HearSej

Seja talks to her guest Michael Rother (Neu!, Harmonia, Kraftwerk) about playing these 50 anniversary of Neu! Shows in Australia and if they have conjured up and feelings of nostalgia. Michael tells Seja about being grateful for his musical freedom, having a popularity resurgence for old records 20 years after their release, and his opinion on terms like Krautrock and Motorik. They chat about playing in bands with people who may not be your friends, growing up in Düsseldorf, and being introduced to Little Richard by his older brother. Michael talks openly about Klaus Dinger (dummer in Neu!), Conny Plank (engineer and producer), Jaki Liebezeit (Can), Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider (Kraftwerk) and Roedlius and Möbius (Cluster). Michael’s strange show story was illustrated by Kate Reid @itrecordsmelb or @katekatereid. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) about growing up Modesto, moving to LA on his own terms, home recording and weird shows in Germany. Jason tells Seja about the last tour he did of Australia, his thoughts on continuing to use the name Grandaddy, and wanting to honour one’s own influences without compromise. They chat about imposter syndrome, their love of Jeff Lynne, synths and how to keep songs interesting. Jason’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Spod. You can see more of Spod’s music and videos @spodemonic or or https://www.spod.com.au/ All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) about her feelings on releasing the new Middle Kids album Faith Crisis Pt 1, the inspiration and journey of the album and what the word faith conjures up for people. Hannah tells Seja about touring with a kid, the role that alcohol can take in songwriting and performance, and her first experience of acting in a movie (check out the film Christmess). They also chat about lyrics and rhyme schemes, performance anxiety and instrumental songs. Hannah’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Leith O’Malley. You can see more of his amazing artwork at www.leithomalley.com or on instagram @leithomalley. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page. Solidarity Soundwaves https://4000.fanlink.to/solidarity-soundwavesb

Seja talks to her guest Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) about what it’s like supporting Robbie Williams in Australia, his current killer band members and his latest album ‘Turn the Car Around’. Gaz tells Seja about translating these songs to a live setting, building his home studio and how that sparked a big moment of songwriting energy, and how his record became a comfort and a friend during the UK lockdowns. They chat about the writing and recording process including trying to keep first takes, mumble tracks and crafting the ideas, how Lennon made Gaz feel ok to express all the big feelings, getting signed as a teenager and capitalising on the Britpop label. Gaz’s strange story was illustrated by Davey Lane @daveyhellolane. Thank you also to Davey for helping to make the whole chat happen. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Hannah Cameron about moving to Melbourne from Brisbane to study jazz voice, first being inspired by Laura Marling and Missy Higgins and how she balances playing and teaching music. Hannah tells Seja about being a choir nerd who loved harmonies and how getting therapy and her subsequent self reflection in adult life has helped her songwriting. They chat about album making buddies, getting to play your favourite songs with the people who wrote them and the special kind of hell that is comping your own vocals. Hannah’s strange story was illustrated by Jack Spider @socialjacktivism. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Asha Lorenz (Sorry) about being in Australia for the first time, growing up in the London music scene but taking it for granted and listening to Bob Dylan instead. Asha tells Seja about what it’s like being in her genre-diverse band Sorry and her experiences translating the songs to a live setting. They chat about being the only girl on tour, finding the perfect intoxication balance on stage and what’s next for Asha in terms of writing new songs and making some changes. Asha’s story was illustrated by Lucy Dyson. You can find more of her work on instagram @lucydysonsphere or at www.lucydyson.com.

Seja talks to her guest Adem Kerimofski (Turnstyle) about their 20 odd year friendship, how they both met Dave Grohl on the same day and their Sekiden/Turnstyle brother/sister type relationship. Adem tells Seja about being ‘too weird’ to be signed to Shock Records, his favourite songs of all time, lo fi home recording and DIY music releasing. They chat about their love of Boney M, writing a simple melody with emotion, and playing with bands who are more earnest than them. Adem’s strange experience was illustrated by PJ of the band Turnstyle. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talked to her Guest Georgia Barnes about her new album It’s Euphoric, growing up surrounded by synths from birth as her dad’s band Leftfield were hitting the mainstream, and how the smell of old equipment feels like home. Georgia tells Seja about working with a producer for the first time and how trusting and open the collaborative relationship with Rostam became. They share stories about touring with old gear, album release anxiety and much synthesiser chat. Georgia’s strange show story was illustrated by Matt King Harbottle. You can see more of his work on instagram @gunners.king or on his website www.theharbottle.com All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Sam Bentley (The Paper Kites) about his first touring experiences, starting in punk bands and trying to be crazy on stage. Sam tells Seja about his dad, his spirituality and being inspired by gospel music. They chat about wanting to move people with music, going shows by themselves and the unique way the Paper Kites’ new album was written and recorded. Sam’s strange show experience was illustrated by Ethan Jenkins (@e.e.jenkins). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Alex Gow about the making of his new album Dizzy Spell (out in October 2023), recording to 4-track, the pressure of a single take and unexpected majors/minors. They chat about nicknames, their love of Harry Nilsson and how your body can understand music before your mind does. Alex tells Seja about feeling adult, healthy and happy, writing on the piano and what artists were played around the house when he was a child. Alex’s strange experience illustration was done by Artificial Intelligence (orchestrated by Alex Gow). All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Yon (Simon Hall) from Tripod about his new podcast called Minuscule Musical, a clever half-hour podcast where he collaborates with different people each episode to write a short musical. Yon tells Seja about being inspired by a cast recording of Annie, how the musical idea of Bono and the Edge writing a Spiderman musical came about, the process of collaborating for the first time with new people and his choir training as a young boy. Seja and Yon chat about overdoing it at the gym, the time they played Dungeons and Dragons, and how to know when I song is done. Yon’s strange show story was illustrated by Vanessa Norlander @ness_norlander All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Cash Savage about the new album So This is Love, the process of letting go of songs and connecting with one’s audience. Cash tells Seja about writing in interesting time signatures, the loss of identity during lockdown and some of her superstitions around live shows. They chat about the camaraderie in bands, games on tour and vocal heroes. Cash’s strange show story was illustrated by Nick Finch. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Mo’Ju about the recording of their new album Oro, Plata Mata. Mo’Ju tells Seja about the making of the album including its concepts such as the importance of the number 3 based on Filipino superstition. Seja and Mo’Ju chat about their journeys towards trusting themselves in their songwriting practices, collaboration with family and their love of the Violent Femmes as teenagers. Mo’ju’s strange show story was illustrated by Patience Hodgson. You can follow Patience on instagram @paehoddy All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talk to her guest Astrid Jorgensen (Pub Choir) about the phenomenon that is Pub Choir over the last few years, her history of being a high school teacher and how singing in a choir the quickest way to properly experience music as an amateur. Astrid tells Seja about the mistaken notion that alcohol is a 'must' for pub choir, that she doesn’t like performing when it’s all about her, and her lack of an inner dialogue. They chat about audiation, the health benefits of singing, her inclusion of sign language in Pub Choir and all the amazing female and gender diverse artists she champions as part of the show. And course, they talk about the Kate Bush email. Astrid’s strange story was illustrated by the Patterson kids, with artistic direction from Pub Choir manager and guitarist from the Grates John Patterson. You can follow John on instagram @Jhonpatterson or Pub Choir @pubchoir All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Meg Mac about her new album Matter of Time, how she scrapped an entire version to start again, how she moved to the country and some of the writing tools that helped her start again from scratch. They chat about their mutual love of Enya’s vocal production, the process of working remotely with producers overseas and how it shaped the album. Meg tells Seja about the songs that made her want to sing as a child, how her dad’s love of musical theatre influenced her own music and what part of her job makes her feel most vulnerable. Megs strange story was illustrated by Art Chandler You can check out more of his work on instagram @the_other_goku or on his website https://sogooddog.com/tos. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Missy Higgins about her new mini album Total Control, how she expanded the songs from writing for television and how it was produced. They chat about their shared phobias, how important it is to surround yourself with good hearted people on tour, and their fear of accidentally not being woke enough. Missy tells seja about fighting for women’s rights, being politically outspoken and writing abstract piano music. Missy’s strange story was illustrated by Charmaine Greenwood. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B) about the band’s 5th album release, lockdown in New Zealand, and how COVID-19 has been a weird opportunity for New Zealand bands to get good slots on festivals. He tells Seja about his dad’s country influence, studying jazz guitar in New York, and how he started singing. They chat about the beautiful simplicity of lyric writing and instrumentation, band royalties and Joel’s love for the band Toto. Joel’s story was illustrated by Laurence Crow. You can check out more of his work on instagram @lozcrowillustration or on his website www.laurencecrowillustration.com. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram here @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Erica Dunn (Tropical Fuck Storm, MOD CON, harmony, Palm Springs) about the new TFS album, how the band accidentally made a movie and how songs come together in all the bands she is in. Erica tells Seja about her music related sliding doors moment, her scary piano teacher and how she joined her favourite band. They chat about her experiences with trying to learn mistakes on purpose, vocal heroes and trying to stay healthy on tour. Erica's strange show story was illustrated by George Karapas @georgekarapas001. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Stu Mackenzie (King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) about his upcoming multi-genre residency shows in Brisbane, COVID-19 admin on tour and how difficult it is to remember 75 songs at the same time. Stu tells Seja about how he approaches music like architecture, his addictive personality and how this feeds his compulsion to write, and how his dad would play him Australian Roots/Country to put him to sleep as a kid. They chat about needing parameters while writing, their love of Juno-60s, and the phenomenon of everyone hearing music differently to one another. Stu’s strange show story was illustrated by Alex Smith (@alexosm). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Paul Kelly about his very special new Christmas album ‘Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train’, the journey of making the album, how the songs came together and some of the collaborations. Paul tells Seja about the post album recording flatness, how it’s always strange to talk about something once you’ve finished it and his love of sequencing albums. They chat about the album themes including family, cultural and religious representation and the spine tingling harmonies throughout. They gush about Paul’s band, touch on some songwriting tricks, go through some of his favourite hip hop artists and how they influenced his own songs. Paul’s strange show story was illustrated by Jack Rodgers. You can see more of Jack’s work on instagram @jackrodgersartist. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.