HearSej

Seja talks to her guest Kim Salmon (The Scientists, Beasts of Bourbon) about the Perth punk scene, his first guitar and learning from a jazz teacher when all he wanted was to play was rock n roll. They chat about playing Deep Purple songs, being no good at commerce and trying to imagine what bands sound like from reviews. Kim tells Seja about hearing the Ramones for the first time, songwriting in his early bands the Cheap Nasties and the Scientists, and what keeps him making art. Kim’s strange experience was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page. The Scientists on Countdown in 1980 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-5BShdW1fE

Seja talks to her guest Johannes Eckerström from the Swedish metal band Avatar about growing up near Gothenburg, playing trumboe and piano as a kid and how making a living from music seemed like a possibility. Johannes tells Seja about being enamoured with the circus and the showmanship of wrestling, getting his self confidence from his parents and the secret to heavy metal. They chat about how metal is empowering, how Avatar plan what goes out into the world visually and winning over 60,000 people whilst supporting Iron Maiden. Johannes’s story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32iX5lbVDto True Norwegian Black Metal

Seja talks to her guest Dan Whitford (Cut Copy) about the new album Moments and how the title has made him go into full dad joke/pun mode. He tells Seja about the reasons for the long break between albums, some of the software and hardware that inspired the album and how he feels about his voice after all these years. They chat about their family and band connection to each other, their time signed to Modular Records and despite questionable business dealings, how Steve Pav’s championing of electronic music with a live element changed the course of Australian dance music. Dan and Seja agree that there is joy in a synth that has been on a journey before you get it, and Dan talks touring on a lower budget. Dan’s strange show story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page. https://pitchfork.com/news/synth-repairman-accidentally-gets-high-by-touching-lsd-left-in-vintage-buchla/ https://hypernatural.bandcamp.com/album/hypernatural

Seja talks to her guests Dave Graney and Clare Moore about their upcoming 30th anniversary shows for the album The Soft ’n’ Sexy Sound. They tell Seja memories of playing festivals over the years, about staying in squats in London, and the rivalry and close community with their musical peers the Go-Betweens, Kim Salmon, the Scientists, the Boys Next Door and the Triffids. They chat about album production, advocates at record labels, clever and funny titles, and how all the best people are creative creeps. Dave and Clare’s strange show story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Ratbag about growing up in New Zealand, discovering music like David Bowie and Blondie through her dad, and how her parents helped her develop her singing voice. She tells Seja about her multidisciplinary artistic project, how important journaling is to her and her ambitious wishes for her future live shows. They chat about tricking oneself into confidence, writing and production and channeling one’s goblin voice. Ratbag’s story was illustrated by me! All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Geoffrey O’Connor (Crayon Fields) about the writing and production of his new solo album ‘I Love What We Do, how the songs are sentimental and sad but also hopeful and the album's interesting instrumentation which includes a musical saw and harp. Seja and Geoff talk about their shared love of ELO, how they’re not sure if they’ve ever been cool, getting bullied and learning Nirvana songs. Geoff tells Seja about his first musical loves, why he is into audio and visual production, working with Sarah Mary Chadwick and the importance of the Yamaha DX7. Geoff’s story was illustrated by Greg John (@loydknowsbest). All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Angeline Armstrong (Telenova) about the band’s new album ‘Time is a Flower’, her processes around writing lyrics, setting herself deadlines and how they grew as producers. Angeline tells Seja about what their live show currently looks like, the first musicians who inspired her and her current obsession. They share stories of self doubt, the importance of backing yourself, having too many creative interests and being overthinkie and sensitive. Angeline’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Leith O’Malley. You can see more of his amazing artwork at www.leithomalley.com or on instagram @leithomalley. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) about growing up Modesto, moving to LA on his own terms, home recording and weird shows in Germany. Jason tells Seja about the last tour he did of Australia, his thoughts on continuing to use the name Grandaddy, and wanting to honour one’s own influences without compromise. They chat about imposter syndrome, their love of Jeff Lynne, synths and how to keep songs interesting. Jason’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Spod. You can see more of Spod’s music and videos @spodemonic or or https://www.spod.com.au/ All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) about what it’s like supporting Robbie Williams in Australia, his current killer band members and his latest album ‘Turn the Car Around’. Gaz tells Seja about translating these songs to a live setting, building his home studio and how that sparked a big moment of songwriting energy, and how his record became a comfort and a friend during the UK lockdowns. They chat about the writing and recording process including trying to keep first takes, mumble tracks and crafting the ideas, how Lennon made Gaz feel ok to express all the big feelings, getting signed as a teenager and capitalising on the Britpop label. Gaz’s strange story was illustrated by Davey Lane @daveyhellolane. Thank you also to Davey for helping to make the whole chat happen. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Asha Lorenz (Sorry) about being in Australia for the first time, growing up in the London music scene but taking it for granted and listening to Bob Dylan instead. Asha tells Seja about what it’s like being in her genre-diverse band Sorry and her experiences translating the songs to a live setting. They chat about being the only girl on tour, finding the perfect intoxication balance on stage and what’s next for Asha in terms of writing new songs and making some changes. Asha’s story was illustrated by Lucy Dyson. You can find more of her work on instagram @lucydysonsphere or at www.lucydyson.com.

Seja talked to her Guest Georgia Barnes about her new album It’s Euphoric, growing up surrounded by synths from birth as her dad’s band Leftfield were hitting the mainstream, and how the smell of old equipment feels like home. Georgia tells Seja about working with a producer for the first time and how trusting and open the collaborative relationship with Rostam became. They share stories about touring with old gear, album release anxiety and much synthesiser chat. Georgia’s strange show story was illustrated by Matt King Harbottle. You can see more of his work on instagram @gunners.king or on his website www.theharbottle.com All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Alex Gow about the making of his new album Dizzy Spell (out in October 2023), recording to 4-track, the pressure of a single take and unexpected majors/minors. They chat about nicknames, their love of Harry Nilsson and how your body can understand music before your mind does. Alex tells Seja about feeling adult, healthy and happy, writing on the piano and what artists were played around the house when he was a child. Alex’s strange experience illustration was done by Artificial Intelligence (orchestrated by Alex Gow). All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.