The Convo With George Sargent

Mike didn’t start writing songs until he was 26. It wasn’t until he hit the vibrant pub scene in inner-Melbourne that the suburban boy from Adelaide decided, “I can do that.” Two years later Mike found himself in Los Angeles with a publishing deal and working with some of the biggest names in pop music. But his path to pop wasn’t straightforward. During his time in Los Angeles, Mike penned songs with the likes of Demi Lovato and Louis Tomlinson. Eventually the back and forth to the States was wearing Mike down and he decided it was time to focus on the music scene in Australia. Mike explains, “In LA is everyone writes about falling in and out of love. I’m married happily and I can’t relate to that in the way other people can. I have other things I want to talk about that are a bit deeper. I want to talk about mental health and the human experience, growing up and stuff that means things to people outside of just a love song or a hate song.” As an additional talking point to the music, Mike is a full time web developer and coder 9am – 5pm and runs a team of 15 as the head of engineering at the fastest growing tech site globally. Living his life as real life Hannah Montana of music and tech.

Like many artists, the year just gone has been an opportunity for slowing the pace of life and reflection. For a wandering songstress like Lucie Tiger, the time to stop and take stock of her music and life experiences to date has been a positive spin on an otherwise unsettling time. With a magnetic quality in both her music and personal charm, Lucie is the embodiment of a Southern infused, Country Rock singer, coloured with a hefty dose of good old Americana charm.Lucie’s most current release ‘Found My Home’, offers up a melting pot of Southern Rock, Blues and Country with influences by The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miranda Lambert and Raelynn.Written by Lucie, the song features the talents of Bob Wray (Ray Charles), Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt), Brad Kuhn (Meg Williams) and Justin Holder (Jason Isbell, Shoalsfest) and was produced by John Gifford III and Don Srygley (GRAMMY nominees for Gregg Allman’s final album ‘Southern Blood’. It is a musing on time spent on the road and reflects with a longing sense of nostalgia on the places most enjoyed during Lucie’s time in Nashville, Florence (Alabama), Memphis, and the Mississippi Delta.

Fresh from the release of her debut EP Lost or Found? in 2019, Central Coast NSW based singer songwriter Piper Rodrigues is kicking off with a fresh new single ‘King of Cups’. Music student and avid dog lover Rodrigues based the song on a moment while practicing the mystic art of Tarot. ‘King of Cups’ was co-written with Golden Guitar winning Melody Moko, with a view to uplift the self- esteem of listeners. The song was recorded at Hillbilly Hut Studios and was produced by Golden Guitar winning Catherine Britt and Michael Muchow. The video for ‘King of Cups’ was produced by Duncan Toombs of The Filmery and was filmed on an elaborate set at Lizotte’s in Newcastle, NSW. Rodrigues has a deep musical heritage that informs her work. Her grandfather, John Manners, was the bassist in pioneering Australian 60s pop band Ray Brown and the Whispers, and her father was a club DJ in the 80s. She entered her first talent show at age seven, graduated from the CMAA Academy of Country Music in 2020 and she is now studying a Bachelor of Music at Newcastle University. Her vocal style is heavily rooted in her influences, which include Dolly Parton, Florence Welch, Stevie Nicks, Reba McIntyre and Taylor Swift. Rodrigues has already gathered some major touring opportunities. She has played at the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville, and at the Tamworth Country Music festival in 2020. She has toured with Catherine Britt on the “Bush Pubs Tour” in 2020, and has also worked with Melody Moko and Lyn Bowtell.Rodrigues’s talent as a songwriter comes from her ability to tell a story that weaves itself from personal accounts into highly elaborate tales.

Sarah Leete has unveiled her new single ‘Nothin’ Special’, which is her first new music since the release of her self titled debut EP in 2017. Originally from the Central Coast, and now calling the small country town of Baan Baa in the Narrabri Shire home, Sarah wrote ‘Nothin’ Special’ as a result of some deeply reflective times during the pandemic of 2020. Produced by Michael Muchow, the song is a reflection of where Sarah is at in her life, where one realises there’s no ‘happily ever after’ and real love and most things in life require consistent effort. The video for ‘Nothin’ Special’ was produced by Richard Harmey and filmed in Tasmania when Sarah was there on holidays. Featuring some of the most beautiful Tasmanian landscapes around Kempton, some scenes were also shot at the historic Castle Hotel in Bothwell. A Cole Clark Guitar endorsed musician who graduated from CMAA on full scholarship, Sarah has supported many artists including ARIA and Golden Guitar winning Fanny Lumsden, Bill Chambers and the Viper Creek Band. She’s also a regular on the festival circuit and has performed at Gympie Music Muster and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. In conjunction with Hayley Marsten, Sarah put together a ‘Write Like a Girl’ showcase at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which received record crowds. Sarah Leete is an exciting new country music artist with an infectious personality, a gorgeous voice, great songwriting skills and a quirky sense of humour, which sets her apart from the rest.

Brett Blake is and exciting and energetic stand up comedian who has preformed extensively across Australia and the UK. You may have seen him on Channel 10’s Common Sense or heard him on the Little Dum Dum Club. Recently BONDS launched its first sitcom series titled ‘Dusty ‘n' Rusty’. The series stars AFL champion, Dustin ‘Dusty’ Martin, and Australian comedian Brett Blake, who plays Martin’s long lost twin brother, Rustin ‘Rusty’ Martin. Set in Dusty’s “home”, the episodes follow the ups and downs of the two as they are forced to live under the same roof dressed only in their Bonds trunks due to a broken thermostat. The series, made up of six micro-episodes launches on Bonds channels and YouTube with the first episode, with the rest to be released across the footy season.

Adam is one half of Adam & Symon, a duo known for The Adam & Symon Show podcast. Fresh out of the Australian Jungle on "I'M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE" Adam speaks about his experience on the show. Adam also appeared alongside Symon Lovett on the hit TV show, Gogglebox. Adam and George discuss fishing, media & even have a karaoke session! Strap yourself in for a wild Convo with Adam Densten!

Sammy is a childcare educator with a passion for performing, writing songs and glee (up to season 3). She was recently diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. One day she hopes to write a children’s book, buy every button up shirt from Wish (not sponsored) and finally fix her eyebrows.

Born in Tasmania, Australia, artist Nathan McCarron has quickly become one of the most prominent pencil artists of his generation having his work praised by millions across the globe. Self taught, Nathan dropped out of art class in year 8 to follow his passion for acting and drama. After graduating at 18, Nathan moved to Melbourne in search for work as an actor - always sketching and perfecting his pencil art on the side. After modeling for clothing brands like Jack London and starring as leads in Theatre shows and TV Commercials, Nathan was accepted to study at the Film & Television Studio International. The artwork Nathan produces originally served as a creative outlet, sketching in-between working and auditioning as an actor. By posting his “side hobby” on Instagram, Nathan quickly gained the attention of fans including the subjects he’s drawn like P!nk, Rihanna, Whoopi Goldberg and Dame Enda. However, it wasn’t until Nathan joined the viral app TikTok posting progression videos during Covid Lockdown 2020 that things really took off. Now with over 24 million views on TikTok and over 400k followers on social platforms, the artwork of Nathan McCarron stands on its own and continues to affirm his reputation as an important figure in the arts.

Jack has participated in many running events across Australia and New Zealand. He has competed in events such as the City 2 Surf, Australian Running Festival and the Gold Coast Marathon weekend. From his home town in Orange NSW, he has competed in over 700 runs with the Orange Runners Club. As well as this, he has also competed in events such as the Orange Running Festival, Mudgee Running Festival and the Dubbo Stampede. Jack has been involved in many Musical Theatre Productions. His amateur theatrical credits include Ali Hakim (Oklahoma), Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), Kenickie (Grease), Scarecrow (The Wizard of Oz), Aaron Schultz/UPS Guy (Legally Blonde), Pilot (The Little Mermaid), Benjamin Coffin III (RENT) and in October he will be appearing in Mamma Mia as Sky for the Orange Theatre Company. Recently, Jack also made his professional debut as a member of the wedding in Muriel’s Wedding at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney. Jack is also the co-host of the podcast, Behind the Curtain! In 2020, in addition to COVID, Jack was involved in a horrific bike accident where he sustained multiple facial and neck fractures as well as damage all down his body and was flown to Westmead Hospital in Sydney where he spent 2 weeks receiving treatment. Jack is now back running and bike riding and can’t stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet when on a bike as he believes it’s what saved his life! Follow Jack on his Instagram @jacko1911 and on Facebook!

Adam & Symon have been a regular fixture on Aussie television screens since 2015 when they made their debut on ‘Gogglebox’. The "Symon part" joins us on The Convo… If Symon wasn’t busy enough he is also a physiotherapist. Symon’s interest in physiotherapy began as a teenager when the harsh truth that his size and general ability would prevent him from having a successful AFL career. He therefore chose an academic alternative. Symon & George have a great convo surrounding I'm a Celebrity 2021, this years plans PLUS the simple pleasures in life.

Miss Betty Confetti is back b*tch! Bathurst resident Jonathan Hosking is one of Australia's finest up-and-coming drag queen entertainers. The queen is back on the convo to catch up with Sarge and discuss two very important events coming up VERY SOON…DRAGspace: Queens Duet Better: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dragspace-queens-duet-better-tickets-140726571965?fbclid=IwAR0kYvOrPdF5wPz6zSBebU6sUKZi6nxVaO5PF2wVDucvhAOsQwGZUWpWNaUBathurst Mardi Gras: https://www.facebook.com/events/702133127145605/?ti=lsEnjoy this special edition of The Convo Xx

Bathurst born and raised, now Sydney based solo artist Murphi Field is coming to make her mark on the Australian music scene. Murphi is a talented Musician and Songwriter, from a young age music has always been her greatest passion. From playing local gigs in pubs and bar’s in her home town of Bathurst she decided it was time to take her music career to the next level, making the move to Sydney to pursue her dreams as a singer / songwriter. Murphi is currently experimenting with new sounds and ideas, working in collaboration with a handful of songwriters and producers, such as Michael Carpenter at Love Hurts Studios. Her fusion of electro/dream-pop and well-strung lyrics make for a very powerful combination. Murphi Field is a passionate feminist and her original release ‘Girly’ (produced by Michael Carpenter at Love Hurts Studios) is an anthem of positive self-image and self-confidence with lyrics that well and truly speak for themselves. Enjoy this wonderful convo between high school mates, Murphi & Sargey the Rev!

Bec Olsson from Innocent Eve joins us on The Convo to talk all things new album and her battle with thyroid cancer. Straight off the back of the release of their single ‘Three Quarter Time’, which received radio play on stations including Kix Country, Australian Country Radio and ABC Country straight out of the gates, Innocent Eve today unveil their sophomore album Viking. The album is an emotive collection of songs that includes their recent hit singles ‘Mixed Bag’ and the title track. Get the tissues ready and prepare yourself for this inspirational story.

A very smart casual Blake Dantier has a convo with George about his new single and music making during Covid. Blake is back with his latest brew “Wish You Were My Beer”. It comes hot on the heels of his previous hit single “I’d Do It Again” which was added to high rotation on ABC Country, Kix Country, Australian Country Radio (amongst others), and spent 9 weeks in The Music Network’s Country Hot 50 airplay charts. It also comes as the result of some first-hand experience in the creation of beer itself. Enjoy this fun convo with a legendary man!

Multiple Golden Guitar award-winner Adam Harvey sits down and has a convo! On top of being an absolute gentleman, Adam Harvey is one of Australia’s most decorated and enduring Country music stars with a career spanning over two decades! Adam has just released "SONGS FROM HIGHWAY ONE" Inspired by his years touring around the beautiful country he calls home, the album is the multiple ARIA Award nominee and 8 time Golden Guitar winner’s fifteenth studio album and his first self-produced. Please enjoy this wonderful conversation with one of the most lovely fella's you'll ever meet.

Australian entertainer, Sam Moran best known as the yellow wiggle joins us for a convo. Sam now hosts a successful series, Play Along with Sam, on Nick Jr. The latest single "Pool Party" featuring Guy Sebastian has dropped so we chat about the process of writing and recording during covid and the wonderful friendship between the ARIA Award Winning friends. We also discuss family, career, coffee and a green screen moon... enjoy this special episode!

Alignment of their unwavering dedication to the do-it-yourself work ethic with a unique Country sound, Jesse Vee (singer/guitarist), Pepper Deroy (singer/bassist), Lachlan Coffey (drummer), Tim Hickey (keyboardist/guitarist) and Luke Wheeldon (guitarist/producer), have helped to define the landscape of today’s country music scene. Pepper Deroy talks about career, Sophie Monk, near death experience and 2021.

Bryce Sainty is a country pop artist from the East Coast of Australia deemed an 'artist to watch' by Spotify with over 1 million streams. Bryce talks all things getting into music, his library of guitars/looping gear & the balancing act of work and life. His new single "On The Weekend" is out now on all streaming services.

At the age of fifteen, Mark Vincent stepped onto the set of Australia’s Got Talent and stunned a nation with his powerful, emotive vocals and from that moment the rest is history. Vincent talks all things career and his unexpected collaboration with Tones and I. Mark also talks about making music during a Pandemic.