We talk about his early bands, music education and degrees, the intention behind and creation of 'Lift', his writing process, and more!

This episode is sponsored by Precision Podcasting.

Lift

Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook

Fronteirer

Bandcamp | Spotify | Facebook

Artist of the Episode

Jonesey - Shiver

Spotify | Bandcamp | Facebook

Episode music by Teamsquad and Death in Texas

Click here for info about Breathing Space.

Thumbnail photo of Dan by Calum McMillan Photography

This episode is sponsored by Piano Picnic.

Kurt Ballou

Instagram | Facebook

Converge

Website | Instagram | Facebook

GodCity

Studio website | Instruments website

Artist of the Episode

Mundy’s Bay

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Thumbnail photo of Kurt by Ronan Thenadey

We talk about Girls Rock Camp, equal opportunities, touring with Carb On Carb, DIY, networking and PR.

Carb On Carb:

Facebook | Bandcamp

Girls Rock:

Facebook | Website

Artist of the episode:

Boy Genius - Facebook

He talks about the formation and early years of Holy Roar, what he looks for in bands and how he discovers them, what Holy Roar does for it’s artists, and how to get noticed by record labels.

We also discuss physical vs digital sales, whether digital albums becoming redundant, and the future of Holy Roar and indie labels.

Holy Roar:

Facebook | Website | Spotify

Artist of the week:

Morild - Facebook

We talk about forming a band, balancing music with your job, being self managed, working with PR, signing to Holy Roar Records, vocal technique and spreadsheets.

Brady discusses his strict approach to Conjurer, the years of hard work that slowly produces huge rewards….and The Darkness. You know, the glam metal band from the early 2000’s.

Conjurer:

Facebook | Bandcamp

Artists of the week:

God Complex - Facebook

Press To Meco- Facebook

We talk about the misuse of the word ‘talent’, prioritising gear over skill, learning how to sight read, finding inspiration, staying motivated to practice, and speaking the language of music.

Check out Andrew Rooney and the New Zealand Drummer Podcast:

Website | Facebook

Parabola West talks about her successful crowdfunding campaign and shares everything you need to know about the process. How it works, what you need before you start, how long it takes and everything in between!

She also talks about her new album, her songwriting process and defining success.

Riccardo talks about what it takes to get airplay on commercial radio: the first steps, Identifying a good song, making a digital imprint, and the role of a radio plugger.

We also discuss where to start, how to prepare your voice, injuries, and the science of screaming.

This time we’ve got Thai terrorist cells, disgruntled fans, sexual predators, sexual assault, technical difficulties, wardrobe malfunctions, projectile beer, noise restrictions, long drives to empty venues, and a man covered in marmite.

It’s funny, it’s sad, it’s light-hearted and it’s serious. It’s our worst gigs.

We also discuss record labels, endorsements, and early plans for the next Poly-Math album.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK:

We also discuss authenticity, pre-production, endorsements, and the future of the band.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK:

We also discuss music as a career, scenes, and Girls Rock! Camp Aotearoa.

GIRLS ROCK!:

ARTIST OF THE WEEK:

We discuss recording, touring, radio, getting support slots, and lots more!

Tragedy has struck and I talk briefly about many aspects of organising and going on tour.

We discuss being independent, tailoring for specific audiences, music marketing, artist residencies, collaboration, opening slots, and her new cabaret show ‘Elizabeth’.

We also discuss sponsorships, social media, and turning down the rockstar lifestyle.

We also discuss her creative process, her live setup, and being self sufficient.

We also talk about her solo work, what it means to be an artist, and the relationship between music and visual art.

We also discuss being a female in a male dominated scene, intentional composition, and...her passion for roller coasters.

We also talk about the various funding schemes, promotion, and the essential steps you should be taking to getting noticed.

We also discuss his gear, his live setup, his preferred hardware & software, live sampling, live producing, signal flow, improvisation and collaboration.

We have an incredible lineup for this episode and some unbelievable stories from all levels of gigs - from busking on the street, right up to major international tours and record label showcases.

We also discuss royalties and making a living as a musician.

We also discuss the relevance and future of classical music, and defining artistic success.

We talk about writing his song ‘Love, Love, Love’ and how it achieved so much success, his writing process, music awards, and his upcoming album.

We talk about how they manage to make a living as full-time musicians, we talk about songwriting, we talk about touring, and there’s even a live performance.

We talk the in’s and out’s of management, the future of the music industry, mental health among musicians, and what he looks for in an artist.

You didn't think there'd be a useful podcast on xmas day, did you?

ARTIST OF THE WEEK:

We’re going to touch on some secrets for recording bass, alternative ideas for recording drums, and you’ll get a tip about some awesome drum software.

Also, we go into creating a conducive atmosphere in the studio, advice on how to stay relaxed while recording, and how to translate your live energy into your recording.

We talk about rehearsal, set-lists, gear, clothing, punctuality, working the room and getting drunk. You’ll hear appearances from two French Bulldogs and a herd of cows, and if you watch on YouTube you get to watch the sunset with us!

Click here to download the FREE 'GIg Prep' checklist!

He talks about the value of a loyal fan base, how they organise and fund their tours, and the value of being unique.

He talks about forming Devilskin and their rise to fame, why they started their own label, and the advantages of management, and how to achieve success.

We discuss identity, community, stereotypes, bogans and heavy metal.

Finding likeminded people, practise rooms, the gear you need to start, and the vibes you need to continue.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK:

Every musician has had them (or will have them!), and they can be some of the best stories we have. So let’s share in the pain and misery, and laugh it all away!

This week there’s blood, there’s shit, there’s exploding equipment, humiliation, record label talent scouts and car breakdowns. There’s drink spiking and there’s adult diapers.

It’s going to get messy.

She talks about songwriting, pre-production, working with a manager, and releasing an album with a major record label.

We discuss the different roles of playing in a group, how to deal with egos and why self awareness is essential to collaboration.

We also touch on creative control and royalties.

How to achieve success, and how to deal with failure.

My guest this week is Matty Lovell.

We’re delving into the world of audiophile wizardry to uncover everything you need to know about preparing your tracks for release, and a whole lot more.

If you’re already familiar with mastering and the ideas behind it, you’ll still find value here as we go into the philosophy behind why mastering engineers exist, and where the craft is heading.

My guest this week is Kevin Tuffy.

I share some hard truths about failure, success and...fishing.

Why recommendations are the most important, effective way to spread your music, and where your audience gets their recommendations from. Authenticity, and the importance of having a genre and a niche.

My guest this week is David Zeidler

Whether you’re looking for the right software to make beats or electronic music, or you want to know how to record yourself and your instrument - this is where you need to start.

Microphones, interfaces, software, headphones, keyboards and computers; we outline the best options, the different applications and the minimum requirements.

To help me on this journey through the audio spectrum, my guest this week is John Holt. John is certified pro in Logic Pro X and teaches Ableton. He works for Focusrite and Novation and has a YouTube channel called The Audio Journey.

So, in this episode we’re talking about vocals: why they’re so important, where you’re going wrong, and how to make them better.

My guest today is the incredible Cherie Mathieson. Cherie is a singer, songwriter, producer, vocal coach and artist development mentor via her awesome site bignotesgetvotes.com

Today we’re talking social media essentials. How to create quality content, and get the most out of each platform. How to post, when to post, and how to stand out from the crowd.

We go into detail about developing your online presence, different platforms, advertising, branding and marketing yourself on social media to get more fans.

To help me answer that question is social media expert and musician Moses Robbins.

Today we’re talking about covers gigs. How to get started, how to book gigs and keep booking gigs, how to set your fee and how to turn your passion into a career.

I'm joined by New Zealand artists Nicola Thomson and Simon Hirst to discuss the ins and outs, and highs and lows of making a living as a covers musician.

We go over the best ways to practise, including my 11 tips for easier practise, we talk about something called micro-practise, and discuss the pros and cons of online learning.

Also, as part of the podcast I'm giving away a FREE ‘11 tips for easier practise’ checklist: click here to download it now.

We talk about gear, rehearsal, set-lists, sound checks, stage monitors, dynamics, mic technique, sound engineers and how drugs and alcohol can affect your performance.

This is important listening for those getting ready to gig, and essential for people already playing gigs. Here’s how to make the most of your opportunity on stage.

Also, as part of the podcast I'm giving away a FREE ‘gig-prep’ checklist to download and go through before your next gig: click here to download it now.

We’re going into scheduling, booking, route, contacts, venues, gear, transport, accommodation, money and a whole lot more IN DETAIL.

We’re going to discuss how to book, promote and execute a successful tour as an independent musician, as well as how to fund it off your own back.

This is DIY touring, and it’s what you’re going to have to deal with if you want to go on tour yourself; no matter what genre you play.

We talk about artist management - what you should be looking for and WHEN you should be looking for representation - auditions, up-skilling and diversifying your skill in order to become a better performer.

We’re going to distinguish between talent and skill and we’re going to talk about the ever illusive X-Factor. What is it and do you have it?