In this episode, I’m joined by drummer, educator, and all-round powerhouse Taylor Douglas.
An inspiring drum teacher and musician, Taylor has performed with acts including The Soulenikoes, Flynn Effect, Johnny Uppercut, Brooklyn’s Finest, House Too Crowded, Uptown Funk, and Caution:Thieves, as well as backing artists such as Emily Williams, Elle Skies, and Catholic Guilt. He’s also taken the stage at major televised events like the Cricket World Cup at the MCG and the NRL Finals at AAMI Park.
We talk about his journey through Melbourne’s western suburbs into the world of professional drumming, his studies with various teachers and music institutions, and his passion for teaching. Taylor teaches at various schools, including Balwyn High School, where he taught podcast host Luke in his final VCE year. Taylor shares reflections on mentorship, musicianship, and the value of persistence, both behind the kit and in life.
We finish with a chat about his more recent pursuit — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — where he has become a medal-winning competitor.
A grounded, energetic, and insightful conversation with one of Melbourne’s most dedicated.
In this episode, I’m joined by trumpeter Travis Woods — best known as the driving force behind the iconic brass band Horns of Leroy. Since completing his studies at Monash University in 2012, Travis has become a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene, performing at major festivals and venues around the country and the world.
We talk about his beginnings with the trumpet, how Horns of Leroy started and has continued to thrive for over a decade, and what it takes to sustain a project built on energy, community, and live performance. Travis also shares stories from the road, including touring with Lauryn Hill, and reflections on his work with artists such as Guy Sebastian, Tex Perkins, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda, Kate Ceberano, James Morrison, and more.
A great chat with one of the hardest-working musicians in Australia.
For more of Travis Woods visit:
In this episode, I’m joined by James Sherlock, one of Australia’s most respected jazz guitarists.
We talk about his New Zealand roots, the transition from classical to jazz guitar, his early studies and mentors, and how those lessons continue to influence his approach today. James shares stories from his various collaborations, reflects on improvisation and artistic identity, and talks about performing with Paul Grabowsky and Emma Donovan for The Old Rugged Cross and regular gigs at Uptown Jazz Cafe with Ben Hanlon. Sherlock even shares one of his most memorable (and disastrous) gigs performing a live movie soundtrack with legendary film composer Howard Shore.
As a bandleader, James has released six albums and worked with artists including Sheila Jordan, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Riley, Leroy Jones, Rick Margitza, Martin Taylor, Paul Grabowsky, Megan Washington, Joe Camilleri, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. His recordings feature collaborations with Ben Hanlon, Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning, Emma Gilmartin, and Jake Mason, and he recently recorded for François Tétaz’s film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage.
James has toured extensively across more than twelve countries, performing at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (opening for George Benson and Al Jarreau), Melbourne Recital Centre, A Trane in Berlin, and Jazz Dock in Prague. In 2021, he was featured soloist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Blood on the Floor, and his trio appeared in the ABC TV Jazz Series “The Pulse.”
A thoughtful and grounded conversation with a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene — one whose work continues to shape the sound of Australian jazz.
Checkout more from these links:
https://www.instagram.com/james.marcus.sherlock/
https://www.youtube.com/@jamessherlock1557/videos
https://jamessherlock.bandcamp.com/album/the-verb-not-the-noun
https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-art-of-the-possible-concierto
https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-art-of-the-possible-the-old-rugged-cross
https://sherlockhanlonduo.bandcamp.com/album/sherlock-hanlon-duo
Making Music for Every Age – From Indie Folk to ARIA-Winning Kids Tunes
In this episode, I chat with songwriter, musician, and one half of Teeny Tiny Stevies and The Little Stevies, Beth Stephen. We talk about her long-standing creative partnership with her sister Byll, how their indie-folk beginnings evolved into one of Australia’s most loved children’s music acts, and honest thoughts of a working musician.
Beth shares insights into balancing creativity and commercial opportunity, why kids deserve music made just for them, and what it’s been like building a career that’s grown alongside their audience. We also mention their ARIA and AIR Award wins, collaborations with ABC Kids and Zoos Victoria, and what’s next as the band’s youngest fans start to grow up.
A fun and thoughtful conversation with lots of laughs, stories from the road, and reflections on making meaningful music — no matter who’s listening.
This week is a special one—our first-ever double guest episode! I’m joined by Lauren and Sheridan Harvey, the powerhouse pop-rock duo Lash 78. Known for their huge vocals, high-energy performances, and guitar-driven sound, these Melbourne-based sisters have built a loyal fan base through their electrifying live shows and infectious original music.
Before we hit record, Lauren and Sheridan played me some new demo tracks, including “Heartbreak Lane”—a killer pop-rock track with driving beats, dynamic half-time shifts, and, of course, their amazing harmonies. We talk about their new music, the writing and recording process, and what it means to be an artist in today’s industry. They also share their excitement about gearing up to release new music and hit the stage again in the near future.
Beyond the music, we get into what it’s like working with a sibling, the impact of viral moments and social media, and their journey from early musical influences to finding their sound and building their brand. We also chat about the creative process—singing, making videos, songwriting, and recording. Plus, they share the story behind Lash 78.
This was an energetic, fun, and insightful chat with two incredibly talented artists—don’t miss it!
This week, I’m joined by Thomas Waltrich — a drummer, Twitch streamer, educator, and content creator based in Naarm/Melbourne. With a background in jazz and contemporary music from Monash University, Thomas has played across a wide range of genres, from folk and post-rock to punk hardcore and free improvisation. His passion for drumming and creativity is at the heart of everything he does, whether it’s performing, recording, or sharing his journey online.
But Thomas’s story isn’t just about music—he’s also a full-time school teacher and has spent time living overseas, immersing himself in different cultures, learning languages, and taking part in skill exchanges that have shaped his perspective on music and life. We talk about how those experiences influenced his creative approach, as well as the challenges of moving to a new city and rebuilding connections from scratch.
We also dive into leading a music project, navigating social media as a musician (including his work in Instagram drumming and Twitch streaming), and balancing a full-time job with the pursuit of a music career. Thomas shares how his relationship with music has evolved over time—including stepping away and coming back—and what it means to create for passion rather than expectation.
There’s a lot of trying and a lot of challenges, but also plenty of insight, creativity, and inspiration in this conversation. If you're a musician figuring out how to balance multiple pursuits, this one is for you!
This week, I’m joined by Nathan Liow — an award-winning jazz pianist and composer who has been a key figure in Melbourne’s jazz scene, performing regularly at venues like Jazzlab, Paris Cat, Birds Basement, and Uptown. He’s studied with some of the world’s best, including Fred Hersch, Vijay Iyer, Geri Allen, Andrea Keller, and Tony Gould, and his compositions have been featured in film soundtracks, installation works, and gallery spaces.
Beyond his jazz career, Nathan is also the artist behind Life Is Better Blonde, a solo project that quickly gained critical acclaim. In 2015, it had a rapid rise, earning a J Award nomination, Triple J rotation, and a spot in BBC 1Xtra’s Top 5 Future R&B. With millions of streams, it was an unexpected success—but we also reflect on how quickly the moment passed and what that taught him about the music industry, expectations, and making music for yourself.
We also discuss keeping an audio journal, his creative process, and balancing live band energy vs. studio production. And fair warning—I was crazy tired from a uni exam when we recorded this, so the chat gets a little all over the shop at times, but it made for an authentic and fun conversation.
This was an awesome chat—don’t miss it!
Here's some of the links we mentioned -
Mine (Directed by Natalie James) https://youtu.be/FhnYVKeUwfo
Fires (Directed by Natalie James) https://youtu.be/i8KyhFRQDpQ
Follow Me (Directed by Natalie James) https://youtu.be/l0J11zbknUM
Jazz/Improv album with Paris Favilla
Operasphere https://open.spotify.com/album/7kIJKo81xDcAGCd92mKP0F?si=6WyCTvHHQBOnFIaC5gvcBQ
Website www.nathanliow.com AND www.lifeisbetterblonde.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/nathanliowpiano AND https://www.instagram.com/libblonde/
This week, I’m joined by Kat Greta — a singer-songwriter, percussionist, and rising artist in the Pop and Indie scenes. Known for her catchy melodies, live looping, and dynamic percussion work, Kat blends retro influences with a fresh, modern energy, crafting music that is both deeply personal and widely resonant.
We talk about her musical journey—from starting as a performer to stepping into the world of songwriting and production. A key part of that evolution has been her collaboration with acclaimed producer Lindsay Gravina (Adalita, Eskimo Joe, The Living End), who has been instrumental in helping her refine her sound. Kat shares how she developed a strong musical relationship with Lindsay, gaining insight into the production process, co-producing her own music, and receiving invaluable advice that has shaped her artistry.
We also discuss the challenges of building an original music career at a stage where many artists have already been established—navigating the music scene as an independent artist, building confidence as a songwriter and producer, and pushing forward in an industry that often focuses on younger artists. On top of that, Kat shares her experience in the Soundhive competition, being chosen by industry veteran Tim Dalton, and how she’s making space for herself in the music world on her own terms.
This was an insightful and inspiring chat with an artist who is embracing her creative path and making music that truly connects—don’t miss it!
This week, I’m joined by the incredibly talented JIM ALXNDR—a producer, artist, and multi-instrumentalist whose journey through music has taken him across the world. From growing up in a small town in the UK to moving to Australia, studying jazz and contemporary music at VCA, and then heading to Berklee and LA to further develop his craft, Jim’s story is one of exploration, creativity, and constant evolution.
We dive into his musical journey—starting with saxophone at school, being thrown into gigs at a young age, developing a passion for jazz, and transitioning into production and songwriting. Now based back in Australia, Jim continues to work across the US, UK, and Europe, collaborating with a range of artists. We talk about the differences in music education between the US and Melbourne, his approach to studio production vs. live performance, and the creative process behind his work.
We also discuss his collaborations, including producing "Slave" with Angie McMahon, which has amassed over 600K streams on Spotify. And, of course, we chat about his latest project, The Light EP, and his EP launch at Northcote Social Club.
This was an enjoyable, insightful, and sometimes deep conversation—filled with laughs about music school, reflections on purpose and creativity, and even some thoughts on tattoos and sun breaks. Jim’s passion for music is infectious—don’t miss this one!
This week, I’m joined by Michaela Jayde — a powerhouse Soul/R&B artist, dynamic performer, and an incredible vocalist who has been a key figure in Melbourne’s music scene for over a decade. With a voice that effortlessly blends classic soul with modern R&B, Michaela has worked with artists like Tones & I, Stan Walker, Jerome Farah, Kylie Auldist, Ben Abraham, Thndo, WILSN, and more.
In this episode, we dive into her purpose and intention with music—what drives her, the deep connection she has to singing, and how she balances artistry with the demands of the industry. We talk about her experience on a singing competition TV show, the positive relationships and opportunities that came from it, but also the challenges and tensions she felt between music as an expression and music as a competition.
Michaela shares the story behind posting a cover online and then being invited to sing live with Teddy Swims, as well as her journey growing up in a musical family, studying music, and drawing inspiration from Erykah Badu, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Donny Hathaway.
We also discuss her passion for vocal technique and her deep knowledge of backing vocals—nerding out on harmonies and the craft of supporting other artists. And, on top of all this, we talk about motherhood, tribute shows, and releasing her own original music.
Michaela is such a warm, inspiring presence—her strength, talent, and intention shine through in everything she does. This was a brilliant conversation—don’t miss it!
This week, I’m joined by Brayden Becher — a powerhouse drummer deeply embedded in Melbourne’s metal scene, particularly doom metal. Brayden doesn’t just play in one or two bands—he’s currently drumming for six different projects, including Ghost Smoker, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows, Holy Serpent, KVLL, Aglobrutal, and Ahr Beka.
We dive into what it’s like balancing that many projects, his experience growing up with music—starting drums at age four but being banned from playing during high school—and the wild story of auditioning for a band. Along the way, we explore the Melbourne metal scene, the unique characteristics of doom metal, and some of life’s big questions.
We also talk about the importance of friends and family and the role they play in shaping a musician’s path. This was a really enjoyable chat, full of insight into a world of music I knew little about—don’t miss it!
For more visit aredrummersmusicians.com
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant James Davies — drummer for Black Jesus Experience and a seasoned professional in the music theatre world. Originally from Northern Victoria, James moved to Melbourne to study at Box Hill Institute, where he trained under some of the best, including Dave Beck, Tony Floyd, and Robi Parolin. Since then, he’s built a career that spans jazz, funk, drum & bass, Ethiopian rhythms, and theatre drumming, performing on productions like Groundhog Day.
We start this chat a little differently—James is not only an amazing musician but also a dedicated listener of the podcast! We talk about his thoughts on how the show evolved over its first 30 episodes, and I share some of my own reflections on its direction, and what I’m trying to achieve with it. If you want to jump straight into James’ story, skip the first 10 minutes!
From touring China with Black Jesus Experience to blending traditional Ethiopian music with contemporary grooves, to life as a music theatre drummer, this conversation covers a huge range of topics. James is an insightful, versatile musician with a fascinating journey—don’t miss it!
This week, I’m joined by the absolute legend Jess Ellwood — a drummer, guitarist, and all-around great musician who has built a career touring and recording with some of Australia’s finest artists.
We talk a lot about tour life—the highs, the challenges, and what it takes to be a good hang on the road. Jess plays drums for Alex Lahey and guitar for Angie McMahon, and we dive into what it’s like shifting between roles, playing different instruments in different bands, and making the leap to full-time music.
Beyond performing, we chat about their time with The Sweethearts, their experience as a teacher, and the importance of long-term friendships with musicians—how growing together in the scene has shaped their career. This was a lovely, insightful, and inspiring conversation—don’t miss it!
For more visit aredrummersmusicans.com
This week, I’m joined by the incredible Selene Messinis — also known as SOLUNE — a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, and educator whose career spans genres from jazz and R&B to metal and circus performance. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Selene has worked with artists including thndo, Nikodimos, Bumpy, NO ZU, Gordon Koang, Parvyn, Harper Bloom, Don Glori, Teether, and RAMEN, while also developing her own unique artistic voice.
In this episode, we discuss their journey with music, including the impact of the Blackburn High music program, their early years playing saxophone and piano, and how those foundations shaped their career. We dive into their experience writing and performing music for the circus, their work as an improvising musician, and their thoughts on the experience of women in the music industry.
Selene also shares their love of dressing in bright-colored clothes as an expression of personal freedom, as well as an exciting new project—working on their metal album! This was such a dynamic and inspiring conversation—don’t miss it.
For more visit aredrummersmusicians.com
This week, I’m joined by Ellis — a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator who has carved out a dynamic career in the Australian music scene. Best known as the drummer for GUSH (formerly Paper Tapir), Ellis has been playing alongside Louis Smith and Luci Floyd for the past decade, with Domenic Evans recently joining the band.
In this episode, we explore their journey through music—from growing up in a musical household to learning piano and drums, studying at VCASS, and being mentored by jazz legend Graeme Morgan. We also talk about their experiences in both jazz and pop-rock, forming GUSH, and working with other artists, including Garage Sale and Grace Robinson.
Beyond performing and recording, Ellis shares insights into their teaching philosophy, thoughts on the music industry, and how they approach finding balance between creativity, work, and life. And for those looking for some drumming inspiration, Ellis recommends checking out Steve Reich’s 1987 album Drumming.
This was an insightful and engaging conversation—don’t miss it!
This week, I’m joined by the extraordinary Nat Bartsch — a twice ARIA-nominated pianist, composer, producer, and advocate whose music blends neoclassical composition with jazz harmony, improvisation, and ethereal ambient effects. At the time of recording in 2024, Nat was the Artist in Residence at the Melbourne Recital Centre and was preparing for the release of her stunning album, Forever Changed.
I was lucky enough to get an early listen to Forever Changed before this conversation, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Since then, friends and I attended the album launch, and it was such a special experience. In this episode, we discuss the process behind making the album, its deeply personal themes, and how it was shaped by surround sound and Atmos mixing.
Nat also opens up about being a neurodivergent artist—reflecting on her autism and ADHD diagnoses and how they’ve influenced her creative process, career, and advocacy work. She shares how she’s been creating inclusive spaces, including neurodiverse-friendly listening experiences at the Recital Centre.
Beyond her work as a solo artist, we discuss her decision to self-manage, launch her own label (Amica Records), and develop Amica Familia, a mentorship program for emerging artists. From the challenges of being an independent musician to the evolving landscape of recorded music, this conversation is packed with insight, creativity, and inspiration—don’t miss it!
For more visit aredrummersmusicians.com
Strap in—this is a long one! This week, I’m joined by Gerry Pantazis, one of Australia’s most in-demand drummers, known for his incredible versatility across fusion, pop, session work, theatre, and TV performances. With a career spanning decades, Gerry has played with legends like Larry Carlton, Richard Marx, Tommy Emmanuel, Tina Arena, and The Seekers, as well as holding the drum chair for Carols by Candlelight for nearly 20 years.
We dive into a huge range of topics, from his work with the fusion powerhouse Damage (with Phil Turcio, Brett Garsed, and Craig Newman), to the evolution of the music scene, music relationships, and the balance of longevity and change as a professional musician. Gerry shares what it’s like performing on Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the pressure of playing live on national TV, and his thoughts on notation—specifically, the pet peeves that make charts a nightmare to read as a drummer.
We wrapped up the podcast after an hour… and then Gerry asked to keep going. Suddenly, another two and a half hours passed, packed with even more stories, insights, and laughs. If you’re a hardcore Gerry fan, the second half is a deep dive into everything from gear (DW Electric Drums!) to industry wisdom.
This was an epic conversation—enjoy the first hour, or stay for the full 3.5 hours of drumming gold!
This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Danny Fischer — one of the most in-demand jazz drummers and educators in Australia. Danny spent a decade living and working in New York, playing with some of the world’s best musicians and building an incredible wealth of experience. He shared some brutally honest and often hilarious stories about what it was really like to be a jazz drummer in the world’s most competitive scene.
We also talked about his yoga practice and how it’s influenced both his drumming and the very practical challenge of carrying drums around New York. He opened up about the struggles and successes of his time overseas, what led him to move back to Melbourne, and how he brings a highly personalized approach to teaching—something I can personally vouch for, as he’s the best drum teacher I’ve ever had (and I’ve had some of the best!).
This chat was full of wisdom, humor, and insight into the reality of being a jazz musician. Don’t miss it!
This week, I’m joined by Jack Foy — a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher based in Melbourne/Naarm. Jack currently plays, writes, and records with Hobsons Bay Coast Guard, Great Falls, Sun Bazel, Smooth Brains, and his own project, Lafferty Daniel.
We chat about his journey through music—learning guitar, studying jazz drumming at Monash, and how he’s juggled different instruments and projects over the years. Jack has also worked with various artists, including Hallie, Eileen Grace, Seamus McCorry, Suzi, and Marigolden, bringing his versatility to a range of musical settings.
Along the way, we talk about his paddle-pop socks, what it’s like being a left-handed drummer, playing bass with Great Falls, and the story behind the name Lafferty Daniel. This was a great conversation with an artist who’s explored so many sides of music—don’t miss it!
This week, I had a fun and insightful chat with Stilla — a rising pop artist from Naarm/Melbourne, known for her funky, relatable anthems and razor-sharp pop instincts. With influences like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Dua Lipa, Stilla blends pop, funk, R&B, and dance to create a fresh and unapologetically fun sound.
We talked about what it takes to build a career as an independent artist—her drive, mindset, and approach to content creation. Stilla also shared her thoughts on balancing creativity with the business side of music, staying authentic in an ever-changing industry, and how she pushes herself to level up with each new release.
Since recording this episode, Stilla has released her debut EP STILLAVERSE and put on a massive launch show at Northcote Social Club, marking a huge milestone in her career. Her rise in the pop world is only just beginning, and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation!