Stirred Conversations

Eight Lands

Welcome to Stirred Conversations, a podcast which mixes music-infused conversations with cocktails. Hosted by Alex Christou, each episode invites you to mix your favourite drink, pull up a seat and dive into heartfelt conversations with inspiring guests from the world of music. - Eight Lands This podcast is brought to you by Eight Lands, Scotland’s wildly smooth vodka and gin. Distilled and bottled with pure Scottish spring water. 100% organic. Vegan. Gluten-free. Award-winning. www.eight-lands.com instagram.com/eight_lands/?hl=en Learn more about award-winning organic spirits, learn more about the process, or book in for a visit.

Episodes

  1. Oct 9

    Mark Rae: The Greatest EVOLUTION OF MUSIC | The Path from DJing to Record Labels & Beyond

    In this episode of Stirred Conversations, host Alex Christou talks about the true evolution of music with Mark Rae, renowned music producer, DJ, and founder of the independent label Grand Central Records. Mark reflects on his journey from crate-digging in Newcastle record shops to shaping the sound of 1990s Manchester’s legendary club scene. He shares stories behind founding Grand Central Records, championing underground talent, and navigating life as an independent artist before the digital age. From music production to novel writing, Mark reveals how collaboration, experimentation, and narrative thread through all his creative work. Along the way, Alex and Mark enjoy a tasting of Eight Lands organic spirits, exploring how shared rituals like cocktail-making help build connection and community. Tune in for a conversation about reinvention, independence, and the culture that connects it all… If you’re curious about how to make the cocktails from today’s episode, here’s the recipes straight from the podcast: Cocktail Name Gin and Tonic 60ml Eight Lands Gin 150ml Indian Tonic Pink grapefruit garnish Add plenty of ice to glass of your choice. Pour in the gin, pour in the tonic, add a slice of garnish and enjoy. Cocktail Name Mango Mint Julep Spritz 12 x fresh mint leaves 50ml Bourbon (such as Angel’s Envy) 22.5ml Mango liqueur 5ml sugar syrup Soda water Lightly muddle mint in base of shaker. Add other ingredients (except soda water!) and shake with ice. Strain into glass (or tin cup) filled with ice. Top with soda water to taste. Cocktail Name Cairo Reviver 30ml Eight Lands Producers’ Series Cask-Aged Vodka (whisky cask) 30ml Eight Lands Gin 20ml Lime cordial 10ml fresh lime juice 3 dashes Angostura Bitters 100ml Ginger Beer Combine all ingredients in a shaker (except the Ginger Beer!) and shake with ice. Strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Top with Ginger Beer to taste. Follow & Catch Up With Us Want more from Stirred Conversations? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic. Stirred Conversations - Spotify Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/23T5yDY297lmS71RQNxseX?si=d8064801d6fe4facListen to the music discussed in the podcast. Alex Christouinstagram.com/alchristou Host of the Stirred Conversations podcast. Founder of Eight Lands. Amateur mixologist. Music lover. Eight LandsThis podcast is brought to you by Eight Lands, Scotland’s wildly smooth vodka and gin. Distilled and bottled with pure Scottish spring water. 100% organic. Vegan. Gluten-free. Award-winning.www.eight-lands.com instagram.com/eight_lands/?hl=enLearn more about award-winning organic spirits, learn more about the process, or book in for a visit. Mark Raewww.instagram.com/marktraehttps://markrae.bandcamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/DJMarkRaehttps://open.spotify.com/artist/17yWcCF4X2x4Y6aoFqqJta?si=0BgtPYlCRNSm0I8DAuZuXw Music Producer, DJ, Record Label Owner and Novelist

  2. Sep 10

    Andrez Harriott: Strictly BOY BAND Business | Mixing Melodies, Mixology, & Mission-Driven Impact

    In this episode of Stirred Conversations, host Alex Christou sits down with Andrez Harriott, founding member of the legendary British R&B boy band Damage and the driving force behind The Liminality Group. Andrez reflects on his journey from the heart of London’s 90s R&B scene to becoming a changemaker for young people across the UK. He shares untold stories from Damage’s rise to fame, collaborations with icons, and how his Caribbean roots shaped his sound and identity. Now leading The Liminality Group, Andrez opens up about transforming his passion for music into purpose - mentoring at-risk youth, tackling systemic barriers, and building pathways for the next generation of leaders. Tune in to hear how Andrez turned rhythm into real-world impact and discover what it truly means to lead with purpose. - If you’re curious about how to make the cocktails from today’s episode, here’s the recipe straight from the podcast: Cocktail NameVodka & Soda50ml of Eight Lands Organic Vodka100ml Soda WaterIceHighball glass or tumblerSlice of pink grapefruit to garnish Cocktail NameRum Punch-Up30ml Wray & Nephew Rum20ml Appleton Estate 8 Years Rum15ml freshly squeezed lime juice15ml sugar syrup2 dashes of Angostura BittersChilled coupe glassShake all ingredients over ice and strain into the chilled glass Follow & Catch Up With UsWant more from Stirred Conversations? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic. Stirred Conversations - Spotify Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/55vPOw7ZcS6NLTDRdk4C2C?si=7c2c8bc90b064074 Listen to the music discussed in the podcast. Alex Christouinstagram.com/alchristou Host of the Stirred Conversations podcast. Founder of Eight Lands. Amateur mixologist. Music lover. Andrez Harriottinstagram.com/andrezharriottMember of British R&B band Damage and founder of The Liminality Group.  - Eight LandsThis podcast is brought to you by Eight Lands, Scotland’s wildly smooth vodka and gin. Distilled and bottled with pure Scottish spring water. 100% organic. Vegan. Gluten-free. Award-winning.www.eight-lands.com instagram.com/eight_lands/?hl=enLearn more about award-winning organic spirits, learn more about the process, or book in for a visit.

About

Welcome to Stirred Conversations, a podcast which mixes music-infused conversations with cocktails. Hosted by Alex Christou, each episode invites you to mix your favourite drink, pull up a seat and dive into heartfelt conversations with inspiring guests from the world of music. - Eight Lands This podcast is brought to you by Eight Lands, Scotland’s wildly smooth vodka and gin. Distilled and bottled with pure Scottish spring water. 100% organic. Vegan. Gluten-free. Award-winning. www.eight-lands.com instagram.com/eight_lands/?hl=en Learn more about award-winning organic spirits, learn more about the process, or book in for a visit.