How To Make Friends - The DIY Music Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

On episode two we sit down with Dan from Buds, the hardest working DIY band in the UK. Buds started back in 2019 out of the ashes of Kilkovec, and have gone on to support almost everyone all around the UK, as well as ripping it at festivals like Manchester Punk Fest and 2000 Trees. In this episode, Dan talks about how Buds came about, getting signed to a booking agent and how to get gigs when you're starting out.

Buds. on Bandcamp

Buds on Instagram

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On episode one we sit down with Niamh from the Sheffield queer emo powerhouse that is Slash Fiction. Slash Fiction started back in 2018 in Sheffield, and have since found their way into all of our shrivelled emo hearts. In this episode, Niamh talks about the beginnings of Slash Fiction, how they recorded both of their absolute banger albums, and how they ended up on Spotify's Queercore playlist.

Slash Fiction on Bandcamp

We'll Hold This Line Until Hell Freezes Over presale

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On episode three we sit down with Joe Booley, the man behind DIY powerhouse Beth Shalom Records, promoter at Let's Stop Hanging Out and booking agent at Atonal Agency. We talk about how Beth Shalom came about, what it means to be on a DIY label, how bookings work as you're growing as a band, and the decision to wind down Beth Shalom at the end of this year.

Beth Shalom Records

Atonal Agency

LSHO

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On episode five we sit down with Ellie from SootSprite, the shoegaze powerhouse from the South West, who are gearing up to release their debut album Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon in May, 2025. Luke and Ellie talk about the origins of Soot Sprite, getting signed to Specialist Subject, touring with amazing bands, how writing collabs are the best thing for the soul, and why all the best bands come out of breakups.

Show notes

Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon on Bandcamp

Soot Sprite's 2025 Summer Tour

All My Friends Are Depressed on Spotify

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On episode four we sit down with Lily from Fightmilk, the London indie legends, who have just released their third album, No Souvenirs. We talk about how Fightmilk got started, what it's like to work with DIY labels, how the stars align to get a feature article in The Guardian and why having a drummer who stands up for key changes is the way to go.

Show notes

Fightmilk on Bandcamp

The Guardian article

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Luke sits down with George from George Gadd and the Aftermath and Little Bribes to talk about their upcoming album, how it's not a scene it's a goddamn community, curating a campsite stage at 2000 Trees and their enemies list.

Show notes:

George on Instagram

George Gadd and the Aftermath on Bandcamp

Camp Frabbit stage at 2000 Trees

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