Are Drummers Musicians?

• 73. Michaela Jayde: Soul, Singing Competitions, and the Art of Backing Vocals

  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!

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• 72. Brayden Becher: Doom Metal, Drumming in Six Bands, and Life’s Big Questions

  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

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• 71. James Davies: Drumming, Black Jesus Experience, Music Theatre, and the Evolution of the Podcast

  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!

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• 70. Jess Ellwood: Tour Life, Drumming for Alex Lahey, Guitarist for Angie McMahon, and Growing in Music

  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

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• 69. Selene Messinis (SOLUNE): Keys, Improvisation, Circus Music, and Musical Freedom

  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

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