Episode 12: Darren Mathiassen

Darren Mathiassen.

Bluff-born D’s organic grooves are integral to the homegrown flavours of Aotearoa, through groups and artists such as Iva Lamkum, Rhombus, Age Pryor, Bella Kalolo, Charlotte Yates and Trinity Roots (in particular, with the iconic Little Things), but his long-standing bond with sterling soul sista, Hollie Smith, has produced both top selling albums and unforgettable performances. And then auspiciously, much to the excitement of hardcore festival party goers, as of NYE 2012/13, D picked up heavier sticks and became the pounding heart of soul'n'drum'n'bass behemoth, Shapeshifter

Recorded in Sydney, Australia 27/10/18

Episode 11: David Sleishman

Dave Sleishman.

Drummer, and director of Sleishman Drum Co. Following in his fathers footsteps, Dave took what his dad had created and expanded it to what Sleishman is today. Helping develop and create the Twin Pedal and Sleishman Free-Floating System to the Pro Series we see today Dave is always thinking of new ideas and new ways to keep Sleishman Drum Co. one step ahead of the game!

Dave also plays for The Never Ending 80’s Show. 

Recorded at Sleishman Drum Co, Sydney, NSW Australia 26/10/18

Episode 10: Steele Turkington

Steele Turkington.

Drummer, and one of Australia's leading/groundbreaking drum restorers and instrument makers. Founder and owner of Kentville Drums. 

"I'm often asked... what’s the Kentville story Won't you tell us the tale?

Well, I started Kentville Drums with the simple aim of providing the Sydney community with a dedicated drum repair service, and in true Australian form, necessity really mothered invention. While I brought twenty years of experience as a drummer and my existing workshop skills with me to this job, I've never stopped learning or adding strings to my bow along the way. Over the years I’ve made my own tools to suit strange new tasks, honed my techniques and established my own style and school of approach to restoration. Today I’m fortunate to find my work and my products in demand across Australia and around the world.

As a lifelong annoying perfectionist, I devote myself to detail and quality. Whether I’m working for a studio or a symphony orchestra, The Rolling Stones or the local primary school, I’m always committed to providing every one of my clients my best work and the outcome they need.

Beyond restoration services, I’m dedicated to upholding the great traditions of rawhide drumhead lapping by continuing to produce my kangaroo hide drumheads, which are today being played by drummers and percussionists in a wide array of genres across five continents. Every drumhead is made entirely by hand, amongst the bell birds and red gums at my workshop in beautiful Kurrajong, just outside Sydney.

Steele Turkington"

Recorded in Kurrajong, NSW Australia 24/10/18

Episode 9: Bek Jensen

Bek Jensen is a Sydney based Singer/songwriter who grew up in an exceptionally talented family with both her parents working as professional musicians in Australia.  Always surrounded by live music and wrapped in a blanket of classic soul, blues, jazz, country and gospel music, she started performing at a young age and found that she had an intense passion for the stage.  

Already established as an in-demand backing vocalist from the age of 16, Bek has recorded and toured nationally with Australia’s iconic artists including Cold Chisel, Jimmy and Mahalia Barnes, Tina Harrod, The Sleepy Jackson, Paul McDermott, ALPHAMAMA, Morganics, Jackie Orszaczky and Clayton and Lachy Doleyto name just a few and has released numerous original recordings, signed and unsigned, under different guises. Bek has just released her new EP,  Magic & Art.

Recorded in Marrickville, NSW Australia 16/10/18

Episode 8: John Hardaker

John Hardaker is a Sydney based jazz, blues and rock guitarist, band leader, graphic designer, music blogger and music reviewer for Australian Jazz. 

He formed and led The JHD Revival Band and now has a new modular group, The John Hardaker Direction which he formed out of the need to adapt to the ever changing Sydney live music scene. 

Recorded in Croydon, NSW Australia 17/10/18

Episode 7: Michael Wheatley

Michael Wheatley.

Like a force of nature, this Sydney based artist has continued to carve deep and glorious pathways in music, burlesque, cabaret, performance art, hosting, modelling, DJing and sound production since 1990 nationally and globally. With a passion to stay true to his art and collaborators whilst always challenging and pushing the envelope further it is hard to keep up with what Michael is working on next. Be it a live cabaret show, a new album or cheeky neo-burlesque act the only guarantee is that it will be an experience and offered from the bottom of the artist's heart.

Recorded in Marrickville, NSW Australia 16/10/18

Episode 6: Dauno Martinez

Dauno Martinez

Chilean born bass player, guitarist, drummer, virtuoso, artist. Theres nothing this guy cant do. Having played all over the world with some of the greatest musician, Sydney is wear his pocket and groove is at.

Recorded in Northmead, NSW Australia 09/10/18

Episode 5: Buddy Siolo

Buddy Siolo.

Drummer and vocalist. Born in Samoa, raised in NZ. From thugging the streets of the Hutt Valley and Otara in NZ, to touring the Hard Rock Cafe circuit through Asia, a turn events would led him to The Gang of Brothers Band in Sydney and on to acts such as Delta Goodrem, Jess Maulboy and many others. With Buddy, it’s all about family and music. 

Recorded in Kingsgrove, NSW Australia 03/10/2018

Episode 4: Adm Ventoura

Adm Ventoura

A “first call” bass guitarist based in Sydney.
Adm has worked across a wide range of musical styles throughout Australia and also in South America, USA, UK, Asia, the Middle East and New Zealand.

Over the last 25 years, he has played, recorded and toured with an array of artists and musicians in concerts, clubs, and for radio and television. These artists include Al Green, Kelly Rowland, Lupe Fiasco, Jon Stevens, Guy Sebastian, Ian Moss, Kate Ceberano, Vika and Linda Bull, and Jessica Mauboy, Karen Lee Andrews and Delta Goodrem.

In addition to this performance experience Adm has composed works and been accompanist for Quantum Leap Youth Dance Ensemble, Dance Tank (Sydney Opera House), Steps Youth Dance Company – WA, the Victorian College of the Arts, Sonic Mayhem Orchestra and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. He has a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) from the Western Australian Conservatorium.

Adm’s current gigs projects include Alma Music Presents:, Oyobi, Suite Az and Toru. 

Recorded in Marrickville, NSW Australia 02/10/18

Episode 3: Fabrizio Omodei

Fabrizio Omodei

Based in SydneyAustralia, "Fab" has been playing drums professionally for over 30 years, both in Australia and overseas. He has recorded and toured with a host of national and international artists including Rick Astley, Delta Goodrem, Brian McFadden, Richard Clapton, Daryl Braithwaite, Ian Moss, Jimmy Barnes, Percy Sledge, Brian Mannix, Eurogliders, Jack Jones, Chantoozies, Shannon Noll, Deni Hines, Doc Nesson, The Angels, Paul Gray/Wa Wa Nee, Choir Boys, Doug Williams, David Campbell, Human Nature and many more and continues to play live and record for many different artists. 
Fab is also and actor, presenter and artist. 

Recorded in Northmead, NSW Australia. 28/09/18

Episode 2: Rawhiti Turnbull

Guitarist Rawhiti Turnbull, born in raised in Northland, New Zealand. Moved to Australia in 1998. Long time member of Sydney Soul/RnB band Suite Az. Member, songwriter, guitarist for TeMana. 

Recorded in Seven Hills, NSW 25/09/18.

Episode 1: Steve Marin

Steve Marin

Born into a musical family, Steve began playing music at the age of 6 and quickly developed his skills as a musician. He became a professional musician at age 14.

After learning wind and stringed instruments, Steve dedicated himself to playing drums & percussion, specialising in Afro-Latin music. He established himself as one of Australia’s most respected drummers and multi-instrumentalists.

In 1998, Steve was part of the New South Wales youth Orchestra. Later that year, he joined the Musica Viva in Schools program which comprised of 200 shows per year for primary and secondary schools across Australia. Steve studied at the Conservatorium of Music, Australia in 2000 under the tuition of Fabian Hevia, (Jazz Outreach Program). In 2003 he joined Dirty Dancing, the musical. The show toured Australia for 13 months and the UK for 2 years in which he recorded the Cast Album which went platinum in the UK. 

Steve has played with and supported such bands as Kelis (USA), Ozomatli (USA), Cubanismo (Cuba), Elio Reve (Cuba), Los Van Van (Cuba), Los Lobos (USA), Sharon Jones and the Dapkings (USA), Africando (Africa), Illapu (Chile), Australian Idol winner Damien Leith, Veneno, Barefoot Divas, Diana Rouvas, Pato Lara, Tigramuna, IOTA, Smoke and mirrors, Cabaret the musical, Dirty Dancing on stage (Australian tour), The Bodyguard musical and many others throughout Australia, England, Belgium, Italy, Canada, USA, France and New Zealand. Steve has played at festivals including Pole Pole (France), Continental Drifts (UK), Hong Kong Arts Festival, Knockengorroch (Scotland), Jambalaya (NZ), Byron Bay Bluesfest (AUS), Sydney Festival and many others around the world.

Steve has been a core member and co director of Veneno for 17 years and continues to be recognized as a leading light in the Australian music industry

We sat down at his home with some really good coffee, and ripped in. 

Recorded at Wetherill Park, NSW 21/09/18.