Openback

The Making It In Music Podcast

So, you’re a Musician? You’ve got no idea what to do next? Welcome to the club! OpenBack is the weekly podcast where Will and Tristan discuss surviving the music industry. Covering the perils, the joys, networking and how to ration a packet of pasta for a month when the wedding show you played never pays up. No one really knows the answers so let’s break down this abstract world together, and hopefully, next time you're asked at a family party, “so what job are you aiming to get from all this,” you can politely tell them to get lost. read less
BusinessBusiness
Start Here
EP35. Sam Coveney - Co-Founder of Small Pond Studios
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. Learn more: - Sams Website - Sams Instagram - Small Pond Instagram - ⁠About Small Pond Studios⁠ - Small Pond Home - InTechnicolour - Sams Band

Episodes

EP35. Sam Coveney - Co-Founder of Small Pond Studios
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. Learn more: - Sams Website - Sams Instagram - Small Pond Instagram - ⁠About Small Pond Studios⁠ - Small Pond Home - InTechnicolour - Sams Band
EP34. Will's New Song & Tristan’s Mega Project
15-05-2023
EP34. Will's New Song & Tristan’s Mega Project
So I (Will) have released my debut single - Duplicity - under the artist/project name STALVIA! In this episode, we go through the release process and how it got to this point. Tristan came equipped with a load of questions to help break down the journey and explore the highs and lows of the process. We also talk through the potential value of doing something like this as an instrumentalist and why it's been a worthwhile learning experience. Furthermore, Tristan gives us a peek into his own ambitious musical project, with a heavy emphasis on collaboration. It's a very different venture but definitely one to be excited about. Maybe more music coming soon!
EP33. Kaspar's Blues Pilgrimage & The Vitality of Context - KBR Blues
08-05-2023
EP33. Kaspar's Blues Pilgrimage & The Vitality of Context - KBR Blues
This episode is really heavy... 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 and teachings 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. To find out more about Kaspar and KBR Blues you can check out our 2022 episode all about him and his music here - EP11. Kaspar Berry Rapkin: Blues Music is Folk Music >KBR Instagram
EP32. Coping With Lapses In Confidence as a Musician
01-05-2023
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.
EP31. Leaving Uni - Thing's We Didn't Expect About Post University Life
24-04-2023
EP31. Leaving Uni - Thing's We Didn't Expect About Post University Life
Having spoken to many people about finishing university, one thing is clear; Most people aren't where they expected to be. Be this financial, employment-wise, or where they are living, everyone has things going on they didn't expect. In this episode we take a look at the top things in our lives we didn't expect and are maybe struggling with or at least trying to work out. Simply deciding what kind of job to get is a real dilemma. Do you go for something fun, casual, relevant, high paying, good for the CV or just whatever you get first? Then, how long do you stay in that job, and when is the right time to move? comparison to others also seems to be a theme throughout all graduates, looking at what others have achieved to try and find a path to our own success.
Soundcheck 3. El Moono at The Pioneer Club
17-04-2023
Soundcheck 3. El Moono at The Pioneer Club
In this episode, I sit down with Zac, the lead singer of the band El Moono, to talk about their experience navigating the music industry as a business and utilizing social media to grow their fanbase. We delve into the challenges they have faced as an independent band, including the struggles of booking gigs, promoting their music, and managing finances. Zac shares his insights on the importance of treating music as a business going forward, and how the band has found success through building genuine and authentic relationships with fans on social media. We also discuss the turning point where the music you are creating becomes the kind of music you yourself would listen to and the pride associated with that change in perspective.
EP30. Collaboration - The Heart of Music & What Is OB Soundchecks
10-04-2023
EP30. Collaboration - The Heart of Music & What Is OB Soundchecks
From day one as a musician, many of us take enjoyment from playing with others. Collaboration in some ways is the heart of our industry, by constantly utilising others' specialisms and skills to bounce ideas around and create unique work. In our recent episodes, Live from the Pioneer Club, Will spoke to a range of musicians and the theme of collaboration seemed to be on everyone's mind. Openback Soundchecks have been a massive success and we are so glad you've all been enjoying the video format. (Promise we will do more!) but what exactly is Soundchecks, and what's the idea behind it...
Soundcheck 2. Bison Face at the Pioneer Club
03-04-2023
Soundcheck 2. Bison Face at the Pioneer Club
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!
Soundcheck 1. InTechnicolour at the Pioneer Club
27-03-2023
Soundcheck 1. InTechnicolour at the Pioneer Club
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 Alex Eales, promoter and manager at The Pioneer Club he invited us down to do some interviews with an incredible lineup of bands during their soundcheck. This is episode no.1 with Tobie and Sam from the amazing band InTechnicolour. Unfortunately, Tristan couldn't make it to this one so I was left to hold the fort on my own! Our Equipment: - Portable Interface: Zoom Podtrack P4 - Zoom Microphone kit - Headphones: Audio Technica M50x - XLR Cables
EP29. The Art of Ugly - What We Learnt From Matt Kersey
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. Our Equipment: - Portable Interface: Zoom Podtrack P4  - ⁠Zoom Microphone kit ⁠ - Headphones: ⁠Audio Technica M50x ⁠ - ⁠XLR Cables ⁠
EP28. The Live Music Industry is Broken
13-03-2023
EP28. The Live Music Industry is Broken
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.
EP27. Matt Kersey - Building a Business in Music: Kersey Guitars
06-03-2023
EP27. Matt Kersey - Building a Business in Music: Kersey Guitars
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 doing this in a forfilling and positive way.  Links. Kersey Guitars Matt's Instagram Matt's Facebook Kersey Guitars Youtube
EP26. Luke Hinton - How Do YOU Save Grassroots Music Venues
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.
EP25. Does Content Consumption Enhance Creativity?
20-02-2023
EP25. Does Content Consumption Enhance Creativity?
We all have that one friend who's always sending us videos, buying new gear, and chatting away about some new technology. But, does that stuff actually have the potential to make for better musicians?  This week we discuss the concept that all these things either might make people more or less creative.  Click HERE for more
EP24. Musicality vs Complexity
13-02-2023
EP24. Musicality vs Complexity
What if, like Will, you have a bunch of music written and ready to release and now have to decide what order to release everything? Something has to go first, what are the most important factors in deciding which track is going to be the first one you show the world? Even if you release an album or EP, one song has to be the grand opener.  Now, of course, this is going to be different for each person and each genre of music. But there are a plethora of factors to take into account, from song length to complexity, it's about honing in on what your music needs to say from the word GO!  We discuss Will's upcoming release and some of the final, yet impossible decisions which have to be made before anything can actually find its way onto the big stage - streaming platforms!
EP23. Everything You Need to Release Music
06-02-2023
EP23. Everything You Need to Release Music
Live show tickets are still available 🕺🏼 - Click here - 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. Releasing music is,  in many ways a complicated process, with lots of variables and factors to consider both generally and more specifically for your unique release and expectations. Having both released music with various projects we feel we maybe have an 'essentials checklist' we can share with you all. From artwork to distribution, there are so many things to consider when putting your music out into the world, so hopefully, we can help make this process more efficient and less confusing.  If there's anything you think we've missed! Let us know either via the Spotify comments or on our Instagram!
EP22. Every Band Fits Into 1 of 2 Categories
30-01-2023
EP22. Every Band Fits Into 1 of 2 Categories
Live show tickets are still available 🕺🏼 - Click here - 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.  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's the gist.  So this week we explore that idea, playing devil's advocate at every turn. Maybe there's a formula for it, 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, Love Y'all xoxo
Ep21. Our Top Gigging Tips
23-01-2023
Ep21. Our Top Gigging Tips
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 this format of episode, so if you did as well let us know and maybe we can do more, especially if you have any topic suggestions!
Ep20. How To Network at Gigs - Intentional or Opportunistic?
16-01-2023
Ep20. How To Network at Gigs - Intentional or Opportunistic?
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?  Tickets to the Live show - Click here!!
EP19. Should You Treat Your Music As a Business?
09-01-2023
EP19. Should You Treat Your Music As a Business?
We have some exciting news. WE'RE DOING A LIVE SHOW!!  Tickets are available now! Click here! 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?