Sheer Isolation Jon Ponting & Kieran Moore

We're joined by author and musician, CJ Thorpe-Tracey on this week's Sheer Isolation. His loyal fanbase know him better as Chris TT.

Over two decades, Chris released ten albums and over a hundred songs. The Huntsman Comes A-Marchin' was frequently covered by Frank Turner in his early days of touring.

Chris has now published his first book - Buried in the English Earth. It's a lyric book that features every one of his published songs, along with detailed notes and analysis of the meaning.

He tells us that he has retired as a songwriter, but is now turning his attention to novel writing.

Music this week is provided by post-punk poet Bristolian, Emily Breeze, and Chris picks a track from Jim Bob; a band fronted by James Morrison from indie punk chart-toppers, Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine.

We also cover the news that previous guest, Thomas Haynes - aka Grasslands - has created his own local music magazine in print, and the Wiltshire wurz-rap artist, Corky, has announced in EP launch - some 15 years after his debut album!

It's about time we interviewed the man behind Sheer Music on this show!

In this episode Jon talks to Kieran... He tells us how he caught the bug for organising and promoting live music, how he's spent close to 20 years supporting Wiltshire's venues and festivals, and also tells us what he's planning to do next!

We play a couple of new tunes courtesy of Swindon rockers NervEndings, and Bristol based indie songwriter, Billy Nomates.

We also chat about how local festivals are already trickling out news of their 2023 headliners, and how a Government grant could be used to create a new community venue in the centre of Trowbridge.

We're playing out Part 2 of our Jimmy Watkins interview this week.

Previously, Jimmy was telling us about how he set up the Running Punks - an online community which supports mental health by combining music and running.

This week he talks more about his previous incarnations - including his time playing in alt-rock band Future of the Left, and then the Vega Bodegas.

He also explains why he embarked on a music career, as at the time he was a Welsh record holder for the 800 metres and starting to prepare for a place at the Olympics!

Our music choices also have a Welsh theme this week - we play a track from Jimmy's band, the Vega Bodegas, and Kieran chooses a new release from Welsh songwriter, Tom Jenkins.

We also talk about a growing trend for people to move away from streaming services in favour of physical discs, and we look at some of the gigs taking place in towns across the West in the coming week.

This week on Sheer Isolation we're joined by Mercyful Fate bassist, Becky Baldwin!

That is THE Mercyful Fate - the iconic Danish metal 80s band.

Originally from Trowbridge, Becky will soon be joining the band as they tour America; filling in for their usual bassist, Joey Vera.

She tells us how this once-in-a-lifetime chance came about thanks to her social media accounts, in particular her YouTube videos. Her online showcase has created a fantastic platform to show her skills as a session guitarist.

If you're into your classic metal bands, you may have already seen Becky play in one of her regular groups, Fury and Hands Off Gretel.

Our music choices this week include one of Fury's latest releases, and Kieran plays a tune from electro-pop duo, Pecq.

In our news section, we discuss the latest developments that are delaying much-needed renovation work at Swindon's Oasis Centre.

Our guest on Sheer Isolation this week competed for Team GB in the 800 metres, and was in Welsh alt-rock band Future of the Left.

But those stories will be told another time... This week, Jimmy Watkins is talking to us about a series of YouTube videos he made, and how they led to the creation of a new running club with a difference.

Jimmy created Running Punks after he and a friend discovered first-hand just how important regular exercise is for helping overcome mental anxieties.

During lockdown, he was encouraging musicians and music-lovers to follow his lead and go for a run.

Two years on, and Running Punks has become a worldwide tribe of amateur athletes, with clubs operating in countries across the globe.

Jimmy tells us of his surprise that his music video reviews, recorded while out running, became such a big hit on YouTube, and how the Running Punks name is continuing to gain momentum and popularity.

Jimmy's choice of track is our first Welsh spoken song on Sheer Isolation courtesy of female rock trio, Adwaith. We also play the latest release from Chippenham/Bristol group the Erotic Secrets of Pompeii, who filmed the video for this tune in Kieran's workplace.

We also talk about upcoming gigs in the region, and how Kieran has very unreliable gig buddies, leaving him with plenty of spare tickets for shows!

On this week's Sheer Isolation we play out the second part of our Johnny Black interview.

In this part, the Devizes based music journalist talks about the time he joined a new team of writers to create the Smash Hits brand.

The publication team, which launched it's first magazine in 1978, went on to produce other titles such as Mojo and Q.

Johnny tells us about his Time Machine feature for Mojo - an 'On This Day' section which still lives on through his personal website.

We also play the new single from The Streets which features Jazz Morley; a singer and pianist who's been performing in venues across the south west for years, but more recently has been supporting household names in cities across Europe.

Our other tune is from alt rockers InAir who are performing at this year's Swindon Shuffle.

Jon and Kieran also mention Wiltshire musician, Kirsty Clinch, who's new album is lighting up the iTunes charts.. We also have an update on Bristol icon Big Jeff who is on the road to recovery following a house fire.