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 KISS at Rod Laver Arena and playing to 85,000 people at the MCG.

We also discuss the demands of professional music theatre, performing in productions like The Rocky Horror Show, Sister Act, Wicked, and Hadestown, and what it’s like playing eight shows a week.

A grounded and insightful look into the discipline, consistency, and craft behind life as a professional drummer.

Instagram.com/kraff18

Drum Lessons

YouTube

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 divide roles within the group, and the strong working relationship that underpins their success.

We also discuss their recent work in the recording studio; collaborating with various recording artists, releasing a mashup of Joy to the World and The Marriage of Figaro Overture, and working on a string sample pack for producers.

This chat was heaps of fun, with lots of laughs, learning and some moments of serious contemplation and vulnerability. 

A grounded and engaging conversation with four musicians shaping their own space in the modern music scene and their mission to expand how audiences experience string quartet music.

You can listen to Invictus Quartet and find out more about them here:

Spotify 

Amazon Music

Youtube

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Youtube

Tiktok

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.

instagram.com/thadouglife

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:

hornsofleroy.com

sugarfootramblers.com

yamaha.com/en/artists/t/travis_woods

instagram.com/travinski_

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

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/jazz/featured-music/feature-albums/duo-james-sherlock-ben-hanlon/10007746

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.

teenytinystevies.com

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!