You are invited to my Secret Gig.

AFTERNOON ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 4TH AUGUST'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Video of the week.

No Smoking in The Booth: A Film About Skunk, Grime and Mental Health.

2) Video (1a) of the week.

3) Quote of the week.

"What the fuck are you talking about with cool? What the fuck are you even on about. What is that word. What does it matter? And the reason I don't care about it, was again because I was in the army where we dealt with life and death. Not with what's cool and what's not cool. Life and death and if I write songs about what it is to be alive, or dead, to be addicted, or to be clean, or to be in love. None of those are cool. It's about reality and most of the people in the world aren't cool. You know, they deal with real life things. I don't want to be cool, I want to sing about what it is that makes you tick" - James Blunt

4) Article of the week.

The sound illusion that makes Dunkirk so intense.

I was fortunate enough to see Dunkirk at the IMAX, and it was one of the best cinema experiences of my life. The intense volume and sound design made me feel tense and uncomfortable, one step closer to how the real people felt. This article goes a long way to describe that.

5) Gig of the week.

Audio Works presents Secret Gig #12 at The Garibaldi.

WE'RE BACK! The Secret Gig is back one more time. Three powerful acts, free entry, rad venue, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

11+ musicians you must listen to.

AFTERNOON ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 28TH JULY'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Track of the week.

Sauter-Finegan Orchestra - Doodletown Fifers

2) Live video of the week.

BR's best of Grime.

3) Quote of the week.

"And so the challenge. We choose not to learn because it's either going to fail (embarrassing and expensive) or it's going to work (frightening). We get ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place of inaction." - Seth Godin

4) Other thing of the week.

 No suggestions last week, am I to assume you know of nothing interesting?

5) Gig of the week.

Bradfest 2017 at The Charles Bradlaugh

9+ local acts each one more powerful than the next, see you there.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Begin precisely because there is fear.

AFTERNOON ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 21ST JULY'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Video of the week.

Chance The Rapper - NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert.

2) Live video of the week.

The Beatles - Hey Jude.

It's a classic.

3) Quote of the week.

"...begin precisely because there is fear." - Seth Godin

4) Other thing of the week.

I'm handing it over to you guys this week. What should I be watching/listenting to or reading?

5) Gig of the week.

Wimble - Dun Kno.

It's a Ping Pong tournament at The Garibaldi, with prizes from Vedett. Might as well.

This was last weeks gig, but it was postponed, so here it is again.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

What have Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and The Who got in common?

AFTERNOON ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 14TH JULY'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Video of the week.

2) Live video of the week.

Sylvan Esso: NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

Another video in a long line of excellent live videos, check them all out on YouTube.

3) Quote of the week.

"Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Unknown.

4) Other thing of the week.

Brian Johnstone's Life On The Road

Brian Johnstone talks to Sting, Robert Plant, Roger Daltry amongst others. Well worth a watch.

5) Gig of the week.

Wimble - Dun Kno.

It's a Ping Pong tournament at The Garibaldi, with prizes from Vedett. Might as well.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

How Gary Clark Jr. Learned To Play.

AFTERNOON ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 7TH JULY'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Video of the week.

2) Track of the week.

DJ Brace - DMC Team Winning Set

Turntable skills crossing genre lines.

3) Quote of the week.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln

4) Other thing of the week.

The powerful Dan Pena's commencement speech will light a fire under your bum.

Watch it HERE.

5) Gig of the week.

The Comedy Crate Festival

Friend of Audio Works Conor Fitzhenry is organising this festival. It's a corker and it's right on our doorstep. World class acts all weekend for only £27. It's a steal. You can listen to myself and Conor talkiing about comedy on this episode of The Audio Works Podcast, HERE.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

A great song, and a beautifully directed video too.

EVENING ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 30TH JUNE'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Video of the week.

Green Day in their day are great.

2) Track of the week.

David Bowie - Blackstar

Such a great song, and a beautifully directed video too.

3) Quote of the week.

“Practice makes progress - Anon.

4) Playlist of the week.

I posted this last week but forgot to add the link, so here it is again!

I made a playlist of tracks that make me wish I can dance to properly express how I feel about them, but I can't dance 'properly' so have a listen yourself and see what happens.

YouTube Playlist - Beats.

5) Gig of the week.

It's the Northampton Town Festival this weekend. They've got local produce, stunt teams, dogs and local music. What more do you need?

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Better than me? Shut up.

EVENING ALL!

HERE IS FRIDAY 23RD JUNE'S TOP 5. LET'S GET INTO IT...

1) Video of the week.

2) Track of the week.

Cave In - Bigg Riff

This was the soundtrack to my travels around 14 years ago, brings back many good memories. I hope you like it too.

3) Quote of the week.

“Never stay in a bad marriage, and don't hang around with psycho coke fiends.” - Joe Rogan.

4) Playlist of the week.

I made a playlist of tracks that make me wish I can dance to properly express how I feel about them, but I can't dance 'properly' so have a listen yourself and see what happens.

YouTube Playlist - Beats.

5) Gig of the week.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Woo Boosters.

HOLLA AT YOUR BOY!

HERE IS FRIDAY 16TH JUNE'S TOP 5. LET'S DO THIS...

1) Video of the week.

Finch, Live at The London Astoria.

A blast from the past, but another great album. Live is always better.

2) Track of the week.

Sylvan Essos - Hey Mami

I heard this on then new season of Orange Is The New Black (which is excellent). It's a great track, and it's still available on vinyl for the bargain price of $10 (plus shipping) - HERE.

3) Quote of the week.

“Positivity opens doors; negativity shuts them.” - Seth Godin.

4) Playlist of the week.

Rusko - Woo Boosters

I've been a fan of Rusko's music for about 10 years now, and this playlist is nice, woo-boosters as described.

5) Gig of the week.

Jazz Colossus Big Band - Funk & Soul.

TONIGHT! Another big band spectacular from Miles Hancock and friends. Not to be missed, tickets selling out fast.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Creative or Remarkable?

HOLLA AT YOUR BOY!

HERE IS FRIDAY 9TH JUNE'S TOP 5. LET'S DO THIS...

1) Video of the week.

The X-ecutioners - It's Goin Down (featuring Linkin Park).

A classic that I moshed to many times in my youth (IT'S 15 YEARS OLD NOW!)

2) Track of the week.

S.Carey - Brassy Sun (flaked Season 2 Episode 1).

I heard this on Flaked this week (a great series on Netflix) and it's been in my head since, a really beautiful song that works so well on the show.

3) Quote of the week.

“I’m just confusing the thrill of being young with the notion that the era in which I was young was in any way especially creative or remarkable.” - Stewart Lee

4) Documentary of the week.

Song Exploder - The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight

It's one of my favourite tracks of all time, and now you can hear it explained!

5) Gig of the week.

Summer Night Market

DJ Andy Skank will be providing the music, while you can eat and buy to your hearts content. A solid local project sure to be a good night.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

The other side of fear.

HAPPY FRIDAY GOOD PEOPLE!

HERE IS FRIDAY 1ST JUNE'S TOP 5. LET'S DO THIS...

1) Video of the week.

Shitwife - Live.

I've had Wayne Adams on The Audio Works Podcast (you can hear that here) we're we discuss this band, amongst others. A great band to see live, you really do have to see it to believe it.

2) Track of the week.

Snoop Dogg - BADBADNOTGOOD - Lavender (Nightfall remix).

Another artist I was late to the party with. Check out BADBADNOTGOOD's other tracks on YouTube, there's plenty on there.

3) Quote of the week.

Everything you want is on the other side of fear" - Jack Canefield

4) Documentary of the week.

It's Slade.

It's a great documentary. They're more than Christmas number ones.

5) Gig of the week.

SBD presents: Jordan Mackampa, Beth Munroe, Low Acre at The Lab

Powerful Northampton acts at a great local venue.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Hi, I'm Josh, do you want to watch me while I work?

HAPPY FRIDAY GOOD PEOPLE!

Here is Friday 26th May's Top 5. Let's do this...

1) Video of the week.

The Audio Works Podcast #72 Damian Keyes - VIDEO VERSION.

I was fortunate enough to speak to Damian about various things, from starting BIMM to playing bass to hundreds of thousands of people. Damian brought his camera crew with him so you can watch this episode and see how the sausage is made, so to speak.

2) Track of the week.

Pearl Jam - Even Flow

I was a late comer to Pearl Jam, like most things. They are great and have an enormous back catalogue, check them out if you don't already know.

3) Quote of the week.

"If you can learn to share what you hope to communicate, written in a way that even a stranger can understand, you'll not only improve your communication, you'll learn to think more clearly as well." - Seth Godin

Can you tell I read a lot of Seth Godin?

4) Article of the week.

How to shoot on iPhone 7.

This is a very useful article on taking photos with an iPhone. A good photographer is a worthwhile investment, but sometimes you don't have anything to invest, so do it yourself with the help of this guide (it applies to other iPhones and phone photography in general).

5) Gig of the week.

Krysthla, Black Ink Sun, Thrones and Siderian at The King Billy, Northampton

Same as last week as THIS GIG IS TONIGHT. Go to it, if you want to see both technically and melodically talented musicians then this is for you.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

How many people does it take to write a hit song?

HAPPY FRIDAY! WHAT'S GOOD?

Here is Friday 19th May's Top 5. Let's do this...

1) Video of the week.

Soundgarden - Live at Rhino Records, September 1989.

A sad loss this week, but what a life of excellent music. Turn it up and enjoy.

2) Track of the week.

Paramore - Hard Times

I like Paramore, and so do most people (apart from those that think it's cool not to like them). The new album is fun.

3) Quote of the week.

"The habits we groove become who we are, one minute at a time. A small thing, repeated, is not a small thing." - Seth Godin

4) Article of the week.

How many people does it take to write a hit song?

A fascinating article on collaboration in modern pop. A cursory search into most of the top 40 these days shows just how many people are involved in pop music tracks.

5) Gig of the week.

Krysthla, Black Ink Sun, Thrones and Siderian at The King Billy, Northampton

This is the most powerful line-up in a long time. Volume, riffs, aggression, speed, melody, they've got it all. NOT TO BE MISSED.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Some people don't like sliced bread.

HAPPY FRIDAY! HOW THE DEVIL ARE YOU?

Here is Friday 12th May's Top 5. Get stuck in.

1) Video of the week.

M.O.P - Ante Up featuring Busta Rhymes, Teflon, Remy Martin.

I challenge you to watch this and not nod your head, a classic banger.

2) Track of the week.

Incubus - Just A Phase, Live

Incubus are one of my favourite bands, they were a gateway band to heavier music for me

3) Quote of the week.

"Some people don't like sliced bread." - Josh Astrop talking to Jason Hatt about not being able to please everyone.

4) Podcast of the week.

Noah Kagan Presents - Jesse Itzler.

Noah rose to success working with Facebook, Mint.com and founding SumoMe. This episode is packed full of pearls of wisdom, several of which I have acted upon already. Here's the official description...

"Most of us go through life on autopilot. New day, same routine. But, Jesse Itzler? Hell no. Jesse has been a rapper, entrepreneur, author, and athlete — and he invited a Navy SEAL to live with him for 30 days to push his limits. On this episode of _Noah Kagan Presents_ I sit down with Jesse Itzler to discuss stories and lessons from his wildly successful and unorthodox life."

5) Gig of the week.

Mr. Skank's Outdoor Disco.

If you've been to any gigs in Northampton you will have undoubtedly have seen this man, his skills behind the decks are just as legendary. If you like beer and dancing then this is for you.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Shooting silent guns.

HAPPY FRIDAY! How the devil are you?

Here is Friday 28th April's Top 5. Get stuck in.

1) Video of the week.

Killer Mike interviews George Clinton.

Speaks for itself really. Get funky.

2) Track of the week.

New Cassettes - Silent Guns.

Northampton powerhouses with one of my favourite tracks. Send them messages and get them to play another show.

3) Quote of the week.

"Nothing says I love you like a twat crab." - Holli Dempsey

4) Podcast of the week.

Brian Gittins and Friends - Tim Key.

The powerful Brian Gittins (of Derek fame) takes you on a magical mystery tour with new guests each week. This week they fly away with Tim Key.

5) Gig of the week.

Vintage Future Spring Shindig at The Lamplighter April 29th.

Local legends providing underground house, disco and techno at your favourite local pub. Get down there and dance.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

I'm sorry I missed your birthday.

Audio Works turned 6 years old on Sunday, 16th April 2017. I only realised 5 minutes ago. I'm sorry.

It's hard to believe that we've been going for 6 years. You get so lost in the day to day running that you don't think about the past, just what's on today's to-do list.

In the beginning I set out trying to make a space for bands to rehearse with 3 simple but important features in mind;

1. Reliability
2. Professionalism
3. Friendliness

I've repeated those words so many times in the last 6 years, partly to remind myself that I need to maintain standards, but also to put out there what we offer so people that want those features know where to come.

I didn't want Audio Works to be the cheapest place (in any sense of the word), I also didn't want to create a space for huge stage rehearsals at thousands of pounds a week to hire. I had used rehearsal spaces before, some were great, some were terrible, so I had a good idea about what I thought was important. So, I borrowed money, then borrowed money against that money and got cracking.

6 years down the line and I think we've got the balance right, it requires daily work and constant improvement but Audio Works is in a good place.

• Our Reliability rate is 99.9%. I made mistakes on 2 bookings a couple of years ago (out of roughly 8,500 total bookings (both bands got free sessions as is the policy)).
• Professionalism and Friendliness go hand in hand. While we want people to feel comfortable in this creative space, we also want people to feel that their time and money is being taken seriously, both are usually in short supply. Less dodgy warehouse, more recording studio.

Obviously, we'd be nowhere without any of you guys, so...

THANK YOU!

In business, like music, you always ask yourself 'will anyone want this?', and the answer for lots of people is no. Not everyone wants the same thing, but fortunately there are enough like minded people to enable different things for different people (both business and art). I like to keep Scroobius Pip's advice in mind...

"We might not be for you, and that's OK."

Thanks again for your support, here's to many more years and hopefully we'll see you soon.

Josh.

Who is a pathetic slug with no personality?

HAPPY FRIDAY! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?

Here is Friday 14th April's Top 5. Some powerful stuff this week, enjoy!

1) Video of the week.

Audio Works Basement Session #1 - DJ OP1.

Yes, I know it's my own video, but it's my e-mail so I can do what I want. DJ OP1 is one of my favourite all time DJ's and this video gives you an intimate view into his craft.

2) Track of the week.

Chance The Rapper - All We Got - Live.

I only recently discovered Chance The Rapper and I realised I've been missing out. Check out his music, as usual there is a plethora available online.

3) Quote of the week.

"Organizations that add just a little bit every day always defeat those that are in the subtraction business." - Seth Godin

4) Podcast of the week.

The Audio Works Podcast #69 Darren Capp

This weeks Audio Works podcast is with local musician Darren Capp, I'd reccomend checking it out, he's an interesting guy, but I would say that.

5) Gig of the week.

Girls in Synthesis at The Garibaldi Hotel, Northampton 14th April.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

I Can Climb Mountains.

Happy Friday! What have you been up to?

Here is Friday 7th April's Top 5. Some powerful stuff this week, enjoy!

1) Video of the week.

Hell is for Heroes - Night Vision

Another old favourite of mine that I've been playing at the studio. The first band I was in played a cover of a I Can Climb Mountains and it was so much fun, as is all their music. Check them out if you haven't already - Hell Is For Heroes.

2) Track of the week.

Thursday - Understanding In A Car Crash

I've got my brother to thank for my appreciation of Thursday. I've lost my voice singing along to all their albums on many nights out at Uni. Best enjoyed loud, and intoxicated, (drink responsibly folks, or don't, do what you want you're an adult for fucks sake).

3) Quote of the week.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

4) Podcast of the week.

Monkey Tennis

If you're an Alan Partridge fan (and I am) then this podcast is like having your friends round your house for a party (one fuelled exclusively by Partridge quotes and meticulous detail of each episode in order). If you're not a Partridge fan "Get out now".

5) Gig of the week.

Long Breech EP Launch

Friends of the studio and all round nice guys Long Breech are having an EP launch at The Garibaldi on Saturday 8th April. They are also supported by local powerhouses Blood Visions and Sharkteeth Grinder. THIS GIG IS A MUST SEE.

Speak to you next Friday,

Josh

Do something fun with your life.

Happy Friday! It's the end of March, what have you been up to?

Here is Friday 31st March's Top 5. It's a cracker this week, feel free to share it around.

1) Video of the week.

Jon1st - Boiler Room Session

We've been fortunate enough to have Jon1st on The Audio Works Podcast and he is thoroughly tremendous, you can listen to his episode HERE.

2) Track of the week.

Beyonce - Formation

I know it's pop music, I know it's Beyonce, but it is undoubtedly a banger. Excellent production from Mike Will Made It.

3) Quote of the week.

“There are those who love to get dirty and fix things. They drink coffee at dawn, beer after work. And those who stay clean, just appreciate things. At breakfast they have milk and juice at night. There are those who do both, they drink tea.” - Gary Snyder

4) Podcast of the week.

S Town

Another excellent podcast series from This American Life and Serial. Set-up as a true to life podcast about a watchmaker, that through a series of twists and turns ends up quite dark.

5) Gig of the week.

Bronze Nazareth and The Wiseman @ The Garibaldi, 31st April.

Legendary musicians, legendary venue for the legendary entry fee of £0. Do something fun with your life, you have nothing to lose.

Speak to you Friday,

Josh

Who is worth working with?

Happy Friday!

Here is Friday 24th March's Top 5. It's a cracker this week, feel free to share it around.

1) Video of the week.

Mastodon - Brann Dailor, The Making of 'Emperor of Sand' Part 4.

A very interesting look into recording, and also the mind of a drummer.

2) Track of the week.

Shitwife - Hotel Radio-  Live

More power from Wayne Adams and Henry. You can hear me talking to Wayne about his various projects in episode 27 of The Audio Works Podcast - HERE.

3) Quote of the week.

"The few who are willing to engage in interesting problems are worth working with." - Seth Godin

4) Podcast of the week.

Missing Richard Simmons

This is a fascinating podcast series of just 6 episodes. It's all about finding Richard Simmons, you know, the American fitness guy with the big hair. He disappeared one day and this is the journey to find him.

5) Gig of the week.

FOX CHAPEL \\ THE GARIBALDI

A very powerful line-up indeed, 5 bands from the melancholic to the fast paced. Well worth your time, and the beers at the Garibaldi are second to none.

Speak to you Friday,

Josh

(blog image found here)

Free video, desk concert, life improvement & podcast. You're welcome.

Happy Friday!

Here is Friday 17th March's Top 5. It's a cracker this week, feel free to share it around.

1) Video of the week.

Burn The Fleet - River Song

It's an oldie but a goodie. They've got tracks on both YouTube and Spotify, check them out.

2) Track of the week.

Pinegrove: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Another excellent instalment of Tiny Desk Concert. What a voice too.

3) Quote of the week.

“You can improve the fuck out of your life.” - Joe Rogan

4) Podcast of the week.

The Five Film Death Punch Podcast - Meg Amirghiasvand

Hayley and Mo's podcast provides another thoughtful insight with special guest Meg Amirghiasvand, whom you may know from OhBoy!, Future Love or Crazy Talk.

5) Gig of the week.

Lucky Shivers & Nikolas Gray

Two great local acts. You can also catch Nik Gray on this weeks Audio Works Podcast HERE.

Speak to you Friday,

Josh

(blog image found here)