This week, I’m joined by the laid-back and legendary Gormie — audio engineer, producer, and bass player. Rocking some seriously cool New Balance sneakers and blue-and-green socks, Gormie brought a great vibe to this conversation as we dived into his journey in music, recording concepts, and the art of getting a great sound.

We talked about his studio setups, working as an engineer and producer, and his experiences touring and recording with Angie McMahon. What I didn’t expect? A whole lot of Bruce Springsteen chat (which I did not mind one bit) and a little less tour talk than I anticipated, given that Gormie had just returned from a big run on the road. But what we did get was an authentic, thoughtful conversation about music, creativity, and life as an artist in Melbourne.

The second half of the episode takes a deeper turn—we open up about struggles with alcoholism, mental health, insecurities, anxiety, and how these challenges impact our lives and music. We also touch on my own experience with Long Covid. It’s an honest and vulnerable chat that I really appreciated, and I’m grateful to Gormie for his generosity, encouragement, and wisdom.

This week, I’m joined by Ruby Ester Mae — neo-classical, EDM, and ambient clarinetist, better known as Clariloops. Ruby’s journey is a fascinating one, from growing up on a steady diet of Steely Dan to wanting to be a drummer, only to end up falling in love with classical clarinet. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Music with Honours at Monash University, studying under David Griffith, before carving out her own unique space in the music world.

At the time of recording, her original music project had over 37,000 monthly listeners—a testament to her distinct sound and artistic vision. We talk about the evolution of Clariloops, taking a break from music after having a baby, and the excitement of getting back into performing, recording, and exploring new creative ideas. Plus, we touch on her experience playing music for the defence force.

It’s a deep, insightful, and inspiring chat—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by the powerhouse that is Nitida Atkinson — singer, songwriter, performer, session musician, and multi-instrumentalist. We had a blast talking about her band Don’t Thank Me, Spank Me, their self-titled debut album, and the sold-out launch show at The Tote.

Nitida also shared insights into her creative process, balancing band life with solo projects and session work—including her incredible performance with Mark Seymour at the 2023 AFL Grand Final Halftime Show. We got into her passion for music, the fun of dressing up for performances, and plenty more, with lots of laughs along the way.

If you love rock, soul, or just great music stories, you’ll enjoy this one!

For more, visit aredrummersmusicians.com

This week, I’m joined by a true Brunswick local and staple of the Melbourne jazz scene—drummer Ronny Ferella. Arriving on his bike like the legend he is, Ronny shared his journey with the drums, from his early inspirations to the teachers who shaped him, his family heritage, and the pure joy of playing music after putting in the hard work to learn it.

We also dive into his new community record label, its unique approach to releasing music, and the challenges and realities of making a living as a musician. It was a fantastic conversation filled with insight, passion, and a few laughs. Plus, Ronny even gifted us two of his CD albums—what a guy.

(P.S. If you need a drummer for a blues gig, call Ronny.)

This week, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Jude Perl — singer, songwriter, comedian, and all-around creative force. Jude has built a reputation for her razor-sharp wit, insanely clever songwriting, and brutally honest yet hilarious observations about life. At the time of recording, she had just wrapped up a successful run of Share House: The Musical, an original production showcasing her unique blend of music and comedy.

In this episode, we dive into her journey from jazz school to musical comedy, how she crafts her songs and jokes, and the creative process behind her work. We also talk about the long road of bringing projects to life, the recent success of Share House, and what’s next for this multi-talented artist.

Whether you're a musician, comedian, or just love a good laugh, this one’s packed with insight, humor, and plenty of inspiration.

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Yael Zamir, a flutist and composer making waves in Melbourne’s jazz scene. Yael is one of the few musicians in Australia specializing in jazz and Brazilian flute, bringing a fresh and expressive voice to the instrument.

We talk about her journey from classical training to jazz improvisation, the role of music theory and solfège in her playing, and what drew her to the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian music. Yael shares insights into her experiences studying with renowned teachers, her time at The Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, and how she approaches composition and performance.

From music theatre beginnings to playing with Panorama Brasil and beyond, this conversation is full of inspiring moments about finding your voice as a musician.

This week, I’m joined by Toby Peterson-Stewart, an incredibly humble yet immensely talented bass player from Melbourne, Australia. Toby is one of two bass players in the instrumental prog/metal band, The Omnific, a group known for their innovative and impressive approach to music.

Toby shares his journey from the hills of Mt Dandenong to performing on the global stage, including his experiences touring the world, attending NAMM, and honing his craft as a bass virtuoso. We discuss the dedication it takes to establish oneself in the music scene, his pre-gig rituals, and the unique dynamic of being one-half of a dual-bass band.

Beyond music, Toby reflects on his creative process, his desire to start a podcast, and his passion for making music that’s honest and true to the moment.

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with a musician who’s redefining what’s possible on the bass.

For more info and links to the guest's work, visit our website: ⁠aredrummersmusicians.com⁠

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Evan Englezos, a dynamic leader in both music and digital innovation. As the founder and musical director of Live in the Saddle, Evan has fostered a collaborative community project that has brought together over 140 musicians across 16 shows since 2011, recreating studio albums live and cultivating a generous and inclusive musical environment.

Evan’s passion for building connections extends beyond music. Through his work with Digital Team Coach, he helps organizations navigate digital transformation with training, strategy, and development. He’s also the host of Tomorrow Pod, where he explores grassroots storytelling and creative processes to build a better tomorrow.

In this episode, we discuss Evan’s journey from performing in rock bands and musical theatre to leading church music groups and disability support initiatives. We also dive into his experience balancing creativity, community, and innovation in both the musical and digital spaces.

Join us as we explore Evan’s inspiring dedication to music, collaboration, and connection!
For more info and links to the guest's work, visit our website: ⁠aredrummersmusicians.com⁠

This week, we’re joined by Kathleen Halloran, a brilliant guitarist whose talent and versatility have made her one of Australia’s in-demand musicians. As the guitarist for Australian music icon Kate Ceberano, Kathleen has toured the country, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in the industry. Beyond that, she has performed with Katie Noonan, Felix Riebl, Iva Davies, and many more, leaving her mark on countless recordings, festival stages, and major theatre productions.

Kathleen shares stories about her musical journey, from studying jazz performance at the VCA to carving out her own path as a session musician and bandleader. We explore her work with Kate Ceberano, her experiences at events like the Adelaide Guitar Festival and Melbourne Guitar Show, and her upcoming debut album—a project showcasing her artistry as a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with a rising star in the Australian music scene as Kathleen shares her excitement for the future, insights into the creative process, and passion for making music.

For more info and links to the guest's work, visit our website: ⁠aredrummersmusicians.com⁠

This week’s guest is multi-genre guitarist, producer, and mixer, Louis Smith.

Louis shares insights from his diverse musical journey, from mastering classical guitar to creating ambient soundscapes and playing in heavy and shoegaze bands. We discuss his academic work in integrating contemporary guitar styles into classical music, his experiences in bands Fuzz Meadows and Silurian, and his current projects, including GUSH, Resenter, and Lilivm.

We also explore Louis’s thoughts on identity, philosophy, art, and community, all framed by his personal perspectives and deep passion for music. The conversation kicks off with a chat about plugins (thanks to @officialjustinsheriff for free plugin recommendations) and flows into an engaging discussion about the many types of music Louis listens to, plays, and draws inspiration from.

Join us for a journey through Louis’s rich and varied musical world!

For more info and links to the guest's work, visit our website: ⁠aredrummersmusicians.com⁠