Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Season 1 Finale; What We Learned & What’s Coming Next
DROPPED
In ”DROPPED,” music artists and songwriters Matt Belmont and Greg Holden share their extraordinary journeys from small-town Northern England to crafting hit records and signing major label contracts in Los Angeles. But their dreams took an unexpected turn when they were dropped by their labels before their albums were even released. As Matt and Greg connect with more artists, they uncover a shockingly common tale. They expose the real life human impact of an industry that can often treat the people making music as tax write offs and they explore whether it’s possible to pursue a dream against insurmountable odds. Join Matt and Greg as they shine a light on these untold stories, break down the industry’s hidden pitfalls, and navigate their own comeback journeys, but this time as fiercely independent artists.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
We’re back. Season two. Did you also think it might never happen? In this episode, we catch up after a much-needed break, talk about why YouTube banned our channel for using our own music, and unpack the burnout that came from trying to play the social media game.
We cover a lot; from Greg’s bold move to release his new album without streaming, to the fundamental importance of community around music and why we’re both done chasing algorithms. We also share the cover songs we made of each other’s music, which turned out to be both emotional and a little terrifying (Spoiler: Greg's took 2 hours, Matt's took 2 months).
This season, we’re doing things differently. Less clout-chasing, more connection. If you’re tired of the noise too, you’re in good company.- Matt & Greg
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
In this episode we talk with Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Amy Wadge. At 37, Amy was a struggling artist and songwriter, like so many of us searching for some kind of meaning. Enter fresh-faced unknown singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The rest as they say is history...
Sheeran's 2010 EP 'Songs I Wrote With Amy' is exactly what it sounds like: songs he wrote with Amy. In 2014 the two of them co-wrote "Thinking Out Loud", a humongous worldwide hit and the subject of an 8-year plagiarism lawsuit, which was ultimately dismissed.
Amy has written with many great artists including Alicia Keys, Camilla Cabello, Keith Urban, John Legend, Kylie Minogue, our very own Greg Holden, and so many more.
She tells us what it was like for her in the early days, what it felt like to have a huge hit, then get sued and then bounce back. We discuss her passion for music theatre and talk about the difficulties we face in our industry today.
Please enjoy this inspiring conversation with the incredible Amy Wadge.
---------------------------------
If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast at patreon.com/droppedpodcast
Thanks! - Matt & Greg
More from Amy Wadge:
instagram.com/wadge1975
More from Dropped:
instagram.com/droppedpodcastdroppedpod@gmail.com
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
In this week’s episode, Greg and Matt sit down with legendary music producer TommyD, whose near-endless list of credits includes Tom Jones, Beyoncé, Catatonia, Noel Gallagher and even Right Said Fred.
We trace Tommy’s rise from South London’s music shops and clubs to the global stage, including some brilliant Tom Jones anecdotes and the story of how a demo tape exchange with Right Said Fred catapulted him into the big leagues.
Tommy shares the philosophies and hard-won lessons that have guided his journey through multiple careers, from hitmaker to entrepreneur to industry changemaker. We also dive into what’s next in music, touching on Web3, AI and how indie skills may just give us all the edge.
Let us know your thoughts on this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with TommyD - Head over to our Instagram or drop us an email!
------------------------------------
More from TommyD:
TommyD on Instagram
TommyD on X
TommyD Website
More from Dropped:
If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast at patreon.com/droppedpodcast Thanks! - Matt & Greg
DROPPED on InstagramEmail DROPPED
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
In this episode we talk to Terry Cole, a public school teacher turned indie label head, producer, artist and co-founder of Plaid Room Records, a brick and mortar record store in Loveland, OH. Terry started selling records out of his car a decade ago and now runs two successful independent record labels; Colemine Records and Karma Chief Records, as well as his popular record store.
Terry gives us much insight into the inner workings of indie labels, as well as what to do (and what not to do) if you’re an artist trying to approach indie labels and record stores alike. In our opinion, he embodies authenticity and talking to him was a real treat for both of us. His approach to the music industry is refreshing and we learned so much from him. We know you will too.
DISCLAIMER: This episode contains A LOT of profanity even for us, so maybe don't show this one to your kids.
Tracklist of Terry's songs used in this episode:
1. Snowcat - Leroi Conroy2. If I Called You - Kendra Morris3. Dreaming - Taylor Williams
---------------------------------
If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast at patreon.com/droppedpodcast
Thanks! - Matt & Greg
More from Terry Cole:
instagram.com/leroiconroy
instagram.com/plaidroomrecords
instagram.com/coleminerecords
More from Dropped:
instagram.com/droppedpodcastdroppedpod@gmail.com