Ep.38: Some conversations remind me exactly WHY you love talking to artists, and this one with Dean Ashton is no exception. In this episode, I sit down with Dean Ashton of The High Nines, a band carving out a timeless, big-hearted indie rock sound straight out of the North West. We get into debut albums that take a decade to write, the strange arc of maturity in bands, the art of letting go of ego, and what it means to create music that people can own for themselves. Dean opens up about the band’s writing process, the influences that shaped him, the evolution from chaos to professionalism, and why honesty (in life, in music, and in the industry) is the north star they follow. If you love hook-driven alternative rock with real soul behind it, The High Nines deserve your full attention.

We Chat About:

• The making of their self-titled debut album
• Why Daydreaming feels like the band’s breakout “universal” song
• Songwriting without boxing yourself into a genre
• Growing up, shedding ego, and learning to collaborate better
• The shift from “frontman persona” to authentic presence
• The band’s renewed approach to professionalism and performance
• Music discovery, rap influences, and why everything inspires them
• Navigating promoters, labels, and what “making it” actually means
• Timeless songwriting vs. trend-driven production
• Why connecting directly with fans matters more than ever

About The High Nines:

The High Nines are an alternative indie rock band from the North West of England, drawing influences from the likes of The Verve, The Music, and The Stone Roses. ‘Walrus Bar’, released May 2025, got to number 6 in the iTunes Alternative Chart. Their self-titled debut album, self-funded and independently recorded, produced, and mixed, was released October 2025.

“This debut isn’t just a strong start. It’s the kind of record that could cement The High Nines as one of the most important new bands in the UK — a group with the songs, swagger and soul to step up from sticky-floored clubs to the festival main stages.” – This Is The Music Blog

“If this is only their first swing, then the rest of the indie scene might want to start stretching before they try to keep up.” – Manchester Music Group

The High Nines are:

Dean Ashton – Lead Vocals

Steve Cornell – Vocals/Guitar

Trevor Curley – Lead Guitar

Pete Fell – Bass

Lee Summers – Drums

Connect with Dean & The High Nines:

Listen on Spotify: The High Nines on Spotify

Follow on Instagram: @thehighnines

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram:

Ep.37: Some bands write songs; Stella Ruze builds whole worlds. In this conversation with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Katie O’Donnell, we get into how a “folky funk” seven-piece from Philly ends up blending New Orleans brass, Americana storytelling, and R&B-leaning ballads into one ridiculously cohesive sound. Katie shares the decade-long evolution of the band, why they let songs breathe instead of chasing three-minute “hits,” and how their latest record Origin finally captures the live energy that blew the roof off Johnny Brenda’s. We also talk about the story behind “Blue,” the documentary that accidentally documented one of the hardest seasons of her life, and what it looks like to keep saying yes to music while you’re raising kids, baking cupcakes, and redefining what success means in year ten of a band.

We Chat About:

• How Stella Ruze evolved from a folk quartet into a seven-piece “folky funk” band
• Letting long arrangements and solos breathe instead of chasing radio-length songs
• The story and layered grief behind “Blue” and Katie’s first writing credit with the band
• Recording Origin mostly live in one room to finally capture their onstage chemistry
• Balancing motherhood, day-to-day life, and staying connected to music you still “need”
• Why playing “bad gigs” and corner bar shows is crucial for developing as a musician
• Katie’s advice for younger artists on building confidence, taking every rep, and doing it for love, not just for money

About Stella Ruze:

Stella Ruze is an award-winning folk rock band from Philadelphia known for rich vocal harmonies, infectious rhythms, and bold horn arrangements. Formed in 2014 by Brendan Johnson and Katie O’Donnell, the group expanded from a quartet to a seven-piece, earning acclaim from WXPN and Radio 104.5 and winning the 2019 PHL LIVE Folk Award. They have played major festivals including XPoNential, Philly Music Fest, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and shared stages with acts like Pete Francis (Dispatch), Kuinka, and Blue Water Highway. Their 2020 album The Greater Dog followed earlier releases So Here and a self-titled EP. With new music slated for 2025, Stella Ruze continues to evolve their genre-bending sound.

Connect with Katie & Stella Ruze:

Follow Stella Ruze on Instagram: @stellaruze_

Follow Katie on Instagram: @katieburkeodonnell

Dive into Stella Ruze’s music and tour dates: Visit the Stella Ruze website

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads:

Ep.36: Taylor Brooke is the kind of host who can have you cackling over a rant about Staples one minute and tearing up over purpose and creative calling the next. In this episode, I sit down with the voice behind Taylor, Taylor, Taylor to talk about what really goes into building a show that’s unhinged in the best way, fiercely women-centered without being exclusionary, and grounded in a sense of purpose bigger than the algorithm. We get into the pressure of staying “on brand” as a blonde media girl, the anxiety of letting other people touch your work, and how she’s learning to scale a show without losing the raw honesty that makes people feel like they’re on the phone with their funniest friend.

We Chat About:

• How Taylor, Taylor, Taylor became a space where guests can “expect the unexpected”
• Why her solo “Sunday Spiral” episodes resonate so deeply with listeners
• The mission to support English schools in Bangladesh and why it matters to her
• The episode she’s most proud of so far and what made it different
• Lessons from working in Philly radio and taking the training wheels off
• Her research process and the advice she gives young women in media
• Growing up in a music-heavy household and releasing her own song “Parking Lot”

About Taylor Brooke:

Taylor’s got the charm of your funniest friend, the wisdom of someone who’s Googled it at 2 a.m., and the guts to spill the tea on her own life, embarrassing moments and all. Whether she’s interviewing intriguing guests, sharing industry secrets, roasting pop culture, or riffing on whatever’s trending, she’ll have you hooked faster than you can say “Taylor” (three times, obviously). It’s equal parts laugh therapy, real talk, and the kind of chaos you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Connect with Taylor:

Listen to her podcast: Taylor Taylor Taylor Show

Check out her other links: Linktree

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

Music Mentioned in this Episode:

Songs:

• “Bowling Alley” – Audrey Hobert
• “Parking Lot” – Taylor Brooke
• “Female Robbery” – The Neighbourhood
• “Chocolate” – The 1975
• “Love in an Elevator” – Aerosmith

Albums & Projects:

• Taylor...

Ep.35: There’s a certain kind of artist who makes you lean in before you even realize it, and Joe Bachman has that effect from the second he starts talking. From Key West songwriter rounds to Nashville radio tours, from managing breakout looping phenom Carl Wockner to writing military anthems that have literally saved lives, Joe’s career is the definition of heart, hustle, and purpose. In this conversation, we dig into the stories behind his biggest songs, the moment his performance intersected with global history, why Sex, Drugs & Country Music is the album he needed to write before anything else, and how one song became a lifeline for veterans navigating PTSD. Joe’s a storyteller to the bone, and his journey is a masterclass in loyalty, craft, and showing up for something bigger than yourself.

We Chat About:

• The night Joe announced Bin Laden’s death onstage in Key West
• How a looping guitarist in Australia changed the trajectory of Joe’s management career
• The song A Soldier’s Memoir (PTSD Song), and the veterans who said it saved their lives
• Writing Sex, Drugs & Country Music as his final personal album
• The Philly cover scene and why it’s unmatched in the country
• Leaving the mortgage industry to play 5,000+ shows worldwide
• Building Vacation Jams and curating destination festivals
• The faith, family, discipline, and integrity that shape Joe’s songwriting
• Why he says country music is “three chords and the truth”
• What he believes is the next major genre to explode

About Joe Bachman:

Joe Bachman is a country singer/songwriter with more than 5,000 live shows behind him, a 25+ year career, and a reputation for writing music that hits straight to the heart. After early years gigging the East Coast club circuit, Joe moved to Key West, then Nashville, building relationships with mentors like Lee Brice, Big Kenny Alphin, Cliff Cody, Kenny Chesney, and Florida Georgia Line. His debut single “Lookatchu” broke into the Top 30, but Joe’s most meaningful work has always been his music for the military, including the viral hit A Soldier’s Memoir (PTSD Song), a video with over 5 million views and life-changing impact for veterans around the world. Today, Joe lives with his family at the Delaware beaches and runs Dream Big Dreams Management and Vacation Jams, managing artists like Carl Wockner and curating destination music festivals that blend community, travel, and unforgettable performances.

Connect with Joe:

Facebook: Follow Joe on Facebook

Instagram: Follow Joe on Instagram

YouTube: Watch on YouTube

Twitter/X: Follow on X

Spotify: Listen on Spotify

Apple Music: Stream on Apple Music

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify:

Ep.34: There’s something magnetic about artists who refuse to be boxed in. The ones who follow their instincts even when the music industry begs for simplicity. Valentina Sounds is one of those artists, and the result is a catalog that swings from playful sarcasm to soul-heavy honesty without ever losing its identity. In this episode, I sit down with Italian-born, Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Valentina Sounds to talk about the winding path behind her genre-blurring sound. We dig into her classical training, her theater background, the stories behind her standout tracks, and the personal resilience baked into her latest work. Valentina opens up about navigating harsh early criticism, why she’s leaning into a more cohesive rock-soul direction, the challenge of re-inhabiting old emotions in the studio, and what she hopes listeners feel when they press play. If you’ve ever struggled to define your artistic identity, or questioned whether your work matters, this conversation is a reminder that sincerity, quirkiness, and craft can all coexist beautifully.

We Chat About:

• How Black Sonic Revolver built a decade of underground momentum
• The unexpected origins of the band name
• Why comparisons to other artists make Leon shy
• The balance between embracing inspiration and refusing to be pigeonholed
• The therapeutic side of songwriting and why inspiration can’t be forced
• The chaos of early shows, including being thrown into a drum kit mid-set
• What it means to build community, not just an audience
• The tension between being an artist and being a content creator in 2025
• How the band captures their live sound on record
• What “success” looks like in the short term and the long term
• The legacy Leon hopes the band leaves behind

About Valentina Sounds:

Award winning Valentina Sounds (Valentina Raffaelli) is an Italian born/Philadelphia based singer-songwriter, performer, voice coach, and music director. Valentina’s music is catchy and creative, blending pop melodies with her background in jazz and composition.

Connect with Valentina:

Visit her website: valentinasounds.com

Listen on Spotify: Valentina Sounds on Spotify

Buy her music on Bandcamp: Valentina Sounds on Bandcamp

Find her on Apple Music: Valentina Sounds on Apple Music

Follow her on Instagram: @valentinasounds

Join her on Facebook: Valentina Sounds on Facebook

Watch her videos on YouTube: Valentina Sounds on YouTube

Follow on TikTok: @valentinasoundsmusic

Track her live shows: Valentina Sounds on Bandsintown

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​

Ep.33: Before I even hit record on this one, I knew it was going to be special. There’s something about a band built on attitude, grit, and genuine love for their community that hits different, and Black Sonic Revolver embodies that energy completely. In this episode, I sit down with Leon Kenny from Manchester’s underground powerhouse Black Sonic Revolver. We get into the band’s 10+ year evolution, their refusal to chase gimmicks, the chaos and beauty of their live shows, why they embrace staying “under the radar,” and the kind of music-driven friendship and community most artists dream of building. Leon shares wild tour stories, the art that shaped him, the joy in making records for the sake of the legacy they leave behind, and the emotional honesty behind their writing. It’s one of those conversations that reminds you why rock and roll still matters, and why bands like BSR feel like your own secret discovery.

We Chat About:

• How Black Sonic Revolver built a decade of underground momentum
• The unexpected origins of the band name
• Why comparisons to other artists make Leon shy
• The balance between embracing inspiration and refusing to be pigeonholed
• The therapeutic side of songwriting and why inspiration can’t be forced
• The chaos of early shows, including being thrown into a drum kit mid-set
• What it means to build community, not just an audience
• The tension between being an artist and being a content creator in 2025
• How the band captures their live sound on record
• What “success” looks like in the short term and the long term
• The legacy Leon hopes the band leaves behind

About Leon Kenny & Black Sonic Revolver:

Black Sonic Revolver are an underground indie rock band from Manchester, England who fuse elements of 1960’s and 1990’s British guitar music elements in to their psychedelic, garage rock sound. Started in 2013, the band recorded an 11 track album in a friend’s kitchen in early 2014 called “BSR (The Kitchen Album)” before following up later that year with their 10 track, self titled debut, which gave the band nationwide exposure early on, leading to support slots with well known British acts including Cast, Northside, The Others and Proud Mary.

The band’s 2nd album, January 2018’s “Life on a Different Knife Edge” saw a transitional period of the band with a line up change and national tours to support the album. Again, the band had to regroup during the COVID 19 pandemic, again rearranging the line up and releasing the 5 track “Rules EP” in December 2022, as a precursor to the band’s 3rd full length album, 2024’s “For Those In The Know” which is a nod to the band’s followers given their underground status. Hailed by British music critics, featured in the published book “Grass Routes” and well respected by much more successful peers of the British indie rock scene, BSR remain firmly under the radar, which is very much embraced by the band themselves. In 2025 the band has built its own studio and rehearsal space with the view of releasing multiple new albums over the next few years.

Connect with Leon:

Listen to their Spotify

Check out their Instagram

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify:

Ep.32: Sometimes the best stories in music aren’t about fame. They’re about family, resilience, and learning how to create from joy instead of pain. In this episode, I sit down with Canadian musician, songwriter, and podcaster Sean McGinity: host of his show, SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast, and former frontman of the concept-driven rock band Dome. We talk about growing up in a musical household, navigating sibling rivalry and creative camaraderie, and how loss shaped the way he now approaches art. From writing concept albums to keeping his late father’s promise, Sean shares the heart behind his music, the evolution of his long-running podcast, and what it really means to stay authentic in a world obsessed with perfection.

We Chat About:

• How The SeanGeek and Fast Fret Podcast became a way to stay connected with his brother
• Growing up surrounded by music and learning from his family’s legacy
• Turning grief into creativity after losing his father and bandmate
• The story behind Dome’s concept album We Are Machine
• Why you don’t need pain to make great art
• What it means to “geek out” on life, family, and the things you love
• His predictions for the next big wave in rock and metal
• The advice he’d give his 20-year-old self, and today’s aspiring musicians

About Sean McGinity:

Sean McGinity is a Canadian musician, writer, and lifelong creative whose love for rhythm and storytelling began in a family of performers on Canada’s East Coast. After years performing with his father and brother in cover bands and original projects, Sean co-founded the rock band Dome, known for its narrative concept album We Are Machine. Following the passing of his father and bandmate, Sean launched his show, SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast as an outlet for connection, creativity, and mental wellness. With over 500 episodes and multiple side-series, the show explores music, pop culture, and the power of family through honest, funny, and heartfelt conversations.

Connect with Sean:

Listen to the podcast: ​​Podlink

Instagram: @seangeekpodcast

Threads: @seangeekpodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/seangeekpodcast

Bluesky: seangeekpodcast.bsky.social

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram:

Ep.31: There’s a difference between playing heavy music and feeling it. And few bands capture that balance like Arlo Wells. In this episode, I sit down with Vancouver-based musician and producer William Langlais, co-founder of Arlo Wells, a post-hardcore band that’s as melodic as it is heavy. We get into the band’s evolution, their approach to writing songs that actually feel good to play, and the discipline it takes to stay creative while juggling real life. Will shares how he became the “band dad,” why delegating can make or break a project, and what it really means to stick it out in a DIY scene. We also talk about burnout, the love-hate relationship artists have with social media, and why genuine community (not virality) is what keeps the music alive.

We Chat About:

• The evolution of Arlo Wells and how the lineup changes strengthened their sound
• Navigating post-hardcore, metal, and emo influences without over-engineering the music
• What it’s like balancing creativity, production, and band management
• Why delegating early can keep your art from burning you out
• The cost of chasing a dream and the balance between passion and stability
• How local scenes and IRL connections still matter more than algorithms
• The difference between short-term hype and long-term success

About Arlo Wells:

Time and time again, bands get carried away trying to build themselves up as something bigger than their predecessors. When it comes to Arlo Wells however, their message is as plain as day: no gimmicks, no bullshit, just great songs and the drive necessary to build a career in music. Arlo Wells was formed by William Langlais, Austin Smith-Greaves and Alex Chapman in 2017, after parting ways with their former projects Air Combat and After Our Juliet. Understanding their place in the scene, Arlo Wells' approach has been to write songs they connect with, with little concern for trying to reinvent the wheel. If it speaks to them, that's where they take it. The band played their first show in late 2018. The positive feedback they received was the push that propelled them to take their show on the road. After a few more local shows and their first tour, Arlo Wells hit the studio in 2019 to track their debut EP "Rosewood". Teaming up with producers Tim Creviston (Misery Signals, Spiritbox) and Jordan Chase (Secret & Whisper, Stutterfly), the band spared no expense in building an unforgettable first impression. Reminiscent of nostalgic post-hardcore, with hints of their external influences poking through their arrangements, Arlo Wells paints a picture of heavy alternative music, while keeping it new and exciting. It's all about taking your craft seriously, and Arlo Wells are no exception.

Connect with Arlo Wells:

Website / Links: linktr.ee/arlowells

Instagram: @arlo_wells

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: