In this special episode, Martin is joined by artist Dan Thomas to discuss the making of his debut album This Is Where You’ll Find Me, released April 27.

The conversation covers the shift from solo acoustic artist to full-band sound, the reality of long-term project development, and how artistic identity evolves over time. Dan explains how songs written across nearly two decades came together into a coherent album, and why sequencing played a key role in shaping the final record.

They also discuss the continued relevance of albums as a format, the importance of committing to creative ideas in the studio, and what it takes to create a record that genuinely reflects the artist behind it.

The episode closes with details on the album release and launch show.

If you are working towards your own release and want support taking your songs from demo to finished record, get in touch via apollo-audio.co.uk or froodymusic.com

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by Martin Lumsden (record producer and engineer) and Billy Hills (musician and studio owner), and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 apolloaudiopod@gmail.com

The Apollo Audio Podcast is Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode moves from the studio floor into the bigger picture of how records actually get made.

We compare two very different recording approaches. One is a live in-studio session where a band captures performance and energy in the room. The other is a more detailed production process, building a track step by step from a simple guitar and vocal demo.

There is also a wider discussion around finding your sound, making decisions early, and understanding how arrangement and collaboration shape the final record.

In the second half, we listen to the latest release from Ye and discuss how it compares to earlier work, both musically and culturally.

If you are working towards your first recordings or thinking about how to develop your songs into finished tracks, this episode gives a clear view of what that process can look like.

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by Martin Lumsden (record producer and engineer) and Billy Hills (musician and studio owner), and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 apolloaudiopod@gmail.com

The Apollo Audio Podcast is Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode featuring a conversation with Luke James Williams ahead of the release of his second album Limes Hotel.

We talk about the songwriting and recording process, how albums come together over time, and why the album format still matters. Luke shares the story behind the record, including the personal experiences that shaped its themes and direction.

We also discuss audience building as an independent artist, focusing on direct connection over streaming metrics, and how platforms like Bandcamp and Patreon play a role.

Finally, we touch on Otis Blue by Otis Redding and why it remains one of the most complete and powerful album statements in recorded music.

Luke James Williams Official Website - https://lukejameswilliams.co.uk

Otis Redding - Otis Blue (Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Blue-Otis-Redding/dp/B0000029X4

Tim Burgess Listening Parties (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/timburges

Body of Work by Keith Jopling (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Body-Work-Keith-Jopling/dp/XXXXXX

music, songwriting, album production, audience engagement, indie folk, Luke James Williams, Limes Hotel, Otis Redding, music industry, creative process

Music Production / Artist Development

The Apollo Audio Podcast is hosted by Martin Lumsden (record producer and engineer) and Billy Hills (musician and studio owner), and is recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.

Each episode offers insight into songs, records, and the creative process, drawn from real-world experience in studios and making music.

📍 www.apollo-audio.co.uk

📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast

📧 apolloaudiopod@gmail.com

The Apollo Audio Podcast is Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.

www.froodymusic.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-apollo-audio-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.