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!
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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
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Film-maker and teacher Ben BT tells stories of passion and confusion about a one night stand, his adventures in India involving a hair raising motorbike ride and a rooftop story. All with a unique soundtrack
Follow Ben on Instagram @benboydtaylor
Timestamps
Introduction to Ben Boyd Taylor (00:00:05)Ben shares his musical background and contrasts it with his sister's musicality.
Initial Music Response (00:00:41)Ben describes his emotional response and imagery evoked by a piece of improvised music.
Storytelling Prompt (00:02:17)The host prompts Ben to share a personal story that could have a musical soundtrack.
Traveling in India (00:02:23)Ben recounts a memorable and adventurous journey on a jeep and motorbike in India.
Narrative Structure in Music (00:03:46)Discussion on how music can mirror narrative elements like confusion and clarity.
Sense of Adventure (00:06:02)Ben reflects on the excitement and fear during his adventurous journey.
Improvisation Reflection (00:06:34)Ben shares thoughts on how the music could better reflect his decision-making moments.
University Rooftop Experience (00:07:34)Ben reminisces about a memorable night spent on a rooftop avoiding security.
Sunrise and Nature (00:08:30)Describes the beauty of watching the sunrise and observing wildlife during that night.
Conveying Time in Music (00:10:25)Discussion on the challenges of representing time and day in musical compositions.
Confusion in Relationships (00:10:49)Ben shares a personal story about the emotional complexity of a one-night stand.
Conflict in Emotions (00:11:31)Exploration of conflicting feelings and attachments arising from casual encounters.
Music Interpretation (00:14:12)Ben reflects on the emotional journey conveyed through music composition.
Narrative Clarity (00:16:41)Ben acknowledges a clearer narrative in the music during the second attempt.
Insight on Music Composition (00:16:56)Ben discusses the unique challenges of composing music compared to film and photography.
Final Thoughts on Interpretation (00:17:25)Ben highlights the subjective nature of music and its varied interpretations by listeners.
Conclusion (00:18:18)The host thanks Ben for the insightful conversation and invites listeners to the next episode.
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Luke interviews and improvises for live wire and cake enthusiast Alice Boyd Taylor. With precarious car stories and experiments with dissonant chaos.
Follow Alice on Instagram: @alice_from_wandering_land
Timestamps
Introduction to Improvisation (00:00:03)Alice shares her recent experimentation with improvisation through spoken word poetry.
Initial Musical Impressions (00:02:04)Alice reflects on the emotions evoked by the host's improvised music, likening it to nature.
The Word "Cake" (00:03:43)Alice recounts a humorous experience of eating cake while working at a busy cake shop.
Musical Interpretation of Cake Story (00:07:19)The host creates music inspired by Alice's cake story, capturing its chaotic essence.
Car Incident Anecdote (00:09:07)Alice narrates a bizarre story about her friend's car crashing into a tree after a beach outing.
Musical Reflection on the Car Story (00:12:52)Alice discusses the dynamics and humor present in the music created from her car story.
Tropical Travel Experience (00:14:47)Alice shares a memorable adventure in Meghalaya, India, involving a pickup truck and jackfruit.
Musical Depth of Travel Story (00:18:36)Alice appreciates the darker tones of the music played, reflecting the troubled atmosphere of her travel story.
Takeaway from the Session (00:19:52)Alice expresses her enjoyment of the spontaneity and playfulness inherent in improvisation.
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Artist and mother (to Luke!) Carole and Luke discuss the soundtrack to being chased through crowds, stories off loss and healing, and musical heartbeats.
Introduction to Impro Pod (00:00:02)Overview of the podcast's purpose: exploring emotions and ideas through piano improvisation.
Initial Impressions of Music (00:00:59)Carole describes her feelings of suspicion and comfort in response to the music played.
Indecisiveness and Hesitation (00:01:20)Discussion on the emotional uncertainty evoked by the music, reflecting a sense of hesitation.
Word Association: Anxious (00:02:41)Carole shares a story about feeling anxious in a crowd while trying to avoid someone.
Crowd Dynamics and Emotional Weight (00:04:19)Carole reflects on the emotional heaviness of crowds and suggests musical adjustments for depth.
Musical Sequence Reflection (00:06:58)Carole describes how a second attempt at playing the music felt deeper and more engaging.
Word Association: Sadness (00:08:17)Carole recounts a poignant story about loss and remembrance involving white roses on the beach.
Musical Interpretation of Sadness (00:11:39)Discussion on how to musically convey the narrative of sadness and beauty in the story.
Feedback in the Improvisation Process (00:12:12)Exploration of how feedback shapes the improvisation, making it a collaborative experience.
Conclusion and Invitation (00:13:18)Wrap-up of the episode and an invitation to listeners to join the next discussion.