Now You're Talking

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter Benjamin Francis AKA Seeking Benjamin about his wonderful Christmas song. We talked about all sorts from his earliest memories of songwriting and his musical beginnings to playing live in freezing temperatures this winter. We also talked about his new Christmas single “Santa, Leave Something For Me” raising funds and awareness of the Cots For Tots charity who have been a huge support to Ben's family while his son was receiving treatment in hospital. Through their support, the family were able to stay together for the four months that Oscar was in hospital. The lyrics in the single were written by Ben's son Oscar while they spent time together in the studio. “Santa, Leave Something For Me” by Seeking Benjamin is out now. click here to listen on Spotify. This christmas single is included in this year's Drivetime Christmas Chart, click here for details about how you can vote for it!

Ahead of Friday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist Katie Cole. We talked about all sorts from a crazy couple of years on tour and developing, releasing and performing new music as part of The Smashing Pumpkins to Katie's plans for a new solo EP in 2023, her latest Christmas single “Baby, It's Christmas” and how Christmas in Australia compares to the US and UK! Plus Katie talked about what it's like playing small venues compared to huge arenas like Madison Square Garden and shared some fantastic advice for solo musicians about developing confidence on stage too. Katie has a growing collection of fantastic original Christmas songs to her name and as we've got Cliff and the US has Mariah… I'm pitching Katie Cole as the Australian Queen of Christmas! “Baby, It's Christmas” by Katie Cole is out now. click here to listen on Spotify. This christmas single is included in this year's Drivetime Christmas Chart, click here for details about how you can vote for it!

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter, broadcaster and reigning champion of last year's Drivetime Christmas number one, Mal Pope. It was lovely to catch up with Mal after his busy year releasing some of my favourite tracks of 2022 and we talked about all sorts including his current Christmas single featuring fellow Welsh icon Bronwen Lewis. We also covered all sorts from the World Cup to his plans for 2023. We talked about how his old school friend, Carolyn Harris MP managed to persuade him to release an entire album for the Everyone Deserves A Christmas campaign, how Mal's fundraising efforts have included a video starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, calling a favour from his neighbourhood links to Nashville, working with a 200-strong choir of ladies and how he even managed to get the ACTUAL Jesus Christ Superstar on the album too! To find out more or about the Everyone Deserves A Christmas Campaign and to donate visit www.malpope.com. “Christmas With The Pope & Friends” the album is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. This christmas single is included in this year's Drivetime Christmas Chart, click here for details about how you can vote for it! To hear Mal's previous interview on Phoenix FM, in the summer of 2021, click here.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with singer/songwriter Ben Drake of The Ben Drake Collective. We covered all sorts from his new venture into learning piano and how it became part of his gorgeous new Christmas song written to capture the Christmas spirit as a thank you, of sorts, for our loved ones who care for us in our times of need. We also talked about how songwriting helped him to process grief since losing his father. Since then, Ben has became an ambassador for The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust and is releasing a charity Christmas single to raise vital funds for them. To find out more about the trust and the song listen to the full interview. To find out more about The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust visit www.pulmonaryfibrosistrust.org Christmas Time by The Ben Drake Collective is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. This christmas single is included in this year's Drivetime Christmas Chart, click here for details about how you can vote for it!

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with Andrew & Charles, founding members of Irish folk band The Mary Wallopers. We covered all sorts from their debut self-titled album to their UK Tour and what it's been like bringing their Irish folk songs to England, Scotland and Wales. We also talked about their fantastic meditation retreats, what they've had thrown at them, that infamous photo you'll see in their local pub (and in their album sleeve!) plus, of course, their latest single Cod Liver & The Orange Juice.

On Wednesday's Drive I was joined by youth mentor, proud Dad, singer/songwriter, founder of The 21 Up Movementand all round genuine top bloke, Perry Blake AKA Foebt Fully. Perry spoke openly about a his turbulent youth and how he turned the challenges and adversities in his own life into a positive force for change. He spoke openly about his passion to improve the lives of young people and how he's proactively supporting and creating opportunities for others through The 21 UP Movement. We also talked about all sorts of other things from parenting to public speaking and from youth clubs to snapback caps! Perry is launching a new youth club in Brentwood at The Hermit Club every Friday from 3:15pm starting this week on Friday 25th November. You can find out more about The 21 Up Movement here. You can also checkout Perry's music under his musical alias of Foebt Fully. Click here to listen on Spotify.

On Thursday's Drive I was joined by local singer/songwriter Ellie-Marie for a chat all about her new single “Promise” and a catch up on some of her upcoming gigs too. We talked about all sorts from the inspiration behind her new single and what's coming up in the new year plus how and why she recently re-wrote lyrics for a lettuce and of course, a little bit of JLS.

On Friday's Drive I was joined by local singer/songwriter Louise Parker to celebrate the release of her brand new single “Littel Bit Drnk” which landed at number one in the UK country charts! Louise brought her guitar to play her new single live in the studio for us, we talked about all sorts from her earliest songwriting memories, the inspiration behind her new single and upcoming gigs to Taylor Swfiting through life and mistaking sick bowls for cowboy hats!

On Friday's Drive it was great to have Alex from Brentwood's own Ocean Flaws live in the studio for a chat all about their highly anticipated debut EP “Zoo Doo Magic”. We talked about Alex's experience returning to Doddinghurst Road to our studio and almost passing his childhood home on the way. Along with something of a track-by-track of the full EP we heard a little about how it all came together both musically and logistically… we even covered some essential band admin including the infamous Ocean Flaws shared Google Drive! As, always there were a lot of laughs along the way and Alex even became the latest musically gifted victim/supporter of the Stylophone-in… I'm still waiting to hear whether or not they'll let me join the band for stylophone solos.

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with Scott Feierstein AKA Just Scott for a chat about his new single “Take Back The Night” out Friday 28th October. We talked about all sorts from Scott's musical beginnings playing trumpet in school and how storm sandy wiped out his beloved guitar pedals to how covid inspired him to get back into music and why watching the news inspired his latest single. We also did an 80s music quiz which was definitely not as easy as either of us thought! How did you do?! Take Back The Night by Just Scott is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with our very own Michelle Ward. As well as being the star of her own daily radio show right here on Phoenix FM (Eat My Brunch 10am-1pm) Michelle is also a singer, songwriter and all round superstar of the local music scene. It was great to catch up about Michelle's music and talk in detail about her debut EP “Directions” which comes out on 26th October. We talked about the inspiration behind the lead track “Try” and in amongst a lot of laughs Michelle shared some inspiring life advice on why it's never too late in life to achieve your goals. We also talked about what it was like working with some fantastic musicians on the EP from producer Ed Rome to recording a track with The Condriacs plus everything from TikTok, tambourines and Michael Bublé.

Fresh from her incredible live show and EP launch at Hot Box in Chelmsford, singer/songwriter Roisin O'Hagan brought her guitar to the studio for a very special live acoustic session and performed three stripped back tracks from the new EP. We also had another chat about all sorts including a post-gig debrief, an introduction and radio debut for her new guitar “Wally” and the official naming and unveiling of a newly “up-cycled” guitar that I rescued, restored and repurposed. Roisin renamed it “Helda” and became the first of many musical stars to sign it! (The last time Roisin signed a guitar she wrote her name next to Neil Young…) Dreamstate by Roisin O'Hagan is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. To hear us talk in more detail about the full EP alongside an exclusive track-by-track with Roisin click here.

Ahead of Friday's Drive I caught up with singer/songwriter Roisin O'Hagan for a chat about her new EP Dreamstate. Roisin joined us for an exclusive track-by-track of the new EP and as well as each individual song we talked about all sorts from her upcoming live show at Hotbox Chelmsford and a little insight into future releases to her first experience in co-writing, some outstanding life advice for anyone who needs a confidence boost and an amazing story about meeting the OTHER Roisin O'Hagan! Dreamstate by Roisin O'Hagan is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. You can see Roisin O'Hagan performing the full EP live at Hot Box, Chelmsford on Saturday 8th October click here for tickets.

Ahead of Tuesday's Drive I was joined by Bruce Foxton and Russel Hostings of From The Jam. After The Jam split, bassist Bruce Foxton formed From The Jam to continue touring the band's huge hits and since joining forces Foxton & Hastings have released two studio albums. It was great to chat to both of them ahead of their third studio album, The Butterfly Effect. We covered all sorts from what it's like playing The Jam's hits live, how a Covid induced touring break lead them to the studio and what we've got to look forward to in the new album. Plus a top tip for drying a wet phone and a few thoughts on the charts and modern radio. Lula by Foxton & Hastings is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. The new album ‘The Butterfly Effect' is due out on 28th October 2022.

Ahead of the next As Yet Untitled Rock Show I caught up with welsh rock band Himalayas. We talked about their phenomenal new singles “Out Of The Dark & Into The Light” and a few details about their upcoming album as well as their UK tour. We also covered all sorts of other things too from how the band formed, effective methods for tidying up and how Joe's health scare motivated him to write differently. Oh and I began a campaign to persuade them to write a song about cake. Grab your Battenberg! Out Of The Dark & Into The Light by Himalayas is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. You can also see Himalayas live on Tour.

On Wednesday's Drive I was joined by local singer, songwriter Sophie Griffiths. We caught up talked about all sorts from her fantastic new single “Monster” to her upcoming EP “Stuck In My Head” and her live headline show to celebrate the release at The Grace, London. We also found out where you might see a few stickers dotted around the local area – send us a selfie if you spot one! Monster by Sophie Griffiths is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Every now and then, you get the chance to meet your heroes. One of my first ever gigs was seeing Status Quo so it was awesome to be zooming into Francis Rossi's home for a chat! We covered all sorts from memories of playing around Essex and some great advice for new musicians to flies, orangeries and the new Quo album! Quo'ing In – The Best Of The Noughties by Status Quo is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. You can also see Status Quo live on thier Out Out Quoing Tour.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive George and I caught up with Johnny, frontman and singer from one of Essex's favourite punk bands, Pet Needs. We talked about all sorts from how the two brothers formed the band at a loose end to their recent experience touring the US. We also discussed their upcoming album Primetime Entertainment, what it was like working with Frank Turner as producer and blending punk with orchestra plus Johnny shared some fantastic advice on how to stand out as a support band on tour. Fear For The Whole Damn World by Pet Needs is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. The album Primetime Entertainment will be released on September 9th.

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with Olly from Manchester based Uno Mas. We talked about their crowd pleasing new single “High” and all sorts of other stuff from their recent gig at The Shacklewell Arms and why filming the new video lead to lots of laughs/falls/bruises to Kasabian, lockdown walks, Shanghai Knights, dog masks and Bruno Mars! High by Uno Mas is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

On Friday's Drive I was joined by singer, songwriter, podcaster and all round top bloke Fraser Morgan. As well as playing an awesome live acoustic set for us, we chatted about all sorts from his passion for gigs, words and meeting people to raising awareness and support for mental health, the inspiration behind some of his songs and all sorts of other things from Ralph's shed to Kermit the frog! Home Is Where The Heart Is by Fraser Morgan is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter, musician and producer Jazz Robertson. We talked about her fantastic new single “It Ain't Me” plus all sorts of other things from learning the violin to writing poetry and loads more. It Ain't Me by Jazz Robertson is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

On Monday's Drive I was joined by singer, songwriter Maya Lane for a live acoustic session. We had a chat too about all sorts from applying for festival slots aged 12 to her current gigs and what inspired her latest release “When You Need Me” plus loads of other things too like some of her earliest memories performing in the school show and some top tips for finding vintage fashion! When You Need Me by Maya Lane is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Tuesday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter Breeze Redwine. We talked about her latest release “Pretty Tough Girl” and the empowering message behind it as well as her recent experience performing the track during the Euros, her musical journey, upcoming gigs and all sorts… including her staring role in the school show! Pretty Tough Girl by Breeze Redwine is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Friday's Drive I caught up with Sean from Brentwood based Ocean Flaws to introduce their new single Zoo Doo Magic. Exciting times are afoot for the band as they new single is the title track from their upcoming debut EP due for lease later this year. We talked all about the new single, a cheeky preview of what's to come over the next few months and debriefed after their incredible headline show at The Shacklewell Arms plus we covered all the other key subjects like topless crowd surfing and why Callum can't pass a MacDonald's without experiencing PTSD. Zoo Doo Magic by Ocean Flaws is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Reflecting on the Lionesses incredible performance both on and off the pitch during the European Championships I caught up with Co-chair of West Ham's Pride Of Irons, women's officer for pride in football, passionate football fan, podcast host and fellow Phoenix FM presenter Jo Bailey. As well as a first-hand account of the awesome scenes that unfolded at Wembley last Sunday, Jo talked about how we can build on the momentum of the tournament to change the future of women's football, what can be done to improve access for young girls at school and club level and how a one club mentality is the way foreword.

On Wednesday's Drive I was joined by local singer-songwriter Ellie-Marie for a chat all about her new single “2 Sides” and her latest musical endeavours. We covered all sorts of other stuff too from memories of writing her first song lyrics in a princess notepad to being inspired by JLS! 2 Sides by Ellie-Marie is out on Friday 29th July. Click here to listen on Spotify.

On Monday's Drive I was joined by music blogger, radio host and singer, songwriter Grace Calver for a live acoustic session. We had a chat too about all sorts from how she began her journey into radio, The Grace Note Blog, her music and what it's been like playing live festivals this year. We also covered other important things like what's it like when someone finds out you wrote a song about them and losing your guitar capo. Plus Grace joined in with the Stylophone-in! Bored Of U by Grace Calver is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with now London based singer songwriter Alice Merton. Alice's breakthrough single “No Roots” was an instant anthem for anyone with experience of relocating their lives so it was great to chat to her about her feelings looking back on a childhood of living in different countries. We covered all sorts of other stuff too from her fantastic new album S.I.D.E.S and touring with Bastille to how making music helps her process emotions and come through the “other side” – plus that time she rocked the mic so hard it broke! S.I.D.E.S by Alice Merton is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with director, producer and writer Max Newsom for a chat about his latest movie Iceland Is Best. The film tells the story of Sigga, a 17 year-old girl trying to leave home in Iceland, and make her way to California. We talked about how the film was inspired by a chance meeting with an Icelandic woman who had an incredible story to tell, how Max and the production team made the film and what it was like filming on location in such a stunning but dangerous landscape plus lots more. Iceland is Best is out now and available to purchase or rent on DVD via iTunes and Prime Video. For a list of other streaming platforms, click here.

On Wednesday's Drive I was joined by local singer, songwriter Sophie Griffiths. We caught up on her recent headline show and upcoming gigs to the inspiration behind her stunning new single “Evergreen”. We also covered all sorts of other things from songwriting to petrol prices and her Nan's new-found TikTok fame! Evergreen by Sophie Griffiths is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with London based Italian-English singer songwriter Morena Santi for a chat about all sorts from her recent rebranding channeling her inner Mediterranean roots and her new single “Good Intentions” to Vans, holidaying in Italy and beatboxing. Good Intentions by Morena Santi is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with pianist, comedian, singer and Britain's Got Talent winner, Jon Courtenay. We covered all sorts from his memories of life as a variety performer before his BGT appearance to his famous golden-buzzer moment and beyond. Jon also spoke openly about his battle with cancer and how writing material based on his experience was difficult but important plus why he might be feeling a few butterflies ahead of the first preview of his new show at Brentwood Theatre on Tuesday! You can see Jon Courtenay performing his one man show “Against The Odds” at Brentwood Theatre on Tuesday 14th May, click here for tickets. For more information about Jon and where else you can see him perform, click here.

On Tuesday's Drive I was joined by singer, songwriter Shea Rafferty for a very special live acoustic session. We had a chat too about Shea's musical beginnings, from the first song he wrote to his mist recent release and how it was written in tribute to his mum. We also covered all sorts from live gigs and his upcoming album to his radio show. You'll Be There by Shea Rafferty is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. You can see Shea performing live at the Underbelly in Hoxton on 18th June. Click here for tickets.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with keyboardist, songwriter and producer Geoff Downes. Geoff plays keyboard in several iconic bands including YES, ASIA and The Buggles so it was great to chat about what it's like juggling being in several successful bands at once, what it's like to be in a “supergroup” and whether new material written for one band ever finds it's way into the other band! We also covered the upcoming tour with YES, a very special ASIA live box set and, despite the success of all his bands, how he still gets a buzz hearing one of their songs on the radio. You can see YES on the tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of their iconic Close To the Edge album featuring the album played in full along with other classic tracks from YES's extensive catalogue. Click here for tickets. You can pre-order your copy of ASIA Live At The Budokan Arena in 1983. The deluxe boxset includes 2LP, 2CD, 40 page 12″ book, Blu-ray DVD, printed memorabilia and ASIA pin badge. Released on BMG Records on 10th June. Click here to get yours.

Ahead of this edition of The #AsYetUntitledRockShow I was joined in the studio by Southend based rock band Under One Sun for an incredible live acoustic set plus full band interview about their new single Blood Paper. We covered all sorts from what it's like to be in a band with your brother to initiation ceremonies for new members and dreams of a guitar solo on the rides at Adventure Island! We also talked about how the band found creative energy in lockdown, what they've got coming soon and a few live gigs in the local area.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter and TikTok star Chloe Collins for a chat about her storming new song “That's On You”. We covered all sorts of other stuff too from birthdays and TikTok livestreams to the dangers of dating a songwriter! We also talked about Chloe's growing list of songs that have made tv soundtracks, her love of US TV show Criminal Minds and how it definitely doesn't compare to Midsomer Murders. Plus, she's coming to the UK soon! That's On You by Chloe Collins is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter and sunflower pop gal, Jaz Beeson for a lovely chat about her wonderful new single, Coffee Machine Sounds. We spoke about how being stuck in the office inspired the track and the intimacy of the new desk demo edit of the song featuring the ingenious musical invention of chickpeas in gravy! We covered all sorts of other stuff too from Jaz's route into music and her upcoming live shows to misheard song lyrics, singing to the steering wheel and Colin the Caterpillar. Coffee Machine Sounds (Desk Demo) by Jaz Beeson is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. Click here to listen to Jaz performing in session on Phoenix FM with Andy Gardener.

Ahead of Friday's Drive I caught up with two cool kids Alex & Hamish from Brentwood's Ocean Flaws for a chat about their new single “Keep It Cool”. We covered all sorts from the juicy lyrical and musical details of the new single to their upcoming live gigs and forthcoming EP. As always, we also covered the serious subjects like who would be the most likely member of the band to go on Strictly, stealing Kit Kats and Scientology to crowdsurfing a kitchen sink. Plus, Alex told us about his heroic efforts to raise funds for Mind. Keep it Cool by Ocean Flaws is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify. To support Alex in his fundraising visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-pattle4.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with George from Big Image, a new band creating some of the most exciting new sounds out of Birmingham! We talked about how the C-word inspired their rebrand and breathed new life into their music, how they manage to get the sounds and visions in their heads and the inspiration behind their euphoric new single “Something”. We also covered their debut EP “Human Touch Is Forever” and their passion for live music plus their recent gig at Villa Park! Human Touch Is Forever by Big Image is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with Southend based musician, singer, songwriter Ted Groves. Ted, complete with drum kit, zoomed in part way through a recording session to have a lovely chat about his new single, Daydreams. We also covered all sorts from his musical influences, gigging with his brother, signing to Cool Thing Records and layering his music to why drummers might not be the best next door neighbours!

Ahead of Tuesday's Drive I caught up with singer and Debbie Harry lookalike, Chloe from Blondie Tribute Band, Totally Blondie. Whilst, hanging on the telephone we covered all sorts from Chloe's own musical background singing on Terry Wogan's radio show with an outstanding list of household names to how lockdown inspired virtual gigs and recording their own reworking of some Blondie classics. We also talked about the band's current tour and all the details of their upcoming show at Chelmsford Social Club on 28th April.

Ahead of Friday's Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter from Brentwood Josie Beth for a chat about her fantastic debut single. We covered all sorts from juggling her musical endeavours alongside a uni degree to inventive ways to name a song and why we'll probably never hear her song about the days of the week! Wish I Could Too by Josie Beth is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with Hutton based singer, songwriter Sophie Griffiths. We covered everything from Sophie's hilarious TikTok cover songs to her incredible new single “Machine” inspired by her experiences of anxiety. Naturally, we covered all sorts of other topics too from Colin the Caterpillar and a quiz to discover “how old is your soul” to her upcoming headline gig and performing at The Great Escape Festival. Machine by Sophie Griffiths is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Ahead of Wednesday's Drive I caught up with Essex based singer, songwriter Roisin O'Hagan. Part way through a trip to the US recording in Nashville, Roisin zoomed in for a chat about her latest releases, her fantastic new single “Sunset Valley” and the new music video plus all sorts from finding Taylor Swift's mic to gigging at Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club and more.

Ahead of Tuesday's Drive I caught up with musician, singer, songwriter and star of The Josh Ramsay Show, Josh Ramsay! With songwriting credits on huge hits by the likes of Nickelback, Carly Rae Jepson and 5 Seconds of Summer plus being the frontman of Canadian rockers Marianas Trench, Josh is certainly no stranger to the music industry. The Josh Ramsay Show is Josh's debut solo album so it was great to chat to him his first solo venture, how he put together one of the most eclectic and varied albums out there and working with a range of Canadian icons from Chad Kroeger to Bryan Adams!

Ahead of Friday's Drive I caught up with musician, singer, songwriter Will Joseph Cook. An undisputed TikTok star I talked to Will about his breakthrough single “Be Around Me”, what it was like putting together his highly anticipated third album, his latest single “Little Miss” and all sorts from the pros and cons of releasing on his own record label and his love of Nintendo to playing live in a hot air balloon in Mexico! Every Single Thing by Will Joseph Cook is out 10th June on Bad Hotel / The Vertex and you can also see him playing live on tour in all the following places… Thursday 17 March – The Joiners, Southampton Friday 18 March – The Prince Albert, Brighton Saturday 19 March – The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham Sunday 20 March – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Tuesday 22 March – Think Tank, Newcastle Wednesday 23 March – King Tut's, Glasgow Thursday 24 March – The Deaf Institute, Manchester Friday 25 March – The Wardrobe, Leeds Sunday 27 March – Lafayette, London

Ahead of Monday's Drive I caught up with London based singer, songwriter and musician Viji. We talked about all sorts from growing up in Vienna in a musical family and making her own instruments to getting inspiration from books and movies, recording from home and how a cold British winter inspired her most sun-soaked single “Cali”. Cali by Viji is out 11th March and you can also see her headline London's Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on 11th March. Click here for details.

Ahead of Thursday's Drive I caught up with local mum and paramedic Serena De Lastic. Inspired by her patients, family and her own experience of working through the pandemic as a paramedic and in vaccination clinics, Serena has written a poem and a short story. Witchy Poos and the Covid Fairy is a short illustrated story to help children with any anxieties and questions they may have around getting a vaccine. We talked about how Serena was inspired to write the story, how her daughter Raven's puppets and drawings brought the characters to life and how her colleague Fran Montgomerie helped to illustrate this wonderful story. We also talked about the crowdfunding campaign to get this story into schools and children's hands, where you might see Witchy Poos again in the near future and you can even hear Serena reading the book on my Poetry Podcast! To support Serena in publishing and getting more copies of this book into schools click here to visit her Crowdfunding page.

Ahead of Tuesday's Drive I caught up with musician, composer, author, lecturer and Queen of Kingston University Stylophone Orchestra, Dr Leah Kardos. We talked about her work at Kingston University and Visconti Studio, how a car boot full of stylophones inspired their album and getting Tony Visconti involved to produce their version of Space Oddity. We also talked about Leah's new book Blackstar Theory: The Last Works of David Bowie and how limitations can inspire creativity. Stylophonika, the debut album from Kingston University Stylophone Orchestra is out now on Spun Out Of Control Records. For more information about Visconti Studio click here and to find out more about Dr Leah Kardos including more of her music and writing, click here.

On Friday's Drive I was joined by Callum & Hamish from Brentwood based Ocean Flaws to introduce their new single Karmageddon. We talked about how the single came into being, how the song evolved musically & lyrically plus all sorts of other stuff from Hamish's new moustache to the whereabouts of the blowup doll and drinking in a field on a sofa in Doddinghurst! You can download the new single, find out more and follow Ocean Flaws if you click here.

For over 55 years this all girls marching band has given young girls an opportunity to learn music, make friends, gain confidence and travel the world to perform. With the departure of the band master in recent years, they have struggled to find a permanent replacement and so Jessica joined us for a chat about the history of The Haverettes, her fond memories performing with the group as a young musician and why it is so important that they continue to offer future generations of young girls the opportunity to join The Haverettes. Formed in 1965, because their daughter and other girls were only allowed to march behind the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps (an all boys band) as majorettes, Alf and Sylvia Smith from Hornchurch in Essex decided to form an all girls marching band. Over the years the band then went from strength to strength, going from a one song routine to a huge repertoire and various displays under their belt. The girls had a major impact at various levels in National Competitions and compete at the highest level in TYMBA contests, formerly national champions. The band are often invited to perform in various shows and carnivals across the UK and Europe as well as being in various music videos including the Inspiral Carpets and Enya, on ITV's This Morning and even TV adverts too. The latest being the Mulberry Christmas Advert 2018, the 12 days of Christmas (look out for their feet / drums!)​. The Haverettes are holding an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday 13th February 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Elm Park Assembly Hall to discuss the future of the band. If you or somebody you know would be interested in helping to support the continuation of the group then please do attend or get in touch as soon as possible by contacting them here.