We start the show with a news update about Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing then we go to an interview with Slime City around 15 minutes in. We discussed myspace, his new book, the bands upcoming stereo gig (November 28th) , the legend of the shoe, Dixon street studios folklore, We are the Phsics, albums vs singles , Jools Holland, primark pop t shir…

This is the News, August 2024 round-up. Due to severe toothache and a technical issue there was no fresh interview this week so I decided to cobble together a round up of the news from http://youtube.com/@YCTR that randomly added up to one hour exactly, including: OASIS REUNITE MUSIC SNOBBERY SUPPLEMENTS, TOOTHACHE & HANGOVER CURES LIZ TRUSS vs LET…

Recorded in the middle of the far right riots across England , myself and Louisa (She Drew the Gun) had a somewhat subdued conversation to the backdrop of the hate ripping through the UK and even suprisingly in her hometown of Liverpool. I made a youtube video with my thoughts about all of that topic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg7bF4w6eg…

Today we go to New York to chat with legendary guitarist/ writer Grasshopper aka Sean Thomas Mackowiak of Mercury Rev fame. This is one of my favourite bands of all time . They came along at a pivotal moment for me as I started digging deeper for more underground records. I remember 'Yer Self is Steam' blowing me away with mixture of curiosity, fea…

I have known Elliot Castro for many years through the clubbing/ party scene but it wasn't until I watched his new BBC documentary that I became aware of his incredible backstory that saw him in a 'Catch Me If You Can' style real life movie that saw him travel the globe in first class seats and 5 star hotels despite being skint and unemployed He was…

(Reuploaded the right interview as of Saturday 3rd August because the previous one was from January 2021, sorry about that ) This is a very special bonus episode of YCTR this with the iconic voice of the 90s Mary Kiani (TTF) live from Australia as we discuss her UK tour and her pub choir fundraiser for Carlton Studios. We also discuss the rave era,…

this week we spin 'The Wheel of Dystopia' to celebrate Bram E Gieben (aka T3xtur3) launching his debut book called 'The Darkest Timeline' which includes everything from cyberpunk consciousness to climate hacking , social media & surveillance, A.I and apocalypse movies, corporations and comic books to name just a few hard hitting topics. You may kno…

on the day that James celebrate their first ever number 1 studio alvum with 'Yummy' we speak to founding member, guitarist and songwriter Saul Davies who answers fan questions and gives us insight in to the making of the record and forty years of rock n roll. These guys have outlasted madchester, Britpop and several more scenes before and after but…

Tom Spirals is the powerhouse behind An Danssa Dub who are currently touring Europe from Glastonbury to Italy . Tom has also emceed for the likes of Mungo's Hifi, and performed with Skayaman, but right now is enjoying huge success with his future dub project that combines trad scots music with a heavy twist of bass that comes with a sound system ed…

We are joined by one of Scotland's greatest stand up comics Mark Black who rose to fame last year with his parodies of Jamesa English and Gerry Cinnamon . Mark also performs with Doss who we interviewed two episodes ago which you should also check out if you haven't already. This was rfecorded live from Puerto Escondido , Mexico earlier in the year…

We speak to the voice of one of my favourite Irish bands of all time Maighread Ní Ghrásta of Blackbird & Crow fame. This was recorded a few weeks back now when I was in a garden in Tepozlan, Mexico. We discuss Irish passports, Paegenism , Stage fright, Why Blackbird & Crow broke up and her new solo theatre/ musical hybrid. This is perfectly timed t…

on the eve of The Euros as thousands of Scotland fans fly out to Germany , and Hunter & McMustard chase their first top 40 chart placement , it seemed only right to share with you a chat I had with the colonel himself John McMustard. This was recorded a couple of months ago as I recovered from food poisioning in a cheap, budget, windowless hotel in…

We speak to leader of the post-punk hip hop hybrid movement DOSS aka Sorley Mackay to talk about the trials and tribulations of being a DIY band from Glasgow including the Brexit effect of touring europe, London parking charges and the history of his career so far. I mean it when I say they are my favourite new Scottish band right now so make sure …

I got interviewed for a change . So I thought it might be a good way to start Season 4. I had spent the day recording the forthcoming Girobabies album and was a few hours away from going to Mexico when David Foote asked me if I would like to do an interview for the Davidicemal podcast in Sound Sound studios where we already were. So here it is. Mor…

How do you finish a season of amazing guests? Well you release one of the biggest guests we have ever had all the way from New York. Gordon Raphael . The guy who produced The Strokes first two albums and has worked with the likes of The LI=ibertines, Ian Brown, 808 state, reggina spektor and the wildehearts. And to make it even more interesting thi…

Probably one of the biggest independent bands in the UK right now and one of my personal festival favourites, we chat to the sound of Bristol, Dutty Moonshine of Dutty Moonshine Big Band. And at the time of this conversation the band were in the top 10 iTunes chart which is an incredible achievement for someone unsigned . They also tour Europe rele…

Tam Dean Burn is the voice you hear every time you listen to an Irvine Welsh audiobook. He sings for a band called The Scars and also been part of a Rabbie Burns punk fusion band called The Bum Clocks. And as an actor has appeared on The Acid House movie by Irvine Welsh and everything from River City to Outlander. As I said last time, this is anoth…

A conversation I had with musican, comedian and viral sensation Zara Gladman who has since sold out two nights at Oran Mor as part of teh Glasgow Comedy Festival. This was recorded in late August 2023 the day before we were both interviewed at the Edinburgh fringe, by Darren McGarvey at The Stand. Since then , Zara's profile has skyrocketed with on…

We speak to one of my all time favourite rappers / writers/ streamers B Dolan of the good ole U.S of A on the 50th birthday of Hip Hop . We discuss his influences, life on the road and his recent spinal surgery alongside rap beefs, the post-lockdown music business and American politics plus much, much more. Please consider supporting this content b…

I think my first memory of Rosie was her having my 'My oath is to the people' written on her hand as she made her first appearance in parliament. She also made headlines by going to Cornton Vale prison for refusing to pay a fine she received for her anti-nuclear protest outside parliament. Other controversies included protesting G8 on the floors of…

From poverty and heroin addiction in the schemes of Edinburgh to becoming an assistant director of Trainspotting 2. This is the incredible story of writer, film-maker and rapper Garry Fraser as he rolls out his new series Supply & Demand. Episode 1 out now to watch for free on youtube. It is a masterclass of writing , acting and production. All the…

Kimboo York, author of Become an Unstoppable Storyteller: How to Craft Compelling Serials, gives us the low down on writing serial stories for publication. Serials are a longstanding and honored publishing tradition that are now a growing trend. Guest: Kimboo York Kimboo York's website: HouseofYork.info Substack: https://houseofyork.substack.com/ R…

Tips for mature, first-time authors to get over impostor syndrome and conquer self doubt. Mentioned in the episode: AI for Authors: Practical and Ethical Guidelines. Alliance of Independent Authors Independent Book Publishers Association Question of the week: What is the most challenging part of being a mature author? Get your free copy of the Firs…

An overview of the benefits to authors of using Substack for blogging, newsletters, and a stand-in website. The question of the week is: What email service provider do you use and why? Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric. Links: WritingPursuits.com Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast Three Story Method Certified Editor KathreseMcKee.com Y…

Explores plagiarism, academic cheating, intellectual property concerns, and the ethical use of AI by authors.Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK The question of the week is: What are your predictions about how authors will use AI in the future? Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric. Links: Accompanying post: https://wri…

Interview with J. Thorn, author of Three Story Method: Cowriting with ChatGPT: AI-Powered Storytelling. Join the revolution transforming storytelling as we explore the synergy between human creativity and AI's formidable power. Discover how this union will shape the narratives of tomorrow. J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold more …

We go live to Oakland, California to chat with Hip Hop legend Mystic aka Du Goddess of Digital Underground fame. We discuss politics, Kanye West, Mos Def, the writing process, living in Oxford, cyphers that turn to battle raps , California storms, Empress, manifesting and positive energy for the future. Thank you to all the patrons who have made al…

Discover the key plot points that drive the narrative, from the thrilling inciting event to the breathtaking resolution. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of how structure plays a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable adventure. Resources mentioned: *The Hero with a Thousand Faces* by Joseph Campbell - https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Faces-Coll…

JP Rindfleisch IX and Kathrese McKee discuss must-know tips for author collaborations. ADDITIONAL LINKS: https://www.jprindfleischix.com/ Book 3 of the Leah Ackerman series launched last month! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5XWG3G9 Story Hypothesis will be coming out in August (no link yet) I also host coworking streams on Twitch with the pomodoro m…

The 12 Week Year - Discover how accountability, commitment, and greatness in the moment can elevate your writing game. "The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington - https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Others-Months/dp/1118509234/ "The 12 Week Year for Writers" by A. Trevor Thrall - https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Writers-Compreh…

Fantasy authors get to create captivating worlds, epic battles, and unforgettable characters. We do a deep dive into the realms of fantasy subgenres and their tropes. Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK The question of the week is: What are your favorite fantasy books, series, or authors? Get your free copy of the First Chapter …

Jeff Elkins, aka, the Dialogue Doctor, who is an author, podcast host, and writing coach. Jeff shares his experience of conducting over 200 coaching sessions to help authors improve their dialogue and create engaging characters. He explains that the ideas and techniques in his book, "The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now: How to Write Dialogue and C…

Making connections as writers is important. But how do you go about leaving your shell to make those connections? Here are eight ways to connect. Collaboration for Authors: A Complete Guide to Collaborating, Finding a Partner, and Accelerating Your Author Career by Daniel Willcocks and J. Thorn Co-writing a book: Collaboration and Co-creation for A…

Today, we will cover using body language to improve your writing by conveying emotions, showing instead of telling, boosting characterization, and so much more. Former FBI Agent Explains How to Read Facial Expressions | WIRED - YouTube Question of the week: What are some overused phrases you try to avoid in your fiction writing? Get your free copy …

58: 7 Tips to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Writing, focusing on brain health and wellbeing for authors. The question of the week is: How do you refresh and renew your mind? Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric. Links: WritingPursuits.com Instagram: @WritingPursuitsPodcast Three Story Method Certified Editor KathreseMcKee.com Mailerl…

today we interview a true hip hop legend , Slug of Atmosphere fame as they prepare to promote their incredible new album 'So Many Realities Exist Simutaneously' on Rymesayers Entertainment with a European tour. Slug is one of my favourite writers and performers in rap music so it meant a lot for him to stop by. He has created classics and collabora…

This is the last part of a six-part World Building Series. Today, we discuss five tips for incorporating myth and magic into your world building. The question of the week is: What are your favorite books, series, or movies that include mythology or magic? Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric. Links: WritingPursuits.com Instagram: @Writing…

In this episode, we cover 5 tips to help your create and remember your world's history and use it to drive your stories forward. The question of the week is: What is your method for creating the history for your fictional worlds, and how do you keep track?? Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric. Links: WritingPursuits.com Instagram: @Writi…

Today, iwe discuss everything from transportation and communication to architecture, construction, technology, and medical knowledge that goes into creating a believable, immersive world. Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: LINK The question of the week is: What are your favorite books and movies where these topics played a pivotal r…

Society's rules is a part of world building that often does not get enough attention. This is part 3 of a six-part world building series. Helpful Sources: 77 Caste System Examples (2023) - Helpful Professor Elumis - What Are Basic Human Rights? Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic: Worldbuilding Advice for Game Masters The question of the week is: How h…

Recorded in the summer of 2022 but previously only available on youtube. I thought it was time for our audio podcast listeners to hear this online Q and A from orwell prize winning author , cultural commentator and veteran Scottish rapper Darren McGarvey aka Loki. He was about to release his 2nd book 'The Social Distance Between Us' and his 'Darren…

We have a chat with John Robb as he celebrates the launch of his new book 'The Art of Darkness: A History of Goth' . Buy the book here: https://membranes.bandcamp.com/merch/the-art-of-darkness-the-history-of-goth-john-robb-signed Check out his speaking tour here: April 12 Glasgow @ Mono Cafe Bar (with Stuart Braithwaite from Mogwai) http://bit.ly/3…

This is part 2 of a 6-part series on Worldbuilding entitled "Natures' Realm: Set the Stage." Discover ways to exploit the setting of your story for plot points and sources of conflict to make your novels more engaging and immersive. Accompanying YouTube video: https://youtu.be/_dl7rvWseqg Question of the week: How does the place you set your storie…

Novelist, playwright and actor Alan Bissett stops by for a chat about his career to promote his Moira monologues that takes place April 2nd in Oran Mor . We also discuss who 'persuaded Suede' to play Stereo, My confession to Alan that my alarm clock on my phone disrupted his Edinurgh fringe show, The recent Roger Waters and Pink Floyd controversey …

Unlock the secrets of effective world building with the tips from my world building Series. Today, we explore how world building benefits your writing. The question of the week is: What fictional book world have you always wanted to visit and why? Get your free copy of the First Chapter Rubric. Links: WritingPursuits.com Instagram: @WritingPursuits…

Is ChatGPT for Authors? Angela Haas and V.E. Griffith are my guests as we discuss the pros and cons of ChatGPT for writers. Listen in as three authors discuss how they use ChatGPT, its strengths and weaknesses, and the potential legal ramifications. To try ChatGPT, go to https://chat.openai.com/ See the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jf3h8_bIdk…

Plottr is an app that helps authors outline faster, organize smarter, and turbocharge their productivity. Troy Lambert, author of more than 25 mystery novels, reveals how he uses Plottr to keep up with the demanding writing schedule of a commercial writer. Troy reveals his process for plotting, creating character profiles, revision, and keeping the…

What is "Author Fade?" How do you recognize it? And how do you avoid it or recover from it? Learn 5 steps to fight author fade. Read the accompanying post at WritingPursuits.com: https://www.writingpursuits.com/5-steps-to-fight-author-fade/ The question of the week is: Do you have tips and tricks for overcoming author fade? Get your free copy of th…

Today we call Australia to speak to the voice of a generation Mary Kiani who is a 90s dance music ICON with her solo records and her work with The Time Frequency. One of the best conversations we have ever had on this show for sure and to balance things out we also cover an Australian band in Glasgow in the shape of Amyl & the Sniffers. I give my r…

We start today's show with a quick review of 'Spaceships Over Glasgow' by Stuart Braithwaite, 'Almost Home' by Mima Merrow and the 'This England' TV show. 2/3 of these helped me recover from a serious case of man-flu this week and helped ease me into sober october. This week's main event is a conversation from July 2022 with synth-pop punk icon Man…