Are Drummers Musicians?

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based soprano Maya Charles Sedergreen to talk about opera, early music, and the place of classical voice in a contemporary music landscape.

We discuss Maya’s musical upbringing and family lineage, her path into classical singing, and her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where she recently completed her honours year in classical voice. Maya shares insights into her training, w...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kee’ahn — a Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Badu Island pop-soul artist now living and creating on Kulin Nations (Melbourne).

We talk about Kee’ahn’s early relationship with music, from singing with their father as a child, growing up on The Little Mermaid, Destiny’s Child, and being encouraged by a supportive grandmother, through to performing musical theatre alongside their dad. Kee’ahn shares what it was ...

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based mix engineer and record producer Hayden Lauersen. It’s an open and reflective conversation about life in sound, the music industry, and finding contentment in your role within it.

Hayden shares his journey from songwriting and producing original music into building a career as a mix engineer, where his focus is on supporting artists through emotional expression and clear, intentional so...

In this episode I’m joined by Jessica Wilson — J WILS, a professional Melbourne-based DJ and vocalist who has spent the past decade working across both original and cover settings. She has become one of Melbourne’s busiest performers, regularly appearing with many of Australia’s top musicians and at premier venues and events.

A vibrant, generous and upbeat chat — Jesssica Wilson brings the same warmth and positivity to conversation ...

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Nicolle, one of Australia’s most respected and enduring jazz vocalists. Known for her deeply musical approach to phrasing, improvisation and storytelling, Michelle has built a remarkable career as a singer, composer, arranger, bandleader and educator — recognised with Bell, Mo and Music Victoria Awards, the National Jazz Award, and multiple ARIA nominations.

We talk about her two newest duo al...

In this episode, I sit down with drummer Peter Luscombe, a mainstay of Australian music whose feel, sound and instinct have shaped countless recordings and performances over the past four decades.

We talk about his early years, his approach to groove, and the craft of supporting songs across a huge range of artists and styles. Peter reflects on long-term musical relationships — including more than 30 years playing with Paul Kelly, h...

In this episode, I’m joined by electric violinist, composer and improviser Xani Kolac.

We talk through her journey from early Suzuki violin lessons to discovering new directions outside the classical world, including her move into improvisation, effects pedals, looping and extended techniques. Xani shares her experiences studying at the VCA, navigating jazz on the violin, and finding a creative path that made sense for her.

We also d...

In this episode, I’m joined by drummer and music theatre musician Kieran Rafferty.

We talk about his journey from learning piano, cello, and euphonium before finding his voice behind the drum kit, to winning Australia’s Best Up-and-Coming Drummer in 2013 and the professional work that he does now. Kieran shares his path from playing in teenage bands to performing on some of the biggest stages in the country — including supporting KI...

In this episode, I’m joined by Invictus Quartet, a Melbourne-based string quartet made up of Rebecca Wang, Nyssa Sanguansri, Jin Tong Long, and Annika Kenner.

We talk about how the group formed while studying at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and how they’ve since built a professional career performing various concerts, collaborations, and private events. The quartet shares insights into their creative process, how they divi...

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...