Sheer Isolation

We're joined by author and musician, CJ Thorpe-Tracey on this week's Sheer Isolation. His loyal fanbase know him better as Chris TT.

Over two decades, Chris released ten albums and over a hundred songs. The Huntsman Comes A-Marchin' was frequently covered by Frank Turner in his early days of touring.

Chris has now published his first book - Buried in the English Earth. It's a lyric book that features every one of his published songs, along with detailed notes and analysis of the meaning.

He tells us that he has retired as a songwriter, but is now turning his attention to novel writing.

Music this week is provided by post-punk poet Bristolian, Emily Breeze, and Chris picks a track from Jim Bob; a band fronted by James Morrison from indie punk chart-toppers, Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine.

We also cover the news that previous guest, Thomas Haynes - aka Grasslands - has created his own local music magazine in print, and the Wiltshire wurz-rap artist, Corky, has announced in EP launch - some 15 years after his debut album!

It's about time we interviewed the man behind Sheer Music on this show!

In this episode Jon talks to Kieran... He tells us how he caught the bug for organising and promoting live music, how he's spent close to 20 years supporting Wiltshire's venues and festivals, and also tells us what he's planning to do next!

We play a couple of new tunes courtesy of Swindon rockers NervEndings, and Bristol based indie songwriter, Billy Nomates.

We also chat about how local festivals are already trickling out news of their 2023 headliners, and how a Government grant could be used to create a new community venue in the centre of Trowbridge.

We're playing out Part 2 of our Jimmy Watkins interview this week.

Previously, Jimmy was telling us about how he set up the Running Punks - an online community which supports mental health by combining music and running.

This week he talks more about his previous incarnations - including his time playing in alt-rock band Future of the Left, and then the Vega Bodegas.

He also explains why he embarked on a music career, as at the time he was a Welsh record holder for the 800 metres and starting to prepare for a place at the Olympics!

Our music choices also have a Welsh theme this week - we play a track from Jimmy's band, the Vega Bodegas, and Kieran chooses a new release from Welsh songwriter, Tom Jenkins.

We also talk about a growing trend for people to move away from streaming services in favour of physical discs, and we look at some of the gigs taking place in towns across the West in the coming week.

This week on Sheer Isolation we're joined by Mercyful Fate bassist, Becky Baldwin!

That is THE Mercyful Fate - the iconic Danish metal 80s band.

Originally from Trowbridge, Becky will soon be joining the band as they tour America; filling in for their usual bassist, Joey Vera.

She tells us how this once-in-a-lifetime chance came about thanks to her social media accounts, in particular her YouTube videos. Her online showcase has created a fantastic platform to show her skills as a session guitarist.

If you're into your classic metal bands, you may have already seen Becky play in one of her regular groups, Fury and Hands Off Gretel.

Our music choices this week include one of Fury's latest releases, and Kieran plays a tune from electro-pop duo, Pecq.

In our news section, we discuss the latest developments that are delaying much-needed renovation work at Swindon's Oasis Centre.

Our guest on Sheer Isolation this week competed for Team GB in the 800 metres, and was in Welsh alt-rock band Future of the Left.

But those stories will be told another time... This week, Jimmy Watkins is talking to us about a series of YouTube videos he made, and how they led to the creation of a new running club with a difference.

Jimmy created Running Punks after he and a friend discovered first-hand just how important regular exercise is for helping overcome mental anxieties.

During lockdown, he was encouraging musicians and music-lovers to follow his lead and go for a run.

Two years on, and Running Punks has become a worldwide tribe of amateur athletes, with clubs operating in countries across the globe.

Jimmy tells us of his surprise that his music video reviews, recorded while out running, became such a big hit on YouTube, and how the Running Punks name is continuing to gain momentum and popularity.

Jimmy's choice of track is our first Welsh spoken song on Sheer Isolation courtesy of female rock trio, Adwaith. We also play the latest release from Chippenham/Bristol group the Erotic Secrets of Pompeii, who filmed the video for this tune in Kieran's workplace.

We also talk about upcoming gigs in the region, and how Kieran has very unreliable gig buddies, leaving him with plenty of spare tickets for shows!

On this week's Sheer Isolation we play out the second part of our Johnny Black interview.

In this part, the Devizes based music journalist talks about the time he joined a new team of writers to create the Smash Hits brand.

The publication team, which launched it's first magazine in 1978, went on to produce other titles such as Mojo and Q.

Johnny tells us about his Time Machine feature for Mojo - an 'On This Day' section which still lives on through his personal website.

We also play the new single from The Streets which features Jazz Morley; a singer and pianist who's been performing in venues across the south west for years, but more recently has been supporting household names in cities across Europe.

Our other tune is from alt rockers InAir who are performing at this year's Swindon Shuffle.

Jon and Kieran also mention Wiltshire musician, Kirsty Clinch, who's new album is lighting up the iTunes charts.. We also have an update on Bristol icon Big Jeff who is on the road to recovery following a house fire.

Every band needs merch. Corporate events need merch. People love buying merch!

Our guest on this week's Sheer Isolation has been making merch for local and international artists for years. Nathan Gregory runs Hartmoor Merchandise from North Wiltshire - primarily printing T-shirts and the like, but if you want a logo put on something, he can help.

He tells us how business is booming, explains why international bands prefer using UK printers while on tour here, and tells us about the weirdest thing he's ever seen a logo stamped on!

Our music choices this week include a silly song with a serious message from Sweetchunks, and Nathan picks a track from one of his recent clients, Blackbear.

In our news section we talk about how the 2022 festival season is coming to a close.

40 years ago, our guest on this week's Sheer Isolation was hanging out with the likes of The Beach Boys and Tammy Wynette, and writing features for magazines such as Smash Hits!

Johnny Black has gone from village life in rural Scotland, to the bustle of London's music industry in the 80s, and now lives among the rolling hills of Wiltshire.

In this first of two parts, we talk to Johnny about his history, including how he became the press officer of some of the most iconic names on the CBS label.

Music choices this week include a punk rock artist, Arms and Hearts, who's stopping off in Wiltshire on his mini-tour, and Johnny picks one of his own tracks because, in his own words, musicians make songs for them to be heard.

In our news section we pay respect to KTor Stretch - a young Bristol rapper who was recently killed in London. We also cover the latest festival news in the region.

Our guest on this week's Sheer Isolation is a sound and electronics engineer who's travelled the world over four decades designing, operating and repairing some seriously large and expensive sound desks and speakers!

These days, Danny Kitainik is the man behind a modest little production company in Wiltshire, Serenity Audio.

But Danny was behind many of the sound systems installed in London's iconic nightclubs during the eighties, toured with the likes of Simple Minds, K D Lang and Toto, has set up systems for TED talks and World Cup VAR reviews, and was cited as saving the day when things went wrong before an iconic Happy Mondays gig.

This interview hardly scrapes the surface of Danny's story, but we cover key events from the time he was given first soldering iron, to the heyday of working with some of the world's biggest artists, to supporting his family with their own musical and art endeavours.

We also give a shout out to a couple of previous guests of Sheer Isolation... Seth Bye was playing as part of the Giffords Circus travelling band when we spoke to him. He's just performed at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony with Birmingham twelve-piece, The Destroyers.

Also, congrats to Florence Espuit-Nickless. We spoke to her soon after her first performances of the semi-autobiographical play about growing up in small Wiltshire towns. She's taken Destiny to this year's Edinburgh Fringe!

In our music choices this week, Danny picks a track from Amie K, and we also play an upbeat instrumental piece by The Destroyers.

It's not very often you come across a chap who has built his own amphitheatre so he can showcase live music and theatrical performances in his garden.

But that's exactly what Dave Hartland has done at the Cotswold Sculpture Park.

He's spent nearly three decades turning a field of weeds in the surroundings of the Cotswold Water Park into a unique trail of artwork and statues, with visitors travelling far and wide to view (and sometimes buy) the pieces on display.

With his DIY amphitheatre project now complete, he's opening the park's doors for evening performances with musicians, actors and storytellers.

We talk to Dave about his journey, his own artwork, and what he's planning next.

We play an instrumental piece from one of the performers due to play at the Park this summer - Xavier Leret. Kieran also chooses the latest release from Deux Furieuses, who are playing in Trowbridge this week.

We also talk about how some venues change their usual listings to cater for a different crowd during the summer holidays, and we also mention a couple of local festivals due to take place in early August - Festival on the Farm near Swindon, and Valleyfest on the edge of the Mendips.

Our guest this week on Sheer Isolation has his finger on the pulse of Salisbury's music scene.

Thom Belk has been organising music nights in the city for over 15 years. He's currently in charge of the entertainment at Brown Street - a new venue on the site of The Chapel.

Thom tells us about their plans for extending Brown Street, and how Salisbury has recently lost it's biggest venues because of the pandemic. Fortunately the music scene is now on a road to recovery.

We also play a couple of tunes - Thom chooses a number of Salisbury's upcoming bands, so we've picked a track from Love Is Enough. Kieran's choice for the week is the latest release from Oxford's The People Versus, which has already attracted the interest of some national radio stations.

In our news section we share some positive news on Big Jeff's recovery - the famous gig-going Bristolian was sadly involved in a house fire earlier this year.

We also give a shout out for the Womad festival which takes place on the outskirts of Malmesbury over the last weekend of July.

Our guest on this week's Sheer Isolation is Oliver Phipps from the Wharf Theatre in Devizes.

This historic building next to the Kennet & Avon Canal has been putting on stage shows for decades. It's recently undergone a major refurbishment and is opening it's doors to new audiences, offering more inclusive events and introducing youngsters to the world of theatre.

Oliver tells us about the recent renovation work, how their charity status allows more freedom to host unknown directors, and a look forward to what's happening later this year.

We also play a couple of tunes - Kieran plays a track by Annie Dressner - an American born artist who now lives in the UK and is playing in Wiltshire in the coming weeks.

Oliver's choice is the finale track from last year's pantomime at the Wharf, one of pop world's most internationally recognised artists.

Jon & Kieran also look ahead to some gig dates and festivals that are just around the corner, the ongoing debate over the future of Swindon's Oasis Centre, and how a new layout around the Glastonbury site helped to ease the usual village gridlock.

We continue our chat with Telegraph and Kerrang! Journalist, Ian Winwood in this week's Sheer Isolation.

He's recently published a book which draws on his first-hand experiences to investigate why so many young superstars of the music industry crash out of fame and spiral into addiction.

In this episode, Ian gives us more of an insight into Bodies - A Life and Death In Music, and offers tips for budding young journalists who are hoping to follow in his footsteps as an internationally renowned writer.

We have a couple of tracks in the mix as well... A new release from Broken Fires - a band who were prolific giggers nearly twenty years ago. They've reformed, rebranded and are once again making their mark.

We also feature the Nova Twins who are on Ian's watchlist.

Kieran and Jon also talk about cancelled festivals, send positive vibes to Bristol's gig-going legend, Big Jeff, and we also look at events coming up in the next few weeks.

Our guest on Sheer Isolation this week is an internationally renowned music journalist whose work is regularly featured in The Telegraph, Kerrang! And Alternative Press.

In this first of a two-part interview, Ian Winwood talks about his career path, gives us expert tips on review writing, and offers free advice for how budding journalists can protect themselves from libel!

His new book, Bodies - A Life and Death in Music, explores the grittier side of the music industry, based on his own experience from working alongside chart-topping celebrities for the past 20 years.

Ian picks a track from Australian punk group The Chats, who just happen to be playing in Gloucestershire in July.

Kieran's choice is the new release from local songwriter Luke De-Sciscio - the video was shot by our previous guest, Harry Steele.

In our news section we send big love to Bristol icon, Big Jeff, who's in hospital following a house fire. We also talk about a US lead singer who's come out as a furry, and we look through this year's line-ups for Gloucester's Barn On the Farm weekend and the Minety Festival in Wiltshire.

We're talking to Harry Steele from Unthnkble on this week's Sheer Isolation - a Somerset based production company which specialises in creating music videos.

Harry tells us about a recent project he worked on at Mick Jagger's house, and how he's hoping to expand into even larger productions with bigger budgets in years to come.

He also tells us how his passion for video making has got him to this point in just a few years, and offers advice to other budding videographers in the South West on how to establish yourself on the scene.

Harry picks a song from The Voice finalist Cody Frost - he made the official video for this one. Meanwhile, Kieran chooses a tune from alt-indie band, I Feel Fine, who are in the West this month as part of their UK tour.

We also talk about renovation work ongoing at The Pump venue in Trowbridge, and how Love Saves The Day festival in Bristol is going plastic and glitter free this year.

Taking upcycling to a whole new level... we're joined on this week's Sheer Isolation by a chap who makes new guitars out of old pianos!

Dom Allen from Scavenger Music reclaims materials from deceased uprights that are traded in at the music shop All Instruments in Westbury to save the whole piano going to landfill.

He uses the salvaged timber to produce hand-crafted, Fender style electric guitars.

He's made more than a dozen instruments in his workshop so far, with plenty of interest from musicians who are looking for a unique, ethically sourced instrument.

Dom tells us how he progressed from making parts of instruments to producing fully operational guitars, and how he only ever uses pianos that are beyond repair for his recycling project.

We also play a couple of tracks - Dom chooses a track from one of his own groups; Sock. Kieran picks a new tune from Oxford's The People Versus who should be appearing at a festival near you very soon.

In our News section, we talk about a big investment to refurbish the Gloucester Guildhall and why several international bands have been forced to pull out of UK festivals this summer.

Our guest this week spends his time touring the south of England and Wales - hosting more than 80 events every year.

Ian Fiddes runs the Vinyl Daze Record Fairs, where dealers gather to sell vinyl of every style and age to the public.

With some events attracting 20+ dealers, shoppers can find classics, rare pieces and the latest releases all under one roof.

As well as running events as far south as Cornwall and as far west as Tenby, Ian also regularly checks in to Cirencester, Wells and Dursley.

He tells us how he got into the world of record fairs, how some of his rarest finds have ended up in Australia, and why Kieran's genre of choice, 90s indie rock, is like gold-dust to collectors.

We also feature a couple of tunes - the first is from a songwriter who's well-known in his home country of Ireland, Jack Lukeman. He'll be performing in Trowbridge next week at a far more intimate gig than he's used to playing back home.

Ian chooses a track off the latest album from Bristol's Idles.

We also run through some of the festivals and gigs coming up this month, including the headliners of this year's Lechlade Festival.

Our guest on this week's Sheer Isolation sets out to prove that print media isn't dead, by producing her own community publication.

Kat Jones created Pseudonym Magazine after moving to Wiltshire from London, and realizing there was a gap in the market to promote the region's underground arts scene.

Her team of volunteers are now working on the ninth edition which will feature articles on Wiltshire's villages, band reviews, poetry and community news. It can be ordered online or bought from several venues in mid-Wiltshire.

Our music choices this week are the latest track from Hannah White, who is currently on a UK tour and recently played at Kieran's venue. Kat chooses a track from the next big band to escape the Isle of Wight (after Wet Leg), the Plastic Mermaids.

We also chat about a Bath venue that's had a big refit, and a band who've been seen filming their next music video in Trowbridge Town Hall.

On this week's Sheer Isolation we talk to Phil Moakes from Visual Radio Arts in Devizes.

VRA is an independent studio where local musicians and bands can record live sessions of original tracks with both professional quality sound and high definition, multi-camera video.

Phil tells us how the session recordings began in the early days of Frome FM, and has since moved on, along with the technology, to become the established and respected centre we know today.

Since 2016, Phil has recorded hundreds of sessions - all of which are free to view online.

On the music front, Phil talks us through a showreel of some of the acts who have performed at Visual Radio Arts over the years. Meanwhile Kieran picks a track from Dean McMullen who is the guitarist in Exeter's Muncie Girls, who's about to release a solo album and will be touring it later this year.

In our news section, Kieran talks of the closure of one of London's most iconic live music venues.

Lee Laverack has taken to stages throughout the world, in front of packed venues and stadia for more than a decade, and yet he's never had a chart hit.

That's because he's the guy who sets up instruments, mops up spilt beers mid-performance and says those most famous words in the world of rock; "Check One Two".

Lee joins us on Sheer Isolation this week to tell us about his typical working day, such as sightseeing at the Great Wall of China before heading to a venue to set up the band.

He's worked with Trail of Dead, Sam Fender, Maximo Park and Level 42 to name a few.

Lee also repairs guitars and makes custom components from his Leeds-based workshop.

Our music choices this week are worlds apart; a new release from previous guest, chap-hop artist Professor Elemental, and Lee's choice is a grimy punk track from Yorkshire's Avalanche Party.

Coincidentally, both acts are playing in our region in the next couple of months - although not on the same bill!

Also, Kieran shows off his stash of new CDs and vinyl, including the hot-tipped new album from Wet Leg.

We're joined on Sheer Isolation this week by founder of the Swindon Jazz and Soul Festival, Evie Em-Jay.

We spoke to Evie last year when the town's jazz nights were just starting up again following lockdown. April's Jazz and Soul Festival will only be the second time this event has been held. She successfully established it in 2019, and has been forced to cancel for the last two years.

Evie updates us on the popularity of her regular music nights in venues across Swindon, and confirms who is on the bill to perform at the festival.

Our music choices this week include one of the festival headliners - Ray Gelato and the Giants. We also play a Foo Fighters cover from Swindon's Bedrock. They released it during the first lockdown to support our key workers, but it feels appropriate to play it now following the death of the Foo's drummer, Taylor Hawkins.

We also mention a few other gigs coming up in early April, and Kieran gives us a whistlestop tour of his new recording space.

Steampunk chap-hop rap artist and self confessed nerd, Professor Elemental, is joining us on Sheer Isolation this week.

The Professor has been recording and touring his quintessentially British rap tracks for over a decade, performing in venues across Europe and the States. His unique music style and on-brand appearance has given rise to an impressive fanbase on social media.

Music aside, he also guest starred in an episode of Disney's Phineas and Ferb.

We talk to The Professor about his upcoming tour and new releases, how the character came to be, and somehow also go onto chat about men's mental health and self-motivational tips.

We play a track from the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band which was instrumental in the creation of Professor Elemental. Kieran picks a track from Tankus The Henge who are touring the region in the near future.

We also mark the sad passing of Rob Talbot, a music promoter who was well known by musicians across South Wiltshire and Somerset.

Joining us on Sheer Isolation this week is Gerry Watkins from the Moonlight Eclipse Project.

This newly created community programme aims to support low income families, vulnerable people and the homeless in Cirencester and the south Cotswolds.

Gerry has been dedicating his spare time to this and similar good causes for over 20 years, and uses his other passion - live music - as a way of raising funds and awareness for his charitable work.

Gerry tells us about the lightswitch moment that turned him into a community fundraiser, and why charity gigs are his preferred method of raising funds.

He picks a track from one of his favourite punk artists, Mick O'Toole. Meanwhile, Jon picks a new release from Bristol's Elles Bailey, who's album has recently medalled in both the UK Blues and Americana charts.

We also give a shout out to the Glastonbury Calling and Stroud Food and Drink Festivals which are happening later this month.

Calling all musicians who are interested in playing gigs in care homes, schools and hospitals...

The charity Live Music Now is looking for new acts to add to their contact list. We're joined by the Director for the South West branch, Sophie Dunn, who tells us more about their work in communities across the country, and how delivering live music to people who can't get to venues is an integral piece of the charity's DNA.

Sophie picks an instrumental piece from a local duo who regularly work with Live Music Now - Alex Garden (from The Drystones) and Harriet Riley (from the Spindle Ensemble).

Jon picks the other track this week, and has chosen a tune from Cirencester's Leon Daye - his band will be performing in Swindon on March 13th.

In our news section we talk about the Trowbridge Kalefest, Cheltenham's Wychwood Festival and we discover that there is a limit to Kieran's eclectic musical taste!

On this week's Sheer Isolation we chat with yoga teacher, reggae fan and ex-raver, Marc White.

Marc now hosts regular yoga classes in Trowbridge, but he has previously toured the world absorbing different rave and dance music cultures around the globe.

He's dusting off his extensive collection of reggae vinyl for a special DJ night in the town in April.

And, proving that we don't believe in boundaries when it comes to music, Kieran plays a hippy-ska-cover of a Vengaboys classic from Bristol's Boom Boom Racoon. Marc selects a reggae track from the Mighty Rudo.

We also talk about the line-up of this year's Lechlade Festival, reminisce Baila in Swindon - a coffeeshop / venue which has recently closed - and look at the problems facing venues which are trying to bring international artists to the region.

Kieran also makes a prediction that Sheer Isolation's very first guest, Frank Turner, will hit number 1 in the UK albums chart. Update: He did! Well done Frank!!

Our guest on this week's Sheer Isolation is the man who came up with the concept of pop-up orchestras, Swindon's very own Shaun Buswell.

By approaching strangers in train stations who were carrying instruments, Shaun has successfully formed and created full size orchestras in the UK and Europe.

His next performance is happening next month in London.

Shaun explains where the idea came from, and what the future plans are for this unique way of making music.

On the tune menu, Shaun plays a recording from his Paris orchestra session from 2018, and Kieran picks a track from Wiltshire's newest metal band, Webb.

We also look ahead to local gigs in the coming weeks, and news on festival line-ups planned for this summer.

We've talked to some jokers on these shows before, but this week we are literally joined by a clown.

The face of Giffords Circus, Tweedy, is our guest on Sheer Isolation.

The Stroud based performers will be touring the south of England from April, clocking up nearly 300 shows in 14 venues.

Tweedy has an (uncharacteristic) sensible chat with us about working with the travelling troupe of world-class artists, how Giffords stands out from other circuses, and we also talk about his one-man show which is currently touring the region.

We have two laid back tunes for you this week; Tweedy picks a track from Stroud based duo, The Other Way. Kieran's choice is a fun piece of bluegrass from the Welsh based Americans who call themselves Truckstop Honeymoon.

We also talk about a new music festival heading to the Forest of Dean this summer, and Kieran explains why he's sat on a large box of fliers for an event in London.

On this week's Sheer Isolation we talk to the Frome DJ Nina Casey (aka Nina LoVe) about her new project to boost interest in learning new music skills.

Purple Noise offers workshops and advice to provide experience working in studios, producing music, and lessons in live DJing.

They have a fully kitted out recording and rehearsal space in Trowbridge Town Hall and opens its doors to everyone. They especially want to help kids with learning difficulties or those who don't have access to music studios through their own schools.

Nina tells us about her path to becoming a DJ, and how the disruption of Covid was a catalyst for forming the Purple Noise project.

Her music choice is an uplifting Beverly Knight track that helped her during the lockdowns, while Kieran picks a post hardcore track from the duo, Frauds, who are coming to Wiltshire for a show in the Spring.

We also give a shout out to some of the week's music and comedy events in the region.

Welcome to 2022! We're looking forward to bringing you another year of programming full of tunes, interviews and news from the West of England's music and art scenes.

On Sheer Isolation this week we're joined by Bristol based Sound Designer, Joseff Harris.

He's the guy to call if you're producing a theatre production and need someone to make bespoke sound effects and incidental musical pieces.

His work has been heard in the background of plays across the West and beyond.

For your musical delights we have a track off the debut solo album from Andy Bell, ex-Oasis and Ride member who's playing in Trowbridge later this month.

Joseff's choice is a dramatic instrumental score from Bristol based composer, Kayla Painter.

In the news this week, we congratulate Bath's Pink Pantheress for winning BBC's Sound of Music for 2022 and pay respects to life-member and drummer of the Wurzels, John Morgan.

On Sheer Isolation this week we're joined by a musician, teacher and promoter who's been a consistent part of Cirencester's music scene for four decades.

John Parker talks about forming his first college bands in the eighties, his cheeky way of booking gigs in unsuspecting pubs, and how musicians used to get their sound heard before social media.

We also talk about the Cirencester School of Rock which John ran for several years with Swindon drummer, Tim Downes-Hall. The school quickly became a pedestal for spotting young, talented artists in the south Cotswolds.

On the music menu, John picks a track from upcoming Cirencester songwriter, Joe Gardiner, and Kieran chooses some post-punk from Bristol's Slagheap.

In the news, we look over the recent changes to Covid precaution requirements in England, and what that means for venues continuing to host live music over the festive period.

We're joined on Sheer Isolation this week by artist, Callan Milward.

As well as being a musical artist with Dorset rockers, Weatherstate, he also dabbles in graphic design - especially creating artwork for gig posters.

Callan tells us how he went into art design professionally for a whole month, that Weatherstate are now signed and have a new album on the way, and why you can often find him at the UK's third best burger restaurant.

Music choices this week are Wiltshire's indie band, Borts, and songwriter Katherine Priddy who is currently on tour in the region.

Our news story considers what's next for Swindon's Oasis Centre now the famed glass dome is legally protected. (We recorded as Boris was making announcements, so that's next week's contents sorted already!)

This week's guest on Sheer Isolation has dedicated her life to creating music videos for local artists, documenting art projects, helping Swindon's school-leavers on their first steps towards a career in media, as well as finding time to work on her own artwork, it's the founder of Magic Torch Productions, Jaime Bullock.

We talk to her about how having such a diverse range of skills means she gets to work with people from all walks of life, whether being commissioned to produce a documentary, or creating a Swindon Spiderman using nothing more than an old friend and some body paint.

She also works at the Swindon's Platform Project which gives advice to youngsters about choosing the right career path, and helping them to follow their passions in life.

For our music selection, Jaime picks a tune from the 80s as a tribute to friend, Levi Saunders, a musician who recently passed away.

We also play a post-classical piano piece from Larkhall, who is performing in Trowbridge this week.

In news, we note how there are no requirements to wear masks in crowded venues or nightclubs, even though this rule has just been re-enforced for shops and public transport in England.

We're joined on this week's Sheer Isolation by the owner of the Nine Volt Leap recording studio in Melksham; Dominic Bailey-Clay.

His small team of friends created the town centre studio space from nothing, and he's now dealing with a steady stream of recording jobs from local and national artists alike.

Dominic tells us about the early days of their makeshift recording set-ups and questionable neighbours, some of his recording highlights, and talks about the band's he's been working with recently.

One of those bands is Bath based Byker Grove Fan Club - we play one of their tracks in the show. We also play a lively pub recording from 2013 of upbeat Swindon folk trio, Grubby Jack. We play this as a tribute to band member Levi Saunders who sadly passed away this week.

In news, Kieran announces a hefty Government grant for a venue in the centre of Trowbridge.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

On this week's Sheer Isolation we're joined by actor, stage performer and writer, Flo Espeut-Nickless.

Her one-woman show, Destiny, is a semi-autobiographical take of growing up on a Chippenham council estate.

She created the show to dispel the stereotype that everyone in Wiltshire is wealthy and well spoken.

She's now in talks to adapt Destiny for TV, while also rehearsing for a festive play, Miracle on 34 Seymour Street, which you can see in Trowbridge over Christmas.

We play a track from Gavin Osborn; previous Sheer Isolation guest and is working with Flo on her next project.

Our other tune is from Wells duo, The Portraits, who spotted that a High Street chain's Christmas ad uses a melody very similar to something they created last year.

In news, Kieran talks about a band member from Oasis playing in Wiltshire, and Jon covers the latest news to revitalise Swindon's Oasis Centre.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

A new community centre has recently opened in the centre of Swindon.

Our guest this week is Julian Jones who is part of the Swindon Hub project.

The site, which took over the derelict River Island store last month includes a café, exhibition space, workshop areas and a venue hall. Organisers are already planning events including theatre shows, guest speakers and community advice for reducing our bills and carbon footprints.

With Swindon's town centre not looking its best in recent years due to so many retail outlets closing, it's hoped the Swindon Hub will help buck this trend.

This week's musical choices are from the melodic Bristol/Norway group Ålesund, and we play a bit of classic indie from Swindon's own Viduals.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

This week's Sheer Isolation is a fascinating listen for anyone wanting to get into music promotion.

We're joined by Tim Orchard from Purr Records - a Bath based promotion and record label during the 2000s.

Tim talks about how he first got into music nights at Moles Club in the centre of Bath, how he introduced foreign bands onto the UK scene, and some of the lessons learnt along the way about getting the best out of your bookings.

On the music menu we play a track from one of Purr's discoveries - Pete & The Pirates. We also play a tune from Tenderlore who are performing in Trowbridge this week.

In news we pick up on last week's awareness campaign in Bristol to highlight the spiking of drinks in nightclubs.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

To mark the week when The Village Pump in Trowbridge re-opens for live events, we talk to local folk singer and one of the Pump's restoration volunteers, Rosie Upton, who's been a key player in the success of the venue for five decades.

She tells us what the folk club was like in the seventies, how it was reborn nearly 20 years ago, and how the Pump is diversifying to include a wider range of musical styles, while keeping live folk and acoustic performance at it's core.

Our tunes this week include Wiltshire's very own Fly Yeti Fly, who are launching a new album in December, and Rosie picks two of her favourite folk club attendees; Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter.

In the news, we discuss the skills shortage that's currently affecting the music industry, with many touring crews and stage productions struggling to find the right staff after the usual teams were forced to find alternative jobs during lockdown.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Living with autism can be frustrating for yourself and the people around you, especially when young children are involved.

This week's guest has played a crucial role in increasing understanding and tolerance of autistic behaviours in schools across the UK.

Swindon artist, Sumita Majumdar, is part of the team behind Pablo; a CBeebies series where the lead character shows how his inner-world manifests into real-life behaviour.

Sumita has gone on to research autistic traits and coping mechanisms further, and is hoping to create new interactive projects which will allow more people to see things from an autistic perspective.

Our tracks are provided by Gloucestershire's Chloe Foy, who is currently touring the West's venues, and Sumita picks a tune by another promoter of autism awareness; Donna Williams.

We also talk about how more venues are bringing back regular music nights, and the confusion over different Covid passport requirements between Cardiff and Bristol's nightclubs.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

On Sheer Isolation this week we're joined by property developer, Jonathan Dean.

He owns the Innox Mills in Trowbridge - a former sausage factory which is currently a derelict site that sits between the town centre and the train station.

He tells us his ambition to bring a 'little piece of Camden' to Wiltshire by including in his redevelopment plans dedicated studios and workshop spaces for local artists, and hopes to include new venues to promote the area's music scene.

Our tunes this week are courtesy of Devon duo, Sound of the Sirens, and Jonathan's choice is a Wiltshire based songwriter, Ben Borrill, who recently performed at the Innox Mill market.

In news, we congratulate Wiltshire supergroup, The Lost Trades, on reaching the Top 40 of the UK Folk Chart, and we send our best wishes to last week's guest, Alan Pettifer, who was taken ill shortly after talking to us.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Joining us on this week's Sheer Isolation is songwriter and artist, Alan Pettifer.

He's launching a new, monthly music night in North Wiltshire which brings together the best components from every folk night, open mic and charity show he's ever performed at.

As well as promoting the Crudwell Music Club, he also talks about his time frequenting German folk clubs in the seventies, how his songwriting has raised tens and thousands for good causes, and the perils of selling CDs through online retailers.

We've also got two tracks as always - this week we play a brand new tune from Bristol songwriter Sarah Larkham, and we play one of Alan's charity singles from 2011.

In news, Kieran recaps on his first rap and hiphop event in Trowbridge last weekend, and we discuss if the fuel disruptions have left musicians, and their audiences, struggling to get to gigs.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Regular music nights are appearing back on the pub chalkboards as life continues to return to normal.

That's music to the ears of this week's guest, Evie Em-Jay, who organises weekly jazz nights in Swindon.

She talks to us about how she fell in love with the genre, and how she ended up being Swindon's premier jazz promoter.

Her weekly music nights have now resumed at the Royal Oak in Old Town, and hopes that more of her venues will be welcoming back live music very soon.

A truly eclectic mix of music is on offer this week with Evie picking a jazz melody from the Bristol based Hopkins Hammond Trio, and Kieran goes full rap with a track from Cardiff's Juice Menace, who's playing in Wiltshire this week.

We also cover the news that UK law may be changing to pay musicians more for their streams, and that large music venues west of the Severn will be forced to check Covid ID before entry, but no such requirements are (so far) on the cards for England.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

We're talking to Mike Williams on this week's Sheer Isolation, who is part of the team behind Corsham's Pound Arts venue.

The town centre site includes a 100 seat auditorium for live events, exhibition spaces for artists, rehearsal rooms, workshops and a cafe.

Mike explains how the centre has evolved into a community hub, with lots of Corsham's residents making the most of their unique facility.

On the music menu, we play one from the vaults courtesy of Swindon three piece ska outfit, Slagerij, and Mike chooses a track from Kitty MacFarlane - a Somerset based singer who is performing at the venue later this year.

In news, Kieran talks about Frank Turner's 2022 England tour dates, and the confusion over Covid passports for nightclubs rolls on.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

This week's guest on Sheer Isolation is going old-school to help share community successes across the centre of Wiltshire.

Ben Parkes is part of the team behind the newly launched Celebrate newspaper in Trowbridge.

The idea of the paper is to promote local events, share good news stories and encourage more people to make their home town a more cheery and friendly place.

We ask Ben why he's taken on this project, and what he sees are the advantages of promotion via a physical newspaper.

On the music menu, we play a brand new tune from Chippenham/Bristol fuzzy rock outfit, The Erotic Secrets of Pompeii, and Ben picks a family favourite during lockdown... a single-take, quirky, sample and loop build-up from South African YouTube star, The Kiffness.

In news, we get confused about next month's plans to introduce Covid passports for nightclubs and large venues in England, and we're not the only ones looking for clearer guidance.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Chippenham and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

It was bound to happen eventually! We've turned the spotlight on ourselves for this week's Sheer Isolation. Our very own Jon Ponting explains how we grew from a local radio journalist to presenting and editing your favourite podcast about musicians from the West.

He looks back on hosting open mic nights across North Wiltshire and the Cotswolds, helping out at community radio stations, and taking the reins at Westonbirt's Treefest Festival.

We've also thrown a couple of songs into the mix; We have a new release from Bristol based songwriter, Onika Venus, and also a tune from the grandmaster of agricultural hiphop, Corky, who has just been announced as support for The Wurzels on their upcoming tour of the West later this year.

In news, we big up the Swindon Shuffle which takes place in the town next weekend, and explain why a shortage of toilets is leading to event cancellations in the region.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Chippenham and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Don't forget to look for us on the schedule of your local community radio station; we're on the airwaves in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

For over two decades, a dedicated team has been working in Chippenham to reach out to marginalised communities and to offer support to the disaffected through music, film, art and sport.

Ed Deedigan is the Director of Kandu Arts. He joins us on this week's Sheer Isolation to look back at how the project started, to promote their upcoming music and film festivals, and to thank the many people who have helped and supported the cause through the years.

On the music menu, Ed selects a new track from Malmesbury based Will Lawton, the video for which was filmed at the Kandu Arts drop-in centre in the centre of Chippenham.

Meanwhile Jon lowers the tone with his selection, courtesy of Cotswolds based parody artist, Silver Sam.

We also look ahead to an event in Swindon next weekend in memory of previous Sheer guest and manager of Swindon's Vic and 12 Bar, Dave Young. The My Dad Is Bigger Than Your Dad event is raising money for Prospect Hospice.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Don't forget to look for us on the schedule of your local community radio station; we're on the airwaves in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

The Trowbridge Village Pump Festival has been a regular event on the summer calendar for decades, but in more recent years the musical line-up took a different turn, a new site meant the festival moved away from it's home town, and the organisers eventually called it a day.

But after a successful one-off event in 2018, our guest this week has plans to revitalise the festival and bring it back to its former glory.

Nick Reed has been a part of the festival since the eighties, from a child attending with his parents, to working backstage, and now taking a top seat in planning the 2022 event.

He tells us about the festival's history, why it disappeared off the calendar, and how work is already underway for a weekend event next year.

On the music menu, Nick chooses a track from traditional folk group Gigspanner, featuring Steeleye Span's Peter Knight. We also play a tune from south west based act Samantics, who is currently touring the UK with a previous guest on Sheer Isolation, Frank Turner.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge (and the Wye Valley) and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Don't forget to look for us on the schedule of your local community radio station; we're on the airwaves in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Our guest on Sheer Isolation this week has made it his mission to get the West's youngsters engaged with classical, opera and choir music.

Adam Laughton is part of the team at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon - a venue which showcases genres of music traditionally considered highbrow, while ensuring performances are fully inclusive, with workshops, events and rehearsal space to encourage teenagers to take up classical instruments and join youth orchestras and singing groups.

On our playlist, Adam picks a live recording performance by Bristol's Fitzhardinge Consort. We also play a track from Wiltshire group, Port Erin, who are making a real-life appearance at this weekend's Bath Festival.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Chippenham and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Don't forget to look for us on the schedule of your local community radio station; we're on the airwaves in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

We are joined on this week's Sheer Isolation by Wiltshire's very own Kirsty Clinch.

Kirsty is a folk musician who has more recently turned her attention to creating songs for toddlers. Over lockdown she illustrated and authored a children's song book which links to a series of short music videos on YouTube that she also produced.

On top of this, she has also opened her own music school for young children with plans to expand into nurseries and village halls as more restrictions are eased.

And with an impressive 111,000+ Instagram followers, she's got plenty of support for her many projects, although we learn that having that many followers comes with its own challenges!

We play a couple of singer-songwriter tracks this week - one from Americana artist, Steve Hewitt, who will be playing in Trowbridge in August, and Kirsty's choice is a tune from UK based Texan, Arielle.

In the news, we look at new rules coming into force next month for nightclubs and large venues to reduce the spread of Covid.

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Don't forget to look for us on the schedule of your local community radio station; we're on the airwaves in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

After 63 episodes, this will be the last Sheer Isolation... to be recorded under Covid restrictions! Don't worry... we aren't ready to retire the show just yet!

This week our guest is Dan Greeves who has recently set up his own music management business and plans to offer an alternative way for acts to get their music heard.

The first band on the Pegasus books is Concrete Prairie; a folk act from Bristol, and he is looking for more untapped local talent to get in touch.

Dan tells us why he's chosen now to return to the music industry after a 20 year absence, and why he thinks there is a better way to promote and support performers in the music industry.

We play a tune from Concrete Prairie, as well as a song by Trowbridge based songwriter, Daisy Chapman.

And in news, we look ahead to the 19th of July when most Covid restrictions in England will be lifted. What does this mean for live music, and why is Government advice for nightclubs still muddying the waters?

This episode was created by Kieran Moore in Trowbridge and Jon Ponting in Cricklade.

Don't forget to look for us on the schedule of your local community radio station; we're on the airwaves in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.