Are Drummers Musicians?

This week, I’m joined by the incredibly talented JIM ALXNDR—a producer, artist, and multi-instrumentalist whose journey through music has taken him across the world. From growing up in a small town in the UK to moving to Australia, studying jazz and contemporary music at VCA, and then heading to Berklee and LA to further develop his craft, Jim’s story is one of exploration, creativity, and constant evolution.We dive into his musical journey—starting with saxophone at school, being thrown into gigs at a young age, developing a passion for jazz, and transitioning into production and songwriting. Now based back in Australia, Jim continues to work across the US, UK, and Europe, collaborating with a range of artists. We talk about the differences in music education between the US and Melbourne, his approach to studio production vs. live performance, and the creative process behind his work.We also discuss his collaborations, including producing "Slave" with Angie McMahon, which has amassed over 600K streams on Spotify. And, of course, we chat about his latest project, The Light EP, and his EP launch at Northcote Social Club.This was an enjoyable, insightful, and sometimes deep conversation—filled with laughs about music school, reflections on purpose and creativity, and even some thoughts on tattoos and sun breaks. Jim’s passion for music is infectious—don’t miss this one!

This week, I’m joined by Michaela Jayde — a powerhouse Soul/R&B artist, dynamic performer, and an incredible vocalist who has been a key figure in Melbourne’s music scene for over a decade. With a voice that effortlessly blends classic soul with modern R&B, Michaela has worked with artists like Tones & I, Stan Walker, Jerome Farah, Kylie Auldist, Ben Abraham, Thndo, WILSN, and more.In this episode, we dive into her purpose and intention with music—what drives her, the deep connection she has to singing, and how she balances artistry with the demands of the industry. We talk about her experience on a singing competition TV show, the positive relationships and opportunities that came from it, but also the challenges and tensions she felt between music as an expression and music as a competition.Michaela shares the story behind posting a cover online and then being invited to sing live with Teddy Swims, as well as her journey growing up in a musical family, studying music, and drawing inspiration from Erykah Badu, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Donny Hathaway.We also discuss her passion for vocal technique and her deep knowledge of backing vocals—nerding out on harmonies and the craft of supporting other artists. And, on top of all this, we talk about motherhood, tribute shows, and releasing her own original music.Michaela is such a warm, inspiring presence—her strength, talent, and intention shine through in everything she does. This was a brilliant conversation—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by Brayden Becher — a powerhouse drummer deeply embedded in Melbourne’s metal scene, particularly doom metal. Brayden doesn’t just play in one or two bands—he’s currently drumming for six different projects, including Ghost Smoker, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows, Holy Serpent, KVLL, Aglobrutal, and Ahr Beka.We dive into what it’s like balancing that many projects, his experience growing up with music—starting drums at age four but being banned from playing during high school—and the wild story of auditioning for a band. Along the way, we explore the Melbourne metal scene, the unique characteristics of doom metal, and some of life’s big questions.We also talk about the importance of friends and family and the role they play in shaping a musician’s path. This was a really enjoyable chat, full of insight into a world of music I knew little about—don’t miss it!For more visit aredrummersmusicians.com

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant James Davies — drummer for Black Jesus Experience and a seasoned professional in the music theatre world. Originally from Northern Victoria, James moved to Melbourne to study at Box Hill Institute, where he trained under some of the best, including Dave Beck, Tony Floyd, and Robi Parolin. Since then, he’s built a career that spans jazz, funk, drum & bass, Ethiopian rhythms, and theatre drumming, performing on productions like Groundhog Day.We start this chat a little differently—James is not only an amazing musician but also a dedicated listener of the podcast! We talk about his thoughts on how the show evolved over its first 30 episodes, and I share some of my own reflections on its direction, and what I’m trying to achieve with it. If you want to jump straight into James’ story, skip the first 10 minutes!From touring China with Black Jesus Experience to blending traditional Ethiopian music with contemporary grooves, to life as a music theatre drummer, this conversation covers a huge range of topics. James is an insightful, versatile musician with a fascinating journey—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by the absolute legend Jess Ellwood — a drummer, guitarist, and all-around great musician who has built a career touring and recording with some of Australia’s finest artists.We talk a lot about tour life—the highs, the challenges, and what it takes to be a good hang on the road. Jess plays drums for Alex Lahey and guitar for Angie McMahon, and we dive into what it’s like shifting between roles, playing different instruments in different bands, and making the leap to full-time music.Beyond performing, we chat about their time with The Sweethearts, their experience as a teacher, and the importance of long-term friendships with musicians—how growing together in the scene has shaped their career. This was a lovely, insightful, and inspiring conversation—don’t miss it!For more visit aredrummersmusicans.com

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Selene Messinis — also known as SOLUNE — a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, and educator whose career spans genres from jazz and R&B to metal and circus performance. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Selene has worked with artists including thndo, Nikodimos, Bumpy, NO ZU, Gordon Koang, Parvyn, Harper Bloom, Don Glori, Teether, and RAMEN, while also developing her own unique artistic voice.In this episode, we discuss their journey with music, including the impact of the Blackburn High music program, their early years playing saxophone and piano, and how those foundations shaped their career. We dive into their experience writing and performing music for the circus, their work as an improvising musician, and their thoughts on the experience of women in the music industry.Selene also shares their love of dressing in bright-colored clothes as an expression of personal freedom, as well as an exciting new project—working on their metal album! This was such a dynamic and inspiring conversation—don’t miss it.For more visit aredrummersmusicians.com

This week, I’m joined by Ellis — a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator who has carved out a dynamic career in the Australian music scene. Best known as the drummer for GUSH (formerly Paper Tapir), Ellis has been playing alongside Louis Smith and Luci Floyd for the past decade, with Domenic Evans recently joining the band.In this episode, we explore their journey through music—from growing up in a musical household to learning piano and drums, studying at VCASS, and being mentored by jazz legend Graeme Morgan. We also talk about their experiences in both jazz and pop-rock, forming GUSH, and working with other artists, including Garage Sale and Grace Robinson.Beyond performing and recording, Ellis shares insights into their teaching philosophy, thoughts on the music industry, and how they approach finding balance between creativity, work, and life. And for those looking for some drumming inspiration, Ellis recommends checking out Steve Reich’s 1987 album Drumming.This was an insightful and engaging conversation—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by the extraordinary Nat Bartsch — a twice ARIA-nominated pianist, composer, producer, and advocate whose music blends neoclassical composition with jazz harmony, improvisation, and ethereal ambient effects. At the time of recording in 2024, Nat was the Artist in Residence at the Melbourne Recital Centre and was preparing for the release of her stunning album, Forever Changed.I was lucky enough to get an early listen to Forever Changed before this conversation, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Since then, friends and I attended the album launch, and it was such a special experience. In this episode, we discuss the process behind making the album, its deeply personal themes, and how it was shaped by surround sound and Atmos mixing.Nat also opens up about being a neurodivergent artist—reflecting on her autism and ADHD diagnoses and how they’ve influenced her creative process, career, and advocacy work. She shares how she’s been creating inclusive spaces, including neurodiverse-friendly listening experiences at the Recital Centre.Beyond her work as a solo artist, we discuss her decision to self-manage, launch her own label (Amica Records), and develop Amica Familia, a mentorship program for emerging artists. From the challenges of being an independent musician to the evolving landscape of recorded music, this conversation is packed with insight, creativity, and inspiration—don’t miss it!For more visit aredrummersmusicians.com

Strap in—this is a long one! This week, I’m joined by Gerry Pantazis, one of Australia’s most in-demand drummers, known for his incredible versatility across fusion, pop, session work, theatre, and TV performances. With a career spanning decades, Gerry has played with legends like Larry Carlton, Richard Marx, Tommy Emmanuel, Tina Arena, and The Seekers, as well as holding the drum chair for Carols by Candlelight for nearly 20 years.We dive into a huge range of topics, from his work with the fusion powerhouse Damage (with Phil Turcio, Brett Garsed, and Craig Newman), to the evolution of the music scene, music relationships, and the balance of longevity and change as a professional musician. Gerry shares what it’s like performing on Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the pressure of playing live on national TV, and his thoughts on notation—specifically, the pet peeves that make charts a nightmare to read as a drummer.We wrapped up the podcast after an hour… and then Gerry asked to keep going. Suddenly, another two and a half hours passed, packed with even more stories, insights, and laughs. If you’re a hardcore Gerry fan, the second half is a deep dive into everything from gear (DW Electric Drums!) to industry wisdom.This was an epic conversation—enjoy the first hour, or stay for the full 3.5 hours of drumming gold!

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Danny Fischer — one of the most in-demand jazz drummers and educators in Australia. Danny spent a decade living and working in New York, playing with some of the world’s best musicians and building an incredible wealth of experience. He shared some brutally honest and often hilarious stories about what it was really like to be a jazz drummer in the world’s most competitive scene.We also talked about his yoga practice and how it’s influenced both his drumming and the very practical challenge of carrying drums around New York. He opened up about the struggles and successes of his time overseas, what led him to move back to Melbourne, and how he brings a highly personalized approach to teaching—something I can personally vouch for, as he’s the best drum teacher I’ve ever had (and I’ve had some of the best!).This chat was full of wisdom, humor, and insight into the reality of being a jazz musician. Don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by Jack Foy — a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher based in Melbourne/Naarm. Jack currently plays, writes, and records with Hobsons Bay Coast Guard, Great Falls, Sun Bazel, Smooth Brains, and his own project, Lafferty Daniel.We chat about his journey through music—learning guitar, studying jazz drumming at Monash, and how he’s juggled different instruments and projects over the years. Jack has also worked with various artists, including Hallie, Eileen Grace, Seamus McCorry, Suzi, and Marigolden, bringing his versatility to a range of musical settings.Along the way, we talk about his paddle-pop socks, what it’s like being a left-handed drummer, playing bass with Great Falls, and the story behind the name Lafferty Daniel. This was a great conversation with an artist who’s explored so many sides of music—don’t miss it!

This week, I had a fun and insightful chat with Stilla — a rising pop artist from Naarm/Melbourne, known for her funky, relatable anthems and razor-sharp pop instincts. With influences like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Dua Lipa, Stilla blends pop, funk, R&B, and dance to create a fresh and unapologetically fun sound.We talked about what it takes to build a career as an independent artist—her drive, mindset, and approach to content creation. Stilla also shared her thoughts on balancing creativity with the business side of music, staying authentic in an ever-changing industry, and how she pushes herself to level up with each new release.Since recording this episode, Stilla has released her debut EP STILLAVERSE and put on a massive launch show at Northcote Social Club, marking a huge milestone in her career. Her rise in the pop world is only just beginning, and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation!

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Raleigh Williams — a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and artistic producer with a deep and versatile career across jazz, soul, pop, world music, and more. Raleigh has led her own French jazz project La Nuit Blanche, headlined her own shows, performed with the ARIA Award-winning Cookin’ on 3 Burners, and was a vocalist with the rock-Americana-blues supergroup FOOLS. She’s also an in-demand session singer and artistic producer, curating and shaping Melbourne’s live music scene.In this episode, we talk about the realities of being a working musician—the struggles, the passion, and the craft of music as a trade. We also dive into the technical side of singing, treating the voice as an instrument, and Raleigh’s personal experience with voice surgery. Her insights into the industry, artistic resilience, and musical adaptability make this a fascinating and inspiring conversation.This one is packed with wisdom, honesty, and of course, plenty of laughs—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by the legendary Kylie Auldist—singer, songwriter, and one of Australia’s most respected voices in funk, soul, and disco. You might know her as the powerhouse vocalist of The Bamboos, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, or from her incredible solo work. And of course, her voice took This Girl (Kungs vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners) to global chart domination, with over a billion streams and international acclaim.This chat was an absolute blast—Kylie made me laugh so much! We dive into her journey through the music industry, her time playing in bars and bands, the realities of music rights and royalties, and what it means to be a headliner. We also talk about writing partnerships, longevity in the music scene, and how it feels to be considered ‘old’ in an industry that often prioritizes youth.Kylie is as down-to-earth as she is talented, and this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and plenty of fun. Don’t miss it!

This week, I had the pleasure of recording in Ben Edgar’s studio, overlooking the lush green surroundings of Belgrave. Ben is an incredibly talented guitarist, producer, and engineer with a fascinating approach to music-making—one that embraces challenges, limitations, and the unexpected creativity they bring.We dive into his collection of guitars and related instruments, discussing how different tools shape his sound and push his playing in new directions. Naturally, we get into some serious sound nerd territory—talking pedals, recording techniques, and the nuances of capturing the right tone.Beyond the gear talk, Ben shares stories from his experiences recording and touring the world with Gotye and Angus & Julia Stone, working with Dope Lemon, and engineering the latest record for The Cat Empire.This episode is full of great insights, music wisdom, and good vibes—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by Myles Mumford — a producer, engineer, composer, and musician who has been shaping the Melbourne music scene for over two decades. Myles has been making music and records since the late '90s, starting with trombone and composition before moving to Melbourne in 2002 to study at the VCA, where he later ran the recording studio. Since then, he has built an incredible career spanning record production, film sound, theatre sound design, location recording, concert production, and more.Myles is known for his musical and collaborative approach to recording, creating a sense of space and presence that has made his work stand out. His productions have earned critical acclaim, including ARIA nominations, Bell Awards, Music Victoria Awards, a Green Room Award, and APRA awards. In 2014, he founded Rolling Stock Recording Rooms in Collingwood, which has become a hub for artists across genres, fostering community-driven music-making in Melbourne’s vibrant music scene.Beyond the studio, Myles has worked internationally, spending a year in Swaziland through Australian Volunteers International, producing radio shows, building a recording studio, and helping develop local artists and content that dominated the Swazi Top 20 for over a year.In this episode, we explore his journey through music, the philosophy behind making records, the balance of art and commerce in the music industry, and the importance of creative spaces like Rolling Stock. We also talk about his work as a composer, his thoughts on gatekeeping in the music industry, and his passion for making good music, regardless of genre.This was an inspiring and deep conversation—don’t miss it!

This week, I’m joined by one of Australia’s great bass players—Lucas Taranto. With a massive resume of recording and touring work, Lucas has played some of the world’s most iconic venues and stages.Of course, I couldn’t resist asking about his time with Gotye during the Somebody That I Used to Know era, and Lucas generously shared some incredible stories from that wild period of global success. But his career didn’t start or stop there—far from it.We chat about how he first picked up the bass, how he established himself in the industry, working with different bandleaders, life as a working musician, and yes, even a bit of gear talk. Lucas is not only a phenomenal player but also an incredibly humble and thoughtful musician, and I’m grateful to have had him on the show.(Disclaimer: Way too many nice things were said about me—Luke, the host—by Lucas in this episode. Clearly, he’s a class act.)aredrummmersmusicians.com

This week, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with virtuoso drummer and percussionist David Jones — one of Australia’s greatest musicians. Arriving with a case full of special instruments (some of which made their way into our conversation), David brought not just his incredible skill, but also deep wisdom, reflection, and generosity of spirit.We discussed his early beginnings with the bongos, the power of mentorship, spiritual practice and meditation, the art of creating sound, recording, and so much more. Over 90 minutes, we explored a range of topics—musical, philosophical, and personal—with plenty of laughter along the way.One of the most unexpected moments was David sharing how, despite his legendary status, he once felt a sense of inferiority due to his lack of harmonic knowledge when bringing his compositions to other musicians. It was a fascinating and deeply human insight into how even the most accomplished artists face insecurities—and, in many ways, it tied right back into the very question this podcast asks.This was a truly special conversation—don’t miss it!

This week, we dive into the world of DJing and turntablism with the talented DJ Mizhap! After spending 10 years performing in Perth, Mizhap recently made the move to Melbourne, and we talk about everything from getting started on the decks to establishing herself in a new city, learning new skills, and connecting with the local music community.Mizhap is a skilled artist who’s always looking to grow, and she shared her inspirations, both new and old, in the turntablist scene. While I’ve been around DJs before, turntablism is a whole different world, and Mizhap was generous in explaining some of the key techniques and terminology behind it. I learned a lot about the depth of this skillset and the artistry involved in this unique form of music-making.We also discuss the differences between DJing in clubs versus other live settings where artistry and performance take center stage. This was such a fun chat, and I left feeling inspired to explore more about Mizhap’s work and the turntablism scene in general.

This week, I’m joined by the talented guitarist Beth Feik—inner-city local, indie punk rocker, and founding member of The Vovos. Rolling up on her bike in a corduroy jacket, Beth brought some serious cool energy to this chat as we dove into the Melbourne punk scene, her love for music, and the importance of community.We talk about her journey with the guitar, her pivotal experience at Girls Rock! Australia, and how that led to forming The Vovos alongside Ada Duffy, Mika James, Ruby Ayliffe, and Lu Galente. Beth shares stories about mentorship, industry experiences, and what it was like performing at Sidney Myer Music Bowl at just 17 years old to a crowd of 4,000 people.This episode is all about passion, punk, and the power of making music with your friends—don’t miss it!