loves music

Julian Jones
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

"loves music" is a podcast, hosted by me, Julian Jones, that celebrates music and the moments that made us fall in love with it. It’s for music-lovers who, despite the demands of life, remain passionate about their beloved albums and artists and still seek to discover new talent, whether online, internationally, or within the sweaty crowded bars of your hometown. It’s in us! We don't know why we do it; we just do… and we refuse to grow out of it. Every Thursday, I interview artists past and present about making music: their inspiration, their challenges, and the moments they will never forget. If you love or even have a dysfunctional relationship with music, come along, and share this show with someone who loves music.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    45. How to Develop Your Artistic Voice as an Independent Musician, with Brandon J Marks

    Ep.45: Developing your artistic voice isn’t just about understanding your sound; it’s about permission, confidence, and learning how to trust yourself before the world catches up. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with Brandon J Marks to talk about what it actually means to build a creative identity that lasts. We dig into the making of Brandin Land, a bold, genre-bending concept album that blends gospel legacy, R&B, jazz, and pop into something timeless and globally resonant. Brandon opens up about creative freedom, mental clarity, and why learning your voice (mentally and musically) is the foundation of sustainable artistry. This conversation goes far beyond technique, touching on confidence, discipline, spirituality, and the inner work required to show up fully as an artist. We Chat About: Developing your artistic voice as an independent musicianBuilding Brandon Land as a concept album and creative worldGenre-bending music without chasing trends or erasWhy mindset is harder (and more important) than techniqueVocal mentorship, confidence, and learning your true rangeMental Detox: clearing emotional clutter and creative blocksThe “seven-second rule” for interrupting negative thoughtsWhy artists need to learn how to sit with themselvesCreative energy, spirituality, and trusting your instinctsChoosing fulfillment, joy, and longevity over burnout About Brandon J Marks: Producer, Songwriter, Genre-Bending Artist, Brandon J Marks is taking the industry by storm. Born to a family of singers and musicians, Brandon has been singing, recording, and performing professionally since the tender, formative age of fourteen. Brandon has performed with some of music’s greatest talent, from Kim Burrell to pianist and super producer Rodney East. His creative approach to music is vast, rooted in gospel legacy and represents the perfect merging of R&B, jazz, and pop. After years of brand strategy, marketing, and garnering partnerships such as Sony Animation and the Oprah Winfrey Network, Brandon commenced his solo artistry in 2020 with the release of his debut song, Black Man. The release was recognized and endorsed by the Houston mayor for its activism and riveting performance. As a BMI songwriter, Brandon continues to develop a growing catalog of music and is set to pen for some of music’s greatest artists and motion picture soundtracks. A beacon through sound, each song sheds light and shares love. Connect with Brandon J Marks: Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gh/artist/brandon-j-marks/1541380334 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F4SnF9qpUSZQe1j6f2qiQ Listen on TIDAL: https://tidal.com/artist/22280794 Follow on Instagram: a...

    51 min

  2. 5 FEB

    44. Why Most Artists Quit, and How to Survive the Silence with That Boy A.B.

    Ep.44: Despite what most folks believe, the hardest part of being an artist isn’t the grind itself, it’s the quiet. The stretch where you’re doing everything “right,” pouring time, money, and heart into your work… and the world gives you nothing back. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with That Boy A.B, a storytelling rapper from New Jersey and longtime friend, to unpack what it actually takes to keep going when the applause isn’t there yet. We talk about how his mindset has evolved since his early buzz in the Philly/Jersey scene, why vulnerability is a creative advantage (even when it scares you), and how his experience building a successful seasonal business changed the way he approaches music today. A.B. shares the moment that pulled him back into recording: a wild, unexpected studio connection in South America, and why having a “stack of proof” matters more than motivational advice like “just believe in yourself.” If you’re trying to build something real in music (or any creative lane), this one’s a grounded reminder that success comes from systems, self-trust, and learning how to survive the in-between. We Chat About: Returning to music with a totally different mindset (and why the new work feels more “him”)How A.B. accidentally discovered traction through TuneCore, and what he would’ve done differently with the dataWhy vulnerability and relatability became his lane (even when he resisted it)“Belief in yourself” vs. belief built through evidence, feedback, and real-world proofUsing business principles in music: targeting, systems, and doubling down on what actually worksWhy you can’t force creativity, and what to do when you hit a mental wall in the studioThe difference between buying “things” and investing in relationships + shared experiencesThe only advice that really lands: have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously, and double down on what works About That Boy A.B.: That Boy A.B. is a story-telling hip-hop artist from New Jersey who makes relatable music about life and relationships. His song Enough, detailing a relationship gone bad, exploded on streaming services in 2015. A.B has found a way to bridge the gap between old school hip-hop and new school rap. Influenced by artists like J. Cole, Fabolous, Drake, and Big Sean, he has mastered the art of story telling and reflecting while providing the listener with memorable wordplay and catchy hooks. Connect with That Boy A.B.: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7w3T6KxU9UdcNaUcJl31Zx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthatboyab/ Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX “loves music” playlist on Spotify: a...

    58 min

  3. 29 JAN

    43. How to Build a Real Fanbase (Not Just Streams), with Quinn McGraw of PARIAH

    Ep.43: Building a real fanbase isn’t about going viral. It’s about being seen and learning how to grow sustainably. In this episode of “loves music”, I sit down with Quinn McGraw, the force behind PARIAH, to unpack how genuine connection is built long before the numbers catch up. We talk about how PARIAH cultivated a devoted community of “Seekers” by leading with honesty, direct engagement, and story-driven content, not gimmicks or empty hype. Quinn shares how Swan Song emerged from grief, addiction, depression, and spiritual collapse, and why those experiences became the foundation for music that feels like a place to land rather than a product to consume. We also dig into the reality of being both an artist and a content creator, why ads only work when there’s already a spark, and how meaningful fan relationships are often forged in the unglamorous, unseen moments. If you’re trying to move beyond surface-level growth and build something that actually lasts, this conversation offers a grounded blueprint. We Chat About: Why emo metal / post-metalcore gives Quinn the full emotional spectrum he needs to writeThe “Find Him / Keep Seeking” mythos and what it actually representsBeing an outcast, and choosing to build a home instead of trying to fit inThe difference between art and the music business (and why merging them breaks people)How PARIAH grew fast: storytelling via short-form + digital ads that amplify momentumSurviving the “deafening silence” between releases (and why most artists quit there)Why touring is expensive audience growth (and what Quinn’s focusing on first)Redefining success: arenas vs. spending most of your time doing what you love About PARIAH: All who seek will find. PARIAH is the solo project of Quinn McGraw — a sonic exorcism born from grief, addiction, depression, and spiritual collapse. Blending alt-metal, post-metalcore, and cinematic dark pop, PARIAH creates a sacred space to fall apart, for the faithless, the lost, and those still screaming in silence. It’s ‘heavy music for heavy hearts,’ as Quinn states. Already featured on Revolver Magazine and official Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and VEVO playlists , PARIAH is quickly amassing a devoted following known as ‘Seekers’ that are drawn to the project’s raw catharsis and brutal honesty. With every track, we are invited to find our voice again and to find the light when we wander in the dark. He is waiting. Find Him. Connect with PARIAH: Start here (all links in one place): Find PARIAH on Linktree Follow + join the Seekers on Instagram: @findthepariah on Instagram Watch + subscribe on YouTube: PARIAH on YouTube Catch the short-form content on TikTok: @findthepariah on TikTok Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on...

    59 min

  4. 22 JAN

    42. Making Positivity Cool & Redefining Success in Music with AMACULENT

    Ep.42: While most artists chase the dream, others stop and ask whether the dream is actually worth living inside. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with Ali “AMAC” McGuire, better known as AMACULENT, to unpack a career that reached the highest levels of the music industry and the burnout that forced her to rethink everything. We talk about her new album On One, a project rooted in healing, alignment, and creative honesty, and why she believes success should feel sustainable, human, and deeply personal. This conversation moves through hip-hop, self-trust, industry myths, and the long road from validation to inner peace. If you’ve ever wondered whether ambition and well-being can coexist, this one will stay with you. We Chat About: Creating On One as a “love letter to pain” and making positivity feel authentic, not cornyWhy art doesn’t need suffering to be meaningful, and the danger of the tortured artist mythHow burnout became the catalyst for healing, reflection, and realignmentPairing the album with an Inner Compass workbook to support growth beyond the musicFalling in love with hip-hop after hearing Biggie for the first timeDropping out of college, betting on herself, and breaking into Philly’s live music sceneNetworking, likability, and saying yes before feeling readyStarting over in LA and building a career from the ground up againWorking at the highest levels of the industry and why “making it” didn’t bring peaceSeparating excellence from perfectionism and learning to get curious instead of self-criticalListening to your body, honoring rest, and redefining disciplineRedefining success as enjoying your life, not just achieving outcomes About AMACULENT: Ali “AMAC” McGuire (AMACULENT) is a platinum-selling mix engineer, artist, speaker, and creative mentor who blends music, storytelling, and self-development to help people achieve the dream — enjoying their lives. After years of success in the music industry, working with artists like Joji, Post Malone, and Kelly Rowland. AMAC hit a major burnout and turned that experience into a framework and music album focused on healing, growth, and alignment. Connect with AMACULENT: Check out her YouTube Follow her on TikTok: @amaculent_mindset Friend her on Snapchat: @amaculentmind Follow her Instagram: @amaculent Listen to On One Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music:...

    54 min

  5. 15 JAN

    41. How to Build a Signature Sound (and Stay Consistent Long Enough to Win) with Anthony Church

    Ep.41: In this episode, I chop it up with Ohio-based producer and podcaster Anthony Church, an artist who treats instrumental music like world-building. We talk about his fall-themed project Leaves and Soil (and the deeper life-cycle concept behind it), how he “paints with sounds” through sample-based production, and why consistency is the real superpower for artists trying to play the long game. Anthony also opens up about how real life shapes his most emotional work, what success looks like outside of mainstream music metrics, and how his podcast The Proven Knowledge Podcast has quietly become a major door-opener in his creative life. We Chat About: The story and symbolism behind Leaves and Soil, and why fall felt like the perfect creative containerWhat his production process actually looks likeCollaborating with musicians like saxophonists and other producers while still protecting his solo “world”How grief and heartbreak influenced the emotional tone of his recent musicThe feeling he wants listeners to walk away with: inspiration, reflection, and a real emotional impact, even without lyricsWhy promotion is the hardest part, and how he’s learned to make marketing feel funConsistency, planning ahead, and refusing to compare yourself onlineTurning “no” into fuel, building patience through the long grind, and why most people quit right before the breakthroughThe mission behind The Proven Knowledge Podcast and how storytelling can teach creatives there’s more than one path About Anthony Church: Anthony Church a music producer with over 9 years of experience working with over 50 different independent artists from around the globe. He creates instrumentals that fall somewhere between Hip-Hop, R&B and Lo-Fi in style. In 2020 he began self-releasing his own music which has led him to put out several instrumental albums, work with artists on full bodies of work, and craft an upcoming compilation album slated for 2026. In 2020 he also began his weekly show titled "The Proven Knowledge Podcast" where he speaks with amazing creatives about their journey and what makes them the people and artists that they are today. This has allowed him to make many amazing connections and open doors he may not have gotten through making music alone. He’s very blessed to be entering his sixth year of podcasting in 2026! Connect with Anthony: ​​Follow Anthony on Instagram: @anthonychurchmusic Check out his music on Bandcamp Listen to The Proven Knowledge Podcast Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​a href="https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    54 min

  6. 8 JAN

    40. Reclaiming Your Voice After Everything Falls Apart with Louissa

    Ep.40: Some artists entertain. Others reveal. In this episode of loves music, I sit down with Louissa, an artist whose voice, story, and presence feel lived-in, earned, and unapologetically real. From nearly losing her ability to sing to reclaiming her voice through sheer grit and intention, Louissa opens up about healing, rebellion, artistry, and what it really takes to stay in the game when the path gets brutal. This conversation moves through grief, perseverance, creative rebirth, and the unseen work behind an artist who looks effortless on stage but has fought hard for every inch of ground. If you’ve ever questioned your place, your voice, or your timing, this one hits deep. We Chat About: Reclaiming her voice after chronic illness and the emotional weight of starting overWhy her music is equal parts healing, truth-telling, and rebellionThe unseen reps, bad gigs, and failures that shape a seasoned live performerWriting anthemic songs that still feel intimate and vulnerableCollaboration, vocal training, and building a sound that refuses to live in one genreNavigating burnout, rebranding, and shedding the pressure to be “put together”How grief, family, and loss continue to inform her artistryWhat success really looks like beyond streams, followers, and industry validation About Louissa: After nearly losing her voice to chronic illness, Louissa has been on a powerful journey of reclamation. Her music is her truth, her healing, and her rebellion. Now in the midst of a rebrand, she is committed to showing up as her most unmasked and fully realized artistic self—inviting listeners to do the same and discover their own truths within her songs. Louissa has already made her mark, performing at Virginia Beach’s inaugural Pulse Fest and being handpicked to appear at Pharrell’s Mighty Dream Forum. Her collaborations span Grammy winners, Billboard-charting producers, and multi-platinum talent—yet her voice and vision remain unmistakably her own. Connect with Louissa: ​​Follow Louissa on Instagram: @louissamood Follow on Threads: @louissamood Explore Louissa’s official site + info: Visit louissamusic.com Connect on Facebook: Louissa Mood Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Louissa’s channel Follow on TikTok: @louissamood Access Louissa’s press/music files: HardDrive Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX “loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg Check out the “loves music” podcast website: a href="https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    57 min

  7. 1 JAN

    39. Using Music to Process Trauma, Faith, and Identity with Bright Kelly

    Ep.39: Every now and then, a guest takes the conversation somewhere unexpected. In this episode, I sit down with Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Bright Kelly for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about art, trauma, faith, fatherhood, and the responsibility that comes with telling the truth through music. Bright’s work resists easy categorization, and so does his story. We talk about his path through touring, his transition into releasing music under his own name, and the emotional excavation behind Funeral Tickets. Along the way, we unpack how personal history, belief systems, and lived experience shape the way he writes, and why he refuses to soften difficult ideas for the sake of comfort. This conversation moves beyond career milestones and into what it actually means to live a creative life with intention. We Chat About: Growing up in Philadelphia and building a life rooted in musicTouring with major artists while still loving small, local roomsThe personal history and emotional excavation behind Funeral TicketsWriting songs that challenge ignorance, faith, and cultural mythsTurning trauma into clarity without softening the messageWhy he considers himself a writer before a songwriterConcept albums, dystopia, and his upcoming Beggartown projectFatherhood, partnership, and balancing art with real lifeCreative stamina, obsession, and learning when to push (and when to pause)Why flawed, human-made music matters more than ever About Bright Kelly: Bright Kelly is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter whose voice lands somewhere between gravel and velvet: soulful, cinematic, and impossible to ignore. Fronting the alt-soul outfit The Great Enough and carving out a striking solo catalog, he’s shared stages with bands as varied as Imagine Dragons and Judah & the Lion, earning a reputation for raw, articulate songwriting that cuts close to the bone. From the hushed confessional of The Quiet Ones to the emotional megaphone of Funeral Tickets, Kelly blurs the lines between folk, soul, and rock with an instinct for melody and truth that feels both bruised and luminous. Connect with Bright Kelly: Listen on Spotify: Bright Kelly on Spotify Support on Bandcamp: brightkelly.bandcamp.com Follow on TikTok: @brightkelly19 Follow on Instagram: @brightkelly19 Follow on Threads: @brightkelly19 Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX “loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/ Julian on Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 2m

  8. 25/12/2025

    38. How The High Nines Built a Debut Album Worth the Hype, with Dean Ashton

    Ep.38: Some conversations remind me exactly WHY you love talking to artists, and this one with Dean Ashton is no exception. In this episode, I sit down with Dean Ashton of The High Nines, a band carving out a timeless, big-hearted indie rock sound straight out of the North West. We get into debut albums that take a decade to write, the strange arc of maturity in bands, the art of letting go of ego, and what it means to create music that people can own for themselves. Dean opens up about the band’s writing process, the influences that shaped him, the evolution from chaos to professionalism, and why honesty (in life, in music, and in the industry) is the north star they follow. If you love hook-driven alternative rock with real soul behind it, The High Nines deserve your full attention. We Chat About: The making of their self-titled debut albumWhy Daydreaming feels like the band’s breakout “universal” songSongwriting without boxing yourself into a genreGrowing up, shedding ego, and learning to collaborate betterThe shift from “frontman persona” to authentic presenceThe band’s renewed approach to professionalism and performanceMusic discovery, rap influences, and why everything inspires themNavigating promoters, labels, and what “making it” actually meansTimeless songwriting vs. trend-driven productionWhy connecting directly with fans matters more than ever About The High Nines: The High Nines are an alternative indie rock band from the North West of England, drawing influences from the likes of The Verve, The Music, and The Stone Roses. ‘Walrus Bar’, released May 2025, got to number 6 in the iTunes Alternative Chart. Their self-titled debut album, self-funded and independently recorded, produced, and mixed, was released October 2025. “This debut isn’t just a strong start. It’s the kind of record that could cement The High Nines as one of the most important new bands in the UK — a group with the songs, swagger and soul to step up from sticky-floored clubs to the festival main stages.” – This Is The Music Blog “If this is only their first swing, then the rest of the indie scene might want to start stretching before they try to keep up.” – Manchester Music Group The High Nines are: Dean Ashton – Lead Vocals Steve Cornell – Vocals/Guitar Trevor Curley – Lead Guitar Pete Fell – Bass Lee Summers – Drums Connect with Dean & The High Nines: Listen on Spotify: The High Nines on Spotify Follow on Instagram: @thehighnines Other Resources: Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX “loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/ Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484 Julian on Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1 hr
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About

"loves music" is a podcast, hosted by me, Julian Jones, that celebrates music and the moments that made us fall in love with it. It’s for music-lovers who, despite the demands of life, remain passionate about their beloved albums and artists and still seek to discover new talent, whether online, internationally, or within the sweaty crowded bars of your hometown. It’s in us! We don't know why we do it; we just do… and we refuse to grow out of it. Every Thursday, I interview artists past and present about making music: their inspiration, their challenges, and the moments they will never forget. If you love or even have a dysfunctional relationship with music, come along, and share this show with someone who loves music.

Information

  • Creator
    Julian Jones
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Julian Jones
  • Show Website
    loves music