Curious Goldfish

Flying on Instruments: An Interview with Vanessa PetersIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews singer-songwriter, Vanessa Peters. They discuss her new album 'Flying on Instruments,' set to release in February 2024, and the unique challenges that today's music industry technology presents, such as AI bots trademark craziness. Vanessa expresses that even though a sustainable living in music might not be possible for her, she's finding freedom in carefully crafting her music. Vanessa ends the interview with two performances.00:07 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:58 Welcome to Curious Goldfish: The Podcast02:07 The Paradox of Today's Aspiring Musician02:48 Vanessa Peters: The Songwriter's Journey06:10 The Songwriting Process and Challenges08:32 The Personal and Emotional Aspects of Songwriting21:04 The Business Side of Music and Challenges26:44 Reflections on Music Career and Future Goals29:50 Conclusion: The Meaning of Music

Music, Curiosity, and Empathy: A Conversation with Grace PettisHost Jason English welcomes Grace Pettis to the Curious Goldfish podcast to discuss her music and her journey. Grace shares her story about writing a song as an apology to her best friend, Landon, who came out as gay after high school. The song, named 'Landon', helped rekindle their friendship and has served as a catalyst for conversations about acceptance and understanding. Grace shares her views on representation in music, highlighting the need for more female voices and the exploration of female experiences. The podcast also discusses the TV show Ted Lasso, its depiction of dynamic female characters, and the underlying themes of decency and empathy in the series. Finally, Grace hints at her new record, influenced by personal loss, separation and life after divorce, dedicated especially to those who have been affected by loved ones' struggles with substance abuse.00:07 Introduction and Songwriting as Therapy00:54 Welcome to Curious Goldfish01:31 The Connection with Grace Pettis02:15 The Inspiration from Ted Lasso02:40 The Impact of Decency and Empathy03:22 The Powerful Scene from Ted Lasso04:18 The Importance of Support and Understanding05:56 The Church's Approach to Homosexuality09:08 The Story Behind the Song 'Landon'12:11 The Power of Apology and Reconnection22:02 The Importance of Women's Voices in Music26:32 The Upcoming Album and Final Thoughts29:40 Grace Pettis' Performance

The Journey and Artistry of Alice PeacockIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English converses with singer-songwriter Alice Peacock. Peacock discusses her love for different music styles and the influence of Prince on her own work. She describes her journey in the music industry, the transition from being signed to Columbia to independently releasing her recent album 'Minnesota'. Peacock also talks about taking a step back from her music career to focus on raising her family. She delves into her eagerness to get back into recording and performing music after a slight hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alice also shares her views on the changing landscape of the music industry, songwriter craftsmanship, and the influence of her Midwestern roots on her songwriting.00:06 Introduction and Love for Prince01:04 Welcome to Curious Goldfish01:42 Alice Peacock's Musical Journey02:57 Interview with Alice Peacock03:04 Music Festival Experiences05:28 Alice's Dream Music Festival Lineup06:21 Alice's Musical Influences and Style08:17 The Art of Songwriting14:45 Alice's Early Music Career17:48 Transition from Label to Independent Artist19:59 The Changing Landscape of Music Industry20:59 The Impact of Digital Platforms on Artists21:44 The Evolution of Music Industry22:20 The Experience of Working with Professional Musicians24:04 The Desire for Continuous Improvement in Music24:59 The Future Plans for New Albums31:42 The Influence of Roots and Heritage in Music

The Eras of Kelly Willis. Spoiler Alert, She's Enjoying this one the MostIn this episode of 'Curious Goldfish', host Jason English has a fun conversation with Kelly Willis, a successful figure in Country Music, who doesn't seem to be slowing down one bit. Kelly revisits her journey of saying 'yes' more to life's opportunities and talks about her music life evolving from 'rockabilly' to 'country'. She shares her fight against social anxiety and discusses the importance of curiosity and fun in her craft. She gives us a glimpse into the formation of her new trio, the 'Wonder Women of Country' and shares plans for a new EP release. She also emphasizes how her perspective about herself and her career has positively changed, surprising even herself with the enjoyment that she finds in her music career at 55.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Saying Yes01:13 Welcome to Curious Goldfish: A Music Podcast01:44 Interview with Kelly Willis: A Music Industry Veteran02:21 Meeting Kelly Willis: The Queen of Austin, Texas02:31 The Beauty of Austin and the 30A Festival05:11 The Art of Songwriting and Co-Writing09:25 The Power of Affirmation and the Impact of Taylor Swift12:59 The Wonder Women of Country: A New Era17:33 Overcoming Social Phobia: A Personal Journey18:41 Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Confidence19:50 The Evolution of Social Awareness and Self-Care20:37 The Pressures of Being in the Spotlight21:30 The Importance of Curiosity and Continuous Learning24:05 Exploring Musical Inspirations and Influences25:58 The Journey of Songwriting and Creative Freedom27:04 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations29:02 The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry31:40 Reflections on Career Progression and Personal Growth32:05 A Live Performance to Wrap Up the Interview

Pursuing the Rhythm: Exploring the World of An Independent Musician ft. Wyatt EdmondsonThis podcast episode from 'Curious Goldfish' features a deep-dive conversation with singer-songwriter Wyatt Edmondson as he opens up about his journey as an independent musician, overcoming vision limitations, and finding meaningful ways to connect to his audiences. The dialogue further expands to encompass the business side of independent music, detailing innovative ways Edmondson has used to generate income and build his brand. The discussion is split into two acts: firstly, Edmondson's financial strategies and business acumen and secondly, his dedication towards producing art that positively impacts the culture. The musician also discusses the unique challenges he has faced due to his visual impairment and how the experience has guided his pursuit of a musical career. The episode ends with a couple of songs performed by Wyatt Edmondson.00:09 Introduction and Personal Journey01:11 The Curious Goldfish Podcast01:53 The Business of Being an Independent Musician02:13 The Impact of Visual Impairment on Music Career02:35 Live Performance and Conversation with Wyatt Edmondson05:12 The Business Side of Music: Revenue Streams and Marketing23:09 The Power of Music and Personal Growth29:46 The Role of Faith in Music31:46 Future Goals and Aspirations33:31 Live Performance and Conclusion

Curious Goldfish: A Talk with Amanda Donald on Music, Songwriting and her JourneyIn this episode, the host dives deep into a conversation with singer-songwriter, Amanda Donald. They discuss themes of attraction, ignoring red flags in a relationship, and the balance between heart and brain when selecting a life partner. Amanda shares anecdotes from her musical journey, such as writing the title track for her first album, 100 Roots, based on a true story from the 1800s, and her current passion project of researching her family tree on Ancestry.com. Donald further discusses her love for playing music, composing songs, and her attraction to song lyrics. The episode includes a game centered around identifying red flags or deal-breakers in a potential relationship and culminates in a performance by Amanda Donald.00:09 Introduction and Attraction Theories01:14 Meeting Amanda Donald: A Talented Singer-Songwriter02:25 Amanda's Journey in Music Festivals03:30 Amanda's First Album: 100 Roots04:24 Amanda's Dream Music Festival Lineup05:55 The Story Behind '100 Roots'07:34 Amanda's Songwriting Journey08:11 Exploring Amanda's Songs: 'When I Leave Alabama' and 'Red Flags'10:25 Understanding Attraction and Ignoring Red Flags11:53 Fun Game: Red Flag or Deal Breaker?12:19 Discussing Personal 'Icks' in Relationships12:36 Rapid Fire: Red Flags or Deal Breakers14:02 Music Streaming Preferences: Pandora vs Spotify15:23 College Football Allegiances: A Deal Breaker?17:05 Journey into Music and Songwriting19:38 Multi-instrumentalist: The Art of Playing Multiple Instruments22:21 The Importance of Music and Curiosity23:34 Current Obsession: Ancestry.com24:28 Closing Remarks and Musical Performance

The Transformative Journey of Irish Songwriter Clare CunninghamIn this episode, the host engages in a captivating conversation with Irish singer-songwriter Clare Cunningham. Clare reveals her personal transformation and how it's deeply influenced her career as an independent artist. Aided by cognitive behavioral therapy, Clare redefines her art, shares her commitment to helping others, and talks about her struggles with mental health. They discuss the cultural and historical ties of Irish music and how they influence her artistry. The episode ends with Clare pouring her heart out into her anthem, 'I swear,' a song of hope and support.00:11 Introduction and Personal Struggles01:19 Meeting with Clare Cunningham01:52 Clare's Independent Artist Journey02:11 Clare's Breakout Year and Future Plans02:29 Clare's Passion and Commitment02:52 Interview with Clare Cunningham Begins03:04 Clare's Experience at the 30A Songwriters Festival03:54 Clare's Highlights of 202305:23 Claire's Mission and Personal Transformation07:51 Clare's Childhood and Feeling Silenced08:54 Clare's Journey to Mental Health Therapy15:47 Clare's Experience with Thunder Mother22:03 Clare's Songwriting and Irish Influence28:40 Clare's Performance of 'I Swear'33:36 Conclusion and Farewell

The Songwriting Journey with Matt Kilough: Denver, the South, Nashville and InfluencesIn this reflective conversation, singer-songwriter Matt Killough shares about his transition from living in Denver to returning to the South and how it ignited his songwriting process. Matt, who currently lives in Nashville, has family ties in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The podcast discusses influences for his first album, including traditional American roots music and British folk artists. The focus is heavily on his storytelling approach to songwriting and how his Southern heritage played a role in his first album's creation. Matt also opens up about his struggle with performance anxiety and how it contrasts with his passion for writing and recording music. In closing, the host compares Matt's struggles to themes shown in the series 'Ted Lasso' as they discuss the power of belief and confidence in their respective fields.00:10 Introduction and Background01:36 Meeting Matt Killough: A Journey Through Music02:47 The 30A Songwriters Festival Experience05:56 Exploring Musical Influences and Inspirations12:19 The Making of the First Album18:11 Deep Dive into Song Lyrics and Stories26:26 Facing Challenges and Future Aspirations34:02 Reflections on Ted Lasso and Personal Growth37:04 Closing Remarks and Performance

A Chat with Bradley Cole Smith Music, Passion and Perseverance: An Intimate Conversation with Atlanta MusiciansIn this engaging conversation, two Atlanta-based musicians discuss their longstanding collaboration, the evolution of their music, and the deep-seated passion that keeps them performing regardless of fame or audience size. Bradley Cole Smith & Nelson Nolen share insightful stories from their 23-year partnership, revealing how they adapt to different venues, their ambitions to release more music after a five-year hiatus, and how their approach to songwriting is influenced by life experiences and positivity. The conversation touches on the importance of venues like Atlanta's Smith's Olde Bar in fostering their career and the exhilaration of playing in songwriter festivals. They also reflect on the impact of the pandemic on their performance schedule and share a mutual appreciation for the TV show Ted Lasso, using it as a metaphor for their musical journey.00:00 Introduction and Love for Singing01:49 New Year Resolutions and Musical Goals02:54 Challenges in Songwriting and Music Production03:30 Long-term Collaboration and Band History04:23 Memorable Band Experiences and Stories06:21 Songwriting Partnership and Musical Contributions10:11 Influence of Georgia and Music Scene Comparison12:58 Transition from Band to Solo Career14:06 Songwriting Inspirations and Positivity in Music19:12 Impact of Pandemic on Music20:27 Experience with Music Venues and Festivals26:50 Role of Curiosity in Songwriting