Fiona of Whisper Doll joins Grooves of Influence to talk about finding community, building a band in Brooklyn, and choosing Pink Moon by Nick Drake as her most influential album. We discuss honest songwriting, vulnerability over perfection, and how discovering Nick Drake during COVID shaped her approach to music and lyricism. Fiona shares stories about writing late at night, recording voice memos, and using instrumentation to help tell emotional stories. A warm conversation about creativity, nature, spiritual curiosity, and learning to trust your instincts as an artist.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/whisperdoll

Instagram: @whisperd0ll

Website: https://whisperdoll.neocities.org/

00:00 Meeting Fiona of Whisperdoll – Brooklyn Shoegaze Dream Pop Band Introduction

00:52 Forming Whisperdoll & Finding the Brooklyn Indie Music Scene

02:32 Choosing Nick Drake – Pink Moon | Most Influential Album Discussion

03:52 Vulnerability Over Perfection in Honest Songwriting

06:22 Nature, Spirituality & Meaning in Lyrics | Creative Process in Music

08:02 Favorite Tracks on Pink Moon (Nick Drake Album Breakdown)

09:57 Writing Late at Night, Voice Memos & Music Inspiration

12:27 Trusting Instincts & Writing Honest Songs

14:12 Building Community Through Music

16:42 Using Instruments to Tell Emotional Stories

19:12 Band Collaboration & Expanding a Shoegaze Dream Pop Sound

22:42 Advice for Independent Artists Seeking Community

25:32 Where to Find Whisperdoll + Upcoming Album

0:38 – Meet Koan of Penelope Road

2:44 – Why Penelope Road Can’t Be Boxed Into One Genre

3:56 – The Album That Changed Everything: The Beatles’ Revolver

6:20 – Tomorrow Never Knows and the Power of Experimentation

10:55 – Indian Classical Music and the Roots of Psychedelic Rock

14:55 – Philosophy, Creativity, and Writing Honest Songs

19:08 – Koan’s Guitar Pedalboard and Vintage Tone Hunt

24:55 – Other Albums That Shaped Koan (Radiohead, Bowie, Arcade Fire)

29:12 – The Balance Between Experimentation and Listenability

Koan of Penelope Road joins us on the Grooves of Influence music podcast to reflect on Revolver by The Beatles and the search for creative freedom in songwriting. We talk about developing a signature sound as an indie band, using experimental guitar tones, and writing with intention across genres like alternative rock, shoegaze, and film scores. Koan shares stories about growing up in a musical family, building pedalboards, and composing for theater and screen. A thoughtful artist interview exploring sound design, emotion in music, and how bands evolve their identity.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peneloperoad

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2BxNY82SWxJkGveOWm2oxH?si=JUH-BFDMQLG6CIib5erNZw

00:00 Introduction to Wide Orbit and Influences

02:56 The Impact of The Beatles' Revolver

05:49 Musical Journey and Early Experiences

08:50 The Mixing Process and Production Techniques

11:58 Balancing Influences and Originality

14:46 Exploring Genres and Songwriting Process

17:39 The Evolution of Musical Identity

20:39 Production Inspirations and Techniques

23:45 The Future of Wide Orbit and Upcoming Projects

Ryan Tuohy of Wide Orbit joins us to talk about Revolver by The Beatles, the record that shaped the sonic vision behind Wide Orbit’s debut album. We explore Ryan’s journey from cello to guitar, his production philosophy rooted in warmth and saturation, and how analog-inspired techniques brought modern songs to life. He shares stories of learning to let go, trusting the process, and embracing both influence and experimentation with honesty. A deep dive into DIY recording, playful grooves, and the beauty of making music that feels free.

Wide Orbit's Music:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCaV7p5qECQ6bMCVJ_gS38SA

YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC708c4Zoom4FGQSnBRJ-RyQ

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wide-orbit/1790129450

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/76wnntKKXAHupWwI7tD94X?si=BV-p4V2gTKSOZrF0XpuHfQ

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wide.orbit

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wideorbit

J.I. Gassen of Time Worm joins to break down Revolver by The Beatles — the album that flipped the switch for his love of experimentation, groove, and sonic weirdness. We talk about using the studio as an instrument, playing drums and singing live, and how Time Worm’s upcoming debut album is embracing risk, vibe, and raw energy. If you love genre-bending music and fearless artistry, this one’s for you.

Album of Influence: "Revolver" by The Beatles

Want to explore J.I. Gassen's (Timeworm) music? Find it here!

Jacob on the Moon joins us to talk about Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino by Arctic Monkeys, a cinematic concept album that shaped the ideas behind his latest EP The Gemini Club. We explore Alex Turner’s dense lyricism, visual world-building, and the creative risks that inspired Jacob’s own moonlit funk grooves. He shares how his seven-piece band evolved, why he loves auxiliary percussion, and how scoring films influenced his approach to songwriting and sound. A conversation about cohesion, concept, and finding the surreal in the groove.

Album of Influence: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic Moneys

Want to explore Jacob on the Moon's music? Check it out here!

Chicago-based musician Zac, also known as Smooth Rogers, explores the influence of Broadcast’s Haha Sound and how its experimental yet nostalgic sound shaped his artistic journey. He reflects on how the album’s unique textures and boundary-pushing production opened the door for him to explore new creative avenues, from electronic music to live instrumentation. Along the way, he discusses the impact of skateboarding culture, collaboration, and his evolving approach to making music.

Album of Influence: Haha Sound by Broadcast

Want to explore Smooth Roger's music?

Album of Influence:"Born to Die" by Lana Del Rey

Summary: In this episode of Grooves of Influence, host Xavier speaks with independent artist Nev, who shares her musical journey and the profound impact of Lana Del Rey's album 'Born to Die' on her artistry. They discuss themes of emotional vulnerability, the evolution of music production, and the challenges faced by independent artists. Nev reflects on her songwriting process, the influence of her musical education, and her excitement for upcoming projects.

Nev's Music: ⁠"Hurt You" by Nev

Musician Jason Perry joins Grooves of Influence to discuss The Doors’ debut album and its lasting impact on his musical journey. From the album’s blues and jazz influences to its raw, live energy, Jason breaks down what makes it a masterpiece. He shares insights on Light My Fire, Jim Morrison’s poetic vision, and how the album’s unique composition has influenced his own approach to songwriting and performance.

Album of Influence:The Doors by The Doors (1967)

Jason Perry's Music