Some people write about music.
Others live it, breathe it and somehow find a way to put it all into words that actually mean something.
This week on Misadventures in Music, Ian Prowse and Mick Ord are joined by author and music journalist Penny Kiley, for a conversation that drifts beautifully between storytelling, memory and the strange magic of writing about sound.
This is not your typical interview. It is more like sitting in on a conversation where the lines between music, life and writing start to blur.
More Than Just Words on a Page
Penny is not interested in simply documenting music. She is interested in capturing what it feels like.
The atmosphere. The energy. The moments that stay with you long after the last note fades.
She talks about how writing about music is not just about facts or timelines. It is about translating something emotional into something readable. Which, when you think about it, is a bit like trying to describe a dream without losing the feeling of it.
And somehow, she makes that sound almost easy.
Finding the Story in the Noise
One of the most engaging parts of this episode is hearing how Penny approaches her craft.
There is no rigid formula. No step by step blueprint.
Instead, it is about instinct, curiosity and being open to where a story might lead. Sometimes that means following a thread that was never part of the original plan. Sometimes it means sitting with an idea until it finally reveals itself.
It is less like building something and more like uncovering it.
The Human Side of Music
What really comes through in this conversation is Penny’s ability to see beyond the surface.
Music is not just records and reviews. It is people, personalities and moments in time.
She reflects on the importance of telling those stories with honesty and sensitivity, especially when dealing with artists whose lives are often more complicated than the headlines suggest.
It is a reminder that behind every song, there is a story waiting to be told properly.
Why This Episode Stays With You
If you have ever tried to explain why a song matters to you and struggled to find the right words, this episode will resonate.
If you love music journalism, storytelling or just hearing how creative minds work, there is plenty here to get stuck into.
Ian and Mick keep things relaxed and open, allowing the conversation to breathe and go where it needs to. The result is something thoughtful, engaging and quietly powerful.
Misadventures in Music: Penny Kiley
Some stories are written.
Others are felt first and written later.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.
