My guest today is drummer, composer, and creative mad scientist Nick Gaffaney.

Originally from Christchurch NZ, now based in LA, with a career that’s moved through jazz, free improv, cruise ships, the NZ session scene, artist residencies in India, and the heavy, uncompromising world of Cairo Knife Fight.

In this episode, we talk about the shift from being a sideman to building your own thing, why Nick is putting focus back onto drums after years of production and songwriting, and the reality of chasing creative fulfilment instead of just gigs.

Nick also speaks very openly about mental health, late ADHD diagnosis, and what it’s like to finally feel present after decades of just pushing forward through the darkness

For more info on Nick, check out his Instagram

This conversation was recorded on 05/12/2025

As mentioned in the conversation, check out Aaron Tokona.

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