A Musos Tale

On this episode of A Musos Tale, we sit down with bass player Andy Fry, whose low-end mastery has carried him onto some of Australia’s biggest stages. Known for locking in the groove and driving the rhythm, Andy shares his journey through the music scene, including his time playing with the iconic John Butler Trio. He talks about the art of holding down the foundation, the lessons he’s learned from life on the road, and why the bass is the heartbeat of every great band. Whether you’re a musician or a fan, Andy’s story is a deep dive into the power of groove.

James Sidebottom is a Geelong-based solo artist whose heartfelt songwriting and commanding voice have made him a standout on the Victorian music scene. Known for blending raw honesty with soaring melodies, James crafts songs that connect deeply with audiences, whether on stage or in the studio.His journey has taken him from local venues to the national spotlight with an appearance on Australian Idol, where he showcased his vocal power and artistry to a wide audience. Armed with his guitar and a captivating stage presence, James continues to balance vulnerability with energy, drawing listeners into every performance. With his mix of experience, talent, and passion, he’s carving a unique path as one of Geelong’s most exciting solo artists.

Megan Donelan is a powerhouse vocalist from Ballarat whose voice has fronted some of the region’s most exciting and eclectic bands, including Uncle Gus, Trunk, and Playjarism. Known for her raw energy, commanding stage presence, and ability to move seamlessly between soulful melodies and gritty rock delivery, Megan has carved out a reputation as one of Ballarat’s most versatile singers.Whether she’s driving a crowd with big, bold vocals or weaving harmonies that linger long after the last note, Megan’s passion for music is always front and centre. With a career spanning multiple projects and styles, she continues to push boundaries and bring her unmistakable sound to every stage she steps on.

Matty Rae is a Ballarat-based drummer whose powerful rhythms and dynamic style have made him a staple of the local music scene. Known for his tight grooves, relentless energy, and versatility behind the kit, Matty has played with a range of bands and projects, earning a reputation as both a rock-solid timekeeper and an explosive live performer.Whether locking in with a bassline or driving a song with thunderous fills, Matty brings a mix of precision and passion that elevates every track. With years of experience on stage and in the studio, he continues to shape the sound of Ballarat’s music community, proving himself as one of its most reliable and inspiring drummers.

In this episode, we sit down with Jane Gazzo!! — one of Australia’s most respected music journalists, broadcasters, and passionate advocates for the local music industry. From her early days hosting on community radio in Melbourne to presenting on the BBC in the UK, to becoming a familiar face on Channel [V] and a trusted voice on Triple J, Jane’s career has been defined by her deep love of music and her ability to connect artists with their audiences.We explore her journey through radio, television, and print, her insights into the ever-changing landscape of the music world, and her mission to document and preserve Australia’s rich musical history. With decades of interviews under her belt — from global superstars to emerging local acts — Jane shares behind-the-scenes stories, her thoughts on the state of music journalism today, and why she believes music continues to be one of the most powerful cultural forces we have.

On this episode of A Musos Tale Podcast, hosts Scotty and AO take on one of the greatest debut albums of all time — Pearl Jam’s Ten. With their trademark mix of passion, humour, and musical insight, the pair break down the record track by track, exploring its raw emotion, grunge-defining sound, and lasting cultural impact.AO digs into the lyrical depth and heartfelt storytelling behind classics like Alive and Black, while Scotty brings a sharp ear for the production, instrumentation, and energy that made Ten a cornerstone of the ’90s rock movement. And for a twist — the hosts put themselves to the test, attempting their own covers of two songs from the album, offering both respect and a little bit of fun chaos in the process.

This episode dives into the story of Jamie Turner, the driving force behind the kit for Ballarat’s own punk outfit Agent 37. Known for his fast, fierce, and unrelenting drumming, Jamie helped define the raw energy and rebellious sound that made the band a staple of the local punk scene.From sweaty garage rehearsals to chaotic live shows with Frenzal Rhomb, Jamie’s rhythm kept the chaos tight and the energy explosive. We talk about growing up in Ballarat’s underground music culture, the DIY spirit of punk, the wild stories from the road, and what it meant to create something loud and uncompromising in a regional city.

In this episode, we sit down with Trav Price, the hard-hitting bassist from Ballarat best known for bringing the low-end power to Heaven the Axe. Trav’s story is one of grit, groove, and chasing heavy music dreams from regional Victoria to national stages. With a style that balances precision and raw energy, he’s helped shape the backbone of one of Australia’s most ferocious hard rock/metal acts.We dive into his early beginnings in Ballarat’s music scene, the journey of joining Heaven the Axe, the chaos and camaraderie of life on the road, and what it takes to hold down the rhythm section in a band built on attitude and volume. Beyond the stage lights, Trav opens up about the realities of the Australian heavy music community and the passion that keeps him locked into every note.

This episode shines a light on one of Ballarat’s most dedicated and versatile musicians: Dave Clark. A mainstay of the local music scene, Dave has spent decades behind the kit, playing with countless cover bands, lending his groove to pubs, weddings, festivals, and community events across the region.But Dave’s influence doesn’t stop at the stage—he’s also a passionate drum teacher, mentoring the next generation of local talent with patience, precision, and a love for rhythm that’s infectious. Whether he’s playing ‘70s rock, modern pop, or laid-back blues, Dave brings musicality and professionalism to every performance.Join us as we chat about life as a working musician in a regional city, the stories behind the gigs, the joy of teaching, and why keeping the beat is about more than just playing in time. For music lovers, aspiring drummers, and anyone who believes in the power of local music communities.

Step into the raw, uncompromising world of James Ludbrook, the fierce voice behind Ballarat’s extreme metal juggernaut Damaged. In this episode, we dive deep into the origins of one of Australia’s most brutal underground bands and the man who fronted it with unmatched intensity. From the early days of local gigs and cassette demos to national recognition and infamous live shows, James shares what drove the chaos, the struggle to keep the band alive through internal tensions, and what it meant to scream for survival in the ‘90s metal scene. Also keep an eye out for James' new project 'World F*ckers' that will be hitting airwaves soon. Happy to share a world exclusive preview! Enjoy!Expect honesty, heavy stories, and a rare look into the mind of a frontman who never held back—on stage or off. For fans of raw music history, underground grit, and voices that echo long after the amps go silent.

The boys sit down and chat all things Season 2. Reflecting on episodes and just general music chit chat!Thanks everyone for listening and the support and of course a huge thanks to our guests!See you all soon for Season 3!

We sit down with Paul Wiltshire, CEO of Songtradr and overseer of Bandcamp, to explore the intersection of creativity and commerce in music. Paul shares his journey from being a musician,songwriter and producer to leading platforms that empower artists worldwide. We dive into how technology is reshaping music distribution, the role of streaming in independent artistry, and the importance of staying true to your creative vision. Whether you're an artist or a music lover, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ever-evolving music industry. 🎶Tune in to discover how the business of music is changing—and what it means for the future of creativity.Sort of a big deal this bloke!https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Wiltshirehttps://www.songtradr.comhttps://bandcamp.comLogo 'Red'-Josh Baldwin @rustedempireEditing/production-Scott Wright @redactive_audioTheme Music-Pete Donohue @petedeemusicFollow us...Instagram @a_musos_taleFacebook A Musos Tale

In this episode of A Musos Tale, we sit down with Shawn Durrani, an expat Texan musician whose journey has spanned genres, continents, and creative rebirths. From his early days playing upright bass in Houston's jazz-funk outfit Free Radicals to his experimental math-punk ventures with The Jonx, Shawn shares insights into his evolution as an artist. After a hiatus and a move to Australia, he rediscovered music production, blending his love for hip-hop and innovative electronic sounds. Shawn discusses the role of platforms like Ableton Live in shaping his creative workflow, his approach to collaboration, and how he embraced the process of sharing and evolving his tracks. Tune in for a candid conversation about creativity, resilience, and the joy of making music that resonates across borders. 🎧 Available now on your favorite podcast platform! (Sources: Splice blog, Free Radicals' Discogs profile) Logo 'Red'-Josh Baldwin @rustedempire Editing/production-Scott Wright @redactive_audio Theme Music-Pete Donohue @petedeemusic Follow us... Instagram @a_musos_tale Facebook A Musos Tale

We sit down with ex Ballarat Muso and Melbourne scene legend, Jason Mahar, whose journey spans multiple influential bands, including Sebasrockets, Celafain Vain, and Chinatown Angels. From glam rock roots to heartfelt riffs, Jason reflects on the creative and personal bonds that shaped his career. Join us as we explore his evolution as an artist, the unique dynamic of playing alongside family in various bands, and his distinctive Glam and Hard Rock vocal style. This is a candid, rocking conversation you don’t want to miss!Logo 'Red'-Josh Baldwin @rustedempireEditing/production-Scott Wright @redactive_audioTheme Music-Pete Donohue @petedeemusicFollow us...Instagram @a_musos_taleFacebook A Musos Tale

This week we chat with the fella that pretty much taught AO what chords he was playing! Steve Smart joins us to run through some stories of early music life, random pub gigs and his years playing with AO and Pete Donohue in the original Blank Canvas line up. Enjoy!! Logo 'Red'-Josh Baldwin @rustedempire Editing/production-Scott Wright @redactive_audio Theme Music-Pete Donohue @petedeemusic Follow us... Instagram @a_musos_tale Facebook A Musos Tale

In this episode of A Musos Tale, we sit down with Rod Gear, a Geelong-based busker, songwriter, and composer with a musical career spanning over three decades. From studying jazz at the Victorian College of the Arts to co-founding the globally acclaimed gospel group Sons of Korah, Rod shares his journey through music, spirituality, and creative exploration. Now a solo artist and street performer, Rod reflects on the unique connection he finds through busking and his recent instrumental projects, blending acoustic, Latin, and Middle Eastern influences. Tune in as we explore his philosophy of creating music to inspire and restore. Check out more about Rod's work on his website... www.rodgearmusic.com Logo 'Red'-Josh Baldwin @rustedempire Editing/production-Scott Wright @redactive_audio Theme Music-Pete Donohue @petedeemusic Follow us... Instagram @a_musos_tale Facebook A Musos Tale

Another album review! Our first one got a great response so we thought we would visit another 'Icon'. An album that you could say, has its own sound. An album that many regard as 1 of, if not, their favorite album! The album, again, holds a special place in the hearts of Scotty & AO so please enjoy..... Logo 'Red'-Josh Baldwin @rustedempire Editing/production-Scott Wright @redactive_audio Theme Music-Pete Donohue @petedeemusic Follow us... Instagram @a_musos_tale Facebook A Musos Tale

This episode is a family affair! We have our first 'Couple' in the studio! Benn & Emma Johannsen, husband and wife team that comprise of many musical talents between them-(mainly Bass/keys/Drums. We get to know a bit of there musical history and also how they came together! Please enjoy!

Mick Trembath We sit down with Ballarat's own Mick Trembath, guitarist and cornerstone of the local music scene. Known for his mastery of resonator and open-tuned guitars. With a career spanning decades, Mick shares his passion for music, the stories behind his art, and what makes Ballarat's music community so special. Tune in for an intimate look at a true regional legend's musical journey. https://youtu.be/JuE_oFnk8jE?si=FXGzBYeoygFaIx2Q https://youtu.be/6nq1iN2Ejhg?si=TNFZfC4hs1qS-k5X https://youtu.be/CztLdt3R--g?si=QG81jYjQcHBkWCra https://youtu.be/BLuCMeTHlAI?si=iMN88XNNCpxuzZb4 https://youtu.be/Kueu3fj5wp8?si=0rft1TToQVs2vIUd

 This week on A Musos Tale, we sit down with Ballarat’s own Sarah Donohue, a talented guitarist, singer, and passionate performer. Sarah has been a vibrant part of the local music scene, performing at venues across Victoria and captivating audiences with her heartfelt vocals. We dive into Sarah's journey as a musician, her creative process, and the experiences that shape her music. From her early days discovering her sound to her current projects that highlight her versatile artistry, Sarah shares the challenges and triumphs of life as a local artist. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a music lover, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and insights into the life of a modern-day female artist.