Are Drummers Musicians?

In this episode, I’m joined by Naarm/Melbourne-based R&B and soul vocalist Janelle Ashley for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, identity, and building a music career on your own terms.
We talk about Janelle’s early musical memories, growing up with Filipino karaoke culture, attending a music specialist high school, and eventually studying at WAAPA. Janelle shares her experience moving from Perth to Melbourne, navigating new musical communities, and developing confidence as an artist in a competitive and fast-moving scene.
Our discussion touches on blending genres, studying the music of local artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, recording and releasing original music, and the role of social media in shaping both opportunity and pressure. We also reflect on maturity, learning not to compare yourself to others, and finding a personal interpretation of sound and storytelling.
A thoughtful conversation about growth, creativity, and the lead-up to the release of Janelle’s debut EP.

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based soprano Maya Charles Sedergreen to talk about opera, early music, and the place of classical voice in a contemporary music landscape.
We discuss Maya’s musical upbringing and family lineage, her path into classical singing, and her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where she recently completed her honours year in classical voice. Maya shares insights into her training, working closely with her teacher Suzanne Johnston, and developing a strong technical and artistic foundation as a young opera singer.
Our conversation explores her performance experiences with BK Opera and Victorian Opera, concert work including Bach’s St Matthew Passion, and her growing interest in Early Music. We also talk about the realities of pursuing a career in opera today, how classical singers find relevance and space in modern performance contexts, and what draws Maya so strongly to historical repertoire.
A thoughtful discussion about craft, tradition, and carving out a future in classical music.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kee’ahn — a Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Badu Island pop-soul artist now living and creating on Kulin Nations (Melbourne).
We talk about Kee’ahn’s early relationship with music, from singing with their father as a child, growing up on The Little Mermaid, Destiny’s Child, and being encouraged by a supportive grandmother, through to performing musical theatre alongside their dad. Kee’ahn shares what it was like moving from North Queensland to Naarm/Melbourne, finding community, and building meaningful musical collaborations.
We discuss their debut single Better Things, winning the Archie Roach Foundation Award (and finding out via Zoom), and the impact of mentorship and collaboration with Emma Donovan, including their work together on Take No More. Kee’ahn also reflects on performing at major festivals across Australia, singing at the Invasion Day Rally on January 26th 2025, and the importance of authenticity, connection to Country, and community.
The conversation also explores the significance of releasing a debut EP as a complete body of work rather than a series of singles, and what that represents creatively and personally.
A thoughtful and open conversation about music, identity, and finding your place.

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/