The Gig Life Podcast

byStevie Taylor

InterviewsHistoryMusic

The Gig Life Podcast is a long-form music interview series hosted by Stevie Taylor, featuring in-depth conversations with musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. Since launching in 2018, the show has shared authentic stories from the people behind the music — exploring creative journeys, career breakthroughs, studio sessions, touring life, and the realities of making a living in music. With over 160 episodes, The Gig Life Podcast has become a trusted platform for Australian and NZ music storytelling, featuring well-known artists, rising session players, and behind-the-scenes industry voices. Whether you’re a musician, music fan, or c...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Trailer - Who's on Drums?

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...

Published: Jul 26, 2026Duration: 4m 21s

Remembering Andy Bickers

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, th...

Published: Jul 11, 2026Duration: 1h 50m 37s

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:InstagramFacebookYouTubeAs mentioned, here is...

Published: Jul 2, 2026Duration: 1h 46m 4s

Dave Varriale - "I'd Hit That"

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...

Published: Feb 22, 2026Duration: 2h 12m 58s

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 b...

Published: Feb 9, 2026Duration: 1h 8m 14s

Michael Paynter

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.comThis conversation was recorded 19th Decemember 2025.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Give bac...

Published: Jan 18, 2026Duration: 58m 7s

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 sp...

Published: Jan 4, 2026Duration: 1h 13m 47s

2025 Review & Listener Q&A

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...thegiglife...

Published: Dec 29, 2025Duration: 16m 55s

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...

Published: Dec 20, 2025Duration: 56m 35s

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...

Published: Dec 8, 2025Duration: 55m 44s

Tiffany Richmond

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 Ali...

Published: Nov 25, 2025Duration: 1h 18m 19s

Ally Friendship

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 InstagramThis conversation was recorded on 18/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to the podcas...

Published: Oct 27, 2025Duration: 52m 31s

Virginia Lillye - A tribute

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. <p...

Published: Oct 20, 2025Duration: 1h 58m 23s

Alexander Flood

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.auhttps://www.instagram.com/alexander_floodThis conversation was recorded on 08/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to...

Published: Sep 26, 2025Duration: 1h 12m 50s

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 t...

Published: Sep 9, 2025Duration: 1h 4m 23s

REPLAY - 103. Jim Kelly

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 jing...

Published: Aug 25, 2025Duration: 1h 46m 13s

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...

Published: Aug 3, 2025Duration: 1h 50m 33s

Charlie Wooton & Arsène DeLay

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...

Published: Jul 18, 2025Duration: 53m 38s

Brett Garsed (John Farnham / Nelson / Horizon)

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 Picking" and "Legato" educational material at Guitar VivoCheck out Horizon band.<...

Published: Jul 6, 2025Duration: 1h 28m 28s

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 InstagramThis conversation was recorded 04/06/2025-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gift back to The...

Published: Jun 22, 2025Duration: 51m 45s