Tunelighting - One Album, One Year, Part Time

Albums We Didn't Write - A Grand Don't Come for Free, The Streets

As part of this journey we occasionally do a deep dive into a great album and pick out 10 things which we think make it so memorable. With the hope, it might inspire our album.

The album we picked this time is A Grand Don't Come for Free by The Streets, described as a British Rap Opera, it is a truly unique piece of art.

In summary, the 10 we love things are:

1) It’s the ultimate concept album…

2) …but the songs work on their own merit

3) Wonderfully British

4) Humour

5) Brilliantly mundane

6) Vulnerability/honesty

7) Brilliant conveyance of internal monologue

8) Inventive storytelling formats

9) Versatile soundtrack

10) Blurring of genres 

As this is a review an analysis podcast the music is used under fair use license 

Another Tunelighter Accepts The Challenge

In this special episode, Rob and Jack interview the first confirmed participant, apart from themselves, in the Tunelighting challenge (that of writing and recording an album in just one year part-time). It may be Rob’s own brother Matt but you’ve got to start somewhere!

The hosts ask Matt what music production he has done before, how he is approaching the daunting task, what equipment he has access to and what music is influencing him. As Matt’s day job is an architect they finish with a music architecture quiz (so stick around for that….)

As always, this podcast is brought to you by Musicianshq.com

5 Solutions To Resistance (That Have Helped Us)

Following on from episode 10 where we discussed the concept of 'resistance' in the songwriting and recording process, we decided we didn't want to leave you with no solutions, so this week we share 5 things that have helped us in the battle to overcome it.

Rob also shares some lockdown field recordings that may or may not find their way onto the album somehow. 

Thanks to everyone who has listened so far! 

Resistance and the War of Art

In this week's episode, Jack and Rob talk about the topic of 'resistance'. A mysterious force that seems to appear during most creative projects, causing anxiety and doubt that manifests itself in day to day distractions. 

Thanks to everyone who has listened so far please do subscribe and follow us @tunelighting on Twitter and Instagram. We'd love to hear your thoughts.  

Albums We Didn't Write - Origin of Symmetry, Muse

A different episode format this week as Rob and Jack take a deep look at an album that has influenced them. That album being Origin of Symmetry by the British band Muse.

The hosts pick their 10 favorite things about the album and mix in a few clips here and there of examples to bring it to life. 

The episode ends with them pondering which ideas could influence the sound of their album. 

 

(n.b as this is a review and analysis of the album clips from the album are used under fair use.) 

Progressing an Idea (Part 2)

Jack and Rob continue their chat about how they progress an idea or a small bit of inspiration into something that starts to resemble a song. Rob asks Jack if he has any go-to tactics for this. 

Thanks to everyone who has tuned in so far. Please let us know if you want to join in an create an album too, we'd love to hear from you! Email tunelighting@musicianshq.com

Progressing an Idea (Part 1)

In the first of a two-part episode, Jack and Rob discuss taking that idea or piece of inspiration discussed in the last episode and progressing it into something that starts to resemble a song. Jack also has some big news regarding the album and has some music to share. 

 

Starting a New Song

In this episode, Jack and Rob discuss some of their favorite ways of starting a new song and share some lessons learned over several years of trial and error. 

Please follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more updates. 

If you have any questions or ideas for future episodes email tunelighting@musicianshq.com

Collaborating Remotely

In this week's episode, Jack and Rob talk about the challenges and also potential opportunities collaborating remotely on an album brings. The hosts talk about techniques they use and cover some of the tools now available which has lead to some bands forming without ever meeting in person! Rob also reveals how he has fallen foul of his own rules already! 

Please let us know if you are thinking about 'tunelighting' yourself or if you have any ideas for future episodes/ questions by emailing tunelighting@musicianshq.com

Equipment

This week Jack and Rob are discussing musical equipment and how advancements in technology have meant that producing music at home is easier than ever before. Jack also plays a clip of a new drum track he made from items found lying around his apartment. 

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