Behind the Scenes of an indie artist

Sharon Vaughn is a Florida native whose first notable success as a songwriter came in 1976 when Waylon Jennings recorded her “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” on Country’s first platinum album, Wanted: The Outlaws. (Willie Nelson’s version – which appeared in the film The Electric Horseman – would top the Country charts in 1980. In 2021, the song was selected by the Western Writers of America as one of the Top 100 Western Songs of All Time.)
Sharon’ first hit single was with The Oak Ridge Boys’ 1977 smash “Y’all Come Back Saloon.” Since then, Sharon has written more than a dozen Top 40 Country hits, including “Broken Promise Land” by Mark Chesnutt, “Til A Tear Becomes A Rose” by Keith Whitley & Lorrie Morgan, “I’m Not That Lonely Yet” by Reba McEntire, “Lonely Too Long” by Patty Loveless, “Out Of My Bones” by Randy Travis, “Powerful Thing” by Trisha Yearwood, and “Trip Around The Sun” by Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride (also #1 Bluegrass in 2024 for Bronwyn Keith-Hynes w/ Dierks Bentley).
In 2008, Sharon moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where she lived and worked for seven years. During this time, her song “Release Me” by Swedish Pop artist Agnes reached #1 on Billboard’s U.S Dance chart and became a hit in more than 40 countries. In 2021, Sharon became the first songwriter to have three songs from three different countries (Estonia, Moldova, and Greece) represented in the Eurovision Song Contest.
In addition to numerous hits with artists in Europe and Japan – including Belgium’ Kate Ryan, Greece’s Stefania, Germany’s Stefanie Heinzmann, Japan’s EXILE, Australia’s Delta Goodrem, and Ireland’s Boyzone – Sharon continues to pursue her passion for musical theatre, writing for projects such as The Sweet Potato Queens, Breathe, and Fighting Star. Sharon was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, and she’s also one of the funniest, wittiest and warmest people I’ve had the pleasure of working and writing with…
 
Chapter Timestamps: 
Chapter 1: 06:50
Chapter 2: 25:12
Chapter 3: 58:38
 
Sharon's fave Auburn track: Perfect Imperfections
Sharon's induction to the NSHoF: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
Sharon’s website: https://www.sharon-vaughn.com/songwriting
Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠
Voices for Change: ⁠www.voicesforchange.co.uk
 
Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.
Artwork by Donovan Lenten.
Edited by Liz Lenten.
Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.
Theme music by Liz Lenten, Gustavo Andriewiski, Daniel Ahrens.
Guests' favourite Auburn tracks: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5H3yDmqJeLbFjD5F2f2log

Today we’re joined by filmmaker and visual artist Donovan Lenten, who gained a Masters degree at the London Film & TV School and makes work that sits somewhere between animation, sculpture, and experimental film.
Coming from a fine art background, Donny creates these beautifully tactile, handcrafted films using materials like porcelain, charcoal, and pixilation. Their work dives into themes like grief, identity, and transformation, and has screened at places like the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, as well as across the UK’s experimental film scene.
And as if that wasn’t enough, they’re also a seriously talented musician and songwriter - playing guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele and harp… honestly, it’s all a bit unfair!!
 
Chapter Timestamps: 
Chapter 1: 07:50
Chapter 2: 23:04
Chapter 3: 41:43
 
Donny's fave Auburn track: I drank
Donny’s website: www.donovanlenten.com 
Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠
Voices for Change: ⁠www.voicesforchange.co.uk
 
Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.
Artwork by Donovan Lenten.
Edited by Liz Lenten.
Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.
Theme music by Liz Lenten, Gustavo Andriewiski, Daniel Ahrens.
Guests' favourite Auburn tracks: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5H3yDmqJeLbFjD5F2f2log

Tony Morley is one of those rare musicians whose talent feels almost limitless. A full-time professional for most of his life, he has built a reputation as a true multi-instrumentalist — the kind of player who can pick up virtually anything and, within minutes, make it sound effortlessly world-class.
Over the years, Tony’s musical journey has seen him collaborate with some genuine icons, including Jefferson Starship, LiveDead69, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. His touring credits are just as impressive, sharing stages with artists such as The Real Thing, Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, Slade, It Bites and Art Garfunkel.
 
Chapter Timestamps: 
Chapter 1: 07:50
Chapter 2: 23:04
Chapter 3: 41:43
 
Tony's fave Auburn track: I would fall down
 
Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠
Voices for Change: ⁠www.voicesforchange.co.uk
 
Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.
Artwork by Donovan Lenten.
Edited by Liz Lenten.
Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.
Theme music by Liz Lenten, Gustavo Andriewiski, Daniel Ahrens.
Guests' favourite Auburn tracks: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5H3yDmqJeLbFjD5F2f2log

Sarah Cairncross is a Scottish make-up artist whose career has taken her everywhere from film sets and theatres to opera houses, photo shoots, and even celebrity dressing rooms. Based in Edinburgh, she’s spent over twenty years helping bring characters to life.
She has worked on an incredible mix of projects, including Outlander, Tommy’s Honour, Castles in the Sky, and commercials for brands like IRN-BRU, Diesel, Dulux, and Peugeot. In the theatre world, she’s been a regular creative at the Royal Lyceum and the Edinburgh International Festival, working across wigs, hair, SFX, and make-up design for productions such as The Crucible, Cosi Fan Tutti, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
She’s worked with some incredible people from Mark Ronson to Andy Murray and Nicola Sturgeon to Auburn!!.
Before becoming a make-up artist, she explored a wide range of creative paths — interior design, photography, painting, and even horse training.
With an inordinate amount of giggling, join us as we chat to Sarah about everything from wigs to her very scary brain injury.
 
Chapter Timestamps: 
Chapter 1: 08:00
Chapter 2: 47:24
Chapter 3: 1:13:28
 
Sarah's fave Auburn track: In My Blood
 
Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠
Voices for Change: ⁠www.voicesforchange.co.uk
 
Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.
Artwork by Donovan Lenten.
Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.
Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.
Guests' favourite Auburn tracks: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5H3yDmqJeLbFjD5F2f2log

Gus Andriewiski is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and music producer specializing in rock, with over two decades of experience in sound for cinema, television, and live performance. A skilled collaborator, he is known for his ability to mix, master, produce, and co-write with artists across genres
He runs his own studio and has full access to Brazil’s top recording facilities. As a Music Director for TV and theatrical productions, he has worked with all major companies in the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and leading global streaming platforms.
Always at the forefront of technology, he’s fluent in the latest audio innovations, including Dolby Atmos, and regularly works with a trusted network of top-tier musicians to elevate every project he touches.
He is also the lead vocalist and co-founder of Falls Circus, an alternative rock project blending powerful vocals, poetic lyricism, and cinematic production.
 
Chapter Timestamps: 
Chapter 1: 08:30
Chapter 2: 26:40
Chapter 3: 51:30
Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠
Voices for Change: ⁠www.voicesforchange.co.uk
Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.
Artwork by Donovan Lenten.
Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.
Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.

Justin Grealy has been a powerhouse in live sound for over 30 years, pairing deep technical mastery with a genuine love of the craft. He’s worked with an extraordinary roster of artists including (but not limited to) Joe Strummer, Pulp, The Cranberries, Amy Winehouse, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Libertines, and Auburn.Beyond the mixing desk, Justin is an educator, lecturer, and even a talented cook. Known for his meticulous approach (he’s credited with inspiring the verb “to Greal’” meaning to label everything on and around a stage with clarity and care), Justin has quite literally shaped how live sound is experienced.Chapter Timestamps: Chapter 1: 00:00Chapter 2: 31:40Chapter 3: 60:00Web: www.soulsound.co.ukEmail: justingrealy@gmail.comPodcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠Voices for Change: ⁠www.voicesforchange.co.ukRecorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.Artwork by Donovan Lenten.Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.

A seven-time Grammy Award winner and longtime pillar of the Nashville music scene, Mark Fain is a powerhouse bassist and producer whose career spans more than three decades. From humble beginnings playing in his uncle’s band in East Tennessee, Mark’s journey has taken him to the heart of some of the most celebrated recordings in American music.Equally at home in gospel, bluegrass, jazz, and country, Mark has performed and recorded with a remarkable list of icons, including Dolly Parton, John Fogerty, Ricky Skaggs, Martina McBride, Joe Diffie, Charlie Haden, and Jack Black. He recently produced No Worries for Grammy-nominated gospel group Karen Peck and New River, continuing his dedication to meaningful and soul-stirring music. He also co-produced the Grammy-nominated Rambling Boy: Charlie Haden Family & Friends.Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the mixing board, Mark Fain brings a rare combination of technical mastery, creative vision, and heartfelt storytelling.Chapter Timestamps: Welcome: 0:20 - 6:38Chapter 1:6:38 - 14:40Chapter 2: 15:14 - 30:15Chapter 3: 30:55 - 43:00IG: @markfainWeb: https://www.markfain.comPodcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠Voices for Change: www.voicesforchange.co.ukRecorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.Artwork by Donovan Lenten.Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.

Emerging in 2021, Dante Augustus has quickly built a name for himself through a compelling blend of nostalgic soul, sharp lyricism, and an unmistakable vintage flair. His breakout singles, including "Freestyle 23," "King Talk," and 'Smokey mirrors' showcase his range - from thought-provoking songs to playful, stylised storytelling.Drawing inspiration from the golden eras of hip-hop and country while pushing his own creative boundaries, his visual presence - deeply influenced by retro fashion, analog textures, and classic music visuals - have made his live performances and videos a huge draw.He has opened for icons such as Slick Rick and K-OS, and continues to build a loyal following through both his live shows and digital presence.Beyond music, Dante is driven by a strong sense of purpose, with long-term aspirations that include community outreach and youth mentorship through arts and education. With a distinct voice, original vision, and a commitment to culture, Dante Augustus is not just making music-he's making his mark.Chapter Timestamps: Welcome: 0:00 - 7:27Chapter 1: 7:45 - 22:45Chapter 2: 23:21 - 41:05Chapter 3: 42:05 - 1:03 Dante is rebranding his socials but we will put the new links here when they are up!Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.Artwork by Donovan Lenten.Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.

Mo Pleasure is a renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer who began playing piano at age four and went on to master bass, trumpet, guitar, drums, and violin by his teens. A University of Connecticut music graduate, Mo launched his professional career with the legendary Ray Charles and quickly became a go-to session musician. His incredible versatility and musical brilliance have seen him share the stage and studio with some of the biggest names in music history; including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, George Duke, Roberta Flack, and Earth, Wind & Fire, where he served as both a member and musical director. Mo was also the keyboardist for Michael Jackson’s highly anticipated This Is It tour, scheduled for London’s O2 Arena in 2009.Chapter Timestamps: Welcome: 00:29Chapter 1: 4:25Chapter 2: 14:00Chapter 3: 50:13IG: @MorrispleasureFB: @MoplayX: @MopleasureWeb: http://www.mopleasure.comPodcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz LentenRecorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.Artwork by Donovan Lenten.Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.

Cat Aimi can be summed up simply…out of the box. She’s beautifully different with a peaceful air of contentment and positivity. With a voice strangely reminiscent of Eva Cassidy's purity, the heat of Stevie Nicks and smokey tones of Miley Cyrus, Cat Aimi reaches into your soul and gives it a massive hug with her deep authenticity and profound positivity.Cat’s already achieved 3x No1 iTunes success with her band ‘The Wanted Sisters’, has collaborated with numerous no1 hit songwriters, and had multiple sync placements, including British rap ‘Peaceful Warrior’ in an upcoming documentary.Chapter Timestamps: Welcome: 0:00Chapter 1 - Where, Who, What, How, When? - 5:32Chapter 2 - 10 Questions - 21:24Chapter 3 - The Ribbon on the Box - 58:18Cat's fave Auburn track: Don't Give UpCat's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cataimiofficial/Cat's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cat.aimi/Please check out the incredible "Fruitful Fundraising" project that Cat supports and donate if you possibly can. Just a £2 donation will make a huge difference: ⁠⁠https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fruitful/⁠Podcast Email: ⁠⁠⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠http://www.auburn.org.uk/⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Recorded and produced by Lantana Hewitt.Artwork by Donovan Lenten.Edited and theme music by Liz Lenten.Podcast producer Daisy Gilham.