The Gig Life Podcast

My guest today, well it’s the returning champion, Gordon Rytmeister. Gordo first joined me back in 2019 for Episodes 61 and 63, and he’s also been part of the Steve Gadd and Simon Phillips Spotlight episodes. This time, we’re hanging out in his studio—the same place where I first met him for a drum lesson more than 20 years ago. We catch up on life, touring with Tim Finn, playing in Russia with James Morrison, playing alongside his son Elijah, recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, and why feel, context and musicality still matter in an age of social media chops. We also geek out on Steve Gadd, drum sounds, snare drums, recording from home, and why music usually feels better when everyone’s playing together in the same room. This conversation was recorded 9th July 2026. Cover photo by Bill Risby ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast Check out whosondrums.com Mentioned in this episode: https://whosondrums.com/

My guest today is Luke Herbert. Luke is a drummer, percussionist, educator and founder of Pocket Percussion. From the Sydney 2000 Olympic opening ceremony, to seven-night-a-week pub gigs and working with Brian Cadd, to three years on the road and in the studios of Nashville, Luke has built a career around groove, feel and playing for the song. Luke also plays alongside Murray Cook from The Wiggles in Murray and the Movers, bringing together a great band of players for some seriously fun rock and roll. His latest project, Every Beatles Beat, is a full-blown love letter to Ringo Starr—recording a snippet of every Beatles song in chronological order at Studios 301 and turning it into a film, live show and art installation. We talk drumming heroes, vintage gear, life on the road, teaching and finding your own sound. For more on Luke check out lukeherbert.com everybeatlesbeat.com Luke on instagram This conversation was recorded 8th July 2026. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast Mentioned in this episode: https://whosondrums.com/

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, and Daybreak Again by Tommy Emmanuel, with exclusive interviews with David Garfield, Will Lee, Gary Husband, Tommy Emmanuel, Mitch Farmer and more. Subscribe, follow and share at whosondrums.com . Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Coming soon… Until then, we'll keep asking the question… Who's on Drums?

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 him. I’m incredibly grateful that this conversation exists, and it is an honour to share it with you again Thank you for the music, the stories and the laughs. Rest easy, my bro Stevie. My guest today is Andy Bickers. Andy is a saxophone player, originally from New Zealand and now living in Australia. From NZ bands Backdoor Blues Band, Smokeshop and Netherworld Dancing toys, to a long time association with Midnight Oil, a few Eagles gigs here and there, to just recently coming off the road with Cold Chisel on their 5-0 tour…Andy is a session saxophonist, jazz to the roots but a rock n roll attitude. This was an awesome hang. Hope you dig this conversation. More info on Andy: Ander Bickers on Instagram This conversation was recorded 25/02/2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here to securely donate or tip The Gig Life Podcast via PayPal. Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you. Follow Leave a review The Gig Life Podcast

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 mentioned, here is the link to Dario and the band "Spoon" with 3 Little Pigs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 the guy asking the questions for years… and now it’s my turn to throw them at Dave. We get into his story: New York, Spain, LA, and now Austin, Texas — where he says he “was thinking about escaping Shawshank, LA,” and the music took him toward real Texas blues and the shuffle. And of course, because it’s Dave… we also get into the stuff nobody says out loud — why “most guys… play it safe ,” why the best stories come out when “the recorder stops recording,” and why he still believes audio-only is its own artform. This conversation was recorded 16th January 2026. Stevie in Sydney - Dave in Austin, Texas. More info on Dave and I'd Hit That podcast, check out I'd Hit That on YouTube and Instagram , and book a haircut and shave with Dave at Cedar Park Barber Shop ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 website , Instagram , Facebook and Youtube channel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 This conversation was recorded 19th Decemember 2025. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 chasing creative fulfilment instead of just gigs. Nick also speaks very openly about mental health, late ADHD diagnosis, and what it’s like to finally feel present after decades of just pushing forward through the darkness For more info on Nick, check out his Instagram This conversation was recorded on 05/12/2025 As mentioned in the conversation, check out Aaron Tokona. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 instagram and website . This conversation was recorded on 09/12/2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 crazy quarantine story… Check out Hayley's website here and instagram here . Hear Hayley's music on Spotify or Apple Music This conversation was recorded on 28/11/2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 her. Voice Witch✨🎙️✨Part-time Alien. Thats what her instagram says. Check out tiffanyrichmond.com.au for her voiceover and coaching. And check out out all things Poppy Galactic at poppygalactic.com . This conversation was recorded on 17/11/2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 Life Podcast. The 2nd time was in 2021 when she shared 4 gig stories which 2 of them featured in the A Few Gig Tales series. Im going to play all of that in its entirety here today. First up is the 2020 interview and directly after that is all 4 of her gig stories, so stick around till the end. For those that knew her, I hope you get comfort from hearing her voice, and for those of you who didnt, her spirit is well and truely alive here. Here infectious laugh, her knack of telling a great story, and of course her positivity. We have lost a giant. Rest in love Virginia Lillye ❤️ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 podcast is discovering new music through the guests I talk to. Joel’s music is special. Hope you dig this chat, and go check out his music. https://www.youtube.com/@joelhuntguitar https://www.instagram.com/joelhuntguitar https://joelhunt.com/ This conversation was recorded on 01/09/2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Survey 2025 Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

To celebrate Jim Kelly's bithday, here is our 2020 podcast interview. One of my personal favourite interviews. I hope you enjoy it. Stevie. 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 runs a recording studio from his home – TONE RANGER STUDIO. He has produced many fine albums and has quickly achieved the reputation of becoming a world-class Producer and Mixing/Mastering engineer. Jim is a musician dedicated to the art of improvising, composing, performing and teaching and is always searching for new ways to expand his musical horizons. So ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Mr Jim Kelly. This conversation was recorded 16/12/2020. Intro music: Heaven Scent - Jim Kelly (Ya Gotta Love the Drummers). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Click here to securely donate or tip The Gig Life Podcast via PayPal. Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you. The Gig Life Podcast: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter

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 some lessons learned along the way. A great hang, and one I reckon you’ll really dig. For more information on Luke: Luke Davison - Instagram This conversation was recorded on 16/7/2025 @ Church St Studios ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gift back to The Gig Life Podcast Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you. Follow Leave a review The Gig Life Podcast

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 some incredible music, including their latest project, Blue Basso . This August, they’re bringing their Louisiana magic down under for an Australian tour, hitting stages across Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne — and playing alongside some of our finest, including Ray Beadle, Jamie Cameron, Shannon Stitt, and Geoff Achison. In this chat, we dive into their musical roots, the story behind Blue Basso , life in New Orleans, and their upcoming Aussie shows. It was certainly an education for me in the music and history of Louisiana. For more information on Charlie and Arsene, as well as tour dates and links: Charlie Wooton – Instagram Arsene DeLay - Instagram This conversation was recorded on 26/6/2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gift back to The Gig Life Podcast Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you. Follow Leave a review The Gig Life Podcast