Tapping the Flow Podcast | Episode with Jan Pulsford – Synth Legend & Woodbridge Ambient Music Festival FounderThis week on Tapping the Flow, I’m thrilled to chat with the incredible Jan Pulsford, founder of the Woodbridge Ambient Music Festival. 🎶✨We dive into her fascinating journey from playing synths with iconic artists like the Thompson Twins and Cyndi Lauper (with whom she co-wrote and produced), to her latest creative venture, Silent Dinners.Jan shares invaluable industry insights, tips for nurturing your creative flow, and stories from a vibrant life in music. Whether you’re a musician, producer, or creative soul, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.Let’s get tapping and flow together! 🎹🌿

Season 3 Premiere: A Long-Awaited Conversation with Garvan Gallagher 🌿🎶

I’m delighted to launch season 3 of Tapping the Flow with a special episode recorded on a sunny May day in 2025, featuring the extraordinary musician Garvan Gallagher.

From collaborations with Irish icon Mary Black to orchestral works with RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and composing over 200 songs for the beloved RTÉ children’s series Bosco, Garvan’s journey is a celebration of music’s power to connect, inspire, and sustain the soul’s journey on this wild, beautiful planet.

Join us as we dive back into the flow—spontaneous, alive, and full of heart.

✨ New episode drops tomorrow at 8 PM on YouTube! [Link in show notes]

#TappingTheFlow #GarvanGallagher #Season3 #MusicWithSoul

Welcome to another episode of the Tapping the Flow Podcast! In this conversation I sit down with the talented London-based musician Russell Joslin. Known for his deeply introspective lyrics and evocative storytelling, Russell takes us on a fascinating journey through his creative process, musical inspirations, and the art of balancing raw authenticity with refined artistry.Dive into the heart of London’s vibrant music scene as Russell shares his experiences navigating the city's creative landscape, the struggles and triumphs of independent musicianship, and the ways he finds flow in songwriting and performance.🔗 Connect with Russell Joslin: https://russelljoslinmusic.co.uk/✨ Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful conversations about creativity, music, and living a life in flow!

In this vibrant episode of 'Tapping the Flow,' I am joined by Zoe Hayter, a dynamic singer-songwriter navigating the creative currents of the music industry. Zoe opens up about her eclectic journey, sharing candid insights into her artistic inspirations, creative processes, and how she embraces inspiration in a constantly evolving career.

From personal stories and career highlights to the deeper motivations that drive her creativity, Zoe offers practical wisdom and heartfelt reflections sure to resonate with anyone pursuing their passion. Tune in for an authentic conversation packed with insights, laughter, and a genuine exploration of what it truly means to 'tap the flow' in music and life.

Tapping the Flow | Seán Millar (Doctor Millar) – Singer, Songwriter & Theatre MakerThis week, I sit down to tap into the incredible creative flow of Seán Millar (aka Doctor Millar)—a singer-songwriter, theatre maker, and artist/facilitator based in Dublin. With a career spanning music, theatre, and community-based creative projects, Seán’s work is as heartfelt as it is thought-provoking.Join me as we navigate the deep waters of his artistry, from songwriting to theatre, and his passion for using creativity as a force for connection and change.

In this episode, I sit down with legendary Irish singer-songwriter Mick Hanly, whose journey through music has been shaped by a deep search for personal and creative freedom.Growing up in Limerick, Mick's early years were marked by the rigid structures of a Christian Brothers education, a system that sought to suppress individuality and silence voices. But rather than breaking him, it set him on a lifelong path to reclaim his voice—both literally and artistically. Through music, he found a way to express what was once held back, creating songs that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of those seeking their own liberation.We talk about his journey, the power of storytelling in song, and how uncovering his true voice became a mission not just for himself, but for others walking a similar road.

In this episode, I sit down with U.S.-based Irish singer-songwriter Mark Dignam to explore his creative process, musical journey, and his role in the early days of Dublin’s singer-songwriter movement alongside his friend Glen Hansard.

https://markdignam.com/

photo credit : Patrick Glennon

This week I cast the pod to the northern quarter of France to chat with Japanese composer/guitarist Moojigen, a.k.a. Yuichiro Maeda. 

Moojigen and I met in London over a decade ago and recently reconnected discovering that we have very similar pathways into music and for similar reasons. He has a hugely fluent and emotive soundscape story telling ability that sucks you right in and reworks your senses well after the song has finished. His recently released LP 'Fathers Sea' is absolutely brilliant and has to be heard :

https://moojigen.wixsite.com/official/music

In this podcast Moojigen recounts how he ended up living in a self-built Yurt in France with his wife and their daughter, and how he plans to build a Japanese inspired eco-community for artists and world weary sonic adventurers. I for one cannot wait to take a trip over and collaborate ASAP.

Be sure to check out his recent work on award winning Netflix film Of Love and War - http://ofloveandlaw.com

As always special thanks to my guest Yuichiro and to you the listener for Tapping the Flow with us.

This week I chatted with my old band mate Pablo Tato. Pablo is a London based session guitarist/composer/producer who played with me in my Pillarcat project many moons ago. Since then he has gone on to play in studio for the likes of Paul Epworth, Adele, Lana del Ray and is on the road with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and many other well known acts.

Since the pandemic began Pablo took to creating the wonderful A|Part project where he produced an album of cover version with many of the performers he has graced the stages with over the years, including your truly. The album has a vinyl release and is well worth checking out :

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2MuZZ61yWK9An3JfZQUqPp?si=Ts0S_jUbQxKZAtFqUjzrlg

It was such a pleasure to catch up with an old friend who has laid some guitar down for legends of the top end game. We chat about what it takes to make the most of ones skills set and about how a love for music can guide every move you make and evolve over time.

This week I shared a mighty banter filled hour laughing with the wonderful duo The Blackheart Orchestra. When you catch them live you will be listening to an 8 piece band but you will be witnessing a supremely talented and adventurous musical Duo surrounded by swathes of gear. Such is the sonic palette in which they practice creativity that they must dive deep with their skill sets when it comes to performance ethic.

Their recently released album Mesmeranto is full of beautiful songwriting taken to thrilling heights by a production style that echoes The Cocteau Twins, Mike Oldfield & Kate Bush. We discuss how and why they take such a huge amount of stuff on the road to bring this music to life as well as how the pursuit of happiness can be hindered by its attainment. :)

You can hear the duo here : http://www.theblackheartorchestra.com/music/

London based Scottish Singer/Songwriter Samantha Whates is a true champion of truth, discovery and delivery on her gem cut recordings that capture her angelically pure voice as it delivers revelation based songs atop a multi-textured finger picked guitar, all dressed up with realtime accompaniments set in the oddest of locations.

We sat down to discuss what it was that took Samantha on a journey of songwriting in the first place, and how this led to her recording at 3 am in a London tube station.

Intrigued? Well, you should be. When someone is bold enough to pursue such an idea the results will speak for themselves. Her latest album 'Waiting Rooms' is a treasure.

https://wonderfulsound.bandcamp.com/album/waiting-rooms

Thanks for Tapping the Flow.

This week I am joined by peerless creative practitioner Lou Rhodes of the seminal UK Electronic music duo Lamb. Lou Rhodes has, alongside co-creator Andy Barlow, carved out an emblematic position for blending folk/song with electronic music on the world stage with some incredible sonic journeys over the years. Many of you will be familiar with Lamb's music. As a solo artist she has been Mercury Music Prize nominated for her debut solo album 'Beloved One'. It was after the release of this album that I joined as guitarist, having just relocated from Ireland,  for an amazing couple of years of touring.

We get deep into the tunnels as we discuss what one has to let go of in order to trust that the crops will grow in our creative fields. We talk about Lou's inspiring journey and how she is always aiming to draw from the energy of a greater consciousness than that of the individual.

This is a truly inspiring chat with one of my favourite singers/songwriters/creatives on the planet.

Join me for an unforgettable episode of Tapping the Flow as I sit down with Dublin-born, NYC-seasoned singer-songwriter Mark Geary in the tranquil setting of his garden.This intimate conversation dives deep into the heart of Mark’s songwriting craft, his remarkable journey from the vibrant East Village music scene to his forest cottage in Co. Kildare, and the stories that have shaped his soul-stirring music. Expect humorous anecdotes, reflections on performing, and insights into his creative process that birthed albums like Ghosts (named 2005 Album of the Year by Irish Voice) and his latest, In The Time Of Locusts (2024). With a career spanning six studio albums, global tours, and performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, Mark’s tales are as captivating as his melodies. Tune in for a blend of wit, wisdom, and musical magic!

Becci Wallace stands tall and mighty as a beacon of positivity in Glasgow's thriving music scene. Her infectious energy and dedication to community healing through songwriting is a wonderful source of warmth to any who get to hear her speak passionately about her time as a music professional. We speak about her own personal journey and how it has fuelled her reserves with massive potency for life long journey as a creative guide and practitioner. She drinks from the well of her own experiences and shares the spoils with those who step gingerly on the pathway to creative enlightenment. Head on over to https://www.becciwallace.net (https://www.becciwallace.net) and soak up the truthful reflection in her work. Thank you to Becci for spending some time speaking with me.

Colm Forde is a man who is unafraid to dive straight into uncomfortable waters, because he knows that is where he will find growth and fulfil his true potential. Founder and music programmer, along with his parter Vanessa Lobon, of the https://www.docnrollfestival.com/ (Doc'N Roll Film Festival), Colm has for the past 7 years been involved in building the festival from the ground up, to where it is now a firmly planted grass roots promoting film festival serving alternative content from around the world. We discuss everything from how Colm's is able to thrive under pressure to how he puts together the festival program. If you want to know what it takes to get a film in this festival this is the place to start. Doc'N Roll Film Festival is a hub of amazing music documentaries screening all sorts of left field musical brilliance from Punk to Pop, Metal to Soul and even Library Music origins. Head on over to the website and show some love to the under the radar indie music docs that Colm, Vanessa and the team work so hard to mine from the underground. https://www.docnrollfestival.com/docn-roll-tv/ (https://www.docnrollfestival.com/docn-roll-tv/)

Suffolk based Producer/Songwriter/Mentor David Booth is a man who knows what it takes to avoid any routes to music creation that lead to sterility of performance. Honing his mindset over years of being in bands, with labels and management, to becoming the go-to guy in Suffolk for authentic music production, David marks his place as a knowledgeable, open and affable human being who is keen to help others along the way. We chat in depth about his story and how it ties into his approach to working on his own music and working with others. Suffolk has a fine crop of artists who rely upon him to guide them toward an end product that satisfies their own emotional connection to the origin of the idea. You can find out more about David Booth at his website : https://www.therecordingbooth.co.uk (https://www.therecordingbooth.co.uk) Thanks very much for Tapping the Flow.

A Zoom hangout with Tim O'Shea, Catherine Rudie, Damien Flynn, Gabi Garbutt and Chris Brambley.

UK based Singer/Musician/Songwriter Jeremy Tuplin is a man with a lyrical potency that enables the most unusual forests to appear from the seeds he choses for his artistic plantation. I was so stuck by how much attention he pays to the details and also hugely moved by the humour in his profound lyrics. They proudly stand tall alongside the artists that he often finds himself compared with such as Bill Callahan, Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen. Jeremy's music is far more than just those influences. It is a richly rewarding listen! I firmly advise you to dig deep into this mans music. He has 3 full albums to date and a new one in the pipeline waiting to burst forth. http://www.jeremytuplin.com/music.php (http://www.jeremytuplin.com/music.php) He is also the creator of some truly fine videos! http://www.jeremytuplin.com/video.php (http://www.jeremytuplin.com/video.php) Get yer ears to the machine. Thanks for https://tappingtheflow.com (Tapping the Flow).

I sat down with the incredible London based Singer/Songwriter/Poet Gabi Garbutt - bird lover and leader of the group https://www.gabigarbutt.com (Gabi Garbutt and the Illuminations). Gabi is a crafter of magnificently human songs that bring joy and abandon to the legs of those who have been seduced by their upbeat charms. Married to this amazing band sprit are her abilities as a wordsmith of unique angles and curves. Her lyrics finely woven like tapestries that have been worn and thumbed for years, yet still reveal new ways of being with each familiarisation of the self. We spoke in depth about Gabi's approach to songwriting and wordsmithery, as well as taking a look at her developing position as an important figure to keep an eye on in the music game. Gabi and The Illuminations have been on the road with The Libertines, they recorded their debit album 'The Discredited Language of Angels' at Edwin Collins' studio in Scotland. They are due to go on the road with the Boomtown Rats later this year. I strongly urge you to go now to Bandcamp and take a listen to Gabi's music. It'll bring a great chunk of joy and understanding to your day. https://gabigarbutt.bandcamp.com/album/the-discredited-language-of-angels (You can hear the album here : 'The Discredited Language of Angels') Thanks for Tapping the Flow. If you like what you hear please subscribe for more episodes and to support the show.

To be the master of the depths sometimes you have to await hindsight and experience in order to successfully navigate the waters where the jewels of your journey lie. Singer/Songwriter David Ford is one such nautical genius. With a pen that is sharpened with wit and dripping with emotion he cuts a fine vein in his trajectory to mine only the best jewels from his core. UK based David Ford made a name for himself as a true master of the loop pedal with such incredible performances as 'https://youtu.be/zY8ni5kPp-E (State of the Union)' - (give that a click if you don't know it), but it his continued thirst for excellence through compelling lyrical and melodic marriage, combined with his incredible vocal dexterity that goes from a whisper to all our distorted maelstrom that truly sets him apart from the generic practitioners of this often maligned genre. This conversation is a real gem of a chat. We spoke in depth about David's own songwriting journey and his hard won processes. It is a true reveal of how much you need to do to get to a position where your songs are worthy monuments to your emotional battles.. I urge you to dive deep into this one and grab yourselves a cup of white tea. (always with the white tea!) And check out David Ford on any of the streaming sites such as https://open.spotify.com/artist/44qEixF3k3tLYQmHjLlucy?si=FpT37lbhQZaWLMm0YuZJxA (Spotify), Apple and the like... His music has worth, value, emotional content, and a fire and fury that makes for a wonderful trip. http://davidfordmusic.com (http://davidfordmusic.com) Thanks again for Tapping the Flow

What has the musical briefing for a Scottish Bagpipe player from the Chief of Clan MacDonald got to do with the amazing debut album by Scottish songstress Catherine Rudie?

Tune in to find out I'd say . . . .

Roots are best used to provide nourishment and stability for a tree, or in this case an unstoppable forest of musical exploration. We discuss these roots and also cast our eyes across Catherine Rudie's insanely explorative debut album 'The Möbius Kiss'. This is a record that I was delighted to be involved in the production of. It teases emotions you didn't know existed for reasons you'd never even considered. All played out from late night skulking in a Paddington M&S creative department.

Dive deep friends and enjoy the flow for in here you'll find reasons to adjust your usual musical compasses to find a new north.

And please as always take listen to the artist's music as it is best placed to showcase their work.

https://www.catherinerudie.com

If ye enjoy Tapping the Flow I'd love to spread the word if ye can as this makes our journey even more wonderful. Subscribes and new tribes always welcome  :)

Join me as I set sail upon an unchartered ocean with a Capitan whose harbour of origin is the same as mine. 

Killarney Singer/Songwriter Brendan O'Shea takes me on journey though his amazing story from the ragged coast of South West Ireland's Co. Kerry to the humanimal soaked streets of New York. Here he set up the infamous Scratcher Sessions in the East Village, a place where songwriters can cut their teeth and hone their art under the watchful gaze of a truly appreciative crowd. 

Brendan's own music is a hugely engaging and joyous listen, sung by a man with a heart made to be opened and stories made to be recounted. I urge you to take a trip to Brendan's Website : https://brendanosheamusic.com - where ye can enjoy some of his works. Head on over to Spotify and give 'Be Here Still' a listen. That'll work its way right into the hearth of your everyday fire.

Thank you for tapping the flow.

I sat down with London based Gibraltan Singer/Songwriter, Poet, and Curator of London's infamous Lantern Society Gabriel Moreno, to take a deep dive beneath the surface protrusions and get tangled in the intricacies of what it takes to be a true lifer in this game of art and song. We had met once very briefly a while ago but our paths truly crossed in this episode when we embraced our mutual appreciation for song craft and individual expression. Gabriel is a veteran of the thriving scene of artistic nomads who gather at the Lantern Society to express their unique artistic voices. He has released several albums and is a lauded poet who has published many books in the past and present. A driving force of creative energy he curates, creates and embodies the spirit to artistry. I strongly recommend going to his website to check out his amazing work. It is stellar stuff! www.gabrielmoreno.co.uk The Lantern Society is also a very fine night of singer/songwriters and poets with many years of existence under its belt. When we get out of this lockdown that is where musical voices will be shining the brightest lights in London. https://www.facebook.com/LanternSocietyLondon/ (https://www.facebook.com/LanternSocietyLondon/)

This week, I sit down with legendary Irish musician, guitarist, songwriter, singer, and radio host, Fiachna Ó Braonáin—a true gem of a person. From touring the world with Hothouse Flowers to crafting iconic songs like Ghosts and Don’t Go, Fiachna opens up about his journey through the Gaelscoil system, where Irish music thrived as the Boomtown Rats shook the scene. We also dive into world affairs, sharing our hopes for making a real difference. And, of course, there’s plenty of Irish music to soak in!Show some love for Fiachna Ó Braonáin and his captivating story! Subscribe for more inspiring music podcast episodes and explore Fiachna’s work via the links below:Visit Fiachna Ó Braonáin: https://fiachnaobraonain.com/Bandcamp : https://fiachnaobraonain.bandcamp.com/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fiachnaobraonain/Visit Hothouse Flowers’ official website: https://hothouseflowers.comThank you for Tapping the Flow.#IrishMusic #HothouseFlowers #FiachnaOBraonain #MusicPodcast #Songwriting #irishculture

I sat down to chat with Suffolk based Minimalist composer Frances Shelley to chat about her ability to hold space with nature and allow her hands to draw from her surroundings to create improvised music for those lucky enough to attend. Using a solar powered piano and setting it up among the reeds of Suffolk's areas of outstanding natural beauty is just one of the amazing collaborations with nature that Frances has been involved with over the years. She uses Ableton live to draw subterranean counterpoints to her melodic beauty on her recent album 'A Place Exists' You can go for a hugely rewarding deep dive on her website : https://www.francesshelley.com (https://www.francesshelley.com)

I caught up with Traditional and Folk Singer/Guitarist/Songwriter Tim O'Shea. Tim hails from the beautiful county of Kerry in the South-West of Ireland which is where I grew up. He is a fantastic player and singer who brings authentic emotive performance to his shows and his releases. He works his arse off the stay afloat in an ever-changing game and operates with a stellar professional attitude. We chat about his families roots in music, his work ethic, his touring life and discuss the roots of traditional music in Ireland. This is a highly engaging and revealing chat which has a lot to offer anyone considering this path in life. You can hear more from Tim at www.timosheaandfriends.com.

I sat down with singer/songwriter and close personal friend Gitta de Ridder who hails from the Dutch Newlands of Flevoland. Over the years I have written, toured and produced many a song with Gitta but we have never sat down to discuss the birthing of her unique voice. She tells her story over a chorus of birdsong from her old school Mercedes Bus/home which is now parked up in Holland after a trip around Europe having returned from a van-life experience to make a record on the road. Check out Gitta's stunning music at www.gittaderidder.com

I sat down with actor, mindset coach, fitness coach, vlogger, movement artist & father of 2, Phil Hulford to chat about creative flow and consistency. https://www.instagram.com/phil_hulford/?hl=en

Tapping the flow with my good friend, singer/songwriter Damien Flynn just after he had returned from a Vipassana retreat. We broke his silence with an informal chat about the benefits of such a meditative recline as well as discussing musical pursuits in general. Plenty of tea was drank too - and discussed with huge reverence! Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to leave comments on soundcloud or hit me up on instagram.com/stephenwilliamhodd You can listen to Damien's excellent music at damienflynn.bandcamp.com. Damien has yet to release his beautiful BuildUnbuild E.P. (My apologies for getting ahead of myself there :))

I sat dow to chat with Scottish bassist Ben Ellis who holds the low end together for the likes of Iggy Pop, Marc Almond, Swervedriver and many more. We had a fantastic chat about what it takes to get where you want to get to and how to navigate the ups and downs of the game. Ben also went straight after the challenge of coming up with a song for the show and graces the tape with his vocals for the first time with his own material. Its a wonderful moment and really holds a candle to the canvas as some fresh paint falls to dry in a new form. For anyone interested in the world of session playing whist also retaining a sense of your own style this is the chat for you. Ben is a total pro and a lovely fella to hang out with. Thanks for tapping the flow.

Join me on the road this week as I venture to Cambridge to hang out with the incomparable Polly Paulusma at her studio. We dive deep into her story, charting her artistic development from her debut album Scissors in My Pocket all the way to her outlandishly brilliant latest long player, Wildfires.We talk about her ebbs and flows, her whats and whys, her long-term relationship with One Little Independent, and her hopes for the future.And of course, we explore the mindset of someone who has stayed the course long enough to reach a supreme point in her artistic output.So pop the kettle on and settle in for the first in-person episode of Tapping the Flow.Photo credit - Lina Jusevičiūtė

This time, I’m the one in the hotseat.In a special twist for Tapping the Flow, past guest and all-round legend Russell Joslin flips the script and throws the deep-dive questions at me.We talk creativity, purpose, vulnerability, and what happens when you stop asking and start answering.It’s raw, revealing, and a whole new side of the flow.Let me know what you think in the comments!

In this episode, "Reading the Room with the Eyes of the Soul," I sit down with the extraordinary Sheema Mukherjee — sitarist, composer, and sonic trailblazer.From a deeply rooted classical training to global stages with The Imagined Village and Transglobal Underground, Sheema shares her journey of blending tradition with fearless innovation. Her music holds a reverence for every note, grounded in her family heritage, yet bursts into the present with boldness and soul.🌀 Tune in as we explore intuition, improvisation, and the unspoken language of sound.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with legendary Dublin creative Nick Kelly – a man of many talents whose journey flows seamlessly through music, advertising, and film.From fronting cult band The Fat Lady Sings, to crafting award-winning ad campaigns, to directing acclaimed films like The Drummer and the Keeper & The Song Cycle, Nick shares the creative thread running through it all.We explore:🎵 His evolution as a songwriter and performer🎬 The pivot from stage to screen📢 Lessons from the world of advertising🔥 And what drives a lifetime of storytelling across mediumsThis is a rich, reflective, and often funny deep-dive into a life lived through art – and what keeps the fire burning.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of creativity and soul.

Tapping the Flow – with Fiach Moriarty🎙 Episode: “Digging for Gold in Stories of Old”In this episode of Tapping the Flow, I sit down with Irish singer-songwriter Fiach Moriarty to explore the rich landscape of storytelling—both musical and ancestral. We talk about the threads that run through his past, the role of history in songwriting, and the personal journeys that shape an artist’s voice.Fiach shares insights from his own creative process, the power of story and memory, and how digging into the past can spark something timeless in the present.🔗 Learn more about Fiach: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiach_Moriarty🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of creativity, meaning, and flow.