An episode to help with getting through isolation. Here are 5 songs chosen to put some good vibes and positivity into everyone's day :) 

Obsessed By Music

5 Songs To Play During Isolation

Have you ever worn an eye mask? OK, how about putting on an eye mask before listening to an album? In this episode I share an experience I had doing exactly that - when I sat down and wore an eye mask while listening to music. Total darkness, no lights, no visual distractions, nothing but sound, obsessed by music. 

An Eye Mask For Music?

In this episode I speak with Michael O'Neal, during which we have a wide-ranging conversation about the different facets of music. Michael is a drummer, audiophile, and fellow music-lover. He hosts the 'Beginner Audiophile' Podcast, dedicated to bridging the gap between niche hi-fi and mass audio brands. He also runs an award-winning podcast called 'The Solopreneur Hour'. 

A Conversation About Music With Michael O'Neal

Although I often listen to music alone (and usually late in the evening), that isn't always the case! Sometimes a buddy comes around and we enjoy listening to records together, so this OBM episode is about exactly that. Tune in as I run through my tips for sharing the experience of listening to music with a friend. 

Tips For Enjoying Music With A Listening Buddy

In this OBM episode I talk about listening to music as the only activity - exploring the idea of listening without distractions, focusing on the music itself rather than anything else, and the difference between hearing something and actually listening to it!  

Listening To Music Like Nothing Else Matters

An invitation for Bob to join me for an episode of the OBM Podcast. The answer my friends, is currently blowing in the wind ;)  In celebration of the release of Bob Dylan's latest album 'Rough And Rowdy Ways' - I recorded this little thing, as I was thinking about his last studio album of original material ('Tempest'). 

An Invitation For Bob Dylan

Do you remember instrumental music? Do you need to? These are a couple of questions I pose when it comes to listening to music that doesn't have vocals and words. Can you 'remember the time' that you heard a piece of instrumental music that you couldn't forget? 

Remember Instrumental Music?

Have you ever gone to a concert that had a couple of bands playing but you came mainly to see one act? Well that's exactly what happened when a friend and I went to see Fishbone and Trombone Shorty play on a cool double-bill together. 

No Opening Act - Fishbone And Trombone Shorty

In this episode is my song-by-song review of Anna Calvi’s album ‘Hunter’. It’s a stunning work that both challenges and excites the listener. From a whisper to a scream, from a girl to a boy, from the hunted to a hunter - majestic vocals and music accompany its convention-bending themes. Primal. Real. 

Anna Calvi Is The Hunter And The Hunted

After recently becoming a father, I talk about the music we are now listening to with a baby in the room and the impact of older music on a pair of brand new ears :) 

New Father, Old Music!

Here is Part 2 of my chat with Dan Condon, Music Editor at Australian Radio Station Double J. We talk about music criticism, Bob Dylan, his favourite live music performances and more! 

A Conversation With Double J's Music Editor Dan Condon (Part 2)

In this episode of the OBM Podcast I speak with Dan Condon, Music Editor at Australian Radio Station Double J. We talk about his musical upbringing, experiencing musical history in the American south, musicians in the internet age, life as a music journalist and more!     

A Conversation With Double J's Music Editor Dan Condon (Part 1)

After listening to some recent music podcasts where I recognised that certain 'best album' lists where created with the aim of highlighting only certain 'types' of artists, I share some thoughts about music segregation. 

Thoughts On Music Segregation

20 years ago Ms. Lauryn Hill released a stone-cold classic album. She broke the mould, inspired a generation and built a lasting legacy as a solo artist. 20 years later, it's her only solo studio album.  In this episode I talk about the album, the time that has passed since its release, what Lauryn has been doing in the intervening years and I ask the question: is one classic album enough? 

20 Years Since The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill - Is One Classic Album Enough?

What draws us in to connecting with certain songs or albums whilst not with others? I've been battling with this question myself and have finally reached a conclusion!  In this episode, I talk about the essential ingredients in the music that I enjoy the most: emotion and feeling.   

Feeling The Music!

Obsessed by Music is a podcast where Rob Esse presents monologues and conversations about an obsession - the obsession is music. You will hear artist, album and song recommendations, interviews with musicians, and the inner thoughts of a music obsessive who was once personally invited by Prince for a night out on the town in New York!