the miniseries where we take our own advice by going to gigs and networking with musicians and other industry professionals.

In this episode, we chat with Ernie from the band, Bison Face. Bison Face in its current setup, is Ernie's project, he writes, records and organises the whole operation. Often pulling in other musicians to flesh out his live shows Ernie is working hard to grow his music career.

Is seeing your musical project as a business a good thing, lets discuss!

31/03/2023

So turns out the video episode thing is VERY popular! We’re thrilled you’re all enjoying it. Luckily for you (and us😅) recorded multiple episodes that’s day with a bunch of different guests!

Next one is out on Monday at 5am.

For now though, if you haven’t watched/listened to the Soundcheck No1 with Tobie and Sam from InTechnicolour, you absolutely should. If you HAVE listened, please send it to a friend you think could benefit from tuning in as well.

27/03/2023

Openback Soundchecks no.1

Soundchecks is our new mini-series!!
Over and over again we have said that networking is the name of the game. So, where better to find a bunch of musicians and industry professionals than at a gig?

So after our industry guest episode with , promoter and manager at he invited us down to do some interviews with an incredible lineup of bands during their soundcheck. This is episode no.1 with Toby and Sam from the amazing band .

Unfortunately Tristan couldnt make it to this one so I was left to hold the fort on my own!

Stream now and WATCH on Spotify!
Link in bio! 😱

20/03/2023

EP29. The Art of Ugly - What We Learnt From Matt Kersey

After the success of our podcast episode with Matt Kersey of Kersey Guitars, we thought we would take the time to backtrack and discuss what we learnt.

Something which stood out to us was how so much of what Matt described could be applied to songwriting and other disciplines within the music industry. The idea of starting the creative process by designing something ugly, fascinated us.

Furthermore, as a business owner, Matt has gone through the motions of starting something from scratch and he introduced us to some steps in this process, we haven't considered before. Also, his awareness of 'burnout' and mental health is something we were keen to discuss in more detail.

https://anchor.fm/openback/episodes/EP29--The-Art-of-Ugly---What-We-Learnt-From-Matt-Kersey-e20ljd2

15/03/2023

If you haven’t already you don’t want to miss out on the incredible conversation we had with Matt, founder of .

This episode is a little goldmine of real world business advice, applicable to everyone, from someone who’s doing it right now: Building a business.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GBzJ3I5BmfFBL8NYF1wwX?si=wc7sBfyiSYSCBqI6-F-T3A

13/03/2023

EP28. The Live Music Industry is Broken

This episode is our review and thoughts on our conversation with Luke Hinton from a couple of weeks ago!

—-

A couple of weeks ago we chatted with Luke Hinton about the grassroots live music industry. A couple of the topics we discussed got us thinking; Is the live music industry model broken? If so many small venues are shutting down, surely there is something fundamentally wrong.

So this week we go into this, imagining what it would be like if we owned our own small Pub music venue business, and how we might run it to make it successful.

Available now, link in bio!

07/03/2023

So thrilled that our friends over at have written a little article about our Podcast!

They sent us some really interesting questions about the show and the process of setting it up. It was great to look back on everything we've accomplished so far and all the hurdles we've overcome!

https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/about-us/news/making-it-in-music-graduates-start-podcast-helping-artists-enter-the-music-industry/

07/03/2023

So thrilled that our friends over at Leeds Conservatoire have done a little article about our Podcast!

They sent us some really interesting questions about the show and the process of setting it up. It was great to look back on everything we've accomplished so far and all the hurdles we've overcome!

The link is below!

Will Dawson studied Popular Music with a foundation year between 2018-2022, and Tristan Taylor was on our Popular Music course between 2018-2021. After graduating, they banded together to form OpenBack: a weekly podcast that discusses the highs and lows of the music industry.

06/03/2023

EP27. Matt Kersey - Building a Business in Music:

The music industry has many moving parts and building a bussiness in this space is brave and ultimatly incredibly impressive when it is sucseeding. Matt Kersey is a Luthier - building and repairing guitars and other fretted instrements. In this episode we talk through his journey, turning a hobby into a profitable and sustainable bussiness.

One thing which really stuck out to us what Matt’s phenominal aweareness of his own limits and setting healthy work habits to ensure a sustainable bussiness. Working through the stress of setting up a brand so recently, Matt has a clear perspective on this journey and shares some invaluble advice on how to do this in a forfilling and positive way.

Swipe for some of Matt’s amazing guitars

OUT NOW

Link in Bio!

28/02/2023

EP26. Luke Hinton - How Do YOU Save Grassroots Music Venues

Local music venues are shutting down nationwide at a SHOCKING rate. 2 Every week...

This week we are joined by award-winning promoter Luke Hinton. Luke has been in the independent promotions business for over 15 years, working tirelessly to support the foundation of our industry. A foundation which has taken the ultimate beating over the last few years, and doesn't seem to be getting back up. Covid, the energy crisis, the rising cost of living; a constant barrage of hurdles for an already financially struggling sector.

"Unsigned bands are crap" that's the consensus from Radio X DJ Chris Moyles.

So what can YOU do to help rebuild and save the very bedrock of the music industry? Luke has a few ideas you've probably never considered before.

Link in Bio! 🔥

09/02/2023

Unfortunately we have had to postpone our Openback Live event at the Horn on the 22nd of Feb, due to some logical complications. However! We are still going to be recording an episode with Luke Hinton which will be out by the end of February!!

The live show format is still very much something we intend to do and we are very sorry to all those who were planning to come down for this event.

Plenty more podcast content to come! Love ya xoxo

04/02/2023

TICKETS for our Live Show are now available! shorturl.at/kox79.

We'll be chatting with the award-winning promoter, Luke Hinton. You should totally come down and ask some questions, think of it like the ultimate masterclass in music promotion...for £4!

Wednesday 22nd of February at the Horn in the Barn Venue!

Now for you Musos - What's this iconic artwork reference?? Leave it in the comments 🎙️

Follow the link below or google search: Openback Live
https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/openback-live-podcast-the-horn-tickets/12813225?pl=horn

(🖼️Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records)

01/02/2023

EP22. Does Every Band Fit Into 1 of 2 Categories?
https://anchor.fm/openback

Last week Tristan made a claim: Bands are either perfect backing track style performances or they're more improvisation-based and impromptu, anything in-between is crap. - Maybe that's a binary summarisation but nonetheless, that was the gist. So this week we explore that idea, playing devil's advocate at every turn. Maybe there's a formula for success, or maybe there's not. It really is impossible to know what the right thing to do is, so join us on our ongoing journey, working out how to Make it in Music. Enjoy the episode, Link in bio, Love Y'all xoxo

Live show tickets are still available 🕺🏼 - Click Below - We will be joined by Luke Hinton, an award-winning promoter, and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on whatever we end up discussing or you'd like us to discuss.

https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/openback-live-podcast-the-horn-tickets/12813225

24/01/2023

EP21. Our Top Gigging Tips - Out Now

A slightly different episode this week! But! before we get into that, if you haven't already, you should totally get tickets to our Live show 'Openback Live' it's going to be brilliant. Plus, we were really nervous about it, so the more of you that are there, the more our egos should kick in and get us through it! Love y'all!

So our top tips for gigging; this was originally supposed to be top 10 but it got confusing and you'll see why so stick with us! Each loaded with 5 of our best tips and tricks for gig day we launch into a discussion around these practices and why they do or don't work for each of us. Don't worry we haven't included cliche crap like going to the toilet, having water, and making sure you've practised, if you're not doing all those things you're a psychopath.

We really enjoyed the format of this episode, so if you did as well let us know and maybe we can do more, especially if you have any topic suggestions!

16/01/2023

OUT NOW! Ep20: How To Network at Gigs - Intentional or Opportunistic?

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/b0YNqYsODwb

Still tickets available for the live show, Openback Live, on 22nd Feb!

"It's not what you know it's who you know" is something that as creatives we hear all the time. It's the go-to piece of advice, which ironically doesn't really help unless you know some of these miracle people. Advice on HOW to network would be far more useful. This week we delve into this idea and end up arguing over the smallest elements of this process. However, I truly believe that when it comes to networking it's these really small details that can make all the difference.

We sort of touched on this in the last episode and Tristan thought it would be worth going a bit more in-depth. What's the best way to network at a gig?

Openback Live Tickets:
https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/openback-live-podcast-the-horn-tickets/12813225?REFERRAL_ID=tmfeed

12/01/2023

EXCITING NEWS! WE'RE DOING A LIVE SHOW!

https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/openback-live-podcast-the-horn-tickets/12813225?pl=horn

So we thought we'd kick off the new year with something new! Introducing Openback Live.

On the 22nd of February, we are heading to the Horn, in their venue The Barn, to record and film an episode with a very special music industry guest; Luke Hinton.

Luke Hinton is a 2-time winner of the 'Best independent UK promoter' 2016 and 2018. So needless to say he knows a thing or two about taking a band/artist from here to HERE! So whether you have a band, are an artist, producer or budding promoter, head down for this one-off masterclass!

Tickets are only £3! We can't wait to see you all there.

10/01/2023

Ep19 Should You Treat Your Music As a Business?

We have some exciting news. WE'RE DOING A LIVE SHOW!!

Tickets are available now! Only £3 https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/openback-live-podcast-the-horn-tickets/12813225?pl=horn

Our conversations with other people have started to really alter our mindsets and understanding of the industry you and we are working within. I suppose the overarching theme of this episode is whether you should treat your passion, your music, as a business. Does looking at everything you do from the perspective of a businessman/businesswoman increase your chance of success or does it reduce your innovation and creativity?

From our previous chats to a very weird band interview Will had just before Christmas we explore this idea of business or passion in search of the answer! You may be thinking there's a dream combination and collaboration between those two things, but can they really work side by side, and if so what's the balance?

02/01/2023

EP18. Is AI Going to Replace Musicians?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Now this is a fast paced episode! Alot has happened and we had alot to cover but its a good one!

We're diving into the exciting world of artificial intelegence and its potential involvement in music and how it's already changing the way we create, produce, and experience music.

We also look back on our msot recent convosation with Jazz Guitarist Tom Ford and consider some of his aproaches to the industry. Paticualry his inovative apraoch to progression and pushing ones self to do the next thing. "stop saying when im ready" is soemthing we have repeated over and over, but we know its not always that easy. Well, we think Tom gave us the golden soloution so now were going to dig a little deeper between ourselfs.

Have a great year and thank you so much for supporting us! Bring on 2023!

02/01/2023

Ep18. Is AI Going to Replace Musicians?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Now this is a fast paced episode! Alot has happened and we had alot to cover but its a good one! 

We're diving into the exciting world of artificial intelegence and its potential involvement in music and how it's already changing the way we create, produce, and experience music. 

We also look back on our msot recent convosation with Jazz Guitarist Tom Ford and consider some of his aproaches to the industry. Paticualry his inovative apraoch to progression and pushing ones self to do the next thing. "stop saying when im ready" is soemthing we have repeated over and over, but we know its not always that easy. Well, we think Tom gave us the golden soloution so now were going to dig a little deeper between ourselfs. 

Have a great year and thank you so much for supporting us! Bring on 2023!

The episode is available now but you can click the reminder icon to get a reminder tomorrow morning on your way to work Uni or school!

01/01/2023

Happy New Year, everyone! As we enter 2023, Tristan and I want to take a moment to thank, all of our loyal listeners and amazing guests. Your support and engagement have meant the world to us, and we couldn't do it without you.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to share our conversations and insights with you, and we can't wait to see what the new year brings. Thank you for tuning in and being a part of the Openback community. Here's to a fantastic 2023!

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thank you so much for following us and listening to the podcast, we're building a community and its you that are here now who make up the bedrock of that and we love you for it!

Thank you and have an amazing Christmas (even if your at work like we are haha)
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