Are Drummers Musicians?

• Kieran Rafferty: Behind the Kit on Stage and in the Pit

  In this episode, I’m joined by drummer and music theatre musician Kieran Rafferty.We talk about his journey from learning piano, cello, and euphonium before finding his voice behind the drum kit, to winning Australia’s Best Up-and-Coming Drummer in 2013 and the professional work that he does now. Kieran shares his path from playing in teenage bands to performing on some of the biggest stages in the country — including supporting KISS at Rod Laver Arena and playing to 85,000 people at the MCG.We also discuss the demands of professional music theatre, performing in productions like The Rocky Horror Show, Sister Act, Wicked, and Hadestown, and what it’s like playing eight shows a week.A grounded and insightful look into the discipline, consistency, and craft behind life as a professional drummer.Instagram.com/kraff18Drum LessonsYouTube

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• Invictus Quartet: String Quartet, Collaboration and Creativity

  In this episode, I’m joined by Invictus Quartet, a Melbourne-based string quartet made up of Rebecca Wang, Nyssa Sanguansri, Jin Tong Long, and Annika Kenner.We talk about how the group formed while studying at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and how they’ve since built a professional career performing various concerts, collaborations, and private events. The quartet shares insights into their creative process, how they divide roles within the group, and the strong working relationship that underpins their success.We also discuss their recent work in the recording studio; collaborating with various recording artists, releasing a mashup of Joy to the World and The Marriage of Figaro Overture, and working on a string sample pack for producers.This chat was heaps of fun, with lots of laughs, learning and some moments of serious contemplation and vulnerability. A grounded and engaging conversation with four musicians shaping their own space in the modern music scene and their mission to expand how audiences experience string quartet music.You can listen to Invictus Quartet and find out more about them here:Spotify Amazon MusicYoutubeWebsiteInstagramFacebookYoutubeTiktok

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• Taylor Douglas: Drumming, Persistence and the Joy of Teaching

  In this episode, I’m joined by drummer, educator, and all-round powerhouse Taylor Douglas. An inspiring drum teacher and musician, Taylor has performed with acts including The Soulenikoes, Flynn Effect, Johnny Uppercut, Brooklyn’s Finest, House Too Crowded, Uptown Funk, and Caution:Thieves, as well as backing artists such as Emily Williams, Elle Skies, and Catholic Guilt. He’s also taken the stage at major televised events like the Cricket World Cup at the MCG and the NRL Finals at AAMI Park.We talk about his journey through Melbourne’s western suburbs into the world of professional drumming, his studies with various teachers and music institutions, and his passion for teaching. Taylor teaches at various schools, including Balwyn High School, where he taught podcast host Luke in his final VCE year. Taylor shares reflections on mentorship, musicianship, and the value of persistence, both behind the kit and in life.We finish with a chat about his more recent pursuit — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — where he has become a medal-winning competitor.A grounded, energetic, and insightful conversation with one of Melbourne’s most dedicated.instagram.com/thadouglife

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• 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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