Are Drummers Musicians?

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...

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...

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 D...

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...

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 “H...

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 sha...

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 s...

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....

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 musica...

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 purp...

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—startin...

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 dru...

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 differ...

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 v...

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 learn...

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...

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...

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...

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 ha...