About The Players Podcast

In this part 2 episode, Steve Barney gives more insight into the details of his 15 year plus drumming career.

Whether it's with icons like Jeff Beck, Annie Lennox and Anastacia. Or pop artists such as Sugababes, Atomic Kitten and The Wanted. Steve Barney has  consistently been providing a solid back beat on the UK music scene for well over 15 years. In part 1 of this 2 part episode he breaks it all down for us.

A pioneer in a new generation of entrepreneurial female producer/songwriters, Hannah V has worked with some of the world's most in demand major label artists including Stormzy, TOBi and JP Cooper. Alongside her undeniable skills as a songwriter and producer Hannah has balanced a stunning performance career. Her performances included playing stadiums and arena tours with Rihanna, Jessie J, Eminem, Lalah Hathaway, Jason Derulo, Taio Cruz and Anastasia. In this candid episode she breaks it all down for us.

Originally from Denmark, Quist is a guitarist who has ended up living and working in LA via London. He's most recently been the lead guitarist for British rock legend, Bryan Ferry alongside releasing various solo projects. Through his ever expanding youtube channel, his 'jam tracks' have had over 100 million views. In this conversation he talks in depth about his unique journey and on the importance of creating your own lane as a musician.

Drummer, musician and all round lover of talent, Sweetstix has managed to combine a successful career as a drummer with  a passion for artist development. His eclectic journey has led him to a number of unique places and in this conversation we find out how he pieces it all together.

Coming from the North of England, Jazz trumpeter Lily Carassik's journey has lead her from the pubs of Lancaster to the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage. In this wide ranging conversation we talk about Lily's background, adjusting to life in London, gigging, mental health and exciting new solo projects aimed at helping people in a positive way.

Coming from NYC, Darius Woodley has played for people such as 50 Cent, Lauryn Hill, Camila Cabello as well as UK acts like Rita Ora and Jessie J. Although young, he's been professionally active for over 10 years. In this episode we discuss his entry into the world of sessions at a young age and discuss how he's built his career working with a host of top international artists. *Audio Drop Out Fixed

Born in Sri Lank, raised in Australia and now based in London, Dishan has established himself as one of the UK's most highly respected bassists. He's worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Leonna Lewis, Jess Glynne and most recently Ed O' Brian formerly of Radiohead. In this episode we talk about his unique journey and how it's influenced his eclectic career.

Joe Clegg is a multi-talented music director and drummer who's worked with the likes of Mumford and Sons, Clean Bandit and Ellie Goulding. In this episode, we discuss all aspects of his career, past, present and future.

Firmly established as one of the UK's premier horn sections. Hot City Horns talk about their careers, their process and what it entails being a working horn section in the modern pop industry.

In this pt2 of our episode with Okiem, who goes in deep about his solo career as a pianist and composer.

Okiem is a pianist, composer with a unique background and style who along with a distinguished session career, is now looking to create his own lane in contemporary classical music. This episode is part 1 of 2.

Ginger Hamilton has built up a reputation as one of the UK's most sought after and in demand drummers of the past decade. From Jessie J to Sam Smith he's consistently worked with with some of the biggest acts around. 

Brendan Grieve is the Bassist and Music Director for Sam Smith, having been involved with that project from the beginning of Sam's first single and album campaign. With an eclectic musical upbringing we talk about his journey from being a young musician to touring the world with on of the UK's most successful artists  in recent years.

In this Pt 2 of the Kaz Rodriguez episode, we talk with Kaz about his musical background as well as his work in the industry as a session musician. Kaz is currently the drummer for Josh Groban but has played with Chaka Khan, Jessie Ware and many others.

Kaz Rodriguez is a UK based drummer and composer who's entrepreneurial spirit has led to him releasing four solo albums (one of which went gold), being a successful clinician as well as assisting Roland in developing some of their recent electronic drum products. Now regularly seen amongst some of the worlds most respected musicians, Kaz, a force of nature all on his own, has definitely created his own lane in the industry. In the first part of this two part episode we talk about about all the facets of Kaz's unique solo career.

Niji Adeleye is a jazz pianist and composer from London, currently living in New York City.  In this in depth conversation he talks with Kojo about his background, his self-financed solo career, his experiences as a British musician in America and a lot more.