Sounds Like Us

About Sounds Like Us

🎙️ Welcome to The Sounds Like Us Podcast 🎶 The Sounds Like Us Podcast is where music, culture, and personal stories come together. Each episode dives deep into the soundtracks of our lives — from the songs we grew up on to the tracks shaping our future. Whether it’s exploring how family, community, and culture influence our taste, or uncovering the hidden stories behind the artists we love, this podcast is all about connection through sound. Hosted with authenticity and curiosity, we bring you conversations with musicians, creators, and everyday people whose stories reveal just how powerful music really is. ✨ What you’ll find here: Honest and inspiring interviews with artists, producers & music lovers Conversations about the music that shaped childhoods and cultures Behind-the-scenes insights into creativity, identity & sound A space where music becomes personal, universal, and unforgettable If you love music, subscribe here and you’ll always be one step ahead when it comes to local talent: Star In The Making (£5 per subscription) : A great interview with a fascinating guest every week. Gig ticket links for that weeks featured artist and others. Discount link for The Sounds Lime Us podcast merch store. Subscribe here: https://soundslikeuspod.supercast.com/ (https://soundslikeuspod.supercast.com/) If you love music podcasts that blend storytelling, culture, and discovery, you’ll feel right at home here. 🔔 Subscribe now and join the community — because when it comes to music, it always Sounds Like Us. #MusicPodcast #TheSoundsLikeUs #StorytellingThroughMusic #CultureAndSound Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Martin Wapshott

Category

arts · music · music

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

31 Jan 2025

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

66 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Nick Lote on Midland Railway, Obsessive Influences, and Turning Odd Obsessions Into Songs

   What do serial killers, football management games, Warhammer, and power-pop guitar have in common? They all find their way into the songs of Nick Lote, singer and guitarist for Midland Railway.In this episode of Sounds Like Us, host Martin Wapshott talks with Nick about the band’s musical journey: from early influences and chaotic first gigs to signing with Golden Robot Records, releasing a long-awaited debut album, and finding new creative freedom. Along the way, Nick shares the stories behind songs including “She Loves Ted Bundy,” “All-day Epic Warhammer,” and “Unwavering Optimism”—and explains how personal details, dark humour, and everyday passions can become memorable songwriting.The conversation also gets into the realities of life in an independent band: years of evolving material, changing drummers, the challenge of balancing old songs with new ones, and the special moment when a crowd starts singing your lyrics back to you. In this episode: Growing up in Birmingham with classical music at home, then discovering punk, pop punk, and Britpop through friends. Early gigs, Reading Festival, and seeing Idlewild in Wolverhampton inspire Nick to want to play in a band. Why the name combines railway romance, a little train-nerd humour, and Nick’s connections to Birmingham and Manchester. Why a record deal felt like recognition that years of songwriting and hard work had been worth it. The surprising inspiration behind the song—and why it’s really about dating someone fascinated by serial killers. How football management games, Pokémon, Warhammer, and other personal interests give the band’s lyrics their distinctive, whimsical edge. Nick looks back on writing “The Power Game” and the long process of bringing Midland Railway’s early songs into recorded form. The records he’d save from a burning building, including music by Weezer, Idlewild, Therapy?, Grandaddy, and Bright Eyes. How songs can feel like a kind of therapy, carry memories, and help listeners feel less alone. The stop-start challenge of drummer turnover, learning older songs, and making room for new material. Nick remembers Midland Railway’s performance at Manchester Academy 2—and the difference great sound and lighting can make. Why hearing a crowd sing one of the band’s songs back to them feels like a uniquely powerful connection. Nick recommends artists and bands from the wider scene, including Tired Music, Midnight in November, The Dolly Shakespeare, TV Coma, and The Emi Tavern. A new drummer, more songs, and the possibility of a second album. Playing out with Midland Railway’s “Unwavering Optimism,” a reflective song that finds hope in difficult experiences. GUEST LINKS: MIDLAND RAILWAY: https://linktr.ee/Midlandrailway?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=883ea3d1-5121-4a65-9298-476b847f60b3 (https://linktr.ee/Midlandrailway?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=883ea3d1-5121-4a65-9298-476b847f60b3) GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS: Golden Robot Records (https://goldenrobotrecords.com/) The Sounds Like Us podcast Like, Follow, Share, Subscribe to The Sounds Like Us podcast on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CPMua3yWb9Dl6hwp2WptN?si=ylunExSvSheb7AvTynM9wg&utm_source=copy-link (https://open.spotify.com/show/3CPMua3yWb9Dl6hwp2WptN?si=ylunExSvSheb7AvTynM9wg&utm_source=copy-link) LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/Thesoundslikeuspodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=71abb5cb-675b-4a3b-ad3c-3e4de2cceb40 (https://linktr.ee/Thesoundslikeuspodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=71abb5cb-675b-4a3b-ad3c-3e4de2cceb40) Instagram: @soundslikeuspodcast (https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeuspodcast?stkn=MWdoa3E4YXhhZ3RtMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) YouTube: @soundslikeuspod (https://youtube.com/@soundslikeuspod?si=Ze5nMkjibCrfV-1q) The Sounds Like Us podcast merch store is now LIVE. Check out https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/ (https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/) with code ‘FIRSTPLAY1’ for 15% off tote bags. More items coming soon! Keywords: Midland Railway, Nick Lote, The Sounds Like Us podcast, indie rock, indie punk pop, punk rock, pop punk, Britpop, alternative rock, songwriting, independent music, live music, guitar bands, music influences, debut album, record deal, Golden Robot Records, vinyl releases, serial killer song, Warhammer song, football management games, Birmingham music scene, Manchester music scene, band interview, music podcast, and Unwavering Optimism. Please like, follow, share and subscribe in all the usual places (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon podcasts, Instagram and YouTube). If you fancy joining me on the podcast, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll get you on. The Sounds Like Us podcast merch store is now live. Check out https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/ (https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/) with code ‘FIRSTPLAY1’ for 15% off tote bags. More items coming soon! Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Fumez: ELR, Nurturing Talent and Why The Next Decade is Louder

   Martin catches up with returning guest Fumez, the East London rapper, producer, mixer, songwriter, and founder of East London Recordings. This one is a proper progress report: the labels grown fast, the archives being raided, and the next releases are already lined up. They get into the grind of running an indie label, building physical releases, and turning old recordings into something worth hearing again. In this episode: Fumez breaks down his many roles - rapper, producer, mixer, songwriter, and CEO of East London Recordings - and why he refuses to stay in his lane. He shares: the story behind his 2025 release The Final Chapter, which came out first on CD and vinyl before hitting streaming later. We discuss: the growth of ELR, revived in 2023 with Phase 2, then expanded through releases like The Final Chapter and South Systems’ debut EP 4x4. He explains: how the label moved from grime-first roots into an open-door policy, with talent mattering more than genre. In this episode: Fumez talks about reissuing Evolution’s back catalogue with bonus tracks, helping shape his grime-influenced material, and acting as a behind-the-scenes mentor. He names: the growing ELR crew, including Lynney Williamson, Rebekah Knight, Terry Allan, Josh Evolution, PJ Vice, Cass Dupree, Anja, Hello London, Charleigh Jayne, and Calmar Fry. We get into: the reality of rejection, why ELR needed an FAQ, and how the label focuses on physical media rather than paying for studio time. He reflects: on The First 10 Years retrospective, pulling from cassettes, mini-discs, and reel-to-reel tapes, and admitting some old material is cringe in the best and worst ways. He reveals: The Last 10 Years is next, pulling together material from 2016 to 2025, including Phase 2, What Have We Become, and collaborations with Evolution. He previews: Abbey Road E15, a Beatles-inspired four-track EP built from songs that don’t fit his usual story-driven album format. We discuss: the ELR live event at the Fiery Bird in Woking, an open mic-style night with a full stage setup, international guests, and a lot of moving parts. He says: more live shows coming, but not immediately - needs time, money, and less chaos. Timestamps: (0:00) Return of Fumez and what he’s done since last time (1:21) The Final Chapter lands on CD, vinyl, then streaming (1:48) Working behind the scenes with Evolution and the vinyl mix approach (3:35) Reviving ELR and turning it into a real label (4:09) Reissuing back catalogue with bonus tracks to build interest (5:18) Why ELR has grown to nearly 40 artists (7:02) ELR’s no-genre rule and how talent wins out (9:14) Rejection, FAQs, and why ELR is not a studio-time giveaway (10:54) Looking back at The First 10 Years (11:38) Recording on cassettes, mini-discs, and reel tapes (12:07) Analog vs digital and why old gear still wins sometimes (13:26) Reworking Phase 2 after 13 years (14:25) Early albums, demo takes, and unreleased cuts (16:05) Pride, regret, and why quitting music nearly stuck (17:44) What The Last 10 Years will include (19:30) Abbey Road E15 and the Beatles nod (20:37) Terry Allan co-writing and Fumez stepping back a little (21:41) The ELR collaborations that actually stuck (24:42) The Fiery Bird live event in Woking (25:49) Open mic setup, international guests, and standout performers (27:41) Why the next live show needs a delay (29:47) Where to find ELR and Fumez online (31:22) Why “The Evening” was chosen to close the episodeNotable quotes Links FUMEZ: * https://www.instagram.com/fumez_music?stkn=MWY2a3J1emYxaHh5aQ== (https://www.instagram.com/fumez_music?stkn=MWY2a3J1emYxaHh5aQ==) EAST LONDON RECORDINGS: * https://www.instagram.com/eastlondonrecordings?stkn=MXRyNzVweG92Y3lsMQ== (https://www.instagram.com/eastlondonrecordings?stkn=MXRyNzVweG92Y3lsMQ==) ELR Website: * https://tr.ee/-6EH37p-gg (https://tr.ee/-6EH37p-gg) Like, Follow, Share, Subscribe to The Sounds Like Us podcast on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CPMua3yWb9Dl6hwp2WptN?si=ylunExSvSheb7AvTynM9wg&utm_source=copy-link (https://open.spotify.com/show/3CPMua3yWb9Dl6hwp2WptN?si=ylunExSvSheb7AvTynM9wg&utm_source=copy-link) LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/Thesoundslikeuspodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=71abb5cb-675b-4a3b-ad3c-3e4de2cceb40 (https://linktr.ee/Thesoundslikeuspodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=71abb5cb-675b-4a3b-ad3c-3e4de2cceb40) Instagram: @soundslikeuspodcast (https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeuspodcast?stkn=MWdoa3E4YXhhZ3RtMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) YouTube: @soundslikeuspod (https://youtube.com/@soundslikeuspod?si=Ze5nMkjibCrfV-1q) Please like, follow, share and subscribe in all the usual places (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon podcasts, Instagram and YouTube). If you fancy joining me on the podcast, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll get you on. The Sounds Like Us podcast merch store is now live. Check out https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/ (https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/) with code ‘FIRSTPLAY1’ for 15% off tote bags. More items coming soon! Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   17 Aug 2026

   MONET.SUN: Nihilism/Absurdism, Belonging in Music and Finding My Voice.

   In this engaging interview, British Caribbean artist Monet Sun shares her musical journey, influences, and creative process. Discover how her diverse background and classical training shape her unique sound, and gain insights into her upcoming projects and live performances. Keywords Music, Artist, Monet Sun, Musical Influences, Classical Training, Genre Fusion, Live Performance, Music Production, Heritage, Creativity Key Topics Musical influences from Caribbean, Africa, and London Classical training and operatic techniques Genre fusion and artistic identity Live performance experiences and memorable moments Future projects and artistic evolution Guest Name Monet Sun Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Monet Sun - 04:40 Musical Influences and Early Experiences - 07:00 The Journey of Musical Training - 09:50 Fusing Genres and Artistic Identity - 12:26 Concert Memories and Inspirations - 15:09 First Songs and Live Performances - 17:36 The Music Scene in Brighton - 19:57 Favorite Venues and Performance Experiences - 29:04 The Essence of Music - 31:23 Performing Live: Emotional Connections - 34:18 Cultural Roots: London, Africa, and the Caribbean - 39:16 The Four-Sided Sonic Memoir - 42:32 Recording Journey: From GarageBand to Professional Studios - 47:07 Deeply Personal Tracks - 49:10 Teenage Influences: The Killers and Heartbreak - 51:19 Memorable Live Moments - 53:52 The Impact of Creativity - 54:34 Live Performances: Band Dynamics - 57:56 Artistic Evolution and Future Aspirations - 01:07:52 monet.sun - belong [105bpm].wav Guest links Link to A Place To Belong: https://ffm.to/monet_sun?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3 (https://ffm.to/monet_sun?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3) Link to new single What’s Left?: https://ffm.to/b_side?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3 (https://ffm.to/b_side?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3) MONET.SUN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monet.sun (https://www.instagram.com/monet.sun) LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/monetfraser?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=49789137-387e-473c-a552-902c5c51fa08 (https://linktr.ee/monetfraser?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=49789137-387e-473c-a552-902c5c51fa08) ••MONET.SUN Threads: https://www.threads.com/@monet.sun (https://www.threads.com/@monet.sun) Like, Follow, Share, Subscribe to The Sounds Like Us podcast on: Instagram: @soundslikeuspodcast (https://open.acast.com/networks/67a08c439cd0aa28f7d43d45/shows/67a08db7f0aed667c5ef95bb/episodes/@soundslikeuspodcast) YouTube: @soundslikeuspod (https://open.acast.com/networks/67a08c439cd0aa28f7d43d45/shows/67a08db7f0aed667c5ef95bb/episodes/@soundslikeuspod) The Sounds Like Us podcast merch store is now live. Check out https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/ (https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/) with code ‘FIRSTPLAY1’ for 15% off tote bags. More items coming soon! #thesoundslikeuspodcast #monetsun #music #caribbeanmusic #georgemichael #80smusic #beatles #fleetwoodmac #thecure #rollingstones #queenmusic #beatsbydre #applemusic #livenation #ticketmaster #alanmcgee #ukindie #PodcastInterview #indiefolk #NewMusic #MusicPodcast #LiveMusic #SupportLiveMusic #PodcastCommunity #londonsingersongwriter, #londonmusic, #uksingersongwriter, #singersongwriter,#music, #ukpodcasts, #soundslikeuspodcast, #americanmusic, #americansingersongwriter, #podcast, #musicpodcast, #ukmusicpodcast, #guitars, #musicalinstruments, #thebeatles #SoundsLikeUsPodcast #MusicJourney #eastlondonrecordings #Music #NewMusic #MusicVideo #LivePerformance #MusicLover #InstaMusic #MusicProducer 2026 #VinylCollection • #MusicNews #MusicIndustry #PodcastLife #Conversations #ArtistInterview #StudioSession #MusicDiscovery #NowPlaying #IndependentArtist #UnsignedArtist #BehindTheScenes #InTheStudio #georgemichael #RYXmusic #jungleband #80smusic #beatles #fleetwoodmac #thecure #rollingstones #queenmusic #ukindiemusic #PodcastInterview #indiefolk #NewMusic #MusicPodcast #LiveMusic #SupportLiveMusic #PodcastCommunity #londonsingersongwriter, #londonmusic, #uksingersongwriter, #singersongwriter,#music, #ukpodcasts, #soundslikeuspodcast, #americanmusic, #americansingersongwriter, #podcast, #musicpodcast, #ukmusicpodcast, #guitars, #musicalinstruments, #thebeatles #SoundsLikeUsPodcast #MusicJourney #eastlondonrecordings #Music #NewMusic #MusicVideo #LivePerformance #MusicLover #InstaMusic #MusicProducer 2026 #VinylCollection • #MusicNews #MusicIndustry #PodcastLife #Conversations #ArtistInterview #StudioSession #MusicDiscovery #NowPlaying #IndependentArtist #UnsignedArtist #BehindTheScenes #InTheStudio Please like, follow, share and subscribe in all the usual places (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon podcasts, Instagram and YouTube). If you fancy joining me on the podcast, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll get you on. The Sounds Like Us podcast merch store is now live. Check out https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/ (https://soundslikeus.myshopify.com/) with code ‘FIRSTPLAY1’ for 15% off tote bags. More items coming soon! Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Sounds Like Us

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Robin Bennett
• Keen Garrity
• Will Malone
• Sahara Moon
• Gabriel Minnikin

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,226

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

68

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

0

Contact Sounds Like Us

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Sounds Like Us