Talking Albums is a series created by John McDonald, in which musicians tell us about themselves, their music and six special albums — from a go-to album to one that stands the test of time. Born during lockdown as a way to stay connected with local musician friends, the series has since grown into a video project featuring artists from Iceland to Australia. I addition to the YouTube channel, you can find us on Instagram. Hopefully, you'll discover music and support musicians.

talking albums

UK 50s-inspired guitarist, and loop-maker Emma Hunter is the latest musician to be talking albums on our YouTube channel. And here's a Spotify playlist of songs from her album choicesRecent episodes:New-wave synth-pop project Benton
Philippines funk-rock innovators Funkeestas
UK sonic shifter Ian de Quadros / Tiger Mendoza
Australian ambient guitarist Levi J. Burr

In collaboration with The Record Centre and Apt613, Talking Albums turns the spotlight on local Ottawa musicians :The Space Between
Kate Greenland
Double Experience
Kentucky
Subtrash
Peter McNestry
Naledi Sunstrum

musicians....

If you’re a musician with at least one album release, you can be Talking Albums!


classical muse

For a number of years, radio veteran David Cavlovic has presented Classical Muse — a two-hour curated selection of recordings from his extensive personal CD collection. Earlier this year, David included the Talking Albums YouTube channel in the Classical Muse broadcast outlets. Enjoy this timeless music, meant to be heard and enjoyed. A cup of tea while listening is optional.Episode 30 : Coming 10 December
Episode 29 : Mozart, Elgar, Ravel and Elizabethan songs and dances
Episode 28 : Mozart, Ireland, Brahms, Rota
Episode 27 : The First Classical Muse from October 2023
Episode 26 : Berlioz, Beethoven, Danna, Franck


playlists

Quiet + Calm is our most recent #discovermusic playlist
- take a deep breath and let go of the noise

Pauseland – August Three
Sea Oleena – Everyone with Eyes Closed
A Winged Victory for the Sullen – Minuet for a Cheap Piano
strangedream – smells like an unforgettable spirit
Umbre – Vines
Kid Koala – Fallaway (feat. Emiliana Torrini)
Also:
Dreampop : an indie dreampop sampler
Elbows Up : jazz from Canada
Hands Together : an instrumental guitar album by Jeff Goldberg


komodo dragon

Host Von Wichert and the legendary KOMODO DRAGON radio show. Four hours of wonderment!


find us here

talking albums on Surkeustalking albums on apt613the talking albums channel

During lockdown, I wondered what my musician friends were doing since they couldn't play live. And what music were they listening to?So I asked my friends and their replies became Talking Albums articles on apt613.ca.In a nutshell, Talking Albums is musicians, their music and special albums.If you are a musician with at least one album released and would like to tell more people about you and your music, consider doing an episode.You’ll video yourself on your phone / camera (in landscape) and :1) Introduce yourself and your music.
- where you’re based
- a short history
- something you’d want the viewer to know
2) Speak about six albums
- what is it about the album that you especially like?
- why did you choose this?
- any special memories related to the album?
The albums are:
- My go-to album
- The first album I bought
- A Sunday morning album
- An album more people should hear
- The last album I bought
- An album that stands the test of time
3) Mention how you can be contacted (socials, website, bandcamp, etc)If you have the album that you’re talking about, feel free to show it. If you don’t, I’ll add the cover in the video.You can send the video and a photo of you / your band to:
[email protected].
You can use wetransfer or any method that you'd like.
I’ll edit and post the final piece on the Talking Album YouTube channel. Ottawa musicians will be posted on the apt613 YouTube channel.Let me know if you have any questions.Thanks!
John McDonald


Here are two episodes to give you an idea what it looks like: