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The Apollo Audio Podcast
Get the sound right at source: studio habits that actually matter
Season 3, Ep. 17
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This week’s episode starts in the rehearsal room with a sold-out hardcore night at Apollo Audio and a wider look at why live music and young bands are still thriving.
From there, the conversation moves into the fundamentals that separate average recordings from great ones. Martin and Billy discuss common mistakes bands make in the studio and on stage, including preparation, tone choices, gear decisions and why relying on fixing things later often leads to worse results.
There is practical advice on capturing performances properly, managing dynamics, avoiding over-processing and making decisions earlier in the process. The discussion also touches on live performance discipline and how small details can make a significant difference.
The album feature focuses on Prince’s Purple Rain, exploring its production approach, live recording elements and why it remains one of the most important records of its era.
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.
📷 Instagram: @apolloaudiopodcast
📧 apolloaudiopod@gmail.com
The Apollo Audio Podcast is Froody Music Production. Production and editing by Martin Lumsden.
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18. Why great songs outlast great production
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39:25||Season 3, Ep. 16In 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.com15. Finding Your Sound in the Studio
31:00||Season 3, Ep. 15This 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.14. Why Albums Still Matter | Luke James Williams on Writing, Loss & Limes Hotel
34:38||Season 3, Ep. 14A 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.ukOtis Redding - Otis Blue (Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Blue-Otis-Redding/dp/B0000029X4Tim Burgess Listening Parties (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/timburgesBody of Work by Keith Jopling (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Body-Work-Keith-Jopling/dp/XXXXXXmusic, songwriting, album production, audience engagement, indie folk, Luke James Williams, Limes Hotel, Otis Redding, music industry, creative processMusic Production / Artist Development13. Why Gear Doesn’t Make a Great Record | Studio Experience & Live Tracking
53:07||Season 3, Ep. 13This week we talk about studio experiences, recording approaches, and what actually makes a great record.We discuss a visit to a newly built high-end studio, the realities of live tracking, and why even the most advanced setups still come down to performance.Along the way, we get into gear myths, studio culture, and why environment and mindset often matter more than equipment.In the second half, we listen to Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin and reflect on its impact, sound, and influence.music production, recording studio, live tracking, studio experience, music performance, gear vs skill, mixing and mastering, music industry, Led Zeppelin, studio workflow12. Word of Mouth Still Wins | Live Music, Vinyl & Listening Habits
24:57||Season 3, Ep. 12This week’s episode is a lighter conversation around music culture, listening habits, and how people discover and connect with artists.We talk about vinyl, record buying, and how music fits into everyday life, alongside a discussion about why word of mouth still plays a central role in building an audience.In the second half, we listen to The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails and reflect on its impact, production, and how it contrasts with more commercial records.11. Why Your Music Isn’t Getting Paid
26:00||Season 3, Ep. 11Most independent artists are not getting paid properly from their music. Not because streaming does not work, but because the system depends on information being set up correctly.In this episode, Martin and Billy break down one of the most overlooked parts of releasing music. Metadata, recording codes, and songwriting registration. The unglamorous details that determine whether money reaches you or disappears.They also talk about the reality of building momentum as an artist now. Why releasing a song is no longer enough, and what it actually takes to stay visible and relevant.Alongside this, they listen to Paul McCartney’s 1971 album Ram and discuss what still holds up today.10. John Mayer’s Continuum – Great Guitar, or Just Too Perfect?
37:19||Season 3, Ep. 10In this week’s episode, Martin and Billy talk pedals, plugins, and the difference between building a sound you can actually own versus pressing a button and borrowing someone else’s. They get into live guitar setups, tracking tones properly, why “inspiration not replication” still matters, and how technology makes it easier than ever to sound like everyone else.In the recommended listening section, they dive into John Mayer’s Continuum — a beautifully played, brilliantly produced record that raises an interesting question: when does “really good” become almost too polished? They discuss the guitar work, the songs, the production, and whether this is an album they admire more than love.Recorded at Apollo Audio Hertford.Topics include: John Mayer, Continuum, guitar pedals, plugins, guitar tone, recording guitars, production choices, analog vs digital.