Andrew Fearn is the musical architect behind the English post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, known for his stark, loop-based productions that have redefined modern minimalism. In this episode, we talk to Andrew about his unique approach to composition, his philosophy on keeping gear simple in a complex world, and how he crafts the perfect sonic landscape for the band’s gritty lyrical content. We also discuss his solo project EXTENDDNTWRK, his background in electronic music and the evolution of his live rig.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

The recording of The Demise of Planet X

Sleaford Mods – The Good Life

Andrew’s musical upbringing

Sleaford Mods – Wank

Sleaford Mods – Austerity Dogs

John Cooper Clarke

The Streets

Sleaford Mods – Jobseeker

The song-writing process in Sleaford Mods

Sleaford Mods – No Touch

Andrew’s approach to finding sounds

1010 Music Bitbox

Thoughts on AI and music

EXTENDDNTWRK – Bandcamp

DJ Krush – Strictly Turntablized

LFO – LFO 

Andrew in action with Sleaford Mods at Glastonbury

Casio MT-400V

Desert Island Discs: TNT – Tortoise, Untrue – Burial, Surfer Rosa – Pixies, Off The Radar – Earthling, It’s Tomorrow Already – The Irresistable Force

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Andrew Fearn, Sleaford Mods / EXTENDDNTWRK appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

To round out the year, we’re going with the brainchild of esteemed podcast co-host Paul Bindig, to interview the guy responsible for The Keyboard Chronicles, David Holloway. As an alleged keyboard player himself, David talks about his lifetime in adjacency to keyboards, bands, music projects and a whole lot more. There’s also a deep dive / behind the scenes discussion on how the podcast is put together and discussion on some favourite guests.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

David’s past 12 months, including gigging with Gloss

David’s electronic music outfit –  Civil Sector

David’s musical upbringing

Sliprock

The JVC KB-500 keyboard

Yamaha DSR-1000

Discussion on musicals and orchestra pits

Res Rocket Surfer 

The poet Philip Larkin

David’s ambient music project – Stainless Fields

Stainless Fields on Spotify 

Midnight Fields

David’s go-to keyboards over the years

Check out David’s 2024 rig in detail

Narf Sounds

A detailed chat / behind the scenes expose of the podcast

Some of David’s favourite guests of all time

How rig tours are organised (and apologies to Adam Holzman for calling him Andy!)

Desert Island Discs: Self-Titles – Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder, Under the Sun – Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls, Born Sandy Devotional – The Triffids, Songs of Distant Earth – Mike Oldfield, Darkness On The Edge of Town – Bruce Springsteen, Oxygene – Jean Michel Jarre.

Band T-shirt shout-outs: Daniel Martin and The Infamous and Chrome

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post David Holloway, Stainless Fields / Gloss / Civil Sector / Podcast Host appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Nigel Hall is a true soul provider whose authentic blend of funk, R&B, and jazz has made him a standout vocalist and keyboardist. We attempt to cover his musical evolution from his D.C. roots to his work with the Grammy-nominated band Lettuce and his own dynamic solo projects. Lots to be inspired by here, including Nigel’s story of overcoming adversity to have a great perspective on gratitude, music and life in general.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Nigel’s past year

Lettuce’s new album Cook – check out one of the songs, Keep On

Nigel’s musical upbringing

Nigel in action live with Lettuce

Ryan Zoidis

Robert Randolph and The Family Band

Nigel in action on vocals with Soulive

The challenges of being a band leader versus being a player in a band

Some great insights on the physical and mental approach to touring

Joining Lettuce

Lettuce’s new album – Cook

Nigel’s keyboard rig with Lettuce.

Luke Jones – Custom Vintage Keys

Nigel’s solo albums: Ladies and Gentleman.. Nigel Hall, Spiritual, The Burning Bush (EW&F tribute)

Nigel Hall – I Can’t Stand The Rain

Kofi Burbridge

Thoughts for younger players

Lettuce Live at The Fillmore

Desert Island Discs: Journey to Love – Stanley Clarke, Extension of a Man – Donny Hathaway, OST – The Wiz, Feel – George Duke, Man-Child – Herbie Hancock.

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Nigel Hall, Lettuce / Soulive / Jon Cleary / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mick Rossi has had a burgeoning career spanning decades, genres and artists. We attempt in an hour to cover some decent ground on that amazing career, including Mick’s work with Philip Glass, The Philip Glass Ensemble, Paul Simon, Carly Simon and Hall & Oates to name just a few.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Mick’s recent and (8th or 9th) tour with Paul Simon

Mick in action in 2025 with Paul Simon – The Sacred Harp

Mick in action with Paul Simon – Wristband

Recent work with the Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble – Floe (Glassworks)

Mick with the Philip Glass Ensemble in 2024 – The Grid

The late and great Dennis Sandole

Touring with Angela Bofill

Being approached to play with Philip Glass

Philip Glass – La Belle et la Bête

Michael Riesman

Mick’s keyboard rig with The Philip Glass Ensemble

Philip Glass – Orion

Philip Glass & Leonard Cohen – Book of Longing

On playing Philip Glass’ Music in 12 Parts

On conducting a Philip Glass Ensemble show with a couple of hours notice

On recording with, and joining, Paul Simon’s band

Mick in action with Paul Simon on Cool, Cool River

Mick’s keyboard rig with Paul Simon

New York’s The Knitting Factory

Mick’s prolific solo output including 160 (and why it should have been titled something different)

Mick Rossi’s Anti-Matter Live at Barbes

Mick with Caleb Wheeler Curtis – Runt

Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Symphonies Nos 1-15 – Shostakovich, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Five Pieces for Orchestra – Webern

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Mick Rossi, Paul Simon / Philip Glass / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Yaron Gershovsky is an internationally acclaimed pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and producer. We attempt to cover Yaron’s amazing career, from his start in Israel and his initial gigs with jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, through to his work with Wayne Shorter and his long-standing tenure as MD with The Manhattan Transfer. Add in some discussions about Broadway musicals, his recent album with Janis Siegel, The Count Basie Orchestra and a bunch of other collaborations and it’s a packed hour. 

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Yaron’s past year

Janis Sigel and Yaron Gershovsky – The Colors Of My Life

Yaron’s early professional career in Israel

Moving to the US and attending Berklee

Working with Pharoah Sanders

Working with Wayne Shorter on his album Atlantis

Yaron in action with The Manhattan Transfer in 1986

Yaron in action with The Manhattan Transfer in 2023

A discussion on Yaron’s keyboard rig for The Manhattan Transfer

When Chick Corea sits in with your band for a song

Meeting and/or performing with Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Dr Lonnie Smith

The Manhattan Transfer – Corner Pocket

Yaron Gershovsky – Transitions

Working on the musicals Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and City of Angels

Thoughts for younger players entering the industry

Yaron’s most memorable on-stage train wreck

Desert Island Discs: Night Train – Oscar Peterson, The Cat – Jimmy Smith, The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album – Tony Bennett & Bill Evans, The Nightfly – Donald Fagen, Vocalese – The Manhattan Transfer

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Yaron Gershovsky, The Manhattan Transfer / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Kory Caudill is a keyboardist and composer from eastern Kentucky. After a musical journey with varied artists, he’s currently part of Tyler Childer’s band. He has also made a mark with his critically acclaimed solo projects, including the Grammy-nominated album “Tree of Life”. With special guest co-host Steve Nathan, we chat on all that plus his work on projects  like the “Concert for the Human Family” tour and how it reflects a deep commitment to using music as a bridge between cultures and communities.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Recent touring with Tyler Childers

Kory in action with Tyler Childers

Recording the next Tyler Childers album

Working with Rick Rubin

Kory’s musical upbringing and a discussion on Appalachian culture

Kory Caudill – Song for Appalachia

The move to Nashville

Kory’s father Keith Caudill in action

Joining and working with Justin Moore

Kory in action with Justin Moore

Concert for the Human Family – working with collaborator Wordsmith

Working with Pam Tillis

Kory and Pam Tillis in action together

Working with Blessing Offor

Kory Caudill feat. Blessing Offor – Cross The River

Being stretched as a player – Tyler Childers and Getting to the Bottom (solo is around 3-minute mark)

Kory Caudill – Tree of Life

Kory shares some of the insights that have been shared with him over the years in relation to musicianship

Desert Island Discs: The Way Up – Pat Metheny Group, Tracks – Oscar Peterson, a Billy Preston gospel bootleg, Yanni Live at The Acropolis – Yanni, Here Come The Noise Makers – Bruce Hornsby

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Kory Caudill, Tyler Childers / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Steven Reid Williams is a British keyboardist, pianist, and songwriter who currently plays for UK and Australian pop legend Leo Sayer and 80s icon Paul Young, while also contributing as a session musician to artists such as Melanie C, Rebecca Ferguson, Lulu, and Nadine Coyle. Add to that his solo creative output and his work with The Overtones, and there’s lots to discuss.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Touring with Leo Sayer

Steven in action with Leo Sayer 2025

Steven’s musical upbringing

Casio PT-20

Moving from teaching to professional musician

Beth Rowley

Working with Jamelia

Steven demonstrating his chops as a player and singer

Working with The Overtones

Steven in action live with The Overtones

Working with Leo Sayer

Steven in action with Leo Sayer – One Man Band

Steven’s keyboard rig with Leo Sayer

When your first pro gig is given with one day’s notice, and is in Kazakhstan

Working with Paul Young

Paul Young – Iron Out The Rough Spots

Steven in action with Sam Outlaw

Some best bits of Terry Wogan

This is actually what a flapjack is 

Steven Reid Williams – Hearts and Stones

Steven’s killer covers album – Black + White Interpretations

Desert Island Discs: Sleepwalking – Gerry Rafferty, Rumours – Fleetwood Mac, An Innocent Man – Billy Joel, Self-Titled – Rage Against The Machine, hummingbird – Carly Pearce, Back Home Again – John Denver

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Steven Reid Williams, Leo Sayer / Paul Young / The Overtones appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In this second part of our interview with Roger O’Donnell, we dive deeper into Roger’s time with The Cure by walking through each Cure album Roger worked on in reverse order. We also chat on composing for ballet, a great on-stage train wreck and a whole lot more. Watch Part 1 here.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

The strength of The Cure’s live show

The Cure in action at Glastonbury 2019

The Cure live in 2024 – A Forest

Working on 2004’s album – The Cure

The Cure’s approach to songwriting

Working on Bloodflowers

Wild Mood Swings period

Roger’s current touring rig with The Cure

Recreating the keyboard sounds of the earlier albums by The Cure

The more challenging songs by The Cure to play, including The Top

Roger playing Like Cockatoos live in 2018

One of the 9 million times Roger has loved playing Just Like Heaven

The recording of Disintegration

Thoughts for younger players entering the music industry

A memorable on-stage train wreck

The next decade of Roger’s career and the long-term passion of a ballet on The Picture of Dorian Gray

A taste of Roger O’Donnell’s classical work

On not playing music during an extended illness

Desert Island Discs: Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire, The Grand Wazoo – Frank Zappa, Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix, Songs From The Silver Box – Roger O’Donnell.

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Roger O’Donnell is a long-serving member of The Cure, shaping their sound for coming up to 40 years (with a couple of breaks). Aside from that critical role, Roger formerly held down keys duties with The Psychedelic Furs, Thompson Twins and Berlin. Add to that his incredible solo output and you have a fascinating guest for the show. In Part 1 we cover off Roger’s early career, musical upbringing and his solo albums, finished off with a start on our discussion on The Cure.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Roger’s past year

The Cure – Songs From A Lost World

Roger’s new solo album – Projections

Roger’s new Rhodes Mk 8

The challenges of doing Atmos mixes

Roger O’Donnell – The Truth In Me

Roger O’Donnell – Songs From The Silver Box

The brilliance of the Rhodes Mk 8 in an album context

Roger O’Donnell – 7 Different Words for Love

The Una Corda piano

Roger’s work on the movie Sam & Kate

A brief time with Phillip Glass

Roger’s musical upbringing and being born next to the piano

Buying a Prophet 600 and joining The Thompson Twins

The move to LA and joining The Psychedelic Furs

Roger in action with The Psychedelic Furs in 1987

The Flirtations

Thompson Twins keyboard rig

Roger’s enormous Sequential Circuits-based keyboard rig with The Psychedelic Furs

Recording Disintegration with The Cure and the keyboards used

Adjusting playing style when joining The Cure

What makes the working relationship with Robert Smith successful

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Thorsten Quaeschning is a German composer, multi-instrumentalist, and musical director. We talk to him about his new album in collaboration with Steve Rothery, his role as the leader of the legendary electronic group Tangerine Dream, and his career more broadly. 

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Check out Bioscope – Gento

Genesis of the collaboration with Steve Rothery

Recording of the Gento album and the benefits of working side by side rather than remotely

Alex Reeves

A walk through Gento track by track

The importance of Thorsten’s modular rig in his work

Using three Minimoog Voyagers and their idiosyncracies

Avoiding the 80s and 90s keyboard staples with the Bioscope project

A detailed chat on the huge range of keyboards, plugins and effects used on Gento

Potential for a second Bioscope album

Thorsten’s musical upbringing

Getting the call to join Tangerine Dream (and Edgar Froese’s ‘to-do’ list)

Learning electronic music with Edgar Froese at your side

Tangerine Dream – Jeanne D’Arc (2005)

The secret to the success of Thorsten and Edgar’s working relationship

Evolving Tangerine Dream’s sound whilst honouring the legacy to date

The brilliant Sigur Rós and the iconic Sundlaugin Studio

Tangerine Dream – Zeit vs Tangerine Dream – Phaedra

Defining Tangerine Dream’s ‘Quantum Era’

Tangerine Dream live in Melbourne 2014

Edgar Froese’s firm view on Tangerine Dream’s continuation

Paul Frick

Fascinating chat on approach to playing Tangerine Dream songs live

Desert Island Discs: Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, In The Wee Small Hours – Frank Sinatra, Disintegration – The Cure, August and Everything After – Counting Crows, ( ) – Sigur Rós

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Thorsten Quaeschning, Tangerine Dream / Bioscope / Picture Palace Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.