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The Ukulele Podcast — Music
The Ukulele Podcast

Welcome to The Ukulele Podcast.

Whether you want to hear how James Hill put together his famous arrangement of Billie Jean, or how Jake Shimabukuro played the ukulele for the Queen, it’s all in this podcast.

Join me, John Atkins, for long-form uke-centric chats with everyone from Cynthia Lin, Bernadette Teaches Music and Victoria Vox, to Nick Cope, Bakithi Kumalo and Will Grove-White.

There’s also stories recorded on-the-go such as my behind-the-scenes account of a local ukulele festival in England, and audio diary of my trip to the NaMM music convention in Los Angeles.

Plus listener contributions about your favourite ukuleles and what they mean to you.

The Ukulele Podcast is sponsored by Kala Brand Music.

Sign up to my Patreon page for bonus content, early access and behind the scenes gossip!

Want to be on the show? Have a suggestion for someone you’d like to hear me chat with? Drop me an email to uketeacher1@gmail.com and let’s chat!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright: © John Atkins

Latest Episodes:

James Hill & Anne Janelle Dec 24, 2023

Show notes

Merry Christmas! This week I'm chatting with James Hill and Anne Janelle about their terrific new festive album, The Midnight Clear.

We also discuss:

What it's like to write and record an album with your significant other
The importance of Christmas music in today's increasingly fragmented society
The lengthy incubation period for so many creative projects
Has 2023 been a good year for them
Plans for 2024
Christmas traditions
Touring with a full orchestra
Balancing the ukulele against an orchestra - how?!

And lots, lots more.

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

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Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

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Check out my Patreon page to help support the podcast and get access to lots of backstage info and bonus material!

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

James Hill:

Official Website: https://www.jameshillmusic.com/

Uke Heads: https://www.ukeheads.com/

Uketropolis: https://www.uketropolis.com/

Anne Janelle:

Official Website: https://www.annejanelle.com/

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

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sammy Turton aka 4stringboy Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Ukulele Tales has been nominated for Best Ukulele Podcast in the 2023 Anarchy In The Ukulele Awards! VOTE HERE!

Today I'm chatting with Sammy Turton, aka 4stringboy about all sorts of things including:

Writing and recording his first album, Vejr (meaning "Weather")
How he and his wife ended up living in Copenhagen thanks to Brexit
Performing live versus performing to a backing track
The origins of Fingerstyle Fursday
The importance of learning music theory
Why he resisted joining Instagram for a long time
Why he makes his own thumb picks
Harmonics (aka 'Sparkles') explained!
The three biggest influences on his playing style
Collabing with other big stars of the ukulele world
Why he’s called 4stringboy... and it’s NOT because of the ukulele!
PRINGLES

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

Support the show and get bonus content! www.Patreon.com/UkeTeacher

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Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Sammy '4stringboy' Turton

Official Website: https://www.4stringboy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4stringboy/

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Grove-White (Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain) Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

This week I'm chatting with Will Grove-White, formerly of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Will joined the Ukes when he was just a teenager and spent well over half of his life with the band - so why did he decide to step away?

We also discuss:

Life after the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Why he decided to make his own ukuleles
Writing music for hit TV shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Fleabag
Visiting ukulele clubs all over the world
Solo projects

And lots, lots more.

There's also an extra 5 minutes of chat with Will about David Bowie's history with the ukulele, the book that he wrote, and why he probably won't be writing another one! It's available only on my Patreon page - sign up today and help support the podcast!

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

---

Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Will Grove-White:

Official Website: https://willgrovewhite.com/

Will's Book: https://willgrovewhite.com/get-plucky/

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cope (Nick Cope's Popcast, CBeebies, Candyskins) Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Today I'm really excited to be chatting to BBC star Nick Cope, of Nick Cope's Popcast fame! (And so is Percy!)

We discuss:

Making the transition from indie pop star to kid’s tv presenter
The secret of writing a good song for the whole family to enjoy
Perfoming for young children
Getting his show on the BBC
Growing up with a famous dad
How he got started playing music
Not being able to remember the notes on a fretboard
Adding the ukulele to his songs
What guitars and ukuleles he uses
A trick for keeping his ukulele in tune while recording
Having a song banned by the BBC!

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

Support Ukulele Tales on Patreon for extra content and behind the scenes info!

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Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

This episode is also sponsored by the Vidami Blue foot pedal - control YouTube with your feet and make your practice time more efficient.

Visit https://vidami.com/?ref=uketeacher and use the coupon code UKETEACHER10 for a 10% discount on the awesome Vidami Blue foot pedal.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Vidami Blue Foot Pedal: https://vidami.com/?ref=uketeacher (discount code: UKETEACHER10)

Nick Cope:

Official Website: https://nickcope.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cope.nick/

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CYNTHIA LIN! Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

We're back! After an extended summer break, Ukulele Tales returns with an exclusive interview with the world-renowned Cynthia Lin.

We discuss:

Her ambition to perform in a Broadway Musical
Her new album
Touring Europe with her band U3
Finding your people
Burnout!
Why Cynthia was ready to step away from YouTube
The hundred days of ukulele project
Getting creepy comments online
The Zone of Genius
Hiring a cinematographer to take her videos to the next level

There's also an extra 25 minutes of chat with Cynthia available only on my Patreon page - sign up today and help support the podcast!

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

---

Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

This episode is also sponsored by the Vidami Blue foot pedal - control YouTube with your feet and make your practice time more efficient.

Visit https://vidami.com/?ref=uketeacher and use the coupon code UKETEACHER10 for a 10% discount on the awesome Vidami Blue foot pedal.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Vidami Blue Foot Pedal: https://vidami.com/?ref=uketeacher (discount code: UKETEACHER10)

Cynthia Lin:

Official Website: https://cynthialin.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cynthialinmusic

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

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're All Going On A Summer Holiday! Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

A week in the life of 'The Ukulele Teacher'.

I visit a ukulele festival in Bristol, head to London to see Will Grove-White's homemade ukuleles and take in a show in the West End with Cynthia Lin!

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I'd love to hear from you! Please let me know what you think of the show or who you'd like to hear as a guest on future episodes: UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

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Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

---

I'll be appearing at the Yeovil Ukulele Festival on Sunday 10th September. Click here for more info, it sounds like it's going to be a blast!

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If you want to support the podcast, please share it with your ukulele friends and communities. You can also help fund it by signing up to my Patreon where you'll get additional content, occasional bonus mini episodes and the chance to ask questions to future guests.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/UkeTeacher

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/UkeTeacher

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich - Part Two Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

This week is part two of my conversation with the amazing Danielle Ate The Sandwich. If you haven't heard part one yet, go back and check it out!

This week we delve back into the origin story of Danielle Ate The Sandwich - primarily, how she landed on her chosen moniker, and why she didn't think she was cool enough for to be called Danielle Ate The Pizza.

We also talk a bit about how we first met at the 2015 Los Angeles Ukulele Festival, and why only one of us remembers it.

And we discuss how Danielle is now attempting to transition into the world of comedy.

If you'd like to book a place on her upcoming songwriting masterclass "Life As A Songwriter" you can find more information and tickets here - but act fast, it starts in just a few days time!

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

---

Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

---

If you want to support the podcast, please share it with your ukulele friends and communities. You can also help fund it by signing up to my Patreon where you'll get additional content, occasional bonus mini episodes and the chance to ask questions to future guests.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich:

Official website: http://danielleatethesandwich.com/

"Life as a Songwriter" Songwriting Course: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-as-a-songwriter-virtual-songwriting-course-tickets-626641269907

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/daniellesmagic

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/UkeTeacher

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/UkeTeacher

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

This week is part one of my conversation with one of the OG's of the YouTube ukulele scene - Danielle Anderson, aka Danielle Ate The Sandwich!,

Next week we'll talk all about her origin story - how she got the name Danielle Ate The Sandwich, as well as her transition into the world of comedy. But today we focus on songwriting - particularly her 24 Album songwriting challenge, and the difficulties she faces as an artist whose life is seemingly settling down.

It's a really insightful conversation and Danielle has lots of wisdom to impart. If you'd like a place on her upcoming songwriting course "Life As A Songwriter" you can find more information here.

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

---

Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

---

If you want to support the podcast, please share it with your ukulele friends and communities. You can also help fund it by signing up to my Patreon where you'll get additional content, occasional bonus mini episodes and the chance to ask questions to future guests.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich:

Official website: http://danielleatethesandwich.com/

"Life as a Songwriter" Songwriting Course: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-as-a-songwriter-virtual-songwriting-course-tickets-626641269907

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/daniellesmagic

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/UkeTeacher

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/UkeTeacher

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukulele Safari - Michela Consiglio Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

This week we're in conversation with Michela Consiglio, the founder of Ukulele Safari!

Michela shares how the Ukulele Community saved her life, and inspired her to combine her passion for the ukulele with her job as a safari guide - to create Ukulele Safari!

She also gives her unique perspective on the world, talks about her idea for a ukulele board game, how she put her neighbours' children through school by selling jewellery made out of old CDs, and asks why there's no good Google search results for "How do you get rid of a 5 tonne hippopotamus?"

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

---

This episode is sponsored by the Vidami Blue foot pedal - control YouTube with your feet and make your practice time more efficient.

Visit https://vidami.com/?ref=uketeacher and use the coupon code UKETEACHER10 for a 10% discount on the awesome Vidami Blue foot pedal.

---

Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

---

If you want to support the podcast, please share it with your ukulele friends and communities. You can also help fund it by signing up to my Patreon where you'll get additional content, occasional bonus mini episodes and the chance to ask questions to future guests.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Michela Consiglio:

Ukulele Safari: https://ukulelesafari.co.ke/

Ukulele Safari Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ukulelesafari

One Ukulele in Kenya Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ukulelesafari

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/UkeTeacher

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/UkeTeacher

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Luongo Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

This week I'm speaking to teacher, performer, and all-round ukulele great, Peter Luongo!

You may have seen Peter in the 2006 documentary The Mighty Uke, or you may have seen him performing as part of the Legacy Ukulele Ensemble. Or perhaps you know him best as James Hill's ukulele teacher.

Either way, the man is an absolute dynamo, and I was privileged to manage to get him to sit still(ish!) for about half an hour at the end of NaMM and have an in-depth conversation about everything from his thoughts on why it's important to teach the ukulele properly, to how he got started playing music, to his relationship with James Hill.

Peter is headed to the U.K. next week where he will be attending the Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, and also hosting a day-long retreat for ukulele teachers! Sadly I can't make it, but if you guys can please go and tell him I said hello!

If you have any thoughts, comments or guest suggestions for the show please send me a message to UkeTeacher@GrabYourUke.com

---

Ukulele Tales is sponsored by Kala Brand Music! For a 10% discount on anything on the Kala website, just click on my special link!

If you want to support the podcast, please share it with your ukulele friends and communities. You can also help fund it by signing up to my Patreon where you'll get additional content, occasional bonus mini episodes and the chance to ask questions to future guests.

---

LINKS:

Kala Brand Music: https://kalabrand.com/uketeacher for a 10% discount on any Kala products.

Peter Luongo:

Langley Ukulele: https://www.langleyukes.com/

Legacy Ensemble: https://www.legacyukes.com/

Ukulele Tales:

Website: http://www.UkuleleTales.com

Patreon: https://www.Patreon.com/UkeTeacher

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/UkeTeacher

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/UkuleleTales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTeacher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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