The Sound Check

Jack Phillips

What happens when the music changes? The Sound Check is a podcast about the real lives of performers beyond the stage—exploring injury, burnout, identity, career transitions and the moments that make us question what success really means. Hosted by former trumpet player Jack Phillips, each episode goes behind the curtain through honest conversations with musicians and performers, alongside Jack’s own experiences of losing his sound and finding a different path forward. Whether you’re building a life in performance, navigating the messy middle or wondering what comes next, The Sound Check is a space for the parts of a creative life that don’t always make it into the programme notes. Honest stories from the performer’s side of the stage.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    When The Music Stops

    What happens when the thing you've spent your whole life working towards suddenly stops? In the very first episode of The Sound Check, host Jack Phillips shares his journey from picking up a trumpet at seven years old to studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire — and the unexpected challenges that changed everything. From the excitement of pursuing a career in music to the pressure, self-doubt and struggles that followed, Jack reflects on what happens when the identity you've built around performing begins to fall apart. But this episode isn't just about leaving music behind. It's about finding a new direction, redefining success and discovering that there might be more to life than the path you originally imagined. It's also the beginning of The Sound Check — a podcast exploring the honest stories behind the curtain, from performance anxiety and burnout to identity, ambition and life beyond the stage. In this episode: Growing up with music and discovering the trumpet.The journey to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.The challenges of conservatoire life and the pressure to succeed.When playing became a struggle.Losing an identity built around music.Why The Sound Check exists and what's coming next. Connect with The Sound Check Website: https://thesoundcheckpodcast.co.uk Instagram: @thesoundcheck_podcast Follow along on Instagram for episode updates, behind-the-scenes content and more. The Sound Check — honest stories from the performer's side of the stage.

    When The Music Stops

About

What happens when the music changes? The Sound Check is a podcast about the real lives of performers beyond the stage—exploring injury, burnout, identity, career transitions and the moments that make us question what success really means. Hosted by former trumpet player Jack Phillips, each episode goes behind the curtain through honest conversations with musicians and performers, alongside Jack’s own experiences of losing his sound and finding a different path forward. Whether you’re building a life in performance, navigating the messy middle or wondering what comes next, The Sound Check is a space for the parts of a creative life that don’t always make it into the programme notes. Honest stories from the performer’s side of the stage.