This podcast follows the frontman and songwriter of The Curve, a UK indie funk band, as he chases a dream that may be past its sell-by date. It explores songwriting, failing, trying again, and finding peace and progress while playing original music against a relentless covers-band scene. Episodes include stories, thoughts, and interviews about the realities of being a songwriter and musician. The show is a celebration of the joys of creating and performing original music.
Episodes
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 64: Acoustic cafes and other animals
As I prepare for my first solo performance in over a decade I revisit acoustic cafes and the experience of the line performer and the odd process of having to relearn my own songs to perform them solo.
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 63: Bess Howard Baker
Great to catch up with Bess who has been on the circuit for some years. We talk about a gig we played together, 'the covers trap', busking and I ask her the very unfair question 'what music are you into?'
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 62: Burnout...
I'm feeling burnt out, which isn't pleasant, but I thought it would be honest and maybe useful to talk about it. It is a real part of the constant striving of a music career, and being a creative soul. We talk about mild mental health issues, distraction techniques and how the language we use matters. So. Today we touch on mental health and if that effects you I hope this will be a useful
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 61: Ambition
Am I ambitious? And what does that actually mean. Is ambition the same as having ambitions. And is ambition enough in itself to help you to achieve your ambitions. Let's have a chat bout it while I question whether, at times I've been my own worst enemy....
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 60: The Plymouth songwriters circle
me, Rob C, song writing, old stories, new writers.....what more could you want. Rob is reviving this great intimate forum to listen to new music. So I wanted to lend my support and raise awareness via the podcast. Coming to a venue near you soon!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 59: How not to promote yourself....ok, I'm confused....
Returning to one of my regular themes I really am confused. Thought I'd got social media sussed....sort of....followed by abject failure.Go listen to Grains of Sand and make a man happy again :).
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 58: Marianne Joyce
welcome to another interview episode, this time with the up and coming Marianne Joyce. We talk about songwriting, of course, pianos and guitars, the significance of having an instrument accessable and forgetting for a time that playing music was what we loved. Lovely to chat to an artist on the cusp of their first sell out headline gig. You really need to check out Marianne :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 57: ...?... uncertainty...?
Somehow we all need to embrace uncertainty, as the reality is nothing is really certain. Today I wallow in the plight of where I'm heading and not knowing. All very creative stuff.....jump in :)
So gs nobody asked me for. Episode 56: Intentionally, convenience and creativity....
Today we go back to the songwriting theme, with a look at the different way words come along. Broadly under the three categories of words you write just to finish a song, words you write because you want to write about a particular thing and words that arrive when you least expect them!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 55: Camsell Downing....or Cam the Jam :)....
Today we catch up with Cam who has been central to the development and support of young musicians (and old ones!) with his jam nights and show case events at The Marina Bar in Plymouth.Also a member of the band Stone tape theory, along with a journey if many other bands., Cam is an engaging warm person and as much of a talker as I am! So, buckle up! Alot to get through!!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 54: Under pressure
What effect does 'making' someone do something have on their motivation or success. Not sure there is one answer to that, but I'm here to chew over attempts to motivate, ignore, encourage, or discourage and different effects that might have.All depends on you in the end I reckon ...
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 53: Treading water
There are times when not much is happening on the music front...right now is one of them.... here's why and here's what I do.....It isn't all rock and roll you know. :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 52: Grace Lightman
In this episode I meet with Grace, obviously :). We talk about her early music career in London, the difficult decision of whether to move to New York or Plymouth (an obvious choice of course!) and all things Plymouth music scene :).
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 51: Nothing rhymed....
This week I let myself get grilled by AI about influencial songs in my life. Not sure if do it again but interesting as a one off! I rave about the lyrics of Gilbert O'Sullivan and consider many songs and artists. And unforgivably I get my Diana Krall mixed up with my Alison Kraus! Both great, but I meant the amazing Diana.....
Trailer number 2....50+ 😘
50 episodes on and here is a recap of the podcast, the artists and more xxx
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 50...whoop, whoop!!
Wow! We made it to 50. And with the two specials that means it's our one year birthday too :). A little retrospective on the people I've met, and onwards and upwards
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 49: Lucine Bell
My first home visit interview with the up and coming Lucine Bell. Tea, chat and a dog, creativity, forming a band and lots of practice....great band and hope you enjoy the chat :).
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 48: Freedom community festival....a Plymouth gem.
Well today we focus down on one little festival still going strong in Plymouth ...free.....in the park...we love it :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 47: In...side...out
Today I get myself all caught up in whether I'm inside or outside of the local scene. And what does that even mean? Is there one inside and one outside, or is the view in the eye of the beholder..... Discuss :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 46: QuIBB
Today I catch up with Izzy from Queen Izzard's bird blizzard. We talk influences, jamming, songwriting and guitarists with groovy moves.
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 45: Not writers block ..
Seems only fair doesn't it. Last week we thought about writers block, so what is the opposite. But like everything, it's not so black and white...
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 44: Writers block...
Well...what can I say....I can't find the words....I'm not in the mood.Ha! You get the idea. Let's travel into thearid Eastlands of loosing your creativity and think about how you navigate a way out.One way is to do a podcast about it!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 43: More about song writing...more about Mr Bowie...discuss...
A quote from Bowie on song writing leads me down a fruitful open path of celebration of his unaporeciated influence on me. Weooj at the quest to find the words to describe the unsayable and how we find the music for, as yet unfound melodies.....❤️ Bowie... RIP
Songs nobody asked me fo. Episode 42: How not to promote yourself. Part 3...maybe...
you find me in this episode ten days away from our first 'Songs nobody asked us for' event.I'm nervous, but also wondering if perhaps this time I've done some good and useful things to promote it.See what you think :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 41: Two men and a four track...
Oh no. Get two men together and it's not long before they start talking technology. Well to be fair, Craig does, as it's not my strong suit and he is pretty savvy with it. We also do the ritual of two men and their brushes with famous people, which he also wins pretty comfortably.Hey ho.... :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 40: How not to promote yourself...part 2...have I learnt anything?
today I revisit episode 4 to be curious about whether I've become any better at promoting myself than I was back in the 90's Essentially, the Jury is still out....but it's a modern world and times are different .
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 39: Warp Factor 50.
So. There's Eddie and there's Zac. And their in a car park, on a wobbly phone. I'm at my desk drinking nice coffee and sneaking a custard cream. Eddie and Zac are standing outside a funeral parlour. They are in the Bristol based band Factor 50, but wait....they are speaking to me in Falmouth. It's all go, and I need another custard cream, but I'm having fun. Come and join us as
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 38: Age is a relative thing. isn't it?....isn't it?...
How does age work for and against us in the music world. Has this shifted over time as ao many of our music icons have grown older but still perform? What am I missing out on as an older songwriter/performer? And shifting instruments to preserve fingers :). Thank goodness I'm still only 23......#musicthecurve #therollingstones #francisrossi #age #originalmusic
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 37: What it's actually.like to do a gig...
The glamour, the joy....blue smarties and yellow m and m riders. Well. Not exactly. This is my slightly anxiety filled experience Alot of pain for an hour or so of exquisite joy ... :)
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 36: If you think your toys have gone berserk...
meet the Ragdolls! Really great indie band giving me a real nostalgic feel for playing in London in the late 80's early 90's.90's.We talk influences and aspirations, double basses and drums, and the 'joys' of playing to dog walkers in an outdoors cafe :). Really lovely people playing great music.. ....track down their music now!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 35: Hindsight is a wonderful thing...
My conversation with Holly last episode made me want to look back to really ponder on whether playing original music successfully was actually any easier in the 90's than it is today. I also share my one rejection letter I still have from a record company....can't get much more exciting than that!! #musicthecurve #originalmusic #islandrecords #wearecords
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 34: Holly Ebony
My first foray into the folk universe brings me into a really engaging conversation with Holly.We talk song writing, songs and their complicated emergence into the world, music politics and more about the origins of songwriting as a sometimes lost part of childhood.We also share our love of all things Oli :).
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 33: Cha..cha..cha..changing influences
How do you answer the question of who are your influences? And what does it mean? How come you might be influenced by someone who's music is nothing like yours. Here we consider complex influences that can make it harder to think about creativity and exactly how they influence what we do. #original music #songwriting #davidbowie #xtc #thejam #genesis #elviscostello #joejackson
Bonus pod. Announcing the first spinoff event!!!
so. Having mentioned it in many of the puds, please have a look at this announcement for our first event, at the Roundabout pub, Plymouth, on the 24th April 2026. Please spread the word, but most importantly, please come along!! #musicthecurve #RobCForce #craig_osment_music
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 32: The space between...part 2...right between the ears....
extrovert... introvert...what lies between the ears of someone who doesn't like being the centre of attention, but wants to stand on stage in front of everyone....Discuss.... :)This is a link to a BBC video about the power of being an introvert...https://youtu.be/o1Y4Z0oh1GE?si=P4qiU21rpTeT1odx
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 31: Throughput...
So. Writing songs is complicated. When to bring them to the band, how to sit on your songwriter desire to keep bringing new songs in....its all about throughout!! :)#musicthecurve #songwroting #originalmusic
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 30: Ode to Cat Rose
well we are back with another great interviewer; this time the up and coming Cat Rose. We talk about what it's like to try to be a performer today from a working class background, what it's really like to do a tour and find the perfect metaphor for the struggle to write a song . #catroseofficial #musicthecurve #originalmusic #florenceandthemachine #touring
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 29: The space between...
So being in a band is cool...mostly:). And you can get singing or playing an instrument...maybe extra cool. But then, if your the front person, you also have to say something (or not) between songs, beginning and end, etc. So today we think about this. Finding the right vibe for the right audience, wishing I could cultivate a small, and remembering never to diss your 2 person audience!!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 28: The good...the bad...and the bizarre...
Not all gigs are equal. Some are more equal than others :). Let's consider bad gigs, such as discovering the venue you are playing at is huge when you thought it was going to be small, and the food, playing a festival in the sunshine on Cornish clifftops. And then the bizarre....:)#gigs #maker #musicthecurve #soagetti westerns
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 27: 'it takes a little faith
So. Not my easiest subject of conversation, but it's time to talk faith baby. I share my early terrible experience of playing in a worship band and my later good experiences. And for me, the spirit talks to me more in music....#musicthecurve #worship #vineyardmusic
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 26: Discourse with Rob C Force...
Here we go, two guys setting the world to rights.... Great to spend time with Rob hearing about his musical journey, the Plymouth musicians co-operative, songwriting and surviving the music scene.Warning....we both like to chat :). Had a great time and hope you enjoy our chat.#robc #Genesis #musicthecurve
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 25: Minds like these...
In this episode I share my experiences of the Plymouth musicians co-operative ahead of my upcoming interview with Rob C, and my wonderful experience of setting up a band within my role in mental health. Warm memories which reminds me of the power of music on our mental wellbeing and kept me feeling connected to music and creative when I lacked other contacts on the music scene..... #musicthecurve
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 24: The Elvis Costello appreciation society...Pav interview take 2..
My old music collaborator, Pav is back, and this time in the same room as me, so good sound and a warm chat :). We haven't lost our hedenistic 'life on the edge' rock and roll life style either, as we cram our chat into the 20 minutes we have while I'm roasting potatoes. 'Rrroocckkk 🤘#musicthecurve #brilliantbut #originalmusic #songwriting #elviscostello #roastpotatoes
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 23: Is that a canoe in your ecosystem???
Today I talk about my theory of why it's hard to be out playing original music in today's environment. We consider historical pressures (the amazing back catalogue available to covers bands, how the way we listen to music has changed,) and the horizontal eco system of original acts, covers bands and tribute acts.It might almost seem that I have some idea of what I'm talking about! #mus
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 22: Chatting until our throats get horce...
Today I sit down for a chat with my friend Shaun from Horce Divorse.We talk about dads, magic, playing good at awful gigs, playing awfully at good gigs, songwriting and saving the world with love :).I think Shaun is wonderful. Come and see why...#horcedivorse #musicthecurve #songwriting #originalmusic #guitars #tavistock
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 21: What a difference a gig makes....
Well.... basically the realisation that I'm easily pleased. A good gig, an interested audience and promotion to league two.....#musicthecurve #gig #bbar #originalmusic #songwriting
Songs nobody asked me for: And...a New Year special!! Not an Old Year ordinary...
I figured that if I did a Christmas episode I should do a new year one. I'm left with dodgy time line memories, a journey through New Years past, and hopes for this year. Not a new year resolution in sight!!#newyear #musicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #plymouth
Songs nobody asked me for. Christmas special: Last Christmas I gave you pop tarts...
well. It's not George and Andrew... but hey, I made it to Christmas and here we are still going strong. And now a period of pause, working on new songs, blooding new band members and a host of Christmas pasts... And...i wrote you a little Christmas song too :). Humbug I say.....#musicthecurve #christmas #poptarts #special #songsnobodyaskedmefor #originalmusic #songwriting #plymouth
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 20: The doing of battles with other bands...
Band members assemble....it's time to do battle, though what the parameters of the battle are might be a bit vague.Time to explore this odd but fun experience, as I shared some of my experiences, pains and pleasures of this titanic struggle between covers and originals... Gaaarrr
Songs nobody asked me for.Episode 19: Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3...
New logo! Snazzy huh!Today we look at one of the great joys of playing original material...going to the recording studio!What's it like to record on a shoestring? Ow hard is laying down double vocals?first experience and how do you deal with your drummer using a quarter of your really expensive time to do a reverse symbol crash.. #musicthecurve #recording #studio #originalmusic #songwriting
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 18: Why I keep playing original music...even if no one cares! Part 2
Why indeed! I felt the need for some more history this week, my different experiences of life and their impact on song elwriting and determination! And yes...I was once a rent collector, and a City boy!
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 17: In conversation with Craig Osment
So excited to be interviewing Craig. Fantastic singer songwriter based in Devon. Long history of different bands, trying to 'make it' in London, holiday camp bands, German marching songs and a small moped too!#craigosment #musicthecurve #singersongwriter #originalmusic #rattrap #johnnycash #guitar
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 16: Nigel is happy in his way.....
In this episode I've finally gone live with the podcast!I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm technology challenged....and other stuff :). #misicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #podcast
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 15: Earl's a singer (songwriter)
Well. It's all kicking off today. Singers passing out at gigs, did the Plymouth acoustic cafe have canopies or canapé 's on the ceiling? Playing gigs with a drum machine and having to borrow a guitar.... and the dogs are back! .wow. all in one pod :)...#musicthecurve #singersongwriter #originalmusic #sunstroke #songwriting #Plymouth
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 14; Paying tributes...Bruce Springsteen...can we talk?
So in this week's episode I have to won my guilty secret of having been to see a tribute acts and enjoyed it! I know, terrible behaviour for this podcast.But today I'm interested in what it's like to be a tribute acts, what would make me enjoy one, and what I could never see. And a plea for Bruce to contact me for a chat... A man can dream :) #musicthecurve #brucespringsteen #jonimitch
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 13: Back in the day
Finally get to meet with my London collaborator Pav, but no.....the sound is awful, but yes.....I'm putting it out anyway!! Please hang in there.We consider, punk as an influence, drunk drummers, and gigs with Eddie Izzard....#musicthecurve #eddieizzard #punk #london #original music #gigging
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 12A: This is sort of an apology...
My first 'emergency podcast ' to explain why episode 12's run was interrupted on some platforms. What does it say about getting your stuff out there. Mostly....an apology. Back in the swing again next week!! Xx#streaming #musicthecurve #original music #songwriting #music #richardosman #garbage #shirleymanson
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 12: Feeling groovy..
And on we go. Nigel is feeling groovy and glad to be alive. He talks, good gigs, Glastonbury, the multiverse of artists, the ups and downs of song writing and being stopped by the Police (where is sting when you need him! )#musicthecurve #groovy #originalmusic #songwriting #scissorsisters #charlixcx #pulp #alanismorissette #biffyclyro #the1975 #lewiscapaldi #Lorde #raye #gracieabrams #lolayoung #
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 11: My second sexy twosome!!
In my second interview I meet with John, my long term collaborator and bass player in The Curve.We discuss how we met via a music shop ad, Polish thrash metal bands, playing covers as a backing band for a choir and what happens when you fall on your guitar. Here is a link to the YouTube video of 'Want': https://youtu.be/N20jPg-6ce4?si=ikyPXg2MIp5AN4Si #musicthecurve #bass #thrashmetal #ply
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 10: Words appear to not come easily
today we look at the tricky issues of song lyrics. Like most song writers I'm reluctant to explain what I'm writing about, but today I try...a bit ... Hiding in lyrics, misinterpretation corny lines and the need to rhyme....a minefield best left muddied!! #musicthecurve #lyrics #songwriting #original music #words #jonimitchell #elviscostello #everythingbutthegirl
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 9: More reasons to be cheerful; more thoughts on the gloom...
Why do we seek to find a comparison to match something new with? Gigs with table tennis tables, warm vibes and sore throats, and... Could we play an Eagles cover if we needed to???#musicthecurve #songwriting #originalmusic #sting #thebeautifulsouth #jamiroqui #pingpong #cheerful
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 8. The first double header!
So. The moment of my first interview arrives! Whoop whoop! Meet Brad. Guitarist and all round Essex geezer from The Curve. We are two Essex boys living in Cornwall, and listen to my accent getting broader as I catch up with Brad :).Brad shares his music roots, 'nearly making it' and what it is like to play in both covers and originals bands. #musicthecurve #coversbands #originalsbands #essex #guit
Songs nobody asked me for - Episode 1: Because you have to start somewhere...
So. Here we go, I say hello, say a bit about why I'm doing this, moan a bit, whilst smoothly balancing this with some positivity, etc etc!! What four things do you need to succeed a a songwriter....listen and learn :) #songwriting #musicthecurve #beginnings #originalmusic
Songs nobody asked me for. Epiisode 7. And younger still....
nurture...nature....nature...nurture. In this episode we delve deeper into what enables the creative spark to grow.Featuring radio 2, prod rock, alcoholic classical guitar tutors and strange children's entertainment groups. Oh and a folksy John Denver audio cassette :) #musicthecurve #classicalguitar #prodrock #johndenver #childhood #nurturenature #letusentertainyou #gretchguitars #elviscostello
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 6: Learning to write songs in the bedrooms of youth
First off, I have a bad throat, so forgive the occasional splutter. This is the first of two episodes considering early influences, class struggles and messages, grandparents, what led into all of this and where music was around me as I did my angry young man learning to play bit.....Grrrr. #musicthecurve #originalmusic #songwriting #youth #youthfulness #essex
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 5: Reasons to be cheerful...part one....
time for some positive energy and the best things about playing and writing your own material.And merch!And toe tapping.....come pick up the constructive vibe!! #musicthecurve #happy #creativity #livemusic #songwriting #originalmusic #reasonstobecheerful
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 4: How not to promote yourself...
what did I do wrong? Maybe what did I do right is a better question. We look at unsuccessful fly posting, cold calls, hiding behind emails and trying to find spaces to 'turn on the charm! :). Was it harder or easier to promote yourself before social media? The blessings of being n bands with lovely people....#musicthecurve #promotion #songwriting #socialmedia
Songs nobody asked me for. Episode 3: Why I keep playing original music, even if no-one else cares! Part 1
What makes one musician focus on playing their instrument to perfection, whilst another focuses on what they can write with it? What influences us growing up to effect this? The art of resisting 'knowing your place', and learning chords. And what IS that noise behind me?? #musicthecurve #thebeatles #elviscostello #johnmayer #originalmusic #genesis #ledzeppelin #deeppurple #prince #ericclapton #son
Songs nobody asked me for - episode 2: The first gig is the deepest...
does anyone ever have a normal first gig? What keeps you going or makes you quite?Join me for a look at how this all began for me, playing with no strings, being clueless about equipment and and setting up a school band in the early 80's. #musicthecurve #songsnobodyaskedmefor #gigs #music #original music
'Songs nobody asked me for' Trailer
why make original music when nobody cares? How did i get onto this? Who the hell am I? Why do I keep doing this? Here's the trailer for my new podcast on songwriting, failing, trying again and generally swimming against the tide of covers and tributes, down here in the real world....coming soon...#musicthecurve #indiefunk #songwriting #newmusic #musicpodcast
