Dan Astles on music, masculinity and sad but beautiful story that inspired his debut album

The Proper Mental Podcast

Welcome to episode 202 with Dan Astles, who is a musician and singer songwriter from Liverpool who makes music under the name Astles, either on his own or alongside a 10 strong musical collective called The Balloon Moon Orchestra.

Dan has a new album on the way that has a very sad but beautiful story behind it. Dan’s uncle Joseph died by suicide before he was born, but it was often commented on by the family that they had things in common. While searching through his Nana’s loft, Dan found glimpses in to his uncle’s life through a collection of albums, posters, gig tickets and assorted memorabilia from a fellow music lover.

Amongst this musical treasure trove was also a mix tape titled ‘Soundtrack for the 21 Bus Home’ and it was this collection of songs, and everything he found with it, that inspired his most recent E.P and upcoming album, which is named after his uncle’s handcrafted playlist.

In this episode I chat to Dan about his uncle’s passing, how it has impacted his family through the years and how he felt that impact around him growing up.

We chat about his upcoming album and how his uncle’s collection of songs inspired him to reflect on his own struggles with his mental health.

And we also chat about growing up as a young lad on Merseyside while embracing the softer side of masculinity, working with local legends Bill Ryder-Jones and Mick Head and what it was like to play one of his tunes for Sir Paul McCartney.

Dan and I were acquaintances before having this conversation but since chatting I feel like I can call him a mate. We were able to record this episode in person, over a cup of tea, and it was an absolutely lovely way to spend a morning!

Follow Astles on socials @astlesmusic

Pre-order the new record here: Soundtrack For The Twenty One Bus Home | Astles

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Thanks for listening!