Beers & Tears

In this episode of Beers & Tears we journeyed through the vibrant heart of the queer community with Robert Baxter, exploring the transformative power of ballroom culture, the intricate dynamics of queer relationships, and the creative genesis behind 'Kiss.' Robert's candid insights and the deep dive into their debut EP, 'You Wouldn’t Expect Cupid to Cry,' offered an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of queer love and identity. Through laughter, revelations, and a shared love for music that transcends boundaries, this episode not only celebrated the artistry of Robert Baxter but also underscored the universal quest for connection, understanding, and the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves.

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In this episode of Beers & Tears I explore the psychedelic sounds of Pond, one of the most versatile bands in the genre, with none other than Nick Albrook. Delving into the creative process behind their upcoming album "Stung!”.  This release marks a new era for Pond, highlighting their peak creativity. From their beginnings as a power trio to their current status as psychedelic rock icons, the renowned Australian band are known for their genre-defying sound and electrifying performances.  Tune in to discover Pond's unique approach to songwriting, what a studio session with Pond looks like, a deep dive into their new album and their upcoming tour, which will see them hitting three continents throughout 2024.

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In this episode of Beers & Tears I sit down with the captivating Canadian indie-folk artist, Cat Clyde,  - a seriously gifted songwriter and performer with Indigenous Métis heritage who is set to tour so-called Australia this March. We delve into the stories behind her music and her deep connection to nature. Cat shares insights into her latest album, "Down Rounder," and how it reflects her personal journey of self-discovery and exploration. From the heartfelt 'Everywhere I Go' to the introspective 'I Feel It,' Cat's music transports listeners to a world of raw emotion. Join us as we explore Cat's creative process, the inspiration behind her songs, and her thoughts on the intersection of music and nature. 

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Big Scary is the musical collaboration of Tom Iansek and Jo Syme, known for their genre-defying sound that blends synth-pop, indie rock, and experimental elements. With six LPs to their name, including their latest release Wing, Big Scary continues to captivate audiences with their unique musical vision. In this episode, I chat with Tom Iansek and Jo Syme of Big Scary to discuss their highly anticipated sixth LP, Wing. After a hiatus following their successful album Animal, the duo reunites to redefine their musical identity and create 3 albums that pushes boundaries and explores new sonic territories. Wing is the final record of the trilogy. Tom and Jo share insights into the creative process behind Wing, discussing their collaboration in songwriting and production. They delve into the themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions that permeate the album, offering a glimpse into the personal journeys that inspired their music. They also reflect on their growth as artists and the evolution of their sound over the years. Join us as we explore the making of Wing and gain a deeper understanding of the creative vision behind Big Scary.

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WOMADelaide, the World of Music, Arts and Dance, is an annual festival that brings together artists and performers from around the globe to celebrate cultural diversity and creativity. For another year, I had the privilege of chatting with artists from all corners of the world, exploring their unique perspectives, inspirations, and stories.

Erin Buku takes us on a journey through the mystical realms of Ley Lines, while Dubioza Kolektiv sheds light on the intricate Bosnian laws surrounding live music. Rob Edwards opens up about the deep personal significance of writing about the Stolen Generation, and Katanga Junior shares his experiences of writing about his homeland and the striking comparisons  between life in Tanzania and his new home in Alice Springs. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation with these remarkable musicians.

0:58 Erin Buku

24:44 Dubioz Kolektiv

37:51 Rob Edwards

52:28 Katanga Junior

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Full Flower Moon Band. Fronted by the enigmatic persona 'Babyshakes Dillon,' this Brisbane-based band is known for transcending the boundaries of conventional rock, captivating audiences with their powerful and unique musical style. In this episode I chat with Full Flower Moon Band about their highly anticipated single, "West Side," which serves as a bridge between their last album, "Diesel Forever," and a new era of bigger, bolder production. Babyshakes shares insights into their evolution as a band, their creative process, including reading self-help books about creativity and creating music that is less conceptual than their previous records. Tune in to hear from Babyshakes Dillon and get an inside look at the world of Full Flower Moon Band, a band that's redefining the rock 'n' roll genre and making waves in the global music scene.

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Kirin J Callinan. Known for his eclectic and experimental music, his genre-defying sound blends rock, pop, and electronic elements, creating a unique and innovative musical style. With albums like "Embracism" and "Bravado," Kirin has established himself as a boundary-pushing artist, known for his thought provoking lyrics and dynamic performances. His latest album, 'If I Could Sing,' showcases his creative genius and musical prowess. In this episode we delved into the themes of making sense of the little details and signs that life gives us, his experiences with creating solo records and collaborating with other artists, and the intricate process of making an album.Kirin also shared his thoughts on the concept of 'In Absolutes,' the influence of classical music on his work, and how he translates his studio recordings into highly charged, vulnerable, and somewhat humorous live performances.

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Shannen James’ long awaited debut Patchwork is a record that takes shape from every experience, idea, thought and feeling she has ever had. Across 12 spirited tracks, its a collection of songs stitched together, each showcasing different textures, patterns and colours pulled from a lifetimes worth of moments, to create one cohesive record.This episode I chat with Shannen James about her debut album ‘Patchwork’. We discussed movie soundtracks, old mix tapes and daisy jones and the six. As well as Shannen's upcoming shows and a dive deeper into the tracks on the album.

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Through her art and advocacy, Arig illuminates the interplay between adversity and healing, inspiring resilience in others. The Eritrean blooded, Eora/Sydney-based artist’s journey reflects her early life, shaped by toxic relationships, violence, immigrating to so-called Australia. Amongst the chaos Arig found peace in a small bedroom, a hairbrush in place of a microphone.  This episode I chat with Aria about those beginning periods of writing and singing music. We discussed her new EP ‘Reckless’ coming into fruition at a very reckless point in her life and the experiences of being an introverted, “hermit” like musician in the extroverted music industry.

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Tiny Habits were formed in Boston, MA by artists Maya Rae, Cinya Khan and Judah Mayowa. The three singer-songwriters met at Berklee College of Music and the band was born at the beginning of 2022. They started out by sharing covers recorded in the stairwell of their dorm and posting them on social media. Focusing on beautifully intimate three-part harmonies the trio's enticing signature sound, offered exquisite, reimagined versions of songs from across a spectrum of styles and quickly drove them to viral success. They received recognition and early support from artists as diverse as David Crosby, Marcus Mumford, Phoebe Bridgers, and Noah Kahan. Collaborations include work with Mark Ronson, JP Saxe and Lizzy McAlpine, who they supported on NPR’s Tiny Desk.  This episode I chat with Tiny Habits, the band are touring alongside Gracie Abrams in AUS, as well as playing their own headline shows along the way. Gain insight into the passion and purpose behind their EP, "Tiny Things," as the band shares their thoughts on the crucial shift from the electrifying moments of blowing up on TikTok to releasing their original music. In conversation, Tiny Habits opens up about the fear of rejection, the vulnerability in sharing their music, creating music for a Netflix original And, of course, the band share  on their collaborations with industry giants like Marc Ronson , JP Saxe, and Lizzie McAlpine.

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