On The Road With...

In the finale of Season 6, Gareth chats with his longtime friend and collaborator, Hip-Hop producer, Vice Beats. They talk about, among other things, his reasons for stepping away from the live touring scene a few years back, his early days as an MC performing live and why he now prefers the studio, the J Dilla tribute album project that he masterminded, and much more. The songs featured in this episode, which can be streamed via the 'On The Road With Songs' playlist on Spotify are 'Lost Time' (Vice Beats feat. Ellie Harris, Kinkai & Thalassic) & That Love (Vice Beats, Audessey, Greg Blackman & Knuf). The show returns with Season 7 this autumn! In the meantime, join the 'On The Road With Official Community' group on Facebook for updates about the new season and much more!

Gareth sits down with former Level 42 drummer and songwriter, Phil Gould. Back in February, Gareth caught up with former Level 42 drummer, Phil Gould, to talk about the album he's been working on during lockdown and the creative productivity that has resulted from it. Having left the iconic group in 1987, he talks about his brief return in 1994 and his contribution to the album of that year, Forever Now. This is also an honest account of his reasons for leaving the band, the nervous exhaustion that his brother, Roland 'Boon' Gould suffered as a result of the relentless touring with the outfit, and an in depth look at the songwriting process within the band during his time with them. They also discuss what he's done since Level 42, his approach to drumming, songwriting, multi-instrumentalism and much, much more. The songs featured in this episode span Phil's career to date, including his latest single release 'Faint Love', 'The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)', 'Two Solitudes (Everyone's Love In The Air)' and 'Love Games', all Level 42, and to finish, Stevie Winwood's 'Back In The High Life Again'. As always, you can stream all of the commercially available music on the 'On The Road With Songs' playlist on Spotify.

For this jam-packed bumper episode, Gareth is joined by Jools Holland's longtime bass supremo, Dave Swift. In one of the widest-ranging interviews ever on the show, Gareth and Dave meander through various topics, such as Dave's advice to those looking to become professional multi-instrumentalists like he is, as bass was not actually his first instrument. Dave also takes us behind the scenes in the Jools camp and talks about the backstage side of how some of the most iconic moments on 'Later' with legendary world class artists, and the mindset and approach one must adopt as a musician when working at that level. He also entertains with stories of playing at the G8 Summit in 1998 among other things, as well as the experience of recording posthumously with the late, great Amy Winehouse, and much much more! The following songs are also featured in the episode: Misfits - Jools Holland, Terri Walker Don't Go To Strangers - Paul Weller, Amy Winehouse & Jools Holland Snowflake Boogie - Edwin Starr, Jools Holland Remember, you can have all the tracks played on the show at your fingertips, by following the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify. To keep in touch with the show and for bonus content etc, join the 'On The Road With Official Community'.

To kick off Season 6 in style, Gareth is joined by soulful singer, songwriter and contestant on The Voice 2021, Hannah Williams. Having made her name fronting Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers, Hannah has more recently had global touring success with the awesome Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, as well as reaching the public vote on The Voice earlier this year, a highlight being working and performing live with the legendary Sir Tom Jones. She's also be sampled by Jay-Z on the song '4:44', and is one of the UK's most dynamic performers. Having first met back in 2014, Gareth and Hannah discuss her experience on The Voice, the story behind the transition from Tastemakers to Affirmations, the latter's future album plans, how the industry bounces back from the double negative of Covid-19 and Brexit, and much much more. This episode also features tracks from the band's most recent release '50 Foot Woman', and their debut 'Late Nights And Heartbreaks. Follow Hannah and the band's journey @HWAffirmations on all social media platforms, and you can stream all the commercially available music from the show via the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify. To get regular bonus content from the show and updates, join the 'On The Road With Official Community' group on Facebook.

For a special bumper episode to mark 30 shows, Gareth is joined by the infamous Smoove, of Smoove & Turrell. Featuring many of the legendary tracks that producer, percussionist creative visionary Smoove has released throughout his solo career, working with collaborators and obviously Smoove & Turrell, this conversation is one of the most wide-ranging ever featured on the show. Gareth and Smoove discuss everything from the latter's journey from a young producer discovering a sampler (having pursued other performance exploits prior to this), to where he is now; the ever-changing landscape of social media and how Jalapeno Records, the band's label, have helped them massively with this and so much more. Smoove also opens up about the inner workings of the band, the business side, which he has recently taken a bigger role in, and many many other things. The tracks featured in this episode are: Do It - Smoove & Turrell (from their most recent chart-topping album, Stratos Bleu) I Can't Give You Up - Smoove & Turrell Big Love - Smoove Without You - Smoove & Turrell You're Gone - Izo Fitzroy/Smoove & Turrell I'm A Man - Smoove & Turrell Coming Back - Smoove (from his debut album, Dead Men's Shirts) Remember, you can stream all of the commercially available music from the show on the 'On The Road With Songs' playlist on Spotify. We'll be taking a break for a while now, but will be back with a BANG for Season 6, with an incredible virtual event featuring many past guests. To keep in the loop, just join our Facebook group here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3077292849040877 To keep up with all things Smoove & Turrell, head to their website - https://smooveandturrell.com/, 'Smooveandturrell' on Facebook, or 'smooveturrell' on Instagram/Twitter. You can also hang out with the guys during lockdown on their weekly online radio show, The Northern Coal Experience. You can also follow Smoove @smooveuk on Facebook & Instagram, and @stevenmoove on Twitter.

Gareth sits down with like-minded comedian, magician and founder of Focused Creatives, Tom Elliott. Tom is quite literally the perfect guest for this show. He's all about mindset, positivity (especially in these uncertain times) and the belief that you don't have to be world famous to make a good living doing what you love. In this extensive chat, Gareth and Tom talk about the creation of the Focused Creatives online community, which Gareth recently joined. They also discuss the game-changing but uncomfortable experience Tom had when meeting one his heroes, the valuable lessons he took from spending time with renowned comics Milton Jones and Joe Pasquale, future predictions for the survival of theatres of different sizes, the confidence problems many creatives have, how being on TV talent shows isn't the be-all and end-all, and much much more! As Tom is not a 'music' guest as such, Gareth has also included a little treat for you at the end of the show, enjoy! To follow Tom's journey, you can find him @tomelliott_UK on Twitter and Instagram or tomelliottuk on Facebook. To find out more about Focussed Creative, find them @focussedcreative on Instagram or visit their website focussedcreative.co.uk. You can also find Tom's brand new podcast, 'Get On With It', wherever you get your podcast fix.

In this bumper episode , Gareth is joined by one half of Smoove & Turrell, prolific soulful singer-songwriter, John Turrell. As episodes go, this one is certainly up there with the best since the podcast began, full of laughs and insight about everything from the songwriting process within Smoove & Turrell, one of the most successful outfits in British funk and soul for many years, John's solo album and his thoughts on it, the challenges post-Brexit for artists who rely heavily on touring in Europe, and much much more. As well as his distinctive voice and funky singing style, John is also known for his refreshing honestly, and he certainly 'tells it how it is' in this chat. Among other topics discussed are the two sides of the argument with regards to streaming, the debate around record labels and which types of labels are the best to work with, and there's also plenty of music, the most there's ever been in an episode of the show! Featured tracks include songs and remixes from S&T's number 1 Dance Charts record, Stratos Bleu, a collaboration between John and Dr. Rubberfunk, a song from John's solo album, 'The Kingmaker', and even a live track from one of John's and Gareth's inspirations to close the show. As ever, all these songs are available on the 'On The Road With Songs' playlist on Spotify. To keep up with all things Smoove & Turrell, head to their website - https://smooveandturrell.com/, 'Smooveandturrell' on Facebook, or 'smooveturrell' on Instagram/Twitter. You can also hang out with the guys during lockdown on their weekly online radio show, The Northern Coal Experience.

A very special guest for the podcast, today Gareth is joined by former Beautiful South and Housemartins singer and drummer Dave Hemmingway.  Having known each other since 2012 from their days in The South together, Gareth and Dave's chat is very much like two friends catching up. They talk about Dave's feeling of 'new beginnings' with Sunbirds, who released their debut album 'Cool to be Kind' on Nectar Records last year. The band is collaboration between Dave and guitarist with The South, Phil Barton, as well as session drummer to the stars, Marc Parnell and talented violinist/vocalist Laura Wilcockson. They also discuss the different levels of touring that Dave has experienced, from early days (even pre-Housemartins) playing locally in Hull, to selling out arenas with The Beautiful South. Dave talks about his eagerness to get back out there and play live with Sunbirds after this enforced pause on their progress due to Covid, the strange relationship he's had with performing on stage throughout his career, his love of the creative process in the studio and much, much more. The songs featured in this episode are a mixture of Sunbirds releases ('Beautiful People' and 'When I'm Gone') as well as a less obvious Beautiful South choice, their cover of Jeff Lynne's 'Livin' Thing' , and Dave chose the Beatles' 'Strawberry Fields Forever' as a track that inspired him, to close the show. Remember, every commercially available song played on the show can be found on the 'On The Road With Songs' playlist on Spotify. To keep up with Sunbirds' news, releases and (eventually) gigs, you can follow them on all social media - 'SunbirdsMusic' on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/sunbirds.co.uk. Alternatively, you can stream or download the new album on all digital streaming outlets, or via their website - sunbirds.co.uk

To kick off Season 5 of the show, Gareth is joined by London-based singer-songwriter Abi Farrell. Having known each other since their days at the University of Birmingham a few years back, they talk fondly of that time, as well as the importance of collaboration in the arts, especially in the current circumstances. Abi has recently formed a songwriting with Big AC Records founder, solo artist, former New Street Adventure frontman and guest on this podcast, Nick Corbin. Other topics include her feelings on her first foray into touring, her passion for creating and pushing modern soul sounds and much, much more. Her first release writing with Nick and released on the label, 'I Will See You Through' is played on the show as well as previous releases 'Ivy' and 'The Only Way I Learn'. Remember, you can stream these tracks along with every song featured on the show by following the 'On The Road With Podcast' playlist on Spotify. You can follow Abi's journey on all social media (@abifarrellmusic) and Nick's brand new venture Big AC Records @bigacrecords or via their website - bigacrecords.com.

Gareth is joined in this episode by prolific soul singer and songwriter, Myles Sanko. Myles prides himself on promoting hope through his songs, and is on a journey towards reaching the goal of 15 albums in 30 years. The setting of that goal and why long term goals are important for artists, is one of the many topics that Gareth & Myles discuss. They also talk about the reality of the current pandemic and how different players in the industry have handled it as well as the impending threat of Brexit to live performers who tour on the continent (which Myles has done extensively, including supporting Gregory Porter a few years back) The importance of spontaneity and feeling/looking good when you walk out on stage to do a show is another conversation topic, and much much more! You can keep up with Myles' continually successful career by going to his website www.mylessanko.com, following @mylessanko on Instagram & Twitter, or search for 'Myles Sanko Fan Page' on Facebook. Myles' latest single 'Rainbow In Your Cloud', from his 2021 album 'Memories of Love' is also available to download and stream now, including on the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which includes every song played on the show until now.

Gareth sits down with multi-skilled performer, Lucy Littlemore for this wide-ranging chat. Gareth and Lucy talk regularly and have stayed in touch throughout 'lockdown' but here, they cover A LOT of ground, from discussing the key tenets of the 'performance' mindset, to the increased accessibility of the arts due to Covid-19 the different spheres of the Burlesque and Drag performance worlds and much, much more. Lucy offers some valid positive points on the impact of the pandemic, whilst discussing the stress and heartbreak that creative people, especially those who thrive on performance, have experienced this year. This is genuinely one of the most wide-ranging, thought provoking episodes so far, and not to be missed! Gareth and Lucy first worked together in 2018, with her outfit 'The Darling Creatures Collective' providing backing vocals for Gareth's version of the Earth, Wind & Fire number 'September', on his debut solo album in 2018, which you can hear on Spotify etc. (and it features in this episode). You can stream it and add it to your playlists here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2Jv1gFzkjc8wCXEDptiLK8?si=cVb3vDKkSfqLRLkZCVgypg. The group also accompanied Gareth on stage at his album launch at Hansom Hall in Leicester back in October 2018. Lucy is a true multi-skilled artist, choreographer, leader and performer in every sense. You can check out her impressive projects at the following links: The Vixen Trio - https://www.facebook.com/TheVixbookings or thevixentrio on Instagram The Darling Creatures Collective - https://www.facebook.com/thedarlingcreaturescollective or thedarlingcreatures on Instagram. The other songs featured in this episode are Christine & The Queens number 'Girlfriend' and Lucy's partner Siobhan Mazzei's new release 'Here's To You (Another Christmas Song)'. Don't forget all of the tracks from this episode (and the rest) are available for you on the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0AlrYCQE2NECUOnkGLdYk1?si=ZmVbUkFFQBS5ENsYjbpB4A

Gareth catches up with an old University friend, musician, singer-songwriter and sound engineer Nick Jackson. Nick currently tours with Jamrioquai as part of their crew and has worked with many impressive names including Supergrass and Sheryl Crow. Having known each other for over ten years, Gareth & Nick used to perform and record a lot together during their University days and despite both still working in the music industry, they've taken quite different paths. They discuss, among other things, Nick's movement from musician/solo artist to sound engineer and how the two can work alongside each other, the psychology behind being a singer and performing at the front of a band or on your own, the current situation for touring professionals involved in live events and the possible opportunities (and also challenges) that several industries face next year following the pandemic. Nick also takes us through the complex and impressive set up, which creates far more jobs than you might think, on the road with Jamrioquai, and picks three of his favourite songs: One More Dollar - Gillian Welch Deeper Underground - Jamiroquai Splendor Riot - Julian Lage As always, you can stream all of the commercially available music from the show via the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

In the first episode of Season 4, Gareth is joined by performer and booking agent, Lucy Campbell.  In a jam-packed conversation, they discuss everything from the need for performing artists to diversity but NOT re-train under the current circumstances, to Lucy's Classical Charts number 1 hit with her duo, Eden. They also look at how the industry has adapted to cope with the pressures and restrictions of Covid-19, Lucy's adventure into the world of 'original' music and the relevance (or not) of the covers v original music artist debate, and much much more. You can check out Lucy's work with Eden at their website (www.edengb.com) and on social media channels, as well as her successful agency business, Live Entertainment at www.live-entertainment.co.uk. If you'd like to stream all of the commercially available songs played on the podcast, you can find them on the 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

Gareth chats with hugely experienced sound engineer, John Chadwick.  John is somebody very much at the top of his game, having worked with Aerosmith, Ringo Star, Judas Priest, Anastasia, Rod Stewart and many many others. They talk about what may need to happen for live events to resume and be viable, the general lack of understanding of what road crew do on tour, the importance of honing your craft and being personable if you want to go into a touring profession, and much more! Fittingly, the tracks that John picked for the show are from bands that he has worked with in one form or another: 'Road To Nowhere' - Talking Heads 'Yes' - Roundabout 'Living On The Edge' - Aerosmith Remember, you can listen to all of the commercially available music from the show by following the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

In this special 20th episode of the show, Gareth picks some of his favourite moments from Seasons 1 & 2 of the show. Featuring a selection of snippets from the first two seasons with the various wonderful guests, as well as a selection of their music choices from the episodes, Gareth explains why he has chosen them, and provides updates on the shows future plans. Remember, all three series of the show so far are available on Gareth's Youtube channel, and you can stream all of the commercially available music from the show by following the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist.

In this episode, Gareth chats with established touring artist Aynsley Lister. Having toured extensively for 22 years, Aynsley is built up a highly respectable following, particularly across the continent, with an impressive album catalogue and, in normal circumstances, a very full show diary! Aynsley and Gareth discuss, among other things, how the loyal and growing fanbase have kept him going all these years, how you grow as an artist and change with each new album release, his beginnings as a young blues-rock singer-songwriter, the double threat of Covid-19 and Brexit for touring performers, the enjoyment he's gained recently from working as a writer and session musician outside of his own music, and much more. The songs chosen for this episode are 'Straight Talkin' Woman', and 'Broke', both from Aynsley's 2013 release 'Home', as well as Ffion Rebecca's 'Love Again' in which Aynsley accompanied her on guitar, released through the HQ Familia label earlier this year. As always, you can stream all of the commercially available music from the show via the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

'I started as a sound engineer because I wasn't a very good musician' - Matt Jones In a first for the show, with full video on Youtube, Gareth talks to vastly experienced sound engineer and tour manager, Matt Jones. This is the first time we've had a crew member rather than performer as a guest, and Matt certainly has some interesting tales to tell, including when ended up at the last minute doing the front of house sound for the legendary James Brown, his time working for US-based Rock Band Pixies and how that came about, and many more. He has also worked with a 'who’s who' of music icons including Radiohead, Sister Sledge, Dionne Warwick, Katherine Jenkins, Will Young and many more alongside his ‘day’ job working on Monitors for Pixies.  They also discuss the Joy Division Orchestrated and Hacienda Classical projects which Matt played a huge role in project managing, the differences in managing people in corporate and music environments, how Matt got started in the industry, and the 'green shoots' he's saying for a return to work for an industry badly damaged by Covid-19. To catch up on all previous episodes of the show from the last two seasons, click subscribe wherever you get your podcast fix, and be sure to follow the 'On The Road With Featured Songs' playlist to catch up on all the commercially available songs picked by Gareth and his guests.

Gareth is joined for this episode by well-respected singer Lisa Millett. With an unusual story including early ambitions of becoming an opera singer, classical training, and an impressive career in house music, jazz and soul, Lisa & Gareth have recently written together for King Brasstards next release. In this wide-ranging chat, they talk about Lockdown and what its meant for creativity, the incompatibility of social distancing and gigs, Lisa's fascinating journey through performing arts culminating in the 'happy accident' of becoming so well-known in the House genre, why they love some of their favourite singers, and much more. As she discusses in the episode, Lisa is in the process of launching her own record label, with numerous releases in the pipeline. To catch up on all previous episodes from Seasons 1, 2 and 3, please subscribe wherever you get your podcast fix. Remember also to follow the 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, to stream all of the commercially available music played so far on the show.

In this special second episode of Season 3 with full video on Youtube, Gareth sits down on zoom with two very special guests - actors Mark Powell & Brian Cohen, who played Fred Farr & Johnny Lovelock in seasons 1-3 of Peaky Blinders respectively. The two journeyman actors are also musicians, and have performed through both mediums, as well as writing their own comedy and dramatic material for a number of years, and they discuss everything from the effect of Covid-19 on working actors, the uncertainty and 'boom & bust' nature of creative industries, and the chain of command/organisation on a film set. They also go into their musical upbringings and how the two performing styles have co-existed, as well as the mental health benefits of the creative buzz, and much, much more. You can keep up with Mark and Brian's work through their Facebook group, just search 'Fred Farr & Johnny Lovelock'. To catch up on all previous episodes from Seasons 1, 2 and 3, please subscribe to this channel or wherever you get your podcast fix. Remember to follow the 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, to stream all of the commercially available music played so far on the show.

In the first episode of season three, Gareth sits down with multi-talented singer and comedian, Lauren Bird. They talk about her reasons behind branching out into comedy, having sung with her sister for many years, the importance of etiquette in show business, her personal writing process for stand-up comedy, the 'Leicester lockdown' and much more. You can check out Lauren's main band Nanna Radleys, which she fronts with her sister Sarah, on Facebook and Youtube. Don't forget, to hear all the commercially available songs played on the podcast in one place, like the 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

In the final episode of Season 2, Gareth talks with multi-discipline artist and creator Carol Leeming. Having worked with Gareth as a guest vocalist for his former band, The Funk Soul Collective, Carol has had major chart success and film credits as a singer, as well as working in theatre, film, as a poet and vocal coach/music educator. They talk about Carol's projects prior to and during lockdown, which of the many areas she works in is her 'first love', the heady days of the Leicester Jazz Festival and much more. You can follow Carol's many projects via her social media accounts under @daretodiva. Remember to follow the 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist, to stream all of the commercially available music played so far on the show. As this is the end of the second season, we'll be taking two weeks off, and look forward to seeing you for the start of Season 3 on Sunday 30th August.

In this penultimate episode for Season 2 of the show, Gareth talks to multi-skilled burlesque performer Talulah Blue, who has taken her craft all over the world since making the transition from graphic designer to full time performer some years ago. As well as burlesque, Talulah also performs with fire and hula hoops, as well as running her own costume design and retail business. They discuss the realisation of what 'burn out' looks like via the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainty of the future, the mental health difficulties faced by performers, burlesque history and culture, how Talulah has built her career from doing a show over ten years ago at The Musician Pub in Leicester, and much more. For more information, follow Talulah Blue on Instagram (@Talulah_Blue), Facebook @talulahblueburlesque, or visit her webshop at www.talulahbluecreations.com. You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

Today's guest is a little different to the others, the first guest on the show who works behind the scenes as a touring event manager/planner, Oli Page. Gareth and Oli talk about working in areas of the UK that have a low-engagement rate with the Arts, the support that the Arts Council have provided in this challenging period for the sector, the importance of mental health awareness and the role that performance and events can play in raising that, and much more! Oli is also the founder of 'Eye on Leicester', a website with a series of interviews putting the spotlight on the people who make Leicester creative: https://www.eyeonleicester.co.uk/ (https://www.eyeonleicester.co.uk/) @eyeonleicester on Instagram Remember, you can listen to all the commercially available songs played on the show to date, by following the 'On the Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

Gareth is joined this week by musical journeyman and author of the book 'How Not To Make It In The Pop World', John Barrow. After speaking with his long-time friend and collaborator Gaz Birtles last week, Gareth and John discuss everything from John's new book, to the old adage of 'what happens on the road, stays on the road', how John and Gaz found themselves in the Swinging Laurels with a record deal when they had just two saxes, a synth and drum machine and much more. To purchase the third edition of John's new book 'How Not To Make It In The Pop World' go to the following link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-World-diary-almost-has-been/dp/1412014131/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid&sr&fbclid=IwAR2Hgw_3c3pOyuL0Blb2KT4v2pE9CzM39KApDv7Pmy51o-wDRY9x-6uVBMM (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-World-diary-almost-has-been/dp/1412014131/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid&sr&fbclid=IwAR2Hgw_3c3pOyuL0Blb2KT4v2pE9CzM39KApDv7Pmy51o-wDRY9x-6uVBMM) Here's a bit more information about the book, an advert put together by next week's guest, Gaz Birtles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcb5dGpCyDs&fbclid=IwAR3kzXP61DZjhI83f2ajVqj4Sac9eeE-8NXjWz3MDlA0GfAW9vuLsnFL4GE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcb5dGpCyDs&fbclid=IwAR3kzXP61DZjhI83f2ajVqj4Sac9eeE-8NXjWz3MDlA0GfAW9vuLsnFL4GE) You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

Gareth sits down with former Beautiful South Saxophonist and current singer with The South, Gaz Birtles. The Leicester-born musical journeyman, who has also shared the stage and studio with Fun Boy Three, Boy George and Fun Lovin' Criminals among others, also talks about his own projects Yellowbelly and The Swinging Laurels, as well as how the music industry has changed drastically for everyone other than those artists and bands at the very top, the other roles he has held within the industry outside of being a musician, and much more. To keep up with The South's tour dates and releases, like their Facebook page 'The South Band', or follow them on Twitter @thesouthuk. You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

For this special bonus episode as part of Season 2, Gareth is joined by singer-songwriter and former New Street Adventure frontman, Nick Corbin, fresh from the release of his debut solo LP, 'Sweet Escape'. They talk about, among other things, the possibility of a 'new normal' of livestreams post-lockdown, the challenges of building a fanbase on social media from scratch, the current concern over the future of live music venues and the reasons behind the ending of New Street Adventure. You can check out Nick's debut release as well as his previous singles, videos etc. via his Facebook page, and by following him on Twitter/Instagram @nickcorbinmusic. 'Sweet Escape is also available to stream or download on all major digital music outlets. Don't forget the songs played in this episode, including Nick's latest single 'Long Long Gone' are also available on the 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify.

To kick off season 2, Gareth is joined by none other than Mr. Symarip himself - The Boss, Roy Ellis! Best known for his global hit 'Skinhead Moonstomp', Roy is renowned as one of the best showman in reggae, as well as leading a double life in Switzerland as a gospel, soul and jazz singer. Gareth and Roy discuss everything from diet on the road to Roy's on-stage antics, the importance of putting on a show, the break up and subsequent events in the Symarip camp, and much more. Check out Roy's latest album 'Almighty Ska' on download/streaming outlets and you can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

In this special bonus episode with full video available on Youtube, Gareth sits down with rising Country music star from the North-East, Hayley McKay. Since they first met at The Forum in Darlington back in 2016, Hayley has gone on to perform at The British Country Festival, Glastonbury, TV performances in Ireland and Scotland as well as fascinating trip to Nashville on a writing and gigging mission! Fresh from the release of her #1 charting single in the Ignition Country Charts, they discuss the unbeatable buzz of playing live, the 'virtual' form that has taken during lockdown, with Hayley's virtual tour raising money for the #saveourvenues campaign, the Nashville experience, the importance and routines of keeping vocally healthy as a singer, and much more. To keep up with Hayley's new music releases, tour dates and videos, you can follow her at: http://www.hayleymckay.co.uk/ (http://www.hayleymckay.co.uk/) 'Hayley McKay Music' on Facebook, @mckay_hayley on Twitter, 'hayleymckaymusic' on Instagram, and 'Hayley McKay' on Youtube. You can listen again to the songs from this episode, including Hayley's latest single 'Thinking About Last Night', on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

For the final episode of Season 1, Gareth is joined by likeable stand-up comedian and writer Tharun Chelley. In a wide-ranging discussion, they talk about the importance of exposure for up and coming performers, the weirdness of livestreams, the difference regional subjectivity can make in stand up comedy, and much more. Tharun's also launched his own podcast called 'Total Obvious Comedy', available on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more.

Gareth sits down with Dennis Rollins, the UK's premier trombone player who, as well as a having a highly successful career in his own right, has toured with The Brand New Heavies, Jazz Jamaica, The Skatalites, Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis to name but a few. They discuss Dennis' hectic touring schedule over the last six months, the studio vs live debate, the character of the trombone, the importance of musicians, venues and promoters working together amidst Covid-19 and Brexit, among other topics. For more information on Dennis' upcoming releases/tours etc. go to: https://www.dennisrollins.com/ (https://www.dennisrollins.com/) You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

Gareth chats with Drew Stansall, former saxophonist with The Specials, Laurel Aitken, Prince Buster any many others. His good friend and co-founder of The Paradimes also set up his own very successful touring club night based around the film Quadrophenia. They discuss the different levels of touring, the potential positives and difficulties of playing in London as an unsigned band, and much more. To keep up to date with Drew's Quadrophenia Night tour dates, you can find it on Facebook (search 'Quadrophenia Night') and Twitter (@quad79) You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

In this episode, Gareth talks to fellow trumpet player Malcolm Strachan, founder of funky-horn masters The Haggis Horns. They talk about the realities of being on the road, the beginnings of an impressive legacy for the group, Malcolm's recent debut solo album, how the landscape might look coming out of lockdown for touring artists, and much more. For more info on Malcolm's solo career, and the Haggis Horns, check out the following links: Official Haggis Horns Website - http://www.thehaggishorns.com/ (http://www.thehaggishorns.com/) You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. Their new record, 'Stand Up For Love' is out now, and its a corker! Meanwhile, Malcolm's debut solo album, 'About Time', was also released in March, and is available on all streaming/download services and for purchase on Bandcamp. You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

Gareth is 'on the road with' former Beautiful South singer Alison Wheeler, talking about her beginnings in the music business, the various roles she has held, current and future projects, the marrying of the ever-changing music industry with live touring and much more. To keep up with Alison's many projects, including The South tour dates, follow her/them on social media. 'Alison Wheeler - The South' on Facebook @AlisonDarley on Twitter alisonwheeler_thesouth on Instagram Two of the tracks from this episode are from Alison's jazz outfit, Southern Beauty. You can find them on Facebook - SouthernBeautyJazz For more updates on The South's tour dates and upcoming releases - like 'The South Band' on Facebook, @thesouthuk on Twitter or visit their official website http://thesouth.co.uk/ (http://thesouth.co.uk/) You can listen again to the songs from this episode, including 'Can't We Be Friends' from Gareth's debut solo album 'As Long As I'm Singing' on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show.

In the first ever episode of 'On the Road With...' host Gareth John talks to Spike Munro, musical journeyman and former guitarist with UK pop group, Marmalade, who have had 14 top 20 hits in the UK charts, including 'Reflections of My Life', 'Falling Apart at the Seams' and 'Ob La Di Ob La Da'. Check out Spike's brand new show 'Around Midnight with Spike Munro' on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Around-Midnight-with-Spike-Munro-103981237979183/ (https://www.facebook.com/Around-Midnight-with-Spike-Munro-103981237979183/) You can listen again to the songs from this episode on the official 'On The Road With...Featured Songs' playlist on Spotify, which features all the commercially available music so far from the show. 

Gareth introduces this brand new show, where he talks to touring professionals in the performing arts about life on the road, how they got into touring, the mental health effects, their future touring plans, and much more.