The Sound Mind

James Berkeley

Welcome to The Sound Mind, a podcast by James Berkeley aimed at helping indie artists become self sufficient and thrive in their careers. From the music to the marketing, from the mindset to the routines and everything in between. 

  1. 3d ago

    #32 How To Never Have Writer's Block Again

    Writer's block doesn't mean you're making bad music. It means the music coming out of you isn't the music you think you should to be making. In this episode, I answer a question about what's really going on when you're blocked and how to stop inviting it in. We get into why judging an idea too early kills it, why you should control your inputs and not your outputs, and why trying to write something bad can free you up. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  2. Oct 26

    #31 How To Get Good At Everything Without Burning Out

    Being an independent artist now means being decent at songwriting, production, singing, marketing, visuals and more, which is empowering but can feel exhausting. In this episode, I answer a question about where to put your time when you want to improve at everything at once. I share why songwriting and production can be practiced together, the one exercise I'd do for a whole year, and how to fit in a short daily vocal routine without draining your energy. We also get into why going shallow on everything keeps you stuck, and why thinking in seasons lets you prioritize one thing now without giving up on the rest. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  3. 11/17/2025

    #30 Manufactured Realness & The Death of Curiosity

    In this episode, I dig into a simple but uncomfortable question: how much of yourself are you willing to change just to be successful? Inspired by Dijon’s conversation with Zane Lowe, I explore the tension between authenticity and validation — how easy it is to shape-shift for the tribe, and how rare it is to build a life that bends around who you actually are. From the pitfalls of creating for approval to the hollowness of “manufactured realness,” I break down why the truest work is messy, personal, and permissionless. With thoughts from Brian Eno and a look at the current “engagement recession,” this episode argues for stripping away layers, trusting your taste, and making from the inside out. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  4. 10/31/2025

    #29 Stop Overthinking, Start Creating (Kindly)

    In this episode, I talk about being stuck in a rough writing patch — why it happens, and how we gently work through it. From dodging our emotions, comparing ourselves to others, and numbing with our phones, to learning to trust our ideas again. It’s about giving ourselves permission to make “bad” work, creating space for intuition, and remembering that clarity comes from making, not overthinking. Soft effort, kind discipline, and letting creativity speak when we finally get quiet enough to hear it. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  5. 02/17/2025

    #28 Redefining Success as a Creative

    In this episode, I dive into redefining success as a creative and why external markers like getting up early or being constantly busy aren’t the key to growth. I talk about the disconnect between time spent and output, the importance of getting out of the “busy mindset,” and how to focus on what actually moves the needle. I also share my approach to backing vocals, advice for getting into production, tips on time management, and thoughts on finding the right management, label, or agent. Plus, how being more intentional with your creativity can lead to deeper, more fulfilling work. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  6. 02/03/2025

    #27 Growth, Overwhelm & Staying Grounded

    In this episode, I dive into the wild ride of my recent social media growth - how it’s created opportunities, the pressure that comes with it, and how I’m learning to navigate the highs and lows. I share some go-to phrases that help when things feel overwhelming, plus why doing less (but with more focus) can actually get you further. We also get into your questions on working with producers for the first time, finding artists to collaborate with, and whether social media is really a must for new artists. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  7. 11/11/2024

    #26 Jed Bevington - String Arranging and Creating Connections Through Collaboration

    Today, we welcome Jed Bevington to the podcast. Jed is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, string arranger, and violinist who has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Eloise, Cavetown, Nix Northwest, Enny, Fat Dog, and  my old band, Yakul. Releasing his own music under the name Jed Holland, he brings a unique perspective to both string arranging and songwriting. In our chat, we dive into Jed’s approach to writing and arranging, how he works with artists from different genres, and the importance of saying “yes” when you’re starting out. Jed also shares insights on building a network that sustains creative work, forging meaningful connections through collaboration, and navigating the practicalities of freelance rates. Tune in for a conversation on music, creativity, and the art of collaboration! Follow Jed: https://www.instagram.com/jedbevington https://www.instagram.com/jedholland https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jdKUAwJ3NA8f3UImRTBBl?si=RiIfZ-frSUS6s1z0eFbZQw If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

  8. 10/21/2024

    #25 Finishing Projects and Fuelling Creativity

    In this episode, we talk about the tricky balance of knowing when a project is finished and when it’s time to move on. We explore why “done is better than perfect” and how taking action often outweighs endless planning. We dive into the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset to spark creativity and discuss the value of investing in experiences that fuel artistic growth. If you're someone who struggles with perfectionism or knowing when to wrap things up, this episode is for you! Tune in for tips on embracing imperfection, taking action, and fuelling your creativity with new experiences. If you've got a question you want me to answer then drop me a dm here: https://www.instagram.com/mentoredbyjames Or you want to work with me, fill out this form: https://tally.so/r/KYyZaM

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About

Welcome to The Sound Mind, a podcast by James Berkeley aimed at helping indie artists become self sufficient and thrive in their careers. From the music to the marketing, from the mindset to the routines and everything in between. 

Information

  • Creator
    James Berkeley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sound Mind
  • Show Website
    The Sound Mind