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 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 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 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 MusicThis conversation was recorded on 28/11/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give 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 InstagramThis conversation was recorded on 18/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give 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.auhttps://www.instagram.com/alexander_floodThis conversation was recorded on 08/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast

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 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 – InstagramArsene DeLay - InstagramThis conversation was recorded on 26/6/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gift back to The Gig Life PodcastYour support is very much appreciated. Thank you.FollowLeave a reviewThe Gig Life Podcast

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 Instagram This conversation was recorded 04/06/2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gift back to The Gig Life PodcastYour support is very much appreciated. Thank you.FollowLeave a review The Gig Life Podcast

My guest today is Chris Kamzelas A guitarist from Sydney, Chris first came onto my radar back in the early 2000s as he was part of the Australian Idol band. He was also in the first band of The Voice Australia. Since then he’s gone on to play with everyone! Back in 2019 we did a guitarists roundtable podcast which Chris was part of the panel. Currently part of Russel Crowes band, The Gentleman Barbers, he also plays around town in The Rocking Byrds amongst others, and he has some new music out. A song he wrote about his father called Song for Angelo. Check it out. For more info on Chris, check out his Instagram and Facebook. This conversation was recorded 21/05/2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buy Me a Coffee to gift back.Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.FollowLeave a review The Gig Life Podcast

My guest today is Ben Todd. From Adelaide and from a long family line of drummers, Ben spent 13 years with Cirque du Soleil as drummer and musical director and these days plays with Dojorise, The Superjesus as well as other theatre shows including Beauty and The Beast which he is currently on. Be also has a podcast./YouTube channel called Drummers Perspective.For more info on Ben, check out his Instagram and Facebook. This conversation was recorded 01/05/2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here to tip The Gig Life Podcast.Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.FollowLeave a review The Gig Life Podcast

My guest today, well he’s no stranger to the show. Hamish Stuart is back. Hamo’s first appearance on the show was back in early 2020, and he was also part of the Stevie Gadd Spotlight episode panel. Ep 77. Hamish Stuart Ep 97. TGLP Spotlight - Steve Gadd He’s back to talk about what’s he’s been up to, including working with Jim Moginie, Rob Hirst, Jade MacRae, Don Walker and a bunch of others. Always fun hanging with Hamo. I hope you dig it. Check out Hamish's instagram This conversation was recorded 20/04/2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here to securely donate or tip The Gig Life Podcast via PayPal.Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.FollowLeave a review The Gig Life Podcast

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.FollowLeave a review The Gig Life Podcast