The Music Room

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.In this episode, Helen Lyon chats with composers Ben McAvoy, Jenny Plant and Florence Sabeva about how they balance work and home life.Host: Gareth Davies & Helen LyonProduced by The Sound BoutiqueThis episode dives deep into the challenging world of time management for freelancers in the music industry, especially for those balancing parenthood. Host Helen Lyon leads a candid conversation with three remarkable guests - Jenny Plant, Ben McAvoy, and Florence Sabeva - who share their personal experiences and strategies for managing work and family life. The discussion highlights the common struggles that many composers face, from juggling deadlines to dealing with the unpredictability of parenting. Each guest offers valuable insights into the importance of setting boundaries and the need to surrender to the chaos that often accompanies a busy life. Ultimately, this episode aims to normalise the challenges of balancing a creative career with family responsibilities, fostering a sense of community among those navigating similar paths. Takeaways:Managing time effectively as a freelancer and parent requires constant adjustment and flexibility. Many freelancers feel the pressure to maintain visibility in a competitive industry, especially after having children. Self-care and taking breaks can greatly improve mental health and productivity for busy parents. Networking is essential for freelancers, but it often requires careful planning and prioritisation. Balancing work and family life can be overwhelming, but sharing experiences can foster community support. Surrendering to chaos and accepting imperfection can lead to a healthier approach to parenting. LinksEverything Music RoomHelen's guest episodeBen's websiteFlo's websiteJenny's websiteSupport The Music Room Music Room newsletter Mentioned in this episode:The Sound Boutique

Host: Gareth Davies Produced by The Sound Boutique This special episode delves into the fascinating world of on-set music, also known as diegetic music, where sound is organically integrated into the scenes being filmed. Gareth is joined by composer Ian Arber and actor Adrian Scarborough, who discuss their collaborative efforts in the drama series The Chelsea Detective. The conversation highlights the challenges and creative processes of ensuring that music performed on set feels genuine, particularly as Scarborough's character plays the piano in the series. Listeners are treated to insights about the behind-the-scenes dynamics, including how the two artists work together to achieve a realistic portrayal of musical performances. The episode also touches on the evolving nature of music in the show across its three seasons, maintaining a balance between established themes and fresh, new compositions.Takeaways: On-set music, also known as diegetic music, is integral to character development and storytelling. Adrian Scarborough and Ian Arber discuss the challenges of integrating live music into performances. The collaborative relationship between actors and composers enhances the authenticity of on-screen music. Filming The Chelsea Detective involves creating individual stories that require unique musical scores. Both guests emphasise the importance of preparation and practice for on-set musical performances. The creative process involves balancing established themes with new ideas to keep the series fresh. Connect with Gareth Everything Music RoomJohn Elleson-Hartley on Sound DiscussionIan's other The Music Room episodeIan on IMDbAdrian on IMDbSupport The Music Room Music Room newsletter Mentioned in this episode:The Sound Boutique

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.In this episode, Gareth chats with composer, songwriter and musician Rich Chance about negotiating techniques, following his own lead and getting the right kind of therapy.Host: Gareth Davies Produced by The Sound Boutique Connect with Gareth Everything Music RoomRich on YouTube‎Rich Chance - Apple MusicRich Chance | SpotifyRich on InstagramRich on FacebookSupport The Music Room Music Room newsletter

Personal stories of inspiration from music industry professionals.In this episode, Gareth chats with composer, producer and vocalist Karina Byrne about writing music for ads and sonic brands, and accidentally writing with Hans Zimmer.Host: Gareth Davies Produced by The Sound Boutique Connect with Gareth The Music Room: Segun AkinolaNeighbourhood JukeboxSupport The Music Room Music Room newsletter