This conversation explores the significance of reading music in the music industry, the diverse experiences of musicians, and the balance between performance and personal life. Darren shares his insights on the importance of musical education, the challenges faced in learning instruments, and memorable gigs that shaped his career. Darren & Me'sha emphasise the joy of performing and the unique experiences that come with being a musician, while also discussing the importance of finding balance in life and the challenges of learning to play the drums.

Darren's links:

https://www.darrenashford.com/

https://www.instagram.com/darrenashfo...

https://www.facebook.com/darrenashfor...

Stage & Screen

http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stageandscr...

https://www.facebook.comstageandscree...

Me'sha's Website & Socials

https://www.meshabryan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan

Takeaways
Reading music is essential for navigating the music industry. Time efficiency in studios is crucial for success. Understanding the language of music enhances communication. Playing with different musicians builds valuable experience. Finding balance in life is important for musicians. The joy of performing is a unique experience. Musicians often face challenges in learning instruments. No two musicians learn in the same way. Memorable gigs shape a musician's career. Being present in the moment enhances the performance experience. Sound bites "Time is money in the studios." "It's about serving the music." "Being in the moment is crucial."

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Reading Music
02:26 Navigating the Music Industry
06:10 The Balance of Skills in Music
10:00 Experiences with Diverse Artists
14:06 Performing for Presidents and Celebrities
17:55 Finding Balance in the Entertainment World
19:56 The Mindset of a Musician
25:46 Staying True to Musical Passion
27:08 Navigating Nerves and Confidence in Performance
30:05 The Importance of Work Ethic and Preparation
33:37 Overcoming Barriers to Learning Drums
37:06 Memorable Gigs and Musical Moments
41:51 The Impact of Technology on Live Music Experience

In this festive episode of Stage and Screen, Me'sha reflect on the past year, express gratitude to their audience, and share their holiday traditions. They celebrate milestones, including new subscribers and community engagement, while also discussing the joys and challenges of the holiday season. The conversation is filled with warmth, humour, and a sense of togetherness as they look forward to the new year.

Takeaways

It's been a beautiful thing to connect with listeners.
The festive season is a time for togetherness.
Community engagement has grown significantly this year.
Milestones in the podcast have been celebrated throughout the year.
Food and family traditions play a big role during the holidays.
The hosts appreciate the lovely messages from their audience.
The podcast started in July and has seen rapid growth since.
Holiday games can lead to funny moments and memories.
The hosts are excited for what the new year will bring.
Gratitude for the audience is a recurring theme in the conversation.

Chapters

00:00 Festive Greetings and Reflections
03:06 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement
06:04 Holiday Traditions and Family Fun

Darren Ashford, a renowned session drummer and two-time all-natural bodybuilding champion, shares insights into his journey in music and fitness. He discusses the physical demands of drumming, the importance of stamina, and how his bodybuilding experience has influenced his performance. The conversation also delves into the setup of his music studio, the challenges of lugging equipment, and the dedication required to excel in both music and fitness. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of drumming, touching on themes of teaching, motivation, practice habits, the impact of technology, and the importance of the human element in music. The speakers discuss how motivations for learning drums have shifted over time, the challenges of mastering the instrument, and the community aspect of being a drummer. They also delve into the implications of AI in music production and the necessity for modern drummers to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining the essence of live performance.

Takeaways

Darren Ashford is a versatile musician and fitness enthusiast.
Creating a functional music studio requires careful planning and consideration.
Drumming can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength.
Training can significantly enhance performance in music.
Bodybuilding taught Darren valuable lessons about discipline and commitment.
Darren's experience in competitions helped him grow as a person and musician.
Flexibility and strength are crucial for both bodybuilding and drumming.
Performance in bodybuilding is akin to performing music; both require creativity.
Public perception often misjudges the effort behind fitness achievements.
Consistency and dedication are key to achieving results in any field.
Insecurity can lead to a deeper understanding of students.
Motivations for playing drums remain largely unchanged.
Commitment to practice varies significantly among students.
Access to information has transformed how drummers learn.
Drumming requires complex coordination of limbs.
The drumming community is supportive and unique.
Drum kits have evolved significantly over time.
AI may replace some aspects of music production.
The human experience in music is irreplaceable.
Modern drummers need a broader skill set to be employable.

Sound bites

"Home sweet home."
"Doing a gig is almost like a mini workout."
"It's all a performance."
"You must be on gear."
"The level of commitment reflects the results."
"You've got to really enjoy it and love it."
"There's so much variation"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darren Ashford
01:15 Setting Up the Studio Space
03:55 The Physical Demands of Drumming
06:30 Stamina and Performance
08:45 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitions
12:45 Bodybuilding Techniques and Performance
17:17 Perceptions of Fitness and Commitment
21:51 Diagnosing Musical Challenges
22:27 Changing Motivations in Drumming
24:21 Practice Habits and Commitment
26:30 The Complexity of Drumming
28:50 The Drummer's Mindset and Community
30:42 The Evolution of Drum Kits
34:34 AI's Impact on Music and Drumming
41:20 The Modern Drummer's Skill Set

In this engaging conversation, Me'sha quizes Cheryl into the intricacies of making music videos, the transition to television presenting, and the challenges faced while hosting the popular show Record Breakers. Cheryl reflects on the impact of parenthood on her career, shares heartfelt memories of the late Roy Castle, and discuss the evolution of her identities within the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of returning to music and the importance of maintaining a professional persona while navigating fame. Cheryl reflects on her journey through fame, identity, and personal growth. She shares insights on navigating the complexities of being a celebrity while staying grounded, her love for cooking, and her aspirations for the future. The discussion also touches on her experiences with aging, health, and the desire to connect with her audience through upcoming projects.

Links

Cheryl's Website:

https://www.cherylbaker.net/

The Fizz Website & Socials

https://www.thefizzofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefizzofficial/?locale=en_GB

https://www.instagram.com/thefizzcmjn

Stage and Screen

http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

Me'sha's Website & Socials

https://www.meshabryan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/

Takeaways

Making music videos is tedious but rewarding.
Transitioning to presenting was a natural progression.
Record Breakers involved crazy challenges and stunts.
Parenthood drastically changed life and career priorities.
Roy Castle was a significant influence and friend.
The entertainment industry can be ageist and challenging.
Returning to music brought joy and fulfillment.
Maintaining a professional persona is essential.
The importance of camaraderie in the entertainment industry.
Life experiences shape personal and professional identity.
Cheryl got married later in life, which allowed her to enjoy her youth.
She prefers being recognized as Rita rather than Cheryl Baker.
Staying grounded is important to her, and she values her family and friends.
She enjoys being recognized and appreciates the love from fans.
Cheryl has a passion for cooking and enjoys hosting dinner parties.
She reflects on the challenges of aging and health concerns.
Cheryl has achieved many career milestones but still has personal aspirations.
She wishes she had cracked the American market during her career.
Cheryl's daughters are pursuing their own creative projects, which she supports.
She is excited about her upcoming solo show and potential new music with Bucks Fizz.

Chapters

00:00 The Music Video Experience
03:06 Transitioning to Presenting
05:57 Record Breakers and Crazy Challenges
09:03 The Impact of Parenthood
12:09 Remembering Roy Castle
15:01 The Evolution of Career and Identity
18:05 The Return to Music and Performance
32:24 Navigating Fame and Identity
35:59 The Joy of Being Recognized
36:45 Staying Grounded in Stardom
40:28 Reflections on Aging and Health
46:32 Career Achievements and Future Aspirations
49:47 The American Dream and Missed Opportunities
55:10 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

In this engaging conversation, Me'sha chats to Cheryl Baker, known for her role in the iconic pop group Bucks Fizz, shares her journey through the music industry, from her early days in a band called Coco to her experiences with Eurovision and the dynamics of being in a manufactured pop group. She reflects on her love for harmony singing, the challenges of transitioning to a professional career, and the relationships formed within her band. Cheryl's warmth and humour shine through as she recounts memorable moments and the serendipitous nature of her career. In this engaging conversation, Cheryl Baker reflects on her experiences with Bucks Fizz, discussing the dynamics within the band, the challenges of popularity, and the impact of Mike Nolan's departure. She shares insights into the new line-up, her audition experiences, and the demanding nature of live theatre. Cheryl also expresses her desire to explore straight acting roles and discusses her singing training, highlighting the complexities of vocal techniques.

Links:

Cheryl's Website:

https://www.cherylbaker.net/

The Fizz Website & Socials

https://www.thefizzofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefizzofficial/?locale=en_GB

https://www.instagram.com/thefizzcmjn

Stage and Screen

http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/

Me'sha's Website & Socials

https://www.meshabryan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/

Takeaways

Cheryl Baker has been in the music industry for over 40 years.

Her first paid performance was with a band called Mother's Pride in 1975.

Cheryl's love for harmony singing was influenced by her family and early musical experiences.

She won a talent competition at a young age, which boosted her confidence.

Cheryl's transition to professional singing was marked by her involvement with the band Coco.

She experienced the highs and lows of Eurovision, including coming in second and last in different years.

Joining Bucks Fizz was a pivotal moment in her career, facilitated by connections in the industry.

The dynamics within Bucks Fizz were complex, with strong friendships and some challenges.

Cheryl reflects on the importance of chemistry in a musical group.

Her journey highlights the role of serendipity and timing in achieving success. Cheryl was often late, which caused tension in the band.

Mike Nolan's support was crucial for Cheryl's career.

The dynamics within Bucks Fizz were complex and sometimes contentious.

Cheryl reflects on the popularity of the band and its members.

The new line-up of Bucks Fizz brings fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Audition experiences can be both challenging and enlightening.

Live theatre demands a strong work ethic and can be all-consuming.

Cheryl expresses interest in pursuing straight acting roles.

Training in singing can be a rigorous process.

The ability to adapt vocal techniques is a valuable skill.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cheryl Baker and Bookz Fizz

02:59 Cheryl's Early Career and Musical Beginnings

06:09 The Formation of Coco and Transition to Bookz Fizz

09:05 Memorable Performances and Family Influence

12:06 Eurovision Journey and Its Impact

14:52 The Dynamics of Being in a Group

17:58 The Formation of Bucks Fizz and Initial Experiences

27:19 The Tension in the Band

30:08 Friendship and Loyalty

33:19 Reflections on Change and Growth

36:43 The New Line-Up

39:06 Audition Experiences

43:40 The Challenges of Theatre Life

45:36 Exploring Acting and Training

In this episode, Me'sha Bryan shares personal updates, reflections on recent podcast episodes, and discusses the challenges faced in the entertainment industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support among artists and the need for open communication about industry issues. Me'sha also encourages audience engagement for future episodes, particularly with upcoming guests.

Takeaways

It's important to acknowledge one's own contribution to any issues you're having.
Singing requires proper technique and foundation behind it.
The entertainment industry can be challenging, and support is crucial.
Many artists fear speaking out due to potential repercussions.
Collaboration and communication among artists can lead to better outcomes.
Personal experiences shape the way we view our work and industry.
Engagement with the audience is vital for podcast success.
Future guests can provide valuable insights and knowledge.
Life is too short to put up with foolishness in the industry.
Creativity and autonomy in podcasting allow for honest discussions.

Sound bites

"You want to work?"
"Send in the questions for Cheryl Baker before Nov 13th"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:02 Reflections on Recent Episodes
05:58 Industry Challenges and Experiences
08:59 The Importance of Support in the Industry
12:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

In this conversation, Me'sha & Emer delve into the intricacies of sight singing, its importance in the music industry, and Emer's personal journey in creating a comprehensive sight singing course. They discuss the challenges faced in sight singing, humorous anecdotes from their experiences, and the impact of AI on music. The conversation also touches on finding balance in life and work, the joy of teaching, and future endeavours in the entertainment industry.

Takeaways

Sight singing is a crucial skill for musicians.

Many musicians struggle with sight singing despite having beautiful voices.

Teaching sight singing can be a rewarding experience.

The 'Sing By Sight' course was created to fill a gap in music education.

AI may change the music landscape, but live performances will always be valued.

Finding a work-life balance is essential for long-term happiness in music careers.

Humor can arise from unexpected challenges in music sessions.

Leaving a job with a positive attitude can open future opportunities.

Being organized is key in the music industry.

The human element in music is irreplaceable.

Sound bites

"It's good for your brain."

"You have to be organized."

"Leave with a smile."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Sight Singing

05:09 The Importance of Sight Singing in Music

10:21 Challenges and Humour in Sight Singing

12:39 Creating 'Sing By Sight' Course

17:50 The Dynamics of Group Singing

23:37 Navigating Challenges in Collaborative Work

24:54 The High-Stakes World of Film Soundtracks

30:14 The Impact of AI on Music and Performance

34:37 Finding Balance: The Move from London to the Wirral

39:01 The Importance of Organisation in a Freelance Career

42:33 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations

In this conversation, Me'sha & Lee dive into the intricacies of writing, storytelling, and the collaborative nature of theatre. They discuss the evolution of the musical 'Billy Elliot', the importance of audience engagement, and the emotional depth in storytelling. Their dialogue touches on the writer's journey, the significance of feedback, and the political power of writing to foster empathy. The speakers share insights into their creative processes and the challenges of navigating collaboration in the arts, while also hinting at future projects and the unpredictability of the creative landscape.

Stage & Screen Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/

Stage & Screen Websites
http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/
https://www.meshabryan.com/

Takeaways

The evolution of a play involves constant refinement based on audience feedback.
Engaging with the audience can enhance the writing process.
Storytelling should evoke both laughter and tears for a deeper impact.
Collaboration is essential in theatre, involving various creative inputs.
Feedback from directors and producers can provide valuable insights for writers.
The creative process often involves experimentation and unexpected discoveries.
Characters often reflect the writer's own experiences and vulnerabilities.
Writing serves as a means to foster empathy and understanding in society.
The unpredictability of the creative industry requires flexibility and adaptability.
Every writer has a unique voice that should be celebrated and expressed.

Sound bites

"It's like a dance between me and them."

"I love to put laughter and tears back to back."

"You have to access something much more mysterious."

"Writing plays is like an empathy machine."

"You never quite know what's going to happen."

"It's a hard life to plan."

"It's all that I do."

"You have to be yourself."

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Billy Elliot

03:07 The Dance of Audience Engagement

06:52 The Depth of Storytelling

09:00 The Writer's Journey

12:53 Collaboration in Theatre

17:42 Navigating Feedback and Ego

20:36 The Creative Process

24:47 Exploring the Otherness in Characters

29:39 The Political Power of Writing

30:07 Future Projects and Unfinished Works