Before The Crowd

Welcome everyone into the latest episode of Before The Crowd. In episode #030 we are celebrating the end of LGBTQIA+ History month by talking to Katy Pickles. Katy is an open pansexual artist who discusses with us the challenges she has faced coming out and her own mental health journey.  We break down stereotypes, equality and also what hurdles Katy has faced in her own life. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with Katy and listening to her story as an artist and working within the music industry. So put your headphones on and drink some green tea as you settle into the latest episode of Before The Crowd. 

Hello everybody and welcome into Before The Crowd. In Episode #029 I sit down and talk with Artist Dion Joseph. Dion discusses his debut single, 'Meet Again' and what the song means to him. All proceeds raised from 'Meet Again' will be donated to the North London Hospice. If you would like to help make a difference, donations can be made here https://northlondonhospice.org/support-us/donate/  You can also access 'Meet Again', as heard at the end of the episode, here https://spinnup.link/396994-meet-again 

A special episode: A huge thank to you everyone for all of your support over 2020. For the final episode of the year here is the Best of 2020 Omnibus for Before The Crowd. 

Joining me in this episode is returning guest, Shannon Hynes. Not only do I have the great pleasure of playing drums for Shannon but I also get to talk to her about her latest EP 'Country Words'. Pour yourself a drink and settle in as we dissect the EP track by track and learn about how each song came to life. We discuss the songwriting, recording and release process for the songs as well as why country artists all seem to be obsessed about songs about alcohol. This is one not to miss.

Welcome everyone to this one off (and very sad) special of Before the Crowd. After hearing the tragic news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing I decided to release this podcast. No intro music, no editing, just the raw feeling of loss after hearing the news. Eddie, you are a true rock god and your music and memory will live on forever in our hearts. Rock in Peace!! 

It's September, Autumn is here and this is the first episode of the fall. My guest this time is Giulio Ambrogi, the lead singer and guitarist from Djoolio. We discuss the differences between live music in Italy and The UK as well as adapting to recording music from home. Djoolio's new single 'Get Out' can be heard here on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hUA7QM6tiEVY1R9PqWBsk 

Welcome to Before The Crowd. This time I am joined by singer/songwriter Nathalie Miranda. The episode kicks off with Natalie’s single ‘Poltergeist’ and we discuss the meaning and music video behind the song. Nathalie has performed on the illustrious Jools Holland show and makes her living recording, performing and writing on the London music scene. Except now that has all changed, is there a way back for music in 2020?  Find out here on Before The Crowd.

Welcome back to Before The Crowd! Join me, Guy Monk, as I interview Jenni Watson and we discuss if classical music can survive. The post lockdown world is in a time of social distancing and strict guidlines. So how can classical concerts and theatre productions still carry on? Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer and generally fantastic person Jenni watson helps us understand this. We dissect where the current music industry is, the problems it faces and if there is a way to overcome them. Is classical music really dying? 

The Queen of my Intro Theme herself, Dani Hart joins me this time on BTC. Dani is someone who can call herself an International artist in every sense of the word. She is a Rock/Metal vocalist from Chile, trained in London and how making an impact on the Belgium music scene. Dani discusses her experiences both good and bad, the safety of women at gigs and all things rock. Pour yourself some green tea and settle in for the chat you don't want to miss. 

This episode kicks off with 'Country Words' the latest single from country artist Shannon Hynes. Shannon discusses her new single, the impact of her music in lockdown and where she thinks the UK country scene is heading next. Shannon and I have played and recorded together and worked with the producers of Tom Odell, Florence and the Machine and share a love of all things country. In this interview we get to the heart of music, the relevance it plays in our lives and living for happiness. It was such a great pleasure to have Shannon as a guest on before The Crowd!

Happy Bank Holiday BTC listeners. This time I am joined by renowned artist Alex Lleo. Alex is a leading singer-songwriter on the UK music scene and is just back from NYC where he recorded his latest record. I had the great experience of sharing the stage with this fantastic musician many times and in this episode I get to pick his brain about our industry. Alex tells us about his experiences with management companies, how working in America helped rejuvenate his creativity and how he got the name Alex Lleo.

We have our first ever returning guest on BTC. Ollie Dixon (virtually) calls in to discuss how the music industry has changed for him since our last chat. Ollie is one of the most prominent up and coming young session drummers on the UK music scene. We discuss how the music industry has shifted into something that none of us could have imagined and where to go from here. Don't miss this interview with Ollie part deux! 

Welcome everyone to the first ever virtual interview to be featured on Before The Crowd. Who better to do it with than my good friend, multi-instrumentalist and Pioneer Music Educator, Aled Roberts. Aled is a music technology extraordinaire and describes how he is pushing the boundaries and paving the way for online music education. During this difficult time of the global pandemic and the UK in lockdown Aled and I talk over Skype to discuss what is in store for the music industry and music education. 

Hey everyone, hope you are all safe and with your loved ones at this difficult time. Nothing is stopping Before The Crowd though! In this episode I interview Oli Dixon about the role of session musicians in 2020. This interview took place before the Coronavirus outbreak, so we won't be diving into that in this episode. Listen to Oli as he talks about his worst gigs, how he recovered from them and how to build confidence in yourself as a musician. We talk about how to draw inspiration from other musicians, playing in the blues scene and general music chit chat. Stay safe, much love. Guy xx

I am very excited this episode to be sat having a cup of tea with The Kut. Princess Maha drops into Before The Crowd to talk about her upcoming UK tour. We discuss how The Kut cracked the Rock Charts with a Top Ten spot on the debut album, stories of being on the road and how she gained her real life Doctorate!!  The Kut initially released their music through Princess Maha's record label and have taken the world of rock by storm. Now they continue to push the boundaries of music in 2020 with a fantastic UK tour that is not to be missed. Listen to it here on Before The Crowd with me, Guy Monk.

March is here and my first guest this month is Luke Cooper. Luke is Composer Project Coordinator at AudioNetwork. He tells us how he has been involved in getting the music for The Avenger's Endgame Movie trailer, organising the recordings for some of the biggest albums of 2020 and how he manages and oversees some of the world's top composers. Luke shares his values and undying passion for music and encourages people to never stop doing what they love. This is one of my favourite interviews so far and I'm sure you are going to love this latest episode of Before The Crowd.

Welcome to the month of February, this week I am joined by Sammy Penniston, the bassist of Luna Bay who are one of the hottest new bands in the Indie Rock scene. Sammy takes time out from his European tour dates to come and chat on 'Before The Crowd'. Sammy gives us an inside look at working with management companies, playing the band's first gig and the perils of international touring. Join Sammy and me as we discuss the future of streaming music, recording in the studio and the best bits of playing live!  Be sure to check out LunaBay's upcoming gig, follow the link!! https://www.facebook.com/events/896570864095850/

Is the world of music really a place where equality exists? Join me, Guy Monk as I sit down with Researcher, Lecturer and Vinyl Guru Karlyn King as we discuss the topic. We look at The 2020 Brit Awards, the lack of women and the media coverage that this subject has gained. Karlyn gives us an insight into how females in the industry are categorised, the workshops she is running to try and change this and also her love of vinyl. Listen to it NOW on Before The Crowd!!  

It is the time of the 'January Blues' so what better than a podcast on effective treatment methods and coping strategies? In this episode of Before The Crowd I am joined by Emily Duffy who has an extensive history giving pastoral support to young musicians and songwriters. We discuss the benefits of psychotherapy, how it can be applied and the importance of expression through music. Emily talks about her future plans as a therapist, her current work placements supporting alcoholics, drug addicts and we also get some great tips on where to seek professional help. See the links below! Don't miss out on this insightful episode into the world of psychotherapy right here on Before The Crowd.  https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk/ https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/?gclid=CjwKCAiAgqDxBRBTEiwA59eENxK8f0-csHVy_92tpSqIrzrzYHsJy6F9fA-NsEvYho_PtbzbUrSFUBoCWSYQAvD_BwE https://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/

Hello everyone and welcome to the first episode of the decade!! This week I am joined by my good friend Costas Magdalinos who is the lead singer and rhythm guitar player of the band Jadevine and one of the founders of The JCM Music School. Costas talks about the quality of modern music, his political views and how he was trained as a classical musician. We discuss the new album Costas is recording with some of his childhood heroes and the upcoming UK and European tour that the band will be embarking on. Listen to it here with one of the best singers in modern Rock N Roll, Costas Magdalinos.   

Nadie Keating makes her 'BTC' debut as she discusses how the industry has changed in the last 25 years as well as singing on Brian Connolly's (The Sweet) solo album right before his untimely death. We also dissect what Nadie faced as she became a signed artist and what the record companies wanted her to do in order to make her a star and how she refused to sell her song to Avril Lavigne.  Nadie speaks to ignite a fire in young female artists and tells us how women have been treated in the music business, what needs to change and how we can accomplish these changes. Put your headphones on for the 10th episode of Before The Crowd.

Welcome to another episode of 'BTC' with me, Guy Monk. This time I interview singer-songwriter Aymee Weir. We discuss the struggles and perils that songwriters face in the modern music industry, putting together music videos and how to deal with hecklers. We talk about everything from getting on Spotify playlists, writing lyrics and how to make a living busking on the streets of London.  Aymee talks about her humble beginnings growing up in Droitwich and how she came to be one of the most exciting artists on the electro pop scene today. Get ready to hear Aymee and myself sit down with a cup of matcha tea and put the world to rights!   https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Un3iGwKHPdjhY6tciYGPV https://www.facebook.com/aymeeweir/ https://www.youtube.com/user/ohaymee    

In this episode I interview my good friend Ryan Wilson as he makes his 'BTC' debut. We talk and tangent about everything from teaching methods, our musical influences to the relevance of High School Musical. This is an episode not to be missed! Ryan and I have worked together in various musical projects as well as learning our craft together at university. We break down the realities of touring and being a musician in the 21st century. Ryan gives us an insight into the teaching methods he uses with his students and what makes him a successful Guitar Tutor in the current industry climate. We also fight our urges to make Star wars references. Put your earphones in and check out the latest episode of 'Before The Crowd' hosted by me, Guy Monk.

Anna Free is the co-lead singer and guitar player of signed Sydney based punk rock band Good Pash! Anna discusses touring Australia, hectic schedules and what inspires her to write songs. In this episode we also discuss how Good Pash get categorized by being an all girl band and the relevance of gender in the modern music industry. This has led to backlash from their decision to break away from these stereotypes and introduce a new male member to the band. Don't miss out on this episode of Before The Crowd.

I am very excited to share this interview with Yoga Instructor Kel Newstead. Kel shares her wealth of knowledge on the benefits, positive and negative effects of yoga in the 21st Century. We explore philosophy, spirituality and what we can expect to gain from doing different forms of yoga. We discuss how yoga can alter people in different ways and how it can have an signifficant emotional affects on our day to day lives.

In this episode I interview Muslim comedian Nazeem Hussain. We discuss his Netflix specials, participating in 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' and how the Muslim community has helped him reach his levels of fame. Nazeem is currently touring his new show 'Basic Idiot' across Australia, Sri Lanka and The UK throughout 2019.

Join me this time with Stewart Reeve, frontman of ‘Rebel’, the glam rock, circus and cabaret phenomenon. Stuart discusses his career in the music industry, his time working on cruise ships and how he has created a brand new high-flying David Bowie inspired show.

This week I talk with Nic Conway on writing his new musical, his unique style of comedy and being harrassed/sabotaged by global organisations. We chat about religion, stage fright and where his band are heading next. Don't Miss Out!!

In this week's episode I interview actor Matt Crook who has just finished making a film alongside Gwilym Lee who plays Brian May in the movie 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Matt discusses family life, touring on the road and the reality of money vs creativity within the performance industry. 

Welcome to the first ever episode of Before The Crowd. In this episode I will be interviewing Katie Neadley on Neuroscience and the implication it has on own mental health as performers.