The Keyboard Chronicles

Julian Emery is a UK-based songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose credits include work with artists such as Nothing But Thieves, McFly, and Lissie. This episode is a little different as Julian doesn’t play keyboards himself, but he joins the show to share his unique perspective from the producer’s chair and offers some interesting thoughts on the role keyboard players play in songs.

To listen / watch:

1. Audio-o...

Geoff Downes returns for his second appearance on the show, having originally joined us back on Episode 38. While his extensive history with Yes is well documented, this time around we focus specifically on the band’s latest album, Aurora. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview, and we take the opportunity to delve into his current approach to songwriting and his performance on the new record.

To listen / watch:

Scottie Miller is an American keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. Known for his blues- and roots-influenced playing style, Scottie has spent years on the road as the long-time musical director and keyboardist for Ruthie Foster. He’s also worked with Bo Diddley and Johnnie Johnson to name just two others. Alongside his work as an MD, he has maintained a steady solo career, releasing 13 albums&mda...

Danny Silverston is an American keyboardist and founding member of the Boston-based soul-pop band Couch. Known for his warm, jazz- and funk-influenced playing style, Danny has been an integral part of the seven-piece group’s collaborative writing and production process since their formation in 2018. He recently played on the band’s 2025 debut full-length album, Big Talk, and continues to tour extensively with them acros...

Paul Furness is a keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist who serves as a founding member of Brisbane indie rock mainstays Ball Park Music. Since forming the group during a university class assignment in 2008, Paul has spent nearly two decades helping anchor their melodic and eclectic sound, layering essential synthesizer textures, piano, and occasional trombone across eight studio albums. From their acclaimed debut Happiness and...

Michael Stephen Brown is a versatile American pianist and composer best known for his solo performances, rich chamber music collaborations, and unique original works. Bridging the gap between world-class piano playing and storytelling, he has recently released his debut album of all-original music, Twelve Blocks. Showcasing his distinct creative voice, the deeply personal project features a series of musical portraits, emotional de...

Peter Dasent is an incredibly versatile pianist, composer, and musical director best known for his long tenure as the resident keyboardist on ABC’s Play School, a role he has held for over two decades. While he is well known for his daily on-set improvisations for children, his impressive resume also includes leading his chamber-jazz ensemble The Umbrellas for over 30 years, as well as composing soundtracks for early Peter Ja...

Peter Sandberg is a Swedish neo-classical and electronic pianist and composer based in Uppsala. Known for his minimalist, felt-piano compositions and atmospheric textures, he has released several acclaimed albums including Motion, Återvända, and Midnattssol. Beyond his solo work, Sandberg’s music has reached a wide audience through high-profile placements in television series such as Stranger Things, as well as collaborations...

Greg Kane is one half of iconic outfit Hue And Cry, which has been producing music for well over 40 years. We chat with Greg on that amazing history, his approach to production and playing, and lots more.

To listen / watch:

1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered...

Erik Deutsch is an American keyboard player currently touring with The Black Crowes. While he is well known for his extensive live and session work—including time spent with Leftover Salmon and Charlie Hunter—Erik is also a dedicated solo artist with a diverse catalogue of original jazz and funk releases. We chat with Erik about his career to date, how he balances major touring commitments with his solo output, and the ...

J. Willgoose, Esq. is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer best known as the founding member of the conceptual electronic rock group Public Service Broadcasting. Blending vintage synthesizers, samplers, and traditional instrumentation with extensive archival audio, he is recognized for constructing thematic musical narratives based around historical events. Known for his focused approach to sequencing and live looping, W...

 In Part 2 of our chat with the brilliant David Hirschfelder, we dive deeper into his time with John Farnham, talk on his numerous other collaborations and his incredible career as a film and TV composer.

To listen / watch:

1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics co...

David Hirschfelder is a globally acclaimed Australian keyboardist, composer, and arranger best known for his extensive live and studio work with pop-rock heavyweights like the Little River Band and John Farnham, as well as his distinguished career as a film score composer. His prolific output blends deep classical roots with masterful electronic and orchestral textures. A BAFTA winner and multi-Academy Award nominee, David’s ...

Hazel Mills is a incredibly versatile keyboard player, vocalist, and songwriter whose impressive resume includes touring the globe with artists like Kylie Minogue, Florence + The Machine, Goldfrapp, Birdy, and The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble. We delve into everything from Hazel’s early classical roots and passion for 1960s minimalism, to her transition into the pop genre and her deep love for analogue synthesis. Hazel provides...

In Part 2 of our interview with Adam Holzman, we cover his longstanding work with Steven Wilson, his bands Brave New World and Trifecta, Jane Getter Premonition, Adam’s amazing solo works, his Creative Synthesizer Technique book and some amazing stories of playing with Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea (amongst many others). There’s also a great train wreck story and a funny Miles Davis anecdote to round things out. Part 1...

Adam Holzman is an innovative keyboardist, composer, and musical director best known for his extensive work with jazz legend Miles Davis and progressive rock icon Steven Wilson. Blending his deep understanding of jazz harmonies with heavy progressive rock and electronic textures, Adam has become a highly sought-after sonic architect, renowned for his cutting-edge synthesizer solos and dynamic soundscapes. Beyond his high-profile to...

Daniel Minsteris is a versatile keyboardist, programmer, and musical director best known for his extensive work with visionary artists like St. Vincent and David Byrne. Widely lauded for his deep expertise in Ableton Live, Daniel is a master at bridging the gap between the studio and the stage, seamlessly integrating complex electronic production with live performance. Beyond his high-profile touring work, Daniel has made his mark ...

Steve Nieve has been the distinctive keyboard voice beside Elvis Costello for over forty years, evolving from the new wave intensity of The Attractions to the soulful sophistication of The Imposters. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner his prolific career also includes work with Madness, Sting, and David Bowie, alongside his own ambitious solo compositions. We cover that all and more in our chat with Steve &ndas...

Glenn Sarangapany is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who serves as the sonic texturalist for Australian rock heavyweights Birds of Tokyo. Since joining the band in 2012, Glenn has become pivotal to their evolving sound, blending his classical piano and jazz guitar training to layer rich synthesizers and backing vocals on chart-topping albums like March Fires and