The Gig Life Podcast

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...

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...

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 Esca...

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 con...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 w...

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, songwriti...

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 c...

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 T...

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 appe...

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/alexand...

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 Aa...

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 19...

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...

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 Or...

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 Roc...

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 mor...

First published in 2021, A Few Gig Tales is coming back! Check out this previous episode in the popular series. This is A Few Gig Tales #2. Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes? In this sub series of The Gig Life Podcast, you will hear some interesting tales, stories, anecdotes of life on the road, stage and studio, told by the musicians and artists that were there. Sometimes the names wil...

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 Bar...

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes? In this sub series of The Gig Life Podcast, you will hear some interesting tales, stories, anecdotes of life on the road, stage and studio, told by the musicians and artists that were there. Sometimes the names will be changed or removed to protect the innocent and guilty. Todays episode features 3 tales: First up is Phil Ceberano and his story about a...

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...

Yo, Stevie Taylor here. A little bonus episode for you today. As you may know, I was born and raised in a small town in Wairarapa region on NZ called Masterton. Recently I was invited onto a local Wairarapa radio show called Everyday People on Arrow FM. Hosted by Camille Watkins. If you want to hear a little bit about my early days back there in NZ and how we got to be where we are today, keep lis...

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. Alw...