Are Drummers Musicians?

• Travis Woods: Trumpet, Hustle and the Horns of Leroy

  In this episode, I’m joined by trumpeter Travis Woods — best known as the driving force behind the iconic brass band Horns of Leroy. Since completing his studies at Monash University in 2012, Travis has become a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene, performing at major festivals and venues around the country and the world.We talk about his beginnings with the trumpet, how Horns of Leroy started and has continued to thrive for over a decade, and what it takes to sustain a project built on energy, community, and live performance. Travis also shares stories from the road, including touring with Lauryn Hill, and reflections on his work with artists such as Guy Sebastian, Tex Perkins, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda, Kate Ceberano, James Morrison, and more.A great chat with one of the hardest-working musicians in Australia.For more of Travis Woods visit:hornsofleroy.comsugarfootramblers.comyamaha.com/en/artists/t/travis_woodsinstagram.com/travinski_

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• James Sherlock: Mentors, Growth and the Craft of Jazz Guitar

  In this episode, I’m joined by James Sherlock, one of Australia’s most respected jazz guitarists.We talk about his New Zealand roots, the transition from classical to jazz guitar, his early studies and mentors, and how those lessons continue to influence his approach today. James shares stories from his various collaborations, reflects on improvisation and artistic identity, and talks about performing with Paul Grabowsky and Emma Donovan for The Old Rugged Cross and regular gigs at Uptown Jazz Cafe with Ben Hanlon. Sherlock even shares one of his most memorable (and disastrous) gigs performing a live movie soundtrack with legendary film composer Howard Shore.As a bandleader, James has released six albums and worked with artists including Sheila Jordan, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Riley, Leroy Jones, Rick Margitza, Martin Taylor, Paul Grabowsky, Megan Washington, Joe Camilleri, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. His recordings feature collaborations with Ben Hanlon, Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning, Emma Gilmartin, and Jake Mason, and he recently recorded for François Tétaz’s film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage.James has toured extensively across more than twelve countries, performing at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (opening for George Benson and Al Jarreau), Melbourne Recital Centre, A Trane in Berlin, and Jazz Dock in Prague. In 2021, he was featured soloist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Blood on the Floor, and his trio appeared in the ABC TV Jazz Series “The Pulse.”A thoughtful and grounded conversation with a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene — one whose work continues to shape the sound of Australian jazz.Checkout more from these links:https://www.instagram.com/james.marcus.sherlock/https://www.youtube.com/@jamessherlock1557/videoshttps://jamessherlock.bandcamp.com/album/the-verb-not-the-nounhttps://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-art-of-the-possible-conciertohttps://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-art-of-the-possible-the-old-rugged-crosshttps://sherlockhanlonduo.bandcamp.com/album/sherlock-hanlon-duohttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/jazz/featured-music/feature-albums/duo-james-sherlock-ben-hanlon/10007746

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• Beth Stephen (Teeny Tiny Stevies; Little Stevies) Making Music for Every Age – From Indie Folk to ARIA-Winning Kids Tunes

  Making Music for Every Age – From Indie Folk to ARIA-Winning Kids TunesIn this episode, I chat with songwriter, musician, and one half of Teeny Tiny Stevies and The Little Stevies, Beth Stephen. We talk about her long-standing creative partnership with her sister Byll, how their indie-folk beginnings evolved into one of Australia’s most loved children’s music acts, and honest thoughts of a working musician.Beth shares insights into balancing creativity and commercial opportunity, why kids deserve music made just for them, and what it’s been like building a career that’s grown alongside their audience. We also mention their ARIA and AIR Award wins, collaborations with ABC Kids and Zoos Victoria, and what’s next as the band’s youngest fans start to grow up.A fun and thoughtful conversation with lots of laughs, stories from the road, and reflections on making meaningful music — no matter who’s listening.teenytinystevies.com

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• Lash 78: Singing, Sisterhood, Songwriting, and Navigating the Music Industry

  This week is a special one—our first-ever double guest episode! I’m joined by Lauren and Sheridan Harvey, the powerhouse pop-rock duo Lash 78. Known for their huge vocals, high-energy performances, and guitar-driven sound, these Melbourne-based sisters have built a loyal fan base through their electrifying live shows and infectious original music.Before we hit record, Lauren and Sheridan played me some new demo tracks, including “Heartbreak Lane”—a killer pop-rock track with driving beats, dynamic half-time shifts, and, of course, their amazing harmonies. We talk about their new music, the writing and recording process, and what it means to be an artist in today’s industry. They also share their excitement about gearing up to release new music and hit the stage again in the near future.Beyond the music, we get into what it’s like working with a sibling, the impact of viral moments and social media, and their journey from early musical influences to finding their sound and building their brand. We also chat about the creative process—singing, making videos, songwriting, and recording. Plus, they share the story behind Lash 78.This was an energetic, fun, and insightful chat with two incredibly talented artists—don’t miss it!

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• Thomas Waltrich: Drumming, Streaming, and Balancing Music with Life

  This week, I’m joined by Thomas Waltrich — a drummer, Twitch streamer, educator, and content creator based in Naarm/Melbourne. With a background in jazz and contemporary music from Monash University, Thomas has played across a wide range of genres, from folk and post-rock to punk hardcore and free improvisation. His passion for drumming and creativity is at the heart of everything he does, whether it’s performing, recording, or sharing his journey online.But Thomas’s story isn’t just about music—he’s also a full-time school teacher and has spent time living overseas, immersing himself in different cultures, learning languages, and taking part in skill exchanges that have shaped his perspective on music and life. We talk about how those experiences influenced his creative approach, as well as the challenges of moving to a new city and rebuilding connections from scratch.We also dive into leading a music project, navigating social media as a musician (including his work in Instagram drumming and Twitch streaming), and balancing a full-time job with the pursuit of a music career. Thomas shares how his relationship with music has evolved over time—including stepping away and coming back—and what it means to create for passion rather than expectation.There’s a lot of trying and a lot of challenges, but also plenty of insight, creativity, and inspiration in this conversation. If you're a musician figuring out how to balance multiple pursuits, this one is for you!

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