Episodes

Have you ever listened to a song and thought… Who’s playing drums on this? Join long-time friends and drummers Stevie Taylor and Jonnie Adams as they dive deep into some of their favourite songs and drum performances, uncovering the stories behind the recordings. Along the way, they sit down with the drummers, musicians, songwriters and producers who helped create the music we all know and love. Our first episodes feature songs including Big Bone by Los Lobotomys, If You Were Mine by Level 42,...

On Friday 10th July 2026, Andy Bickers passed away after a battle with cancer. I had the privilege of sitting down with Andy for this conversation in 2025. Although we had only just met in person, it quickly felt like two old Kiwi bros catching up over a coffee. We talked rugby, growing up in New Zealand, moving across the Tasman, and, of course, an extraordinary life in music. Andy’s career took him from the New Zealand live music scene to stages around the world with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Don Henley, the Eagles and many others. But listening back to this conversation, it isn’t only the incredible career that stands out. It’s Andy’s humour, his warmth, his humility, his intelligence and the genuine gratitude he carried for the life music had given him. At one point Andy described himself as “the luckiest saxophone player I know.” The many tributes shared since his passing make it clear that the musicians around him felt just as lucky to know hi…

My guest today is Dario Bortolin. Dario has been on my original interview wish list since I started this podcast back in 2018, so this one has been a long time coming. Currently playing with the Baby Animals, Dario has played with Jimmy Barnes, Billy Thorpe, Dragon, INXS, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Barry Leef and many more. Great player. Great stories. Wicked hang…enjoy. This interview was recorded 10th March 2026. For more on Dario: Instagram Facebook YouTube As me...

Today’s episode is a bit of a full-circle moment for me, because my guest is Dave Varriale — the host of I’d Hit That Podcast… one of the reasons this show exists. Back in the day, Dave and his guests on Id Hit That were my companions on every drive to and from gigs — and it was the DIY magic of it: the handheld Zoom recorder, the in-person, unprepared hangs, and yeah… the legendary 2005 Ford Escape mobile recording unit. But here’s the twist: this time, we’re flipping the mic. Dave’s been...

My guest today is guitarist Adam Miller — one of Australia’s most quietly brilliant musicians. We talk about seeing the guitar like a piano, opening for Tommy Emmanuel as a teenager, touring the US as a fully self-managed artist, capturing music live in the room and much much more. Plus, we dive into his new album Timing and the Neumann Sessions, recorded at the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606. This conversation was recorded 14th Decemember 2025. More info and music, check out Adam's websit...

My guest today is Michael Paynter — Singer, songwriter, producer and multi instrumentalist with a voice you’ve heard everywhere, even if you didn’t know it. From touring with Jimmy Barnes, ICEHOUSE, and The Veronicas, to that viral Jesus Christ Superstar performance that blew everyone away. We talk about the long game of music — session life, solo careers, theatre, and what it really takes to stay consistent over the decades. For more on Michael, check out his website michaelpaynter.com...

My guest today is drummer, composer, and creative mad scientist Nick Gaffaney. Originally from Christchurch NZ, now based in LA, with a career that’s moved through jazz, free improv, cruise ships, the NZ session scene, artist residencies in India, and the heavy, uncompromising world of Cairo Knife Fight. In this episode, we talk about the shift from being a sideman to building your own thing, why Nick is putting focus back onto drums after years of production and songwriting, and the reality of ...

Yo! Stevie Taylor here. No guest today… this one’s a bit of a pause-and-look-around moment. A wee bit of a year in review. Stick around. I’ll tell you about some of the behind the scenes stuff and my personal takeaways from some of this year’s interviews. I’ll also answer some listener questions and let you know whats happening in 2026. This is all set out in chapters on your app, so you can skip and bounce around to whatever section you want. I think we're rolling... thegiglifepodcast.com

My guest today is the one the only Tania Doko — one half of Bachelor Girl, and one of Australia’s most distinctive voices. Bachelor Girl’s debut album, Waiting for the Day is one of my dessert island albums, so it was really neat to chat with Tania all about that time. Also, we talk creativity versus performance, songwriting in Sweden, finding calm in the Northern Rivers, Prince, deep cuts, and why stepping away from the spotlight can sometimes reignite everything. Check out Tania's ins...

My guest today is singer and songwriter Hayley Teal. Hayley’s been a professional musician since her teens — from X Factor and major sync deals to cover bands, TV show bands like Dancing with the Stars and Australian idol, and now releasing her own music fully on her own terms — all while stepping into a brand-new chapter of life as a soon-to-be mum. We talk real industry life, burnout, songwriting without validation, and why an artist’s legacy matters more than streams. And she’s got a...

My guest today is Tiffany Richmond. She’s a mum, a musician, voiceover artist and coach and the creative force behind kids EDM act, Poppy Galactic. In this conversation we talk about her journey from the early band days, to touring Europe with Sparkadia, to building a voiceover career from home while raising a family. As well as Poppy Galatic, we dig into the craft of voice work, the hustle, the creativity, the balance—and how sharing her process online has opened up a whole new chapter for h...

My guest today, is powerhouse vocalist Ally Friendship — a singer with grit, soul, and one hell of a story. From fronting rock bands and tribute shows to nearly 30 years working as a mortician, Ally’s journey is as unique as it is inspiring. We dive into her career on stage, her new project Skirts, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Check out Ally's website. Check out Ally's Instagram This conversation was recorded on 18/09/2025 ------------------------------------------------...

On Sunday 19th October 2025, I got word that Virginia Lillye lost her 2 year battle with cancer. Virginia was a powerhouse on stage but more so a beacon of hope and positivity off it, which makes it that more difficult to believe she is no longer with us. In tribute, I want to share with you the parts of her life that she shared with me for this podcast. She made a couple of appearances on the show. The first one being in September 2020 which that conversation became episode 98 of the Gig Lif...

My guest today is drummer and composer Alexander Flood. From tabla to house beats, from Adelaide to Europe – Alex has carved out his own lane, blending electronic textures with the raw power of live drums. We talk new albums, touring, and what it takes to be a true solo artist. Hope you dig this chat, and go check out his music. https://alexanderfloodmusic.com.au https://www.instagram.com/alexander_flood This conversation was recorded on 08/09/2025 -----------------------------------...

My guest today Queensland guitarist, producer, and composer Joel Hunt. A month ago I hadn’t heard of Joel Joel, but he sent me some links, I hit play, and straight away I thought, where’s this guy been hiding? His new album AudioVisual is a stunning mix of funk, rock, ambient, and electronic sounds, featuring some serious heavyweights—members of Snarky Puppy, Tycho, Corey Wong’s band, and even Aaron Sterling and Sean Hurley from John Mayer’s crew. One thing I really love about doing this p...

My guest today is Australian guitar legend, educator and studio owner, Jim Kelly. Jim has firmly established himself as a leading Australian contemporary jazz and blues guitarist, composer and educator whose reputation goes well beyond Australian shores. In 1975 Jim co-formed CROSSFIRE – Australia’s most celebrated jazz fusion group. From 1975-87 Jim perfected the rigorous demands of the recording studio and became a highly sought-after session player performing on countless jingles, documentaries, film scores plus pop and jazz artists’ albums. Jim also performed and recorded with Australian artists Kerrie Biddell, Renee Geyer, Johnny Farnham, Debbie Byrne, John English, Tommy Emmanuel, Erana Clark, Don Burrows, James Muller and Dale Barlow, to name but a few. The 90’s saw a change of lifestyle for Jim with a move to Northern NSW to lecture at Southern Cross University, Lismore where he was Head of Guitar Studies for 17 years. Jim has since resigned from full-time academia and now run…

My guest today is Luke Davison. Drummer for The Preatures, Dean Lewis, Delta Goodrem and more. Humble, thoughful and a real player. We chat about his early days growing up in Sydney, working at Drum City, learning from legends like Pete Drummond and Reece Cameron, and chasing the dream of being a session guy before finding his groove in original bands. We talk about the various projects Luke is involved in including The Preatures & Dean Lewis, learning songs, dodgy record deals, and som...

My guests today — joining me all the way from New Orleans — are Charlie Wooton and Arsene DeLay. Charlie’s a monster bass player, originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. He’s toured the world, played with legends like Cyril Neville, Doug Wimbish, and Sonny Landreth, and carved out his own sound blending zydeco, Cajun, funk, and soul with his band, Zydefunk. Arsene? What. A. Voice. She’s from New Orleans and comes from a long line of jazz royalty — all soul and class. Together, they’ve created s...

My guest today is Brett Garsed. A guitar virtuoso, Brett is renowned for his work with John Farnham and is also well known for his hybrid picking technique and legato-style guitar playing. “Brett Garshred,” some call him. Brett takes us through his musical journey, including the John Farnham gig, his time with the band Nelson, and collaborations with drumming legends like Virgil Donati, Bobby Rock, Gerry Pantazis, and Dennis Chambers — plus much more. Check out Brett's "Hybrid Pickin...

My guest today is Ali Foster. From growing up in Western Sydney with a musical family, to earning stripes in jazz at the Con, hitting the road with the Hussy Hicks, playing with Beccy Cole, and sharing practice sessions from the back of her van — Ali’s journey is all groove and grit. Life on tour, journaling for clarity, and learning to swing from the ride cymbal up, Ali’s the real deal. For more info on Ali, check out her Instagram This conversation was recorded 04/06/2025 ---------...

First published in 2021, A Few Gig Tales is coming back! Check out this previous episode in the popular series. This is A Few Gig Tales #2. Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes? In this sub series of The Gig Life Podcast, you will hear some interesting tales, stories, anecdotes of life on the road, stage and studio, told by the musicians and artists that were there. Sometimes the names will be changed or removed to protect the innocent and guilty. Todays episode features 3 tales. F...

My guest today is Chris Kamzelas A guitarist from Sydney, Chris first came onto my radar back in the early 2000s as he was part of the Australian Idol band. He was also in the first band of The Voice Australia. Since then he’s gone on to play with everyone! Back in 2019 we did a guitarists roundtable podcast which Chris was part of the panel. Currently part of Russel Crowes band, The Gentleman Barbers, he also plays around town in The Rocking Byrds amongst others, and he has some new music out. A song he wrote about his father called Song for Angelo. Check it out. For more info on Chris, check out his Instagram and Facebook. This conversation was recorded 21/05/2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buy Me a Coffee to gift back.Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.FollowLeave a review The Gig Life Podcast

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes? In this sub series of The Gig Life Podcast, you will hear some interesting tales, stories, anecdotes of life on the road, stage and studio, told by the musicians and artists that were there. Sometimes the names will be changed or removed to protect the innocent and guilty. Todays episode features 3 tales: First up is Phil Ceberano and his story about a talented dancing hero. Followed by Fab Omodei and his story about an interesting experience in...

My guest today is Ben Todd. From Adelaide and from a long family line of drummers, Ben spent 13 years with Cirque du Soleil as drummer and musical director and these days plays with Dojorise, The Superjesus as well as other theatre shows including Beauty and The Beast which he is currently on. Be also has a podcast./YouTube channel called Drummers Perspective. For more info on Ben, check out his Instagram and Facebook. This conversation was recorded 01/05/2025 --------...