Women Who Rock: Recent Episodes
2SER 107.3FM
"What I feel when I’m playing guitar is completely cold and crazy," High on Rebellion, Patti Smith.
Women Who Rock shines a light on the amazingly talented female musicians and artists from Sydney and around the world. If you’re interested in finding out about the future of rock today, this is the podcast for you. This podcast is dedicated to the memory of Carolyn Sophie Grace Mason.
Darby is an Australian singer-songwriter who has just moved from Sydney to Melbourne (www.facebook.com/darbymusicaus).
We spoke about the importance of new beginnings, the vibe of gigs in Melbourne and remote recordings.
Listen to Songs from Alpha House vol. 2 here:https://darby1.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-alpha-house-vol-2
Dulcima Showan is a vocalist / violinist in a five piece called Coco and the Butterfields, as well as the owner and designer at sustainable fashion label Dulcima (www.dulcima.co.uk/).
We spoke about touring through the snow season, the impact of Vivienne Westwood and a new approach to sustainable fashion.
Hannah Buchanan is a Scottish-born landscape artist who now resides in Kent in South East England.
We spoke about painting in a greenhouse, the difference between museum art and commercial art, and the importance of stillness.
Check out Hannah’s work here: www.hannahbuchanan.com
Hannah wanted to add that she thinks this is the best job ever and would encourage anyone tomake the leap and start a creative business. It can be challenging and all consuming, but each small achievement is so special and rewarding. She wouldn't change it for the world!
Music for this podcast is from darby: https://darby1.bandcamp.com/track/at-the-beach-explicit
Kyrie Anderson is a freelance drummer based in Adelaide who plays in many musical projects (www.facebook.com/kyrieandersonmusic).
We spoke about the link between yoga and drumming, forming an experimental jazz quartet in Banff and the impact of AFL on South Australian politics.
Listen to the album from AURA here:https://aurasaura.bandcamp.com/album/aura
Listen to the isolation improvisation collective here:https://isolationimprovisationcollective.bandcamp.com
Renee de la Motte is half of the harmony-driven Sydney two-piece Salarymen (www.facebook.com/Salarymenband)
We spoke about learning an instrument on the job, Japanese business culture and the federal government.
Listen to the song ‘Fine’ here:https://salarymen.bandcamp.com/track/fine
Bree Tranter is a singer-songwriter from Adelaide (www.facebook.com/breetrantermusic).
We spoke about the struggles of musical relationships, retreating from international touring and seashells.
Watch the video for ‘Keyboards & Conversations’ here:youtube.com/watch?v=VhUopXjVyo4
Library Siesta is a Sydney five piece indie rock band (www.facebook.com/librarysiesta).
I was joined by Bre, Georgia and Eva of the band to chat about the accessible arts grant, the refreshing air of live gigs and four stringed guitars.
Kaylene Milner plays in Sydney band Loose Fit, as well as running a knitwear label called Wah Wah.
We spoke about superfine Merino wool, linking up with a UK label and the cost of sustainable fashion.
Listen to the Loose Fit EP here:https://loosefit.bandcamp.com/releases
Check out Kaylene’s knitwear brand ‘Wah Wah’ here:www.wahwahaustralia.com
Eve Lande is a guitarist and songwriter in both Imperial Broads and Reality Instructors.
We chatted about new Imperial Broads music, Accessible Arts funding and custom built guitars.
Watch the video for the new Imperial Broads single 'Unromantic' here.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSivUPuBpk
IMI is a songwriter and prolific backup vocalist who is now embarking on an individual project (heyimi.bandcamp.com).
We discussed the underappreciated importance of backup vocals, writing Italian lyrics and the profound impact of grieving.
Darby is a prolific Sydney musician who has released two albums since the beginning of the pandemic (www.facebook.com/darbymusicaus).
We discussed the split album Darby made with Pan-Pacific Grand Prix during the lockdown, the value of live music and the unspoken power of chairs.
Listen to Darby’s music here:https://darby1.bandcamp.com/
Suzie Stapleton is an alternative rock artist, born in Sydney and now residing in Brighton, UK (www.suziestapleton.com).
Suzie and I discussed channeling the darkness, capturing a pulse and the fiscal ramifications of Brexit.
Listen to We Are The Plague here:https://suziestapleton.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-the-plague
Watch the video for ‘We Are The Plague’ here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfAWMNaWLBc
Lucy Francesca Dron is a singer songwriter from Brisbane (www.facebook.com/lucyfrancescadron).
We spoke about her musical evolution, the fear of missing out on gigs and retreating to the studio.
Watch the video for What is Next? here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAiE7swGeLU
Tessa Dillon leads Wellington’s folk rock trio, Mystery Waitress (www.facebook.com/mysterywaitress).
We chatted about bathroom acoustics, the local scene in Wellington and birdbaths.
Listen to the debut Mystery Waitress album ‘Nest’ here:https://mysterywaitress.bandcamp.com/album/nest
Ida Lune is an avant folk trio hailing from Wellington, New Zealand (www.facebook.com/idalune). Their debut, self-titled album has just been released on Home Alone Music.
We spoke about the dark undertones in their album, vocal harmonies as an instrument and performing in a cemetery after dark.
Listen to Ida Lune's debut album here:idalune.bandcamp.com/
Brooke Singer both co-runs Wellington-based record label Home Alone Music (www.homealonemusic.co.nz) and fronts New Zealand dream pop outfit French For Rabbits (www.frenchforrabbits.bandcamp.com).
We spoke about improvising during troubled times, supporting niche musical styles and the political landscape in New Zealand.
Watch the video for ‘The Tunnel’ here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvU4rh2uTOQ
Helena Massey is a Sydney songwriter who has just released an album called Brothers Puffins & Half Skulls.
We spoke about dealing with grief, a yearning for your ancestors and pot plants.
Listen to Brothers Puffins & Half Skulls here:https://helenamassey.bandcamp.com/
Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys are an Americana-infused folk act from Sydney.
I spoke with Caitlin Harnett about the first gig back at The Lansdowne, re-ignited creative pursuits and The Tamworth Hotel.
You can listen to Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys here: https://caitlinharnett.bandcamp.com/
Also, listen to music from Maxim Skilbeck-Porter, who sadly passed away:
https://maxsporter.bandcamp.com/
Jess Dale is a Sydney singer/songwriter who spans country, blues and Americana (www.facebook.com/jessdalemusic).
We spoke about growing up with great music, our perception of climate change during the pandemic and breaking a live music drought.
Amy Viola uses a loop pedal and a viola to make her own indie folk music (www.amyviola.com/).
We spoke about pivoting during COVID 19, the difference between classical and contemporary performance and musical mindfulness.
Melanie April is an indie folk singer songwriter from Wollongong (www.facebook.com/mel.april.music).
We spoke about jumping head first into phone-based videos, Japanese rock and the plight of some ants.
Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKEDqBBZqYr2uZCnks636-7WFs_DCopr?usp=sharing
Hannah Park is a Wollongong-based folk artist (www.facebook.com/parkhannahmusic).
We spoke about Peppermint Tea, the allure of nature and the first gig back after lockdown.
ELSKA is a Gold Coast pop artist who is unlocking the power of the harp using loop pedals (www.elskamusic.com).
We spoke about the intricacies of the harp, playing 1000 wedding gigs and the everlasting reach of Oprah Winfrey.
Streamed Shakespeare is an online project live streaming Shakespearean plays (www.facebook.com/StreamedShakespeare). I spoke with actors Holly Champion and Chiara Osborn, who are the artistic director and social media manager of Streamed Shakespeare.
We spoke about using technology to portray Shakespeare’s works, a new kind of feedback and unrelated brushes with the law.
You can livestream Streamed Shakespeare performances every Sunday at 2pm (Sydney time) - www.facebook.com/StreamedShakespeare
Lisa Caruso is a Sydney singer/songwriter who has had a hot run of singles, and is in the process of releasing her debut album (www.facebook.com/lisacarusomusic).
We spoke about the role of independent musicians in the current altered state, online streaming platforms and performance isolation.
Watch the video for ‘Dream Lover’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ0ngNn4jDw
Rose Muller fronts Melbourne’s glitter pop outfit Biond (https://www.biond.com.au).
We spoke about the strength of relationships in a technology-driven world, the economics of live streaming and hidden treasures in isolation.
Watch the video for ‘TFW’ here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpSl44xBAjk
Claire Simpson is the singer and guitarist of grunge/dream pop project The Astrals (www.facebook.com/theastralsband).
We spoke about the uniquely troubled times, chasing simplicity and Bruce Springsteen collaborations.
Hedy Blaazer are an alternative folk duo (www.facebook.com/hedyblaazer).
We spoke about the fringes of jazz, understanding old lyrics in new light and the joys of violin in folk music
Watch the video for ‘A Happy Song’ here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amn2yoPn1YU
Brittany Maggs is a Sydney pop artist who draws on a wide range of musical styles (www.brittanymaggs.com).
We chatted about the sanctity of the recording studio, underwhelming tattoo experiences and her return to Australian shores.
Ingrid Oram is the singer/guitarist in new Sydney trop pop band Imperials (www.facebook.com/ImperialsMusic).
I spoke with Ingrid about ‘trop pop’, percussion vibes and finding samples on Splice.
Watch the video for ‘Carolina’: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUWyUlxVrX0
Josephine Vander Gucht is an integral half of British alt pop duo Oh Wonder (www.ohwondermusic.com).
Josephine dropped by the 2ser studios to discuss embracing your own agency, recording in a garden shed and Steinway-based tragedies.
Watch Oh Wonder’s video for ‘Happy’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeXie1Fhcdk
Bonnie Kay leads the jazz/blues infused 6-piece Bonnie Kay and the Bonafides (www.facebook.com/BKandTheBonafides)
We chatted about the art of staining glass, Bonnie Raitt and furniture making.
Rosie Meader leads Sydney’s jazz-infused Rosie Meader Trio (www.rosiemeadertrio.com).
We spoke about entering the studio at a young age, tuning into a crowd and the Olympics of the future.
Fetherstone is an electro-pop project from now Sydney-based musician Briana Cowlishaw (www.fetherstone.com).
We spoke about and the fragility of existence, Bri’s grandmother’s etching techniques and coping with loneliness
Listen to the new Fetherstone single ‘Jackson” here:https://songwhip.com/song/fetherstone/Jackson
Stephanie Gray is an illustrator who runs her own business called Erlenmeyer.
We spoke about the world she has created with her art, coupling African animals with appropriate musical instruments and sustainable practices in the small business world.
You can view all of the Erlenmeyer art here:https://erlenmeyer.com.au/discount/2serNOTE: This URL already has a discount code applied, the price of any items will be reduced by 20% when you go to the check out.
Sydney artist Darby is a songwriter, producer, animator and visual artist (www.facebook.com/darbymusicaus).
We spoke about her prolific output, living in a creative collective and giving each single its own voice.
https://darby1.bandcamp.com/
Olga Solar is an indie-pop artist who has just released a new single called ‘Actor’ (www.olgasolar.com/).
We spoke about the electric mandolin, a musical transition and delayed appreciation.
Sydney’s Annie Hamilton is a multi-faceted artist; she is a musician, graphic designer and clothing designer (www.facebook.com/anniehamiltonmusic).
We spoke about the need for sustainable clothing in 2019, her creative Icelandic getaway and The Year of the Monkey
Watch the video for ‘Kitchen’ here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZVrl4mPnOc
See her clothing designs here: https://www.instagram.com/equinox.byanniehamilton/
Rya Park is a Melbourne-based soul/rock singer, who dropped by Sydney on the back of her latest single ‘Bitch’ (https://www.facebook.com/ryaparkmusic).
We spoke about embracing vulnerable moments, the contrasting styles explored in her music and the everlasting allure of punk rock.
Watch the video for ‘Bitch’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mSIH1GompE
Salt and Steel are a blues and roots two-piece, inspired by riffs and the universe in equal measures (www.facebook.com/saltandsteelmusic).
We spoke about performing off the beaten track, searching for a sound and playing with drum triggers.
Hannah Matysek is a singer songwriter (www.facebook.com/hannahmatysek)
We spoke about listening audiences, Patti Smith’s writing style and the honest struggles of being a singer songwriter.
Elki is an art-pop singer songwriter (https://www.facebook.com/elkimusic).
We chatted about wuthering heights day, police interruption during filming and saving the bees.
Editorial note: The technical name for beekeeper is apiarist.
Clare Hennessy is a playwright and singer-songwriter from Sydney (www.clarehennessy.com).
We spoke about the intellectual aspects of playwriting, Laura Marling and enjoying sounds where they (traditionally) ought not be.
Rees Lucia is a singer/songwriter who spans many genres and moods (www.reeslucia.com).
We spoke about Carl Rogers take on self actualisation, recording with Mark Myers in Cairns and the joys of signal processing.
Ainsley Farrell is a singer/songwriter based in Sydney. (ainsleyfarrell.bandcamp.com).
Ainsley and I spoke about filming music videos in Ohio, family photo albums and plant-based insights.
Watch Ainsley’s latest video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpzE3QiHkgM
Also, check out Emma Katka’s photography here: www.emmakatka.com
Indira Elias is a cinematic songwriter living in Sydney (www.facebook.com/indiraelias).
We spoke about learning French via a pastry chef qualification, the nine muses of Greek mythology and the depth of Emily Dickinson.
Frances Martin has been putting on events in Sydney for many years, and is an integral part of the Sydney live music scene.
We spoke about creating a safe space for creativity, vintage prizes and the importance of being still.
You should go to an event run by FrancesFolkswagon at Cafe Lounge: www.facebook.com/folkswagon.auPorchlight Sessions at Petersham Bowling Club (run with Cathy Kirkpatrick): www.facebook.com/porchlightsydneyIn the Round at The Vanguard: www.facebook.com/intheround.au
Christine Jane is a Sydney singer/songwriter who is currently working on her third album (www.christinejane.com).
We chatted about meeting famous jazz historians, being influenced by arthouse cinema and the allure of the guitalele.
Plus, Christine was kind enough to treat us to a live recording of a new track.
You can help fund Christine’s upcoming third album by clicking here:www.gofundme.com/songs-for-bleeding-hearts
In a world first, this episode of women who rock was recorded in London. I was delighted to catch up with Ola Herbich, who both runs her own punk/hardcore label, Quality Control HQ, and plays in loads of bands in London.
We spoke about the nature of punk and hardcore music, the potential impact of Brexit on British subcultures, and why Marshall amps are the best amps.
You can check out all the music released on Quality Control HQ here (qualitycontrolhq.bigcartel.com)
And listen to the new Game LP, ‘No One Wins’ here (qualitycontrolhq.bandcamp.com/album/no-one-wins)
In this episode, we look back to revisit some of the great in studio performances we’ve had in the first year of the podcast.
Julia Johnson is a multi instrumentalist singer/songwriter who draws on country and folk traditions (www.facebook.com/juliajohnsonmusic).
We spoke about the underground music world of the nation’s capital, tuning 52 strings at a time, and, finally, after 28 episodes of hoping and praying, a story about Patti Smith.
Watch Julia’s clip for ‘Collarbone’ here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfPSC7u8ssc
Hayley Lyon fronts Sydney folk rock band Lady Lyon (www.facebook.com/MusicbyHayleyLyon).
Hayley told me about her nautical inspirations, the glory of Laura Marling and the visceral sounds of decomposition.
Pearl The Girl is an indie rock four piece with a debut album on the way (www.facebook.com/pearlthegirlmusic).
Pearl and I spoke about death, the barriers of the acting industry and the mini festival she is organising at Oxford Art Factory.
Watch the video for their latest single, “Little Animal” here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SQb6GVKl0w
The Zela Margossian Quintet is an Armenian influenced ethno jazz outfit (www.facebook.com/zelamargossianquintet).
Zela and I spoke about her deep connection with Armenian music, the different tonal qualities of this music and her life changing decision to switch genres.
You can listen the debut Zela Margossian Quintet album “Transition’ here: zelamargossian.bandcamp.com
Lady King is a soul-infused five piece band led by the multi instrumentalist Lara King. (www.facebook.com/ladykingmusic).
We spoke about the feminine energy of soul music, falling in love with oneself and all encompassing audio visual experiences.
Listen to Lady King’s first single ‘I Want You Bad’ soundcloud.com/user-732833369/i-want-you-bad
Maia Marsh is an indie rock outfit from Sydney (www.facebook.com/maiamarshband).
Maia and I discussed the appeal of art galleries, transitioning between genres and writing poetry in ninth grade.
Aislinn Young is a dreamy folk rock singer who has recently released her debut single (www.facebook.com/aislinnyoungmusic).
Join us as we discuss capturing body language on film, recording in a secluded shed and the merits of thrift-based shops.
Singer songwriter Lisa Caruso (www.facebook.com/lisacarusomusic) has recently released a single “Shake Baby Shake”, which explores her relationship with illness.
We spoke about Lisa’s portrayal of invisible illness through her music, hidden blues and the resilience of Frida Kahlo.
Watch Lisa’s video for ‘Shake Baby Shake’ here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UUqlnd6I68
E for Echo is an ambient indie rock band led by the harmonic duo of Zana Rose and Jenna Murphy (www.facebook.com/eforechoband).
I spoke to Jenna and Zana about playing gigs in Bargo, their new music video and the power of music therapy.
Watch their new video for ‘Stay’ here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHDuVUeDp14
If you’re a musician seeking assistance during a crisis, check out supportact.org.au
This episode represents a time to pause and reflect. We delve back into past episodes to explore how one simple question can lead us down many different paths.
Sydney folk rock outfit Harley Mavis have just released their single ‘Magnolia’ (https://dittomusic.lnk.to/HarleyMavisMagnolia).
I caught up with Hannah about writing poetry in primary school, performing at family weddings, and the use of acrylic paint in music videos.
Watch the paint-based video for ‘No Chance’ here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezo5WNB_Log
Sarah Eddowes is a visual artist whose work was just on display in her exhibition 3D IMAGING (www.saraheddowes.com).
We spoke about her transversal of mediums, making art in a capitalist society and contactless, radio-based instruments.
You can watch some of Sarah’s animations here:www.saraheddowes.com/video-reel
Folk-synth songwriter Emma Davis has just released her second full length album 'Demons’ (www.emmadavis.com.au).
We chatted about writing music in a furniture joinery, documenting revelations and the joys of finding sounds on a farm.
You can watch Emma’s video for the single ‘So It Is’ here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7AtjRFey8Y
Bonniesongs is the experimental folk project of Bonnie Stewart (bonniesongs.bandcamp.com).
We had a chat about capturing improvisation in Tempe, Sydney label Art as Catharsis (www.artascatharsis.com) and punk rock in County Wicklow.
Bonniesongs are launching their EP ‘Strings’ on November 29 at the Django Bar in Marrickville.Also, you can find out about the experimental music scene in Sydney here:www.emus.space
Rachel Baiman sings and plays both fiddle and banjo in a Nashville two-piece called 10 String Symphony (10stringsymphony.com).
Rachel and I caught up at a beer and/or burger joint in Nashville to discuss the history of bluegrass music, transcribing the Skillett Lickers (not a typo) and frying octave pedals.
Kaye Vagg is the guitarist, singer and songwriter in Sydney rock band Anonymii (anonymii.com.au).
In this episode, for the first time, we premiere Anonymii’s debut single ‘Fight’. Kate and I spoke about the single, the music scene in north Sydney and the importance of anarchy.
Georgia Mulligan is a singer songwriter from Sydney, with a debut album on the way (www.georgiamulligan.com).
We spoke about the inexplicable magic of songwriting, the merits of the Petersham Bowling Club and hierarchical nature of mummification.
You should watch the video for Georgia’s latest single, The Dark. www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeOCnsAypo8
Helena Massey’s music draws on a a lot of interesting influences, from European harmonium to Indian classical (helenamassey.bandcamp.com).
Join us as we discuss finding amazing musicians on gumtree, musical adventures in the Thar desert and why twelve strings are better than six.
The Buoys are a Sydney four-piece garage punk band that gained a lot of interest on the back of their latest single, Blues Point Road ( thebuoys.bandcamp.com).
Join us as we discuss their new forthcoming EP, the quest for the lo-fi sound and stimulated activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Nardean is a poet, singer and MC who has just been announced on the Splendour in the Grass lineup. We spoke about her new EP ‘Creatress’, God Queen records and old fashioned poetry wars.
You can find Nardean’s music at www.nardean.com.
Rose Chan is the guitarist and vocalist in Sydney band Okin Osan (okinosan.bandcamp.com). We had a chat about the allure of music form the 1950s, writing songs with your younger self and the ever-present fear of death.
Kate Young is a guitarist/vocalist from Wollongong who has travelled all over the coast (and beyond) playing covers (www.facebook.com/KateYoungMusic). Join us as we discuss community radio in Wollongong, the unique concerns of a cover artist and the conflict between covers and creativity.
Whiskey Empire is a six piece soul-blues powerhouse, led jointly by singers Leslea Clements and Shannon Carswell. Join us as we discuss the majesty of carnival life, recording a surprise live album and the traumatic past of Billie Holiday. You can check out Whiskey Empire here (www.whiskeyempire.com.au)
Sare Jackie is the singer and bass player in Sydney rock band Whispering Jackie (whisperingjackie.bandcamp.com). Join us as we discuss
the influence of Kathleen Hanna,
methods to preserve your voice, and the joys of having a beer brewed for your band by a boat-based brewery.
Georgia Street is a singing drummer/percussionist who plays in multiple bands. As well as rocking out in Library Siesta with Breanna Jones (Episode 1), she also plays in a two-piece called Blue/Green (www.facebook.com/bluegreenduo). We spoke about the concept of having a band split between two cities, and a creative mind split between two writing styles.
Description: Fran Liddle is a blues/soul singer who fronts Big Mama & The Hanged Men (www.facebook.com/BigMamaandtheHangedMen).
Join us as we discuss the important role of women in blues history, Fran’s musical adventures in the U.S. and the live blues music scene in Sydney.
Sally from Fingermae (https://fingermae.bandcamp.com/) has seen most sides of the music industry. As well as being an active musician, shedoes sound at a local venue and has recorded and mixed her own music. We spoke about the link between music and stand up comedy, the perils of doing sound in this modern age and the unexpected link between audio engineering and woodworking.
[MODERATE LANGUAGE WARNING] This episodes contains some language which might not be suitable for young ears.
Breanna Jones is the guitarist, singer and mastermind behind Sydney band Library Siesta (www.librarysiesta.bandcamp.com). Join us as we discuss her band, volunteering at the Girls Rock! Sydney Camp, and society’s gendered perception of genius.