Shows
Riffs and Scripts#43 - See You Next Year!This week we have a catch up with what we're working on, drop some big news, and do possibly the greatest muppet casting ever. We're taking a short break, but we'll be back next year with more episodes! In the meantime, please follow us on our socials, and chuck us an email some time at riffsandscripts@gmail.com
2021-10-1434 minRiffs and Scripts#42 - Interview with lyricist and writer Shoshana GreenbergThis week, Amber interviews New York based lyricist, librettist, singer, and theatre journalist Shoshana Greenberg. Shoshana also hosts the musical theatre podcast "Scene to Song".
We dig into Shoshanas primary work as writing for musical theatre, approaches to writing lyrics and music, differences between theatre in New York and Los Angeles, as well as her work as a journalist.
Check out Shoshana's work at shoshanagreenberg.com.
2021-10-0757 minRiffs and Scripts#41 - Industry NewsIt's been a big year for the performing arts industries! This week Amber and Cole discuss some updates that have happened. There are some unexpected download statistics, a countrywide shortage affecting album sales, plays to see in London and some pet peeves from the casting process.
@RiffsandScriptsPod
riffsandscripts@gmail.com
2021-09-2356 minRiffs and Scripts#40 - Rob Tognoni: An interview with The Tazmanian Devil Part 2This week it's Part 2 of our interview with Rob Tognoni, featuring the delicious Nath Digman. We talk about Rob's influences, his rig, what makes him stand out, and what AC/DC means to all of us. Plus you can expect some pretty amazing trivia about the greatest band Australia ever produced. Cant say fairer than that!
Check out Rob's music at www.robtog.com
2021-09-1653 minRiffs and Scripts#39 - Rob Tognoni: An interview with The Tazmanian Devil Part 1This week, Amber and Cole get us stuck in with the importance of fun in music, before Cole is joined by previous guest Nath Digman of Hell's Gazelles to interview Australian Blues Rocker Rob Tognoni. What's it like to play across cultural borders? What was Rob's journey into music? How did Rob and Cole meet? Enjoy Part 1, and stick around for more next week with Part 2!
Check out Rob's esteemed guitar twiddling at www.robtog.com
2021-09-0937 minRiffs and Scripts#38 - Everyone‘s a Critic!This week is all about criticism! We chat about the job of a reviewer, critique over nastiness, whose reviews you should take on board, and whose you should take with a pinch of salt. We also talk about how important it is to let bad reviews land, and the ability to take criticism. All this and more on this week's Riffs and Scripts!
2021-09-0249 minRiffs and Scripts#37 - InspirationsThis episode is all about the people we've come across in our personal lives who've inspired us, from family members and teachers, to friends and peers. We talk about what we admire about them, and some of the things we've learned from them. We also make a little time for pet peeves! What bout of twitter-flavoured injustice got on Amber's nerves? What trope made Cole angry enough to start throwing stationery? Find out on this week's Riffs and Scripts!
2021-08-2653 minRiffs and Scripts#36 - Day Jobs - AdminThis week we're returning to the subject of 'Muggle jobs', the day to day grind you do to support yourself when creativity isn't quite paying the bills. What sums up the antithesis of the creative process more than boring admin jobs?
What makes an admin job bearable? What drives us nuts? And who, WHO we ask you, keeps putting fish in the microwave? All this and more on this weeks episode of Riffs and Scripts!
2021-08-1953 minRiffs and Scripts#35 - Ranked: ReversedOn this weeks episode we enter the mirror-verse, revisiting our ranked episode on musicals and albums but switching it up: What are Cole's top 5 favourite musicals? What are Ambers top 5 albums? What band did Amber and her partner bond over? And... wait... did Cole try out for X-factor?
2021-08-121h 00Riffs and Scripts#34 - Tropes, Cliches and StereotypesThis episode is all about tropes! What daft trope has Amber been asked to perform? How do pop songwriters make a moment sound more intense? Is there any truth to performer stereotypes? Find out on riffs and scripts!
Please direct all questions, ideas, and hate mail to riffsandscripts@gmail.com, and follow us on alllllll the socials (except Twitter, we hate Twitter)
*SPOILER ALERT*
This episode contains spoilers for Endgame, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, and Loki.
2021-08-0549 minRiffs and Scripts#33 - TravelThis weeks episode is all about travel! What job caused Amber hours of endless driving? How do you transport a guitar safely by plane? What are the perks of acting overseas? What Metallica song is all about missing a loved one? Find out on our Travel episode of Riffs and Scripts!
Content warning: Please be aware that we talk about issues of sexual assault from 52 minutes to 54 and a half minutes.
2021-07-2857 minRiffs and Scripts#32 - Comedy Week with Guest Jim DalyThis week is all about comedy!
Jim Daly comes on to talk about his career as a professional comedian. Amber and Cole chat about comedy across music, musicals and Shakespeare. We continue our shout-outs to Camden Fringe 2021 productions, all with a comedic twist!
Get ready to laugh!
2021-07-221h 01Riffs and Scripts#31 - Supporting the Arts after LockdownThis week we're talking about how you at home can support the arts as we gradually emerge from lockdown. What live music app does Cole swear by? Why is it important that budding creatives see other independent shows? And why can't Cole get through a bike ride without wincing? All this, and plenty more on this weeks episode of Riffs and Scripts!
Want us to promote your upcoming production? Send us an email at riffsandscripts@gmail.com
2021-07-1535 minRiffs and Scripts#30 - Songwriting DuosThis week it's all about songwriting duos! Why was Phantom of the Opera so good? Who's Cole's favourite Beatle? And what was the message behind American Pie? All this and more on Riffs and Scripts!
2021-07-0845 minRiffs and Scripts#29 - Looking back on it: The 60sThis episode we run our 21st century eye over the swinging 60s. How do we feel about James Bond in retrospect? What's Cole's position on The Beatles? What amazing slice of the 60's doesn't get talked about enough? All this and much more on this week's episode of Riffs and Scripts.
2021-07-0153 minRiffs and Scripts#28 - Taking the KnocksLife in show biz ain't all glitz and glamour! This week we talk about rejection, how hard it can hit, and what it teaches you. Cole and Amber dig into difficult moments in our careers, when we've been rejected, and when we've rejected others; but as always, we find plenty of reasons to laugh!
2021-06-241h 08Riffs and Scripts#27 - Supporting Acts and Actors (Part 2)This week we continue our discussion about supporting artists. Amber gives us a few of her favourite actors you may have seen in supporting roles, and Cole tells us one or two of his favourite live bands you might not expect from him. What did Amber do to keep up with her french? What does Cole really think of Def Leppard? And what weird shenanigans has Amber always wondered about backstage? All this and more on this weeks episode of Riffs and scripts.
2021-06-1754 minRiffs and Scripts#26 - Practical JokesThis week, before returning to Supporting Acts and Actors, Cole and Amber discuss practical jokes we've seen, heard of, or taken part in; including a few famous band stories, and some of your own submissions! What did drummer Luke do to Cole in Croatia? What random prop found it's way into Ambers university performance? How did Lechlade Music Festival make Cole's Birthday special? How did the cast throw off the villain in Sweeney Todd? Find out in this episode of Riffs and Scripts!
2021-06-1053 minRiffs and Scripts#25 - Supporting Acts and Actors (Part 1)This week Amber and Cole discuss supporting act bands or supporting actors. Topics and tangents include Saxon, The Blackout, mosh pit etiquette, missing out on oscars and when secondary parts steal the show!
2021-06-031h 01Riffs and Scripts#24 - All things Ireland!This week, as a big thank you to our Irish following, we're celebrating all things Ireland! Amber chats about great Irish film, actors, and productions, and Cole delves into the musical life of one of his favourite Irish musicians. Expect ramblings about our relatives, why The Edge is a great guitarist, and why Cillian Murphy is just so dreamy.
2021-05-2759 minRiffs and Scripts#23 - Game DayAfter tackling a few heavy subjects over recent episodes we wanted to take some time to chill out, have a natter, and play a few games of 20 questions. Play along and see how you do!
2021-05-2052 minRiffs and Scripts#22 - Making Your Own WorkIn this episode we cover making work independently. After a brief chat about our mutual love of D&D, we talk about the importance of being creative for creativity's sake, the pitfalls of working for free, why your skills are valuable, and why your work needs to stand out from the crowd. We also talk about the practical and emotional difficulties of being a creative over lockdown, and finish up on a game of 20 question. Can you guess Amber's fictional figure?
2021-05-131h 04Riffs and Scripts#21 - Unsung HeroesIn this episode we chat about all the unsung heroes in our industries: those job roles that just don’t get enough praise. We drop in a few specific people who’ve helped us out, chat about stunt doubles, sound engineers, and finish up with a game of 20 questions! Can you guess who Cole is?
2021-05-061h 06Riffs and Scripts#20 - OriginsIn this episode, Cole and a rather sickly Amber discuss how we got into music and theatre as kids, how lucky we have been to have supportive parents, and the importance of music in media as we grew up. Enjoy Amber’s cold and chatting about our weird and wonderful families.
2021-04-2959 minRiffs and Scripts#19 - Live vs Recorded Part 2On this weeks episode we follow up our conversation on Live vs Recorded. In this episode we talk about your disposability as a performer, managing egos, camaraderie, the excitement of performing live, and we even dish out some juicy industry gossip! Plus, a DOUBLE muppets casting! Can't say fairer than that.
2021-04-221h 03Riffs and Scripts#18 - Live vs Recorded Part 1This week Amber and Cole are getting to grips with the differences between live performance and being recorded. We discuss prepping for the camera, being well rehearsed, the recording process, Stanislavski, and find plenty of common ground. Tune in again next week for Part 2!
What's more, Amber's recently appeared as a guest on theatre industry podcast The Stagey Place, which you can check out right here!
2021-04-1557 minRiffs and Scripts#17 - Tech RunsCole and Amber get to grips with what a tech run means for each of them. Expect some funny stories, some good advice, and even a muppets casting. What do you do when tech lets you down on the night?
2021-04-081h 01Riffs and Scripts#16 - Opening Numbers RANKEDAnother ranking episode focusing on opening songs. Cole gives some songs that start albums and amber opening numbers of musicals.
A light relief after some serious chat last week!
2021-04-011h 00Riffs and Scripts#15 - Serious SillinessThis is one of our more serious episodes. In one week, the royal interview and the death of Sarah Everard sparked talks about what women go through in this world. Cole and Amber wanted to openly chat about it.
We also wanted to end on some joy so share silly stories including injuries on stage and the crazy experiences in drama school auditions.
Have run and please remember that no matter how much we may disagree, we should always respect each other.
2021-03-2552 minRiffs and Scripts#14 - Nath Digman Guest!He's finally here folks!
Nathan Digman (aaaaahhhhh *harp music*) comes on to chat about running the band with Cole. Topics include the creative process, how the boys write their music, firing band members and much more.
2021-03-181h 03Riffs and Scripts#13 - Music in Film & Acting in FilmAmber and Cole go over some iconic use of music in movies, with Amber occasionally chiming in about acting in feature film.
This episode includes some unpopular opinions about some VERY popular movies. It gets a bit heated at times!
2021-03-111h 09Riffs and Scripts#12 - Kitty Underhill: Model and Body / Self Acceptance AdvocateThis week we have our first guest on the show! The truly amazing Kitty Underhill. She is a professional model and advocate for body acceptance. We discuss her career in fashion, social media and get Kitty involved in our muppets castings!
To see more of Kitty's work you can follow her instagram @kittyunderhillx
2021-03-031h 03Riffs and Scripts#11 - Back to Basics 2: Showreels and more guitars!This week Cole continues his breakdown of guitars, including different strings, tunings and guitar maintenance. Amber goes over some dos and don'ts when making a showreel.
2021-02-261h 02Riffs and Scripts#10 - RANKED! Childhood Musicals and Early AlbumsIn celebration of our tenth episode, Amber and Cole present a ranking episode. Cole describes five albums that had a musical influence on him when he was young. Amber ranks five musicals she loved as a child. Enjoy!
2021-02-181h 13Riffs and Scripts#9 - Budgets and BoothsThis week Cole focuses on the new sound booth he is building from scratch and Amber discusses how she handles her money. Topics include insulation materials, budgets, and a third muppet casting!
2021-02-1157 minRiffs and Scripts#8 - Day Jobs - BartendingMost of us have had to keep a day job or two while pursuing our creative dreams. This week is just packed with stories from bartending jobs.
2021-02-041h 12Riffs and Scripts#7 - Back to Basics 1: Headshots and GuitarsEvery actor needs headshots and pretty much every musician wants a guitar! Tangents include the long line outside gigs, arguments on car journeys and nude lipsticks.
2021-01-2857 minRiffs and Scripts#6 - CollaborationWorking with others- huge in any job but especially in the arts! Topics include devising, how to disagree productively, the hero's journey and another muppet casting!
2021-01-211h 10Riffs and Scripts#5 - Getting The GigHOW DO WE GET WORK?
Sadly there isn't one simple answer but this week Amber and Cole discuss booking gigs, working for free, support bands, self tapes and much more.
We also start playing a new game regarding castings...and muppets.
2021-01-141h 10Riffs and Scripts#4 - Agents, Accents, Bonham and PeevesThis week Cole and Amber have a good old catch up after a long pause during 2020. Topics include Amber's new agent, hiring bass players, creating work in groups and an unpopular opinion about Chicago.
Apologies for the echo - Amber didn't set her mic up right!
2021-01-0758 minRiffs and Scripts#3 - Festivals (Part 2)Back on track to chatting about Festivals! Topics include Edinburgh vs London, Bloodstock, Ibiza and dealing with the post show blues.
2020-12-3145 minRiffs and Scripts#2 - Festivals (Part One)From Reading to Edinburgh to Camden. Amber and Cole discuss the various music or theatre festivals. We got into our conversation so much (and had a few tangents) that we chose to split this episode into two. Enjoy part one!
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual harassment and sexual assault, approx 29 minutes to 36 minutes into the episode.
2020-12-2442 minRiffs and Scripts#1 - VenuesFor our first episode Amber and Cole discuss VENUES. Topics include dream gigs, Off West End theatres, sound engineers and the ever terrifying DSM.
2020-12-1737 min