If you have been following me on Instagram (my favourite social media platform) you will know that I launched a podcast series three weeks ago called About Last Night.
The premise is to meet up with a variety of creatives who excel in their field and talk about the highs and lows of their journeys and how and where they find joy in their lives.
I have wanted to do this for ages and quite frankly I am having a ball.
The conversation is the easy bit - I love research and interviewing people as I spent a number of years before becoming a professional singer as an editor in a publishing house, and the performance aspect of the podcast - well I think that's part of my DNA.
But - the technology - well THAT is challenging at times.
As a singer when I record anything, I do my thing and then leave it to the engineer and producer to edit...so learning to edit these episodes is a steep learning curve for me and whilst I have the odd freak out, I am loving the satisfaction of getting to grips with a new skill.
On that note I must thank my team who have been telling me for years that this idea had to come to fruition, so thank you Carly - for prodding me in the nicest possible way and Jemma - who is tasked with teaching me the editing process and dealing with said freak outs...I can't verbalise how important words are to me, ironic I know. I don't care if they are sung, spoken or written, I spend my professional and personal life pouring over them.
So creating a podcast where I get to have interesting, insightful conversation with people is stimulating and nourishing beyond belief. Connecting and communicating with people in itself is a joy for me but there are so many learning, "take away" moments in each conversation.
I made the decision to record at the end of the day in a cafe or bar because I wanted a social vibe and energetically recording at the end of the day creates a certain atmosphere, it's intangible, but it's there. I don't know if any other podcasts do this, but it suits my style.
A few people who have listened have said it takes a while to get used to the background sound - so I would love to know what you think - so in case you haven't heard it here is Episode 1 with celebrity hairstylist and the man in charge of my hair, Ben Cooke:https://bit.ly/2MQtcq6
I have been really lucky because I drew up a wish list from my immediate network for Season 1 (9 or 10 episodes, I haven't decided yet) and everyone said yes! So a massive thank you to my guests - you have all been wonderful and so generous with your time and your words.
Last night I recorded an episode with Geeta Sidhu-Robb, CEO of Nosh Detox, whose story blew my mind and the week before I recorded with Oli Rockberger - kick-ass pianist, producer, songwriter, who is currently in Laura Mvula's band. I am trying to cover lots of different creative spheres, but looking ahead to Season 2, if you have any suggestions, let me know.Tomorrow's upload features Sheila McKain, a wonderful creative director and co founder of Laain Activewear. Just to whet your appetite Sheila has in her time worked with Oscar de la Renta and Donna Karan. So check out my socials tomorrow to listen to Sheila's and my conversation and tell me what you think. I'd also love to know whether you'd like the episodes fortnightly rather than every three weeks.
I love catching up with you on here, and I couldn't quite believe it's been a month since my last post...but they do say time flies when you're having fun and I do try to have as much fun as possible :)