Are Drummers Musicians?

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based mix engineer and record producer Hayden Lauersen. It’s an open and reflective conversation about life in sound, the music industry, and finding contentment in your role within it.
Hayden shares his journey from songwriting and producing original music into building a career as a mix engineer, where his focus is on supporting artists through emotional expression and clear, intentional sonics. We talk about the realities of working behind the scenes, developing a niche, and how reputation, trust, and community play a central role in sustaining a career in music.
Hayden Lauerson has a long list of credits with artists - including Kate Ceberano, Clare Bowditch, Haiku Hands, Kee’ahn, Woodes, Shannen James, and RARIA, - alongside collaborations with labels such as Future Classic, Universal Music, Island Records and Ivy League Records. His work has been featured on BBC Radio 1, KCRW, Triple J, Fox FM and Nova, and has accumulated over 60 million Spotify streams.
The conversation moves between technical and personal — touching on vocal production, microphone choices for singers, life as a freelance mix engineer, navigating health challenges, and what it means to arrive at a place of balance and clarity within the music industry.
A thoughtful discussion about craft, career, and the long road of working in sound.

In this episode I’m joined by Noelani Petero, artist, performer and advocate, previously known as MONRXE. Noelani is also an interviewer at One of One, the not-for-profit organisation supporting women and GNC people across the Australian music industry.
We talk through Noelani’s creative journey from early singing and performance, including her first concert seeing Michael Jackson in 1996, and growing up exploring music, public speaking, debating and performance. She reflects on an early career in modelling — including appearing on The Face Australia — and how she navigated public visibility, reinvention and starting again after setbacks.
The conversation moves into her development as a vocalist and performer, from busking and music theatre to finding her place within Melbourne’s R&B scene. Noelani shares insights into contemporary vocal coaching, vocal therapy, and her work as a lead vocalist with Now. Here. This All Stars, alongside performances at festivals such as Strawberry Fields. We also touch on the musical influences that have shaped her sound, including Michael and Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott and TLC.
We also discuss advocacy and representation — Noelani’s experiences as a Black artist in Australia, her involvement in education and activism, and her ongoing work spotlighting others through One of One and the Black Music Alliance.
A generous, vulnerable and thoughtful conversation about identity, creativity, resilience, and using your voice both on and off the stage.

instagram.com/noelani_thefaceaustralia/

In this episode I’m joined by Jessica Wilson — J WILS, a professional Melbourne-based DJ and vocalist who has spent the past decade working across both original and cover settings. She has become one of Melbourne’s busiest performers, regularly appearing with many of Australia’s top musicians and at premier venues and events.
A vibrant, generous and upbeat chat — Jesssica Wilson brings the same warmth and positivity to conversation that she brings to every stage she steps on.
We talk about her earliest music memories, full-album road-trip listening with her family to Harry Connick Jr and The Doobie Brothers, and developing her own taste in music, discovering neo-soul, soul, jazz, and house. Jessica shares her path from trying many instruments as a kid, to finding her voice and becoming a professional singer.
We discuss one of her favourite moments from her work as a backing vocalist with Thirsty Merc on Spicks and Specks, and being part of the band FOOLS, including their performances at the iconic Bluesfest. Jess also talks about becoming a DJ, making edits and remixes, and starting her new project VENTURA - a DJ/vocal duo built around energy and fun. We also touch on her love of fashion and stage outfits, her Jamiroquai fandom, and the realities of corporate and events work.
A fun, wide-ranging conversation with an artist who genuinely loves making music — and notices all the small joys along the way.
For more from Jessica Wilson, visit:
instagram.com/jwils/
vimeo.com/jwils
linktr.ee/jessica.jwils

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Nicolle, one of Australia’s most respected and enduring jazz vocalists. Known for her deeply musical approach to phrasing, improvisation and storytelling, Michelle has built a remarkable career as a singer, composer, arranger, bandleader and educator — recognised with Bell, Mo and Music Victoria Awards, the National Jazz Award, and multiple ARIA nominations.
We talk about her two newest duo albums — one with legendary LA guitarist Larry Koonse and another with Paul Grabowsky — and the very different musical conversations each collaboration creates. Michelle reflects on her long journey in music: growing up and studying in Adelaide, moving to Melbourne, recording ten albums, touring nationally and internationally, and leading her long-running ensemble, the Michelle Nicolle Quartet.
We also discuss the Australian jazz scene, changes in the industry, her long-standing 17-year weekly residency at the Brunswick Green, and the joy, challenges and humour that come with devoting a life to singing.
A warm and generous conversation filled with stories, insight and lots of laughs.

In this episode, I sit down with drummer Peter Luscombe, a mainstay of Australian music whose feel, sound and instinct have shaped countless recordings and performances over the past four decades.
We talk about his early years, his approach to groove, and the craft of supporting songs across a huge range of artists and styles. Peter reflects on long-term musical relationships — including more than 30 years playing with Paul Kelly, his work with The Black Sorrows, and the evolution of the RocKwiz Orchestra on television and on tour. He also shares stories about the fast turnarounds required for RocKwiz, the challenges, and the joy of collaborating with so many different musicians.
We dig into the realities of the industry too: living hand-to-mouth even with 40 years’ experience, the lack of royalties for Australian session musicians, and why many players are advocating for change. Peter speaks openly about the work, the highs, the struggles, and the dedication it takes to sustain a career in music.
A grounded, generous conversation with one of Australia’s most respected drummers.