Alex Flood joins me in The Engine Room to discuss his musical journey which began when he was in primary school, when he began to have lessons with Jim McCarthy. His next teacher was Joel Prime, who broadened his musical influences, and introduced him to actively listening to music, and adding percussive instruments to his playing. Alex has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including ‘Australia's Best Up And Coming Drummer’ in 2012 in the intermediate category, and the Open category in 2016, The John ‘Slick’ Osborne Scholarship in 2017, the Helpmann Academy Jazz Award for Top Drums Undergraduate in 2017, the Helpmann Academy Mike Stewart Memorial Award in 2017, the Helpmann Academy Jazz Award for Top Overall Graduate in 2018 and Helpmann Academy Award for Jazz 2020, among many others.  Alexander has also had the opportunity to share the stage with several renowned performers including Ralph Nader, Hugh Sheridan, and international cabaret stars Bridget Everett and Rueben Kaye, and has performed at events such as WOMADelaide, Adelaide Fringe and Cabaret Festivals, and the Australia’s Ultimate Drummers Weekend. Flood has performed with renowned artists including Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Marquis Hill, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Vivian Sessoms, Kate Ceberano, Nicholas Buc, as well as performing in 20+ countries on tour in 2019.

Alexander plays regularly around Adelaide in several jazz and contemporary music ensembles, including his own trio ER@SER DESCRIPTION. In 2017 Alexander completed his Bachelor of Music: Jazz Performance degree at the University of Adelaide, graduating top of his year. Alex released his debut album HEARTBEAT through Stretch Music (via Ropeadope Records) in 2020, having worked closely with his mentor, 5x Grammy nominee Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah on the project. Alex is currently finishing up his sophomore album The Space Between, set to release late 2021, featuring a conglomerate of international artists.

Music: Into "Band It About" theme, written and recorded by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant. Outro "FIVE" is a single by ER@SER DESCRIPTION which was released in 2020.

Links: MEINL Stick & Brush Artist https://meinlstickandbrush.com/en/artists/alexander-flood-a24938.html 

Website: https://alexanderfloodmusic.com.au/ Apple Music: https://apple.co/2KIOdW5 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexanderfloodmusic/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/alexander_flood 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FLOODaDIDDLE

If you would like to help support this independent podcast: https://paypal.me/banditabout?locale.x=en_AU Review: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/band-it-about-podcast-series-985443/reviews/63027 Contact: [email protected] 

Follow: https://www.facebook.com/BAND-It-ABOUT-Podcast-Series-103410885324059/ https://www.instagram.com/banditaboutpodcastseries/?hl=en https://twitter.com/DiSpillane 

BAND IT ABOUT is Free to listen to on All Major Podcast Listening Platforms. If you have enjoyed listening, Please Share the link with your friends who enjoy music interviews.

CRAIG LAURITSEN is this weeks 'Engine Room' Guest. A few of Craig's performance highlights include: Brian Ferry support at the Adelaide Festival Theatre in 1988. Supporting artist for Kate Ceberano and Wilbur Wilde at the Club Foote in 1989, 3 months, 70 plus performances in New Delhi, India in 1994, 10 months, 80 plus performances with various Blues and Jazz bands in USA in 1994 -1995, the inaugural Singapore Blues Festival in 1996, and performing the soundtrack to 'The Tracker' (film by internationally renowned film maker Rolf de Heer) live with Archie Roach at the Adelaide Festival and the Melbourne Film Festival in 2002.

EDUCATION: Cert. in Commercial Music at Kingston TAFE in 1986. Diploma in performing Arts (Jazz) at Adelaide University 1987 - 1989. Studied with Pandit Debashish Chakraborty in New Delhi in 1994. Studied with Bob Moses in Boston 1994 -1995. Individual lessons with Victor Lewis, Jim Pease, Grant Collins, Mike Clark.

DRUM EDUCATOR: Private drum tutor from 1983 to present, and has taught at Gordon Lasalle Music, Boston USA; Rock Music, Adelaide; AIMMS, Adelaide, as well as various college's in SA.

CYMBALSMITHING: Began modifying cymbals in 2005, Importer of Turkish cymbals since 2006, and Worldwide exporter of Craig Lauritsen Custom Cymbals since 2007. Travelled to Italy to meet master cymbal smith Roberto Spizzichino in March 2008, and during that same trip met cymbal smiths Michael Paiste in Switzerland, Steve Hubback in London and Matt Nolan in Bath (UK). Has made cymbals for drummers all over the world including, Jack DeJohnette, Gregory Hutchinson, Luke Flowers, Jochen Rueckert, Adam Cruz, Hamish Stuart, Darryn Farrugia, Michael Iveson, and many more.

AUTHOR: has written 8 instructional drum method books which are published and internationally distributed by LTP Publications. Titles include Drum Method, Drum Grooves, 1000000 Drum Grooves, Rhythm Section Method for Bass and Drums, Rhythm Section Grooves for Bass and Drums, Blues Drumming, Country Drumming, Complete Learn to Play Drums Manual.

Recording Highlights: 'The Eureka Suite' (1999) featuring Eric Bogle and John Schumann, Peter Gelling's ARIA nominated (2000) CD 'Bluestime', 'The Tracker' soundtrack which won the following awards: ARIA nomination for best soundtrack album (2002). IFM award for best soundtrack (2002). Film Critics Circle award for best soundtrack (2002), and 2 APRA/AGSC awards for best song in a cinema feature. Peter Gelling's Musicoz Blues Award winning (2003) CD 'Fortune', Eric Bogle’s ‘Other People’s Children’ (2005), and Kubrick self-titled album (2006). Kubrick ‘Think’ (2007).

Music: "Band It About" theme song, written and recorded by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant. Outro: “Cultural Fatigue” from Craig’s album “Monachopsis”, released April 29, 2016: https://craiglauritsen.bandcamp.com/album/monachopsis Craig's links: http://www.cymbalutopia.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/CraigLauritsen https://www.instagram.com/cymbalutopia/?hl=en

To support this independent podcast: https://paypal.me/banditabout?locale.x=en_AU 

If you enjoyed listening please share the link with your friends. Contact Band It About: [email protected] 

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAND-It-ABOUT-Podcast-Series-103410885324059/ 

Review: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/band-it-about-podcast-series-985443/reviews/63027

#drummers

S2 E44 Matt Jonsson aka Trolla Bolla Snatcha Razoo, CLOWNS OF DECADENCEjoins host Di Spillane to discuss his musical journey and artistic heritage on the BAND IT ABOUT Podcast Series.

Born in Sweden, Matt emigrated to Australia with his family in 1972. Matt spent 10 years as the drummer in the popular Punk/Rock Adelaide Band the CLOWNS OF DECADENCE, and was for the most part responsible for all the amazing artwork that the band used both in the elaborate stage props as well as on album covers and posters.

The band formed in 1988 from 3 former members of Festered Vestoons, and one from Toxic Avengers.

By June 1990, they were called Clowns of Decadence. Adopting a performance image of wearing clown makeup and silly clothes to back up their politico-protest leanings, whilst deploying elements of circus, music, and performance in their live shows.

They toured extensively all over Australia, sharing the bill with other popular bands of the time including: Front End Loader, You Am I, TISM, Powderfinger, Regurgitator, Beasts of Bourbon, Def FX, Cosmic Psychos, Chocolate Starfish, Fireballs, and Paul Kelly.

The band released three extended plays and an album, 'Clowns of a Lesser God' on Homegrown Artists / Siren Records before disbanding in 1998. The Clowns Of Decadence circus theme was inspired by Matt's grandparents, who were famous Circus Artists in their Traveling Tivoli in Sweden from 1922 to 1955. Matt's grandfather Anton Tivoli joined the circus at the age of 16, working as an acrobat artist and a high-wire act.

In 1922 he formed his own Traveling Tivoli and became a Knife thrower. His wife (Matt's grandmother) would be blind folded and tied up, while his grandfather who was also blind folded, threw knives around her.

Matt's father Ted Jonsson was the youngest child. Ted didn't embrace the carnie lifestyle, instead, he became a carpenter, prior to moving to Australia where he become an Adelaide based sculptor.

Matt's sister Marie Jonsson-Harrison is a former successful model, who won Miss Summer Spain 1981, South Australian Model of the Year in 1982 and again in 1984. The families rich artistic heritage eventually led to her becoming an artist herself, specializing in 'Naïve Art'.

Matt is a Sculptor/Artist who's work can be seen at various locations around Adelaide including the Magic Cave at David Jones, Blackebys Sweets, the Adnyamathanha sculpture at Wilpena Pound, and in the men’s room at the at The D’Arenberg Cube, which features urinals that double as giant gaping clownlike faces. He was also the artist for the former West End Brewery Riverbank Display.Matt and his partner Michelle have a commercial art business 'Artistic Impact', are are in the process of expanding their products and developing a new website, once finalised they will be trading under the name of ART STUDIOS AUSTRALIA.

Music: "Band It About", written and recorded by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant. "Alien Sex Romp" by Clowns Of Decadence, released in 1993 on their EP Kamikaze Karnival, co-written by Mark Fenech, Stephen Hards, Matt Jonsson, Colin Morris, Craig Spencer, and Craig Stone.

Links: Artistic Impact https://www.facebook.com/mattandmichellejonsson/

Email: [email protected]

Drummer/Percussionist/Music Educator James (Jim) Bailey joins me in The Engine Room to discuss his fabulous musical journey both in Australia and overseas. Jim first became interested in music while living in England, he wanted to play the clarinet, but the school didn't have any available, so he was given a piccolo to take home to try. He didn't have much luck with this instrument, so he returned it to the school and then went back to playing sports which he was very good at. It wasn't until after his family had emigrated to Australia and he injured his foot during a game that Jim's interests once again returned to music, this time he decided to try drums, having seen an advertisement for a free aptitude test at the Adelaide College of Music. He began private drum lessons after meeting the drummer Jimmy Latta at the Boomerang Club. Jimmy introduced him to the world of modern jazz, making him aware of the playing styles of many of the world’s greatest drummers. Jimmy moved to Canberra after joining the Australian Army Band. Jim then began to have lessons with one of Adelaide’s leading players Gary Haines. Gary was a studio musician for Channel 9, and he also ran a business called Drumsville in Club Lane, which was the place that all of the young drummers would hang out. It was during this time that Jim decided that a music career was the path he wanted to pursue, so he quit his job and you took up part time work in the record department at David Jones. In 1965 he successfully auditioned to attend the Elder Conservatorium Single Studies program in classical percussion, where he was taught by Richard (Dick) Smith, who was a timpanist for the South Australian Symphony Orchestra, Dick ran the percussion program at the Conservatorium. 

Jim is regarded as one of Australia’s leading teachers of classical and Latin percussion as well as jazz drumming. He has performed and taught throughout Australia, the United States, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. A short list of his credentials includes: Performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic; the Durban, Natal Symphony Orchestra; the Australian Youth Orchestra; the Australia Ensemble Lights; the Elder Conservatorium Wind Quintet and the Elder Conservatorium Wind Ensemble. His festival appearances include the Adelaide Festival, Barossa Festival, Manley Jazz Festival, Glenelg Jazz Festival, Standard Bank Jazz Festival in Pretoria, South Africa and the Living Treasures Festival 2000 in Durban South Africa. He toured South Africa with the world music group Warkala, performing and conducting master classes and workshops for the Australian High Commission and in fund-raising concerts for the relief of AIDS in children in South Africa. He is also Australia’s foremost authority on the tuning and construction of mallet instruments — marimbas, vibraphones, and glockenspiels. All marimbas used in the group were made by him.

Throughout his long career Jim has made an outstanding contribution to the percussive arts and education both here and overseas and has trained some of Australia's top percussionists during his teaching career as the Percussion Senior Lecturer and Head of Percussion at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. In 2011, Jim became the first Australian to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Education Award from the International Percussive Arts Society. The award recognises the contributions of the most highly regarded leaders in percussion education throughout the world. Prior to Covid, Jim spent many years traveling to be a guest speaker and teacher at various educational organizations worldwide.

Music "Band It About" written and recorded by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant. "Ghanaia" written by Schmitt Matthew, performed by the Hormingo Ensemble.

Contact [email protected] 

JOHN APPLEBY joins me in The Engine Room this week to discuss his musical journey. John is a self taught drummer who has mainly played with original bands here in Adelaide during his 54 year playing career. John joined his first band WOLFBAIN in 1968, in 1972 he joined BRONZE ELK who later became NEON WATERMELON which was the first Australian band to wear makeup. NEON WATERMELON supported SKYHOOKS at the Pooraka Hotel the first time that they came to Adelaide, Graeme "Shirley" Strachan, who was the SKYHOOKS roadie at the time, was surprised to see another band wearing makeup! NEON WATERMELON became THE JOE HOOKER BAND, which was a very popular band during the 70s.

In 1979 he joined SAFARI SET, and in 1980 PERFECT GAME, both bands regularly supported touring bands such as; MEN AT WORK, MIDNIGHT OIL, COLD CHISEL, JOE JOE ZEP AND THE FALCONS, and THE CLASH. Other bands that John has played with include: FLYTE, CHRIS FINNEN OFFERING, THE HOUNDS, LIMITED EDITION (Steve Foster), AUTO DE FE (Natasha Boyer), KASHMIR CHECK, SO WHAT/40 THOUSAND HORSEMAN, THE BACKBEATS, RUBY LANE, RUSSIAN CARAVAN, MAGELLAN, ROB BARTLETT, SCAFELL PIKE, CHRIS FINNEN’S 360 DEGREES, CRUISIN’, THE LEGENDS, STEVE FOSTER (Duo), OCQ’S (Steve Foster), JBE, MY BROTHER JAKE, CHRIS FINNEN CLAN, and THE RODDY GORDON BAND. He joined SYMPATHY ORCHESTRA in 1999, and NUEMERIA ART COLLECTIVE in 2014, and is still playing with both bands. 

Music: "Band It About" theme song was written and recorded by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant.

Outro: “Me Thing” written by Julian Barnett, is the opening track from the latest SYMPATHY ORCHESTRA album, “Third Album”.

If you would like to help to Support this free to listen to independent podcast, please make a donation here: https://paypal.me/banditabout?locale.x=en_AU

Please Follow this podcast series on your favorite podcast listening platform, and if you have enjoyed listening please share the link with your friends!

Links: SYMPATHY ORCHESTRA Facebook

BAND IT ABOUT: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/band-it-about-podcast-series-985443/reviews/63027  https://www.facebook.com/BAND-It-ABOUT-Podcast-Series-103410885324059/ Email:[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/banditaboutpodcastseries/ https://www.podpage.com/band-it-about-podcast-series/

ROBERT (ROB) BOUNDY studied at the Adelaide College of Music in 1968 under the direction of John Arthur, with section leaders Steve and Larry Todd, in marching band and beginning drum set lessons. In 1970 he joined the Adelaide Highland Pipe Band under the tutelage of Lindsay Chuck and Daryl James until 1974. In 1979 he began rehearsing with past music students from Mawson High School, recording a demo with The Glenn Kristoffer Band, while also working for MGD Audio assisting with sound and lighting. In late 1982 he joined “The Modes” and starting heavy local gigging, and touring nationally in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland. In 1985 he moved to Melbourne and managed the Brashs Drum Department in their City store, and with played with Melbourne players from “The Phantom Band” along with Guitar Virtuoso “Jimi Hocking in “The Astros”.

In 1986 he joined the local band “The Virgin Soldiers”, and started teaching drums privately from home in 1987. “The Virgin Soldiers” released a self-titled 4 track EP in 1987 which they toured nationally and recorded several professional demos, engineered and produced by Bruce Johnson (Oasis). 1989 saw the release of a full-length album called “Watching the World” recorded at Festivals Grondman Studios Engineered by Colin Wort and remixed at Powerplant Studios with Adam Quaffe and Peter Blighton (Choir Boys), in Jan 1990 the album went #1 on Juke magazines Independent Metal Charts. Returning to Adelaide in 1993, he played with numerous cover bands, 1994 - Crossfire with John Morton and Harry Hernie, 1995 - Tour of Duty with Wendy Taylor-Smith, Phil Smith, Capt. Gordon Lambie, Sam Moody, John Mackay, John Morton. 2000 -Working in Folk/Irish scene in the "Range Rovers" with Quinton Dunne, Michael Hill, Bridgette McDowell, Stewart Day, and Phil Smith. He then moved onto Panic! with Michael Hill and Dennis Surmon which in 2005, became "The Grouse" with Stewart Day, James Meston, Michael Hill, Dennis Surmon, and Dave Rhodes. In 2012 he began playing with "Hollywood Gun Club" with Kev Keilor, Ward Purcell, and Peter Marsella. In 2014 he played with Pete Jenkins band, and subbed in bands with "Kilkenny", Trev Warner, Damien Steele Scott, and Jack Jones.

In 2018 “Virgin Soldiers”, secured a distribution deal with Laneway Music, re-released Self-Titled EP and Album Watching the World. Recorded and released a new live album – “Virgin Soldiers Live at Musicland 2019”. The band performed in Melbourne regularly throughout 2019, and had dates booked through 2020, which of course ended up being postponed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. In 2001 he became a Business owner, Rob’s Drum Shed Teaching Studios, teaching private students in his fully equipped drum studio, specialising in Rudimental Drumming and Contemporary Rock Studies from 1960s to present. Rob is the Education Specialist in the Drum Shop at Derringers Music SA, Co-Director of Adelaide’s only Professional Drumline “The Raiders Drum Corps”. Teaching private Undergraduate students at Tabor College Music Department since 2017. In 2020 he returned to study: Doctor of Philosophy - The Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, and is writing his thesis on Australian Rock Bands.

Music: Intro "Band It About" written and recorded by Catherine Lambert & Michael Bryant. Outro is a previously unreleased demo by the Virgin Soldiers "Power Hungry", Lyrics Written by Stephen Williamson, Music written by Chris Farley, Michael Lodge, Robert Boundy, Geoff Marquis.

Links: https://www.facebook.com/virginsoldiersaustralia/  https://www.facebook.com/robsdrumshed/ https://robsdrumshed.com/start.asp

Please Follow this podcast and share the link with your friends!

https://www.facebook.com/BAND-It-ABOUT-Podcast-Series-103410885324059/ https://ratethispodcast.com/banditabout 

[email protected]

RICK KENT joins me in The Engine Room to discuss his musical journey which began in Adelaide during the 60s Rock 'N' Roll days with The Firebirds who became The Vibrants. The Vibrants moved to Melbourne in 1966, and had several charting hits, "Something About You, Baby", "My Prayer", "Don't Let Your Left Hand Know", and "How Sweet It Is". After leaving the band Rick went on to run his own music schools in Perth, The Perth Jingle Workshop. He then lived in England for two years, and joined popular London band "The Basic Truth". The highlight of his time in England was a world tour with The Osmond Bros, which culminated in a concert at Madison Square Gardens in New York. 

Rick returned to Australia in the mid seventies and became involved in the recording side of music, setting up a studio in Adelaide with mobile recording facilities, while playing in a band six nights a week. Some of the artists he recorded during this period were Christie Allen and Men at Work. Rick also did ads for radio and TV,  and film scores for the South Australian Film Corp. Rick worked with Lisa Edwards in a band called "Night Shift", the support band for the great Roy Orbison at the Festival Theatre. Rick moved back to Melbourne with singer Lisa Edwards under his management, Lisa later went on to join the Farnham Band. He then spent 2 years with the Channel 9 Band, Brisbane, on the popular "Conway Country" in the early 80's. During this time he also worked major Leagues Clubs and RSL's on the Gold Coast with various other bands. By the middle of the eighties and through most of the nineties, Rick was located in the Byron Bay area, where he taught drums, both privately and in local schools, played with various bands from the area, and worked on several recording projects in different studios, including Big Toe, Music Farm, Star Sound, Ch9, and Suite 16. Rick has played rock, jazz, country, showroom cabaret, backing many famous Australian and International acts including: Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Osmond Bros, Del Shannon, Andy Stewart, and Danny La Rue. Rick keeps his hand in playing with country rock band "Deep Creek", and showband "Forever Everly", as well as freelancing with various other acts.

Music: Into "Band It About" written and and recorded by Catherine Lambert and Michael Bryant. Outro: "Big Man" by Alex Tomlin.

Links: To purchase a copy of "A Vibrant Life" :https://www.facebook.com/AVibrantLifeBook

Rick Kent Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickstix 

If you have enjoyed listening to this episode please share the link with your friends!

Band It About can be heard on all of the major podcast listening platforms including: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Anchor and Spotify.

https://ratethispodcast.com/banditabout Email: [email protected]

#rickkent #thevibrants #banditabout #drummers #Adelaide #musicinterviews #realstories #realpeople #Australianmusicindustry #60s #rockandroll #thebasictruth #springfieldrevival #maddisonsquaregardens #theosmonds #nightshift #SouthAustralia #conwaycountry

The Engine Room Guest: Laurie Kennedy, has been mentioned in many of my previous interviews due to him having been an in-demand drum teacher and player in South Australia for 40 years. His playing career began in NSW when families gathered together and listened to music shows, drama serials, light entertainment and quiz programs on the radio, Rock 'n' roll was  popular in dance halls, and Jazz and Coffee Lounges were The Scene! He has worked with the 'who's who' of the entertainment industry, working in Television, Radio, Musical Theatre, Cabaret, Jazz, Rock, and Orchestral. He has had a truly remarkable musical journey and it was an honour to have him share his story with me. If you enjoy historical stories about the Australian Music Industry, then this episode is definitely for you!

The first professional band that he joined was the 'Warren LeRoy Trio', playing at the El Rocco followed by the 'Macambo Quartet' who were very popular at the Macambo Coffee Lounge, where they had a stint of around 4 years during the early 1960s.

Late in 1965 he joined his one and only Pop Group called The Grape Escape with Brian Godden, Chris Bonett, and singer/songwriter Norma Stoneman. The Grape Escape signed to RCA Records and released a couple of singles with ''The Easy Life'' (Feb 25th 1967) being the most successful, he returned to NSW when the band called it a day. 

Laurie worked as a studio drummer at TCN-9 on the Desmond Tester Children's Television show the 'Channel 9- Pins', prior to moving to Adelaide in 1968. In Adelaide he played with the Borodin Quartet at the Paprika Nightclub for 5 years, the band worked 6 nights a week, 7 hours a night! His first teaching job was at Pulteney Grammar School, followed by Blackfriars Priory School, and St Peter's College. In addition, Laurie was an in-demand lecturer in drum, percussion, and rhythm at the Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide for 32 years, and lecturer at Noarlunga TAFE for 10 years. He wrote ‘A Guide to Exploring Rhythm - All Instruments and Voice’, among other teaching materials. Laurie lived, played and taught in Adelaide for half his lifetime, returning to live in NSW to be closer to his sons when he retired. 

He has accompanied international Jazz and Variety Artists, did many concerts tours and recordings with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, as well as concerts with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Recorded with Don Burroughs, James Morrison, George Golla, Errol Buddle, Ted Nettelbeck, Schmoe (Sylvan Elhay), Andy Sugg, and many others. Backing for local variety acts such as Barry Crocker, Julie Anthony, Ricky May, Glenn Shorrock, Kamal, Judith Durham, and many more. International variety artists include Harry Secombe, Platters, Eartha Kitt, Dick Emery, Cilla Black, Ronnie Corbett, Danny La Rue, and so many more that It is impossible for me to list them all.

Music: Intro "Band It About" theme written and recorded by Catherine Lambert and Michael Bryant.

Outro: "Sol Fuego" - Australian Jazz Quintet, Errol Buddle - flute, Bruce Hancock - piano, Ed Gaston - bass and Laurie Kennedy - drums. Recorded at Adelaide Town Hall.

If you enjoyed listening please share with someone else who would enjoy it too!

Band It About can be heard on all of the major podcast listening platforms including Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts & Spotify  

#lauriekennedy #banditaboutpodcastseries #drummers #musicinterviews #universityofadelaide #jazzdrummers #realstories #realpeople #musicindustry #jazz #drums #podcasts #Sydney #percussion #musicteacher #varietyentertainment

Steve Todd became a professional musician when he was 19, and has worked in the industry ever since. Born in to a family of entertainers Steve's profession was predestined, his father John Todd was a drummer, his mother a founding member of the 'Ethelton Entertainers' theatre group, and his grandfather a vaudevillian, it was a given that both he and his brother Larry would work in the industry. Steve was taught by Reg Bassett who not only taught him how to play, he taught him how to secure ongoing opportunities within the music industry.

Steve first began playing while in Primary School, both he and Larry played the snare drum that was used to march the students into class everyday. He joined his first (out of school band) 'Bennie & The Jets' while attending High School, and his first major band was 'Centaur' (Adelaide Australia), this band saw him leave Adelaide for the first time, they toured up and down the East Coast. After leaving this band he returned to Adelaide and studied music to gain the reading skills required that would enable him to work as a freelance musician. In 1985 Steve began working for Banksia Productions, this is where he started to work in television and radio. Adelaide had one of the best music scenes in Australia, every TV Station had a House Band, and Steve had regular work during the day in children's television shows, recording and touring with 'Here's Humphrey', 'The Music Shop', 'The Book Place', and 'The Fairies' to name a few. Steve has recorded and toured with children's entertainer Peter Coombe for the past 30 years. He was the House Drummer for 'Pepper Studios', has worked with both the State Theatre Company and the Australian Dance Theatre, and spent 16 years playing with the 'South Australian Police Band'. Steve performed with various bands including 'Goose', and had a 7 year residency at the Grenfell Tavern with 'Mixed Bag'. In 2017 he was invited to join a group of Adelaide musicians who are collectively known as the 'Hindley Street Country Club' (HSCC), they release a cover of an 80s hit song every week, and have become so popular that they have had over 100 million views on YouTube!

Major highlight's of Steve's career include playing percussion with his idols Jon English and Peter Cupples (Stylus), when they toured performing unplugged versions of their hits, and performing "A Little Ray Of Sunshine" with Glenn Shorrock and Brian Cadd.

Personal highlight's performing onstage with his dad, brother, son and nephew, and every time that he gets to perform or record with his son Ben, Ben Todd was the (S2 E15) Engine Room Guest. 

Music: Intro "BAND IT ABOUT" written and recorded by Catherine Lambert and Michael Bryant. Outro "What's Up" written by Ben Todd

Please remember to subscribe to this music interview podcast series. Band It About can be heard on all of the major podcast listening platforms including: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Anchor and Spotify. Email: [email protected]

#banditabout #drummers #Adelaide #SteveTodd #realstories