Podcast of the Week: Hefty Tomatoes

So many podcasts, so little time. This week: Hefty Tomatoes, a weekly all-vinyl records podcast!

We’re big fans of podcasts here at We Are Cult, and we’re always looking for more shows to subscribe to. So if you’re looking for ear candy, we’re here to help!

Each week we profile must-hear podcasts by giving podcast creators a platform to tell us about their shows in their own words.

This week: Peter tells us all about Hefty Tomatoes, a weekly all vinyl records podcast.

What’s your podcast about?

Hefty Tomatoes is a music podcast: I play vinyl records and chat about them. I try to give some interesting info about them or an anecdote, rather than just say how much I love it, thought there’s inevitably a bit of that too! It’s not about collecting, just good music and people enthusing about what they love. Roughly every other episode I have a guest who brings a bag of records to spin and enlightens us about them. Those ones are a bit like Desert Island discs but without Sue Lawley, so not as good!

If you had to describe your show in 10 words or less, what would you say?

A short sharp burst of vinyl grooviness!

Which episode would you recommend for a first-time listener? Do you have a favourite episode?

The recent ‘Brazilian special’ with Ivan from Rio picking the tracks was great fun and a good example of a guest episode (Year 2: Volume 19). We drank lots of caipirinhas and he played some fab tracks including some quite rare ones. We managed to break my needle mind you, a costly error. Any of the ones of me on my own are pretty representative of what you’ll get each episode!

What inspired you to create this podcast?

It was basically a spin off from my blog, Old Rope. I’d dithered over it for over a year – I’m sure I’m not alone in this. The hubris of it all! But then I thought, just do it. The worst thing that can happen is no one listens… and then it doesn’t matter. It may be a bit clichéd to say so now, but I really love the idea that podcasts allow anyone to make a radio programme no matter how niche. We Are Cult has featured some really interesting ones. The great things is that they are independent, free and fun. The tools are in the hands of the people!

Which guests have you had on your podcast so far?

It’s a really small scale affair. Vinyl nerds from around Liverpool and further afield. Some are people who DJ vinyl around the city, some are in bands, some are just great pals. Occasionally there is an international feel and I’ve had Italians, Peruvians and Brazilians. My dad has made the odd appearance and has proved oddly popular! But it’s fairly open and not hard to get a slot. If people want to appear on it then they should get in touch!

Who would be your dream guest?

Good question! Maybe one of the early hip hop pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, who’d doubtless have some interesting gems in his record collection. But ideally someone with some great stories to tell.

Which equipment do you use for your podcast set-up?

When I’m on my own it’s an AKG condenser mic (though for guests switch to a couple of Behringers) into an M-Audio Fast Track. Editing is done on Reaper.

What would you say is the best length of time for a podcast episode?

I like ’em short and sweet. I try to keep mine to half an hour, something you can listen to while you go to work or cook dinner.

Which podcasts (other than yours) would you recommend we listen to?

Liverpool music shaman Bernie Connor does an excellent one called The Sound of Music. Tuff Love Soul Club do a great one for soul. For spoken word I dig Hark! a podcast you’ve featured before.

Where is your podcast available to listen to?

As royalties are paid for the music we play it’s only on Mixcloud (who have a streaming royalties licence. Good that the artists get paid, but a shame that you can’t download it). wwwmixcloud.com/OldRope

What is the future of podcasting as a creative medium?

I think it will go from strength to strength in terms of scope and variety as the tools get even easier than they already are. Things will continue to become niche though and we might not see as many big famous name podcasts. It’s hard to predict, people like listening to weird stuff – and long may it continue!

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❉ Stream episodes of Hefty Tomatoes on Mixcloud.

❉ Have you got a podcast? Email wearecultcontent@gmail.com if you would like it to be featured.

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