Impropod Podcast
Composer and producer Luke Tomlinson improvises on the piano creating a spontaneous soundtrack to guest’s stories and ideas. We explore the effect music has on the imagination, its psychology and its relationship to movement. A fun, unique and informative listen! Instagram @impropod visit impropod.com for more info and to explore the interactive podcast map!

About Luke
Luke Tomlinson is a composer and producer based in Bristol, UK. Improvisation has always played an important part in his music. He has a degree in film studies, from Falmouth University, and also composes music for Independent films. Luke has collaborated with composers and songwriters from all over world including Echofinch and YB the Prophet. He also plays in the Bristol based reggae band Mizizi and the soulful Hiphop outfit YoMojo.
Episodes

Saturday May 31, 2025
50 Life changing trip hazard and an xmas tree heist! Malaika Kegode
Saturday May 31, 2025
Saturday May 31, 2025
Writer & performer Malika Kegode tells an intriguing story about gaining a sense of integrity after falling down a hole, as well as a story about the mysterious theft of an xmas tree. They also discuss the power of improvised music, what makes something sound christmasy, the musical interpretation of rain, false optimism and the power of musical idents like notification sounds.
Malika's instagram @mal.keg
Malika's website www.malkegs.com
The Colour of Dinosaurs
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Tuesday May 20, 2025
49 Violin Improv, bike chaos and the power of dissonance - Greta Murmaite
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Violin player Greta Murmaite, plays some fantastic improv. She tells a precarious bike ride story, and one about her childhood in Lithuania, they discus the power of improvised music.
Greta shares her journey from starting classical violin training at age six to exploring a wide range of genres, including indie, folk, and jazz. She performs at various festivals with her band, Psychoacoustic Goat, and delves into her love for improvisation. The duo engages in live musical improvisation, sparking memories from Greta's childhood and experiences. They discuss the blend of intuition and classical training, highlighting the joy of spontaneous, heartfelt performances. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with music, memories, and the magic of improvisation!
Follow Greta on instagram: @greta0o
Timestamps
Introduction to Greta Momota (00:00:06) Greta introduces herself as a violin player from Lithuania, sharing her classical music background.
Expanding Musical Genres (00:00:30) Greta discusses her transition from classical music to indie, folk, and jazz, emphasizing improvisation.
Improvised Performance (00:01:37) The host plays an improvised piece, inviting thoughts and emotions from the audience.
Nostalgia in Music (00:05:52) Greta reflects on nostalgic memories tied to her classical training and experiences in boarding school.
Dissonance in Classical Music (00:07:45) Greta explains the use of dissonance in music, referencing composers like Penderecki.
Story of Learning to Ride a Bike (00:10:04) Greta shares a humorous childhood story about her first experience riding a bicycle.
Musical Interpretation of Fear and Excitement (00:12:07) The host explores the emotional transition from excitement to fear during the bike ride.
Improvisation Inspired by a Memory (00:16:47) Greta discusses creating music that reflects her childhood experiences and emotions.
Connection with Nature (00:17:14) Greta describes her upbringing in rural Lithuania, emphasizing her connection to nature and growth.
Fluidity in Musical Key Changes (00:21:45) Greta and the host discuss the challenges and excitement of changing keys in music.
Value of Improvisation (00:23:11) Greta reflects on the importance of creating music spontaneously without overthinking.
Closing Remarks and Social Media (00:24:49) Greta invites listeners to follow her music on Instagram as the podcast concludes.

Sunday Mar 09, 2025
48 gig revelations and the The Lake Isle of Innisfree
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Educator, Instrumentalist and audio editor teacher William Barkley, talks about a revelation he had whilst playing a gig at a ski resort that changed the way he sees the world, as well as a story of connection with an old irishman, with a passion for poetry by WB Yates.
Follow William on Instagram @gingertearoom
Timestamps
Introduction to William Barclay (00:00:06) William introduces himself and shares his background in education and music.
Transition to Music Teaching (00:01:08) William discusses his shift from teaching math to focusing on music and improvisation.
Exploration of Instruments (00:02:09) William shares his experiences with different musical instruments, emphasizing his love for melody and harmony.
Improvised Music Reflection (00:02:15) The host plays an improvised piece, prompting William to share his thoughts and feelings about it.
Chekhov's Influence (00:03:20) William connects the music to his readings of Chekhov, reflecting on themes of tragedy and whimsy.
Musical Conversations (00:04:04) The discussion shifts to how musical improvisation can mirror conversation dynamics.
Storytelling Through Music (00:04:48) The host invites William to tell a story that will inspire a musical soundtrack.
Patrick's Story (00:05:34) William recounts his first day as a carer and his overwhelming experience with a patient named Patrick.
Patrick's Poetry (00:06:44) William describes how Patrick recited poetry, revealing a profound connection and transformation.
Recording Patrick's Poetry (00:07:47) William shares his efforts to help Patrick record his poetry before his passing.
Musical Transition (00:08:55) The host discusses the musical representation of Patrick's transition from frailty to strength.
Capturing Friendship in Music (00:11:57) William reflects on how music can capture the essence of his friendship with Patrick.
Another Story Begins (00:13:33) William introduces a new story about a life-changing experience during a ski season.
Realization of Adulthood (00:15:55) William shares a moment of self-awareness that marked his transition into adulthood.
Musical Interpretation of Isolation (00:16:21) The host explores how music can reflect feelings of isolation and realization.
Revisiting the Past (00:20:21) William describes how the music transported him back to his past experiences.
Confronting Tension in Music (00:24:01) The conversation touches on the acceptance of tension and dissonance in music.
Insights on Improvisation (00:25:10) William shares his learning journey in improvisation and the importance of storytelling in music.
Conclusion and Promotion (00:25:23) William promotes his music and teaching services, providing listeners with contact information.
Patrick's Poetry Recital (00:25:46) The episode concludes with a recording of Patrick reciting "The Lake Isle of Innisfree."

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
47 2 Worlds, Fame, Film and TV composition - Myles McLeod
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Film and TV composer (Sky Arts Amazon Prime) Myles McLeod tells of his double life he leads and the sacrifices he's made to become a successful composer. He talks about working with the team on Strictly Come Dancing, hanging out with the pet shop boys and working at the Bristol Hippodrome, as well his illusive french past.
Myle's website: https://www.mylesmcleod.co.uk/
Myle's Instagram: @myles_mcleod_music
Impropod map: https://shorturl.at/dzQUG
Impropod Instagram: @impropodpodcast

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
46 Experimental vocal workshops and soul songs - Bexx
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Experimental pop artist and vocal couch BexX, discuses his innovative vocal workshops, and performs a spontaneous electronic soundtrack with synths an a loop station. He also tells an entertaining story involving graduation and a cat, and the time he experienced his profound soul song.
BexX's Instagram: @bexx.me
BexX's website: bexx.me

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
45 Sound of Colour, Music & Synaesthesia Maike Preissing
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Psychologist and synaesthesia artist Maike Preissing gives some fascinating insight into how she sees the world with synaesthesia including seeing music as colours in her mind’s eye. Maike and Luke discuss their connections to music, and she tells the story of telling the class about that she has synaesthesia when she was a child, as well as a more recent story of her trip to Norway, and how the smell of raw fish looks, all with a unique soundtrack from Luke.
Maike's Instagram: @maikepreissing
Maike's Website: https://www.maikepreissing.com/
Maik's Podcast on Spotify: Let's Talk Synaesthesia

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Ep44 Storm Sounds and Audio Recontextualisation - Joe Early
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Sound recordist Joe Early from the Library of sounds, tells stories about recording of a storm, and a night on King Street, Bristol. Luke improvises a soundtrack to these stories over the recordings recontextualizing them, an insightful episode about the power of music and sound.
Interlude sound recordings from the library of sounds:
00.46s Eurasian Reed Warbler bird
03.08s Red Deer
15.46s Dish Washer
24.45s Wine glass with finger + FX
Internal Hard Drive
Timestamps by PodSqueeze
Introduction to Joe Earley (00:00:08) The host introduces Joe Earley, a sound recordist and owner of the Library of Sounds.
The Library of Sounds (00:00:24) Joe explains his passion for capturing various sounds from nature and urban environments.
Improvised Music Interpretation (00:00:52) Joe shares his emotional response to an improvised piece of music, expressing feelings of longing and sadness.
Storytelling with Sound (00:03:03) The host asks Joe to narrate a story based on a recording from King Street in Bristol.
Atmosphere of King Street (00:03:38) Joe describes the chaotic atmosphere he recorded while walking through a crowded King Street.
Soundtrack Suggestions (00:04:28) Joe suggests a musical vibe to accompany the recording, emphasizing intensity and calmness.
Emotional Reaction to Music (00:07:05) Joe shares his emotional response to the improvised soundtrack, highlighting its effectiveness.
Alternative Perspective on Sound (00:08:44) The host explores a different, more positive interpretation of the same recording.
Recording a Storm (00:09:13) Joe recounts his experience recording a storm, detailing the unexpected weather changes.
Calm vs. Chaos in Storms (00:10:40) Joe discusses the differing perspectives people have towards storms, revealing his calming view.
Setting Up for Recording (00:11:23) Joe describes the hectic experience of setting up equipment during the storm.
Transition to Calmness (00:13:54) Joe reflects on the shift from chaos to calmness when he returned indoors after recording.
Cultural Concept of Hygge (00:14:36) Joe introduces the Danish concept of hygge, relating it to comfort during dark seasons.
Musical Interpretation of Comfort (00:15:00) The host describes how he musically interprets the feeling of hygge through warm tones.
Recording Waves at Minehead (00:16:02) Joe shares his experience of capturing the calming sound of waves at the beach.
Emotional Connection to Waves (00:16:52) Joe emphasizes the emotional connection between music and the sound of waves.
Musical Representation of Water (00:17:10) The host discusses how to musically convey the feeling of water washing over.
Response to Wave Music (00:18:32) Joe praises the emotional impact of the music accompanying the wave sounds.
Fluidity in Music (00:19:07) Joe comments on how the movement of notes reflects the fluidity of water.
Dissonance and Danger (00:20:08) The host explains how dissonance in music can evoke feelings of danger.
Contrasting Atmospheres (00:21:45) Joe discusses how contrasting sounds and music can create unexpected emotional responses.
Sinister Sound Experiment (00:23:29) Joe shares his reaction to a dissonant soundtrack layered over beach sounds.
Emotional Attachments to Sound (00:24:05) Joe reflects on how audio recordings evoke memories and sensory experiences.
Conclusion and Reflection (00:24:54) Joe summarizes his insights on music's role in conveying emotions during the podcast.

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Ep43 Colombian Chaos & the Shrewsbury Biscuit - Alex Whiteley
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Host of the Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast, Alex Whiteley tells a story about a crazy night in Columbia involving a famous latin singer, and about how he almost leaked one of the most important announcements in comic book history!
Follow Alex on Instagram: @the_biscuit_guy
See this episode on the impropod map:
Click here for transcription page:
Timestamps
Introduction to the Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast (00:00:07)Alex Whiteley discusses his podcast that tells stories of local businesses and individuals in Shrewsbury.
Transition from Support Work (00:01:04)Whiteley shares his journey from being a support worker to focusing on podcasting and mental health challenges.
Improvisational Music Discussion (00:02:06)The host prompts Whiteley to share thoughts on a piece of music, leading to a discussion on emotions.
Reflections on PTSD and Success (00:03:40)Whiteley connects music to his experiences with PTSD, emphasizing resilience and the grind after struggle.
Living Normal Life After Tragedy (00:04:25)He reflects on finding normalcy amidst personal struggles and the triumph of living after hardship.
Comic Book History Encounter (00:05:10)Whiteley shares a story about a close encounter with comic artist Charlie Adler during a significant event.
Opening a New Studio (00:07:56)He recounts the experience of opening a new studio and inviting Adler as a guest.
The Walking Dead Mic Drop Moment (00:08:54)Whiteley reveals how he nearly leaked a major plot twist in the Walking Dead comic during an interview.
Anxiety and Relief in Music (00:11:31)Discussion on the emotions tied to the music played during the storytelling and its connection to anxiety.
Cultural Experience in Colombia (00:12:59)Whiteley shares a humorous story about his experiences in Colombia, highlighting cultural differences.
Bear Hugging a Colombian Celebrity (00:15:07)He recounts an embarrassing moment involving a famous Colombian musician and his wife's reaction.
Vibe of Colombian Bars (00:16:33)Description of the lively atmosphere in Colombian bars and the blend of music styles experienced.
Excitable Chaos in Life (00:19:47)Whiteley reflects on how chaos and excitement intertwine in his life, especially during nights out.
Emotional Connection to Music (00:21:02)He expresses his love for music and its profound impact on his emotions and life experiences.
Invitation to the Biscuit Guy Podcast (00:21:56)Whiteley invites the host to join his other podcast, The Biscuit Guy, for relaxed conversations.
Conclusion and Podcast Promotion (00:22:39)The host thanks Whiteley and promotes the Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast and The Biscuit Guy.
Mentions
"Duel of the Fates (Phantom Menace, John William)": "00:21:23"
Keywords
raw storytelling
music and memories