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!
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
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.
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.
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.
