Music Mothers and Others

Deborah Conway is Australian musical royalty - actually musical royalty generally. Talking to us on the back of her book, Book of Life (Allen and Unwin) it's an incredible story of music, motherhood, childhood, partnerhood and all the things in between. In this episode Deborah talks about her life with Willy Zygier and their now grown up girls, also wonderful creative people. Read the book, see and hear them play around the country, and generally bask in her fantastic output, leadership and creative drive. We are so honoured to have her with us generally, and in this little series in particular. 

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We here at Music Mothers and Others LOVE talking about gigs that you can bring your kids to. And our next guest Liz Irby is someone who loves this topic as well! She lives in Collorado with her husband and two little  kids, where she works for a music non-profit called the Music Appreciation Society which curates intimate shows for multi-generation audiences.  AND She’s just completed a Masters with Distinction from the Berklee College of Music, with a thesis that explores the potential market for music concerts that provide onsite childcare. Our guest has a history of working in promotions, events, and tour managing — and she is also a singer who currently performs with her 5-piece band called Barely Folk. Joining us via Zoom, all the way across the Pacific ocean, is Liz Irby!

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We're now spoken to Georgia Fields twice on MMO - and in this second chat we were lucky enough to also feature some new music, with Georgia's permission, pieces from her new songs "How A Girl Becomes A Puddle", "In My Blood" and "Find Your Way Back".

In addition to working as a self-managed artist for over a decade and raising two children, in recent times musician & songwriter Georgia Fields has launched a new online community called Mother Lode – a space to support and connect working mums in the Australian music industry, and a way to work collectively to encourage structural changes that will make the industry more accessible for mothers. She is absolutely speaking, and playing, our language!

Georgia’s professional life as an independent musician, songwriter, and arranger based in Melbourne, Australia positions her perfectly to connect communities of like minded and diverse people. In this chat we ask her about her own career, but also her aspirations for improving and expanding the industry. You can find Mother Lode on Instagram @findthemotherlode, and https://www.findthemotherlode.com/read

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Gary Eck is a comedian, writer, actor. He’s also written specifically for children’s film, television and books, including Happy Feet 2 (just that tiny little thing…).

Right now you might be enjoying his work on
“Ginger and the Vegesaurs” on the ABC TV, or about to get into his next kids book “The Day The Moon Came to Stay” (all of which is excellent), whatever else is in your way stop it now so you can come and chat with us and Gary — welcome to Music Mothers and Others!

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Amber Horsburgh is music industry exec, artist coach, major label whisperer, educator and consultant to a bunch of amazing different services. Through Deep Cuts she also provides education for the rest of us – showing that having a good idea or song isn’t enough to get noticed – and that’s ok – we can all be creative in getting our art out!

Amber is also the creator of “Sew It Goes”, a video series going beyond the bounds of motherhood, identity, creativity and all the things that can pull us in different directions as humans as well as creators and sustainers of other little humans. She spoke to us via Zoom now from the other side of the world, so don’t mind the odd audio crackle! Welcome to MMO, Amber!

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Our guest for this week is Dr Phoebe Green. She's a musician, a teacher and a performer, and keen listeners who have gone along to see the smash hit musical “& Juliet” in Melbourne may have spotted her in the band! Phoebe is also a nominee for an APRA/AMCOS ‘Art Music’ award for the “performance of the year: notated composition” category, for “While You Sleep” by Kate Neal. We’re super excited to hear more about her wonderful musical life–and how this all works with a family of 2 little ones! Thanks so much for joining us on Music Mothers and Others, Phoebe!

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Mezz Coleman is Melbourne-based vocal coach, a singer-songwriter, and a musician. In short, she’s in the middle of a long and varied career! So far highlights include a support spot for NZ’s Kimbra, backing vocalist and sessional singing work for Marcia Hines, Delta Goodrem, and Anthony Callea; and performing at the 2021 Vision Australia ‘Carols by Candlelight concert' - who hasn't dreamed of being part of that special annual event?

Mezz has often talked about forging a career in music while also being a mum (to two kids), and you may have heard her speak on “the Art of Being a Mum” podcast. Her new album is “I Never Said a Word” - and we're here to hear all of yours, Mezz! Welcome to Music Mothers and Others - and thanks for letting us feature some of you gorgeous music, tracks "“Much More Than This”, “Chasing Light” and “Magic Moment”.

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Mike Williams is podcast maker, producer and general audio wiz, he’s worked for the ABC, BBC, Listnr and as an awesome indie audio maker as well.

In this chat we talk about how to juggle audio production and the creative life in general, also facing all the challenges of mid-career (ish) life and experience. Mike and Liz met at uni when he was an undergrad, and to say she’s super proud of him is a complete understatement.

A Dad to little Daphne, and with a newbie on the way, we’ve loved hearing how balances all these brave new worlds. Welcome Mike!

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Our guest for this week is Danny Chifley. He’s also been in community broadcasting (in some way, shape or form) for 20 odd years – and counting! In Sydney, 2SER listeners will know him as the voice to wake up to – smooth and sunny, but not so sparky to make you hate being up early.

Before he was with us he was (and still is) Banga, making music for more than 20 years including hip hop with Chaos Maths and Dirtbox Kings, and more recently making electronic, ambient and experimental sounds with Vape Dadz. We’re thrilled to have you with us Danny

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Melbourne listeners may think of Jacinta Parsons like an awesome extended family member. A stable for ABC radio Melbourne for many years, nationally and internationally she has written books (Unseen and A Question of Age) and worked in television and podcasts.

Jacinta Parsons is not just a prolific voice in the Australian media, but also an important intersectional advocate, MC and speaker. Way back when she started in community radio in Melbourne, and these days she’s teaching at RMIT while still creating, contributing and studying herself.

We are so thrilled to have her with us and to just generally bathe in her awesomeness, welcome to Music Mothers and Others, Jacinta!

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