Behind The Soundcheck

The final episode of season 2 for The Soundcheck's podcast Behind The Soundcheck is proof that sometimes in life it's worth shooting your shot. For Schuylar Croom, vocalist and bewitching frontman for North Carolina rockers He Is Legend, a timely shot occurred when he tweeted his way onto the last ever Soundwave here in Australia in 2015, resulting in him rubbing shoulders with and featured alongside Faith No More, Soundgarden and an insane array of others many years ago. For Behind The Soundcheck host Tiana Speter, she shot her shot reaching out to Schuylar himself out of the blue through a fortuitous series of events to ask him to come on this very podcast - and, as this episode proves, it paid off. But there's more than just blind luck and timely tweets to the He Is Legend success story; a band who can trace their origins back to high school in the 90s to becoming one of the most beloved bands in the heavier realms, there is undeniably no one quite like He Is Legend, from their bewitching brand of melodics to their sonic tenacity amongst raw and viscously grittier textures. Like a possessed nursery rhyme that swaggers, dazzles and blisters with jaw-dropping dexterity, one visit with He Is Legend is all it takes to fall head over heels into the rabbit hole with one of the undeniable modern greats - and, because 2022 is the gift that keeps on giving, the band are currently now armed and ready to release a seventh studio album, with Endless Hallway officially due out this Friday the 11th of November. Initially releasing two tantalising singles in the form of LIFELESS LEMONADE and THE PROWLER, it's clear that 2022 is He Is Legend at their boldest and most bodacious yet, which is genuinely saying something after the ballistic success of their 2019 album White Bat and previous releases. In true He Is Legend Fashion, leveling up the ferocity with each new release, Endless Hallway is set to be a boundless and gripping journey through glamorously dirty rock amongst many other genre flavours, and while speaking to Schuylar just before the band dropped another pair of singles, SOUR and HONEY FROM THE HIVE, it's clear that the true secrets behind the band's versatility and otherworldly abilities stem from a firm DIY ethic, infectious passion and a genuine humility surrounding their inescapable popularity. Chatting everything from tweeting his way to Australia, to conjuring the new album amongst global and personal hurdles, memorable album artwork and matchbooks - join host Tiana Speter with the incomparable Schuylar Croom from He Is Legend for this very special episode. MORE HE IS LEGEND INFO: https://www.facebook.com/HeIsLegendNC/MORE THE SOUNDCHECK INFO: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/

With their brand new album Daisy Chain dropping into the world today, beloved Melbourne indie rockers Slowly Slowly have astonishingly levelled up from already great heights. Following the release of Race Care Blues and Race Car Blues Chapter Two in 2020 and 2021 respectively, Daisy Chain welcomes listeners with open arms into a world of catchy tunes and starkly intimate lyricism. Showcasing themselves as insatiable leaders in the modern indie and rock realms, Daisy Chain packs in hooks, heartfelt narratives and the creamy yet captivating trademark sound that Slowly Slowly have spent over seven years finessing; and, in frontman Ben Stewart's case, it's been a lifetime and a labour of love that has ultimately led to the most assured and authentic version of the band to date. Notably covering some darker lyrical territory on album #5, Daisy Chain showcases Ben's own personal strides to discover himself both as an artist and a human in general; and the end result is simultaneously something that can soundtrack your summer and a collection of songs that intimately challenge and inspire the status quo. Punchy yet poignant, catchy yet cathartic, Daisy Chain is a true triumph for Slowly Slowly; and while it's strictly not a lockdown album, as Ben elaborates on in today's episode, its end result mixes songs years in the making with a brand new sonic identity for the band. Fresh off some epic shows around the country and ahead of some acoustic launch shows and a screening tomorrow night of the Slowly Slowly documentary Back To Basics, Back On My Bullsh*t, join Ben on Behind The Soundcheck with host Tiana Speter today, diving a little deeper into Daisy Chain, songs 10 decades in the making with childhood heroes and returning to play on the very stage that launched his live musical journey as a teenager. IN THIS EPISODE:The juxtaposition between Race Car Blues and Daisy Chain, self-actualisation, and the overall purpose that drives and underpins Daisy Chain overall. Ben strictly not referring to Daisy Chain as a lockdown record, but the inevitable shape the record took as a result of the past few years. The reality of launching Race Car Blues just as the pandemic was starting to take hold in Australia, but how the time also allowed the band to truly ask themselves: what kind of band do they want to be?The integral role of Daisy Chain's title track on the album, the loop-like structure of the album explained, and metaphors related to relationships and volcanoes that ultimately inspired the album title. The extensive backstory a decade in the making that saw the track Moving Trains finally evolve from a demo that nearly made it onto every previous Slowly Slowly album into a full-blown track on Daisy Chain; and it also becoming a genuine "sliding doors" moment for Ben with Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional fame. Ben's experience recently returning to Croydon to play in the very venue that he frequented as a kid, performing on the very stage where he played his first ever live gig at as a teenager.The importance of all ages shows, and Ben's passion for helping young people find their path with music.MORE SLOWLY SLOWLY INFO: https://www.slowlyslowlyband.com/MORE THE SOUNDCHECK INFO: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/

A man who has spent decades onstage, in front of the camera and in the studio, and a man who barely needs any introduction; whether you adored him for his prolific turn as founder and frontman for Strapping Young Lad back in the day or you're a fan of his extensive and continuing solo career, Canadian creative alchemist Devin Townsend is undeniably one of the most dynamic and fascinating artists of this generation. From his vocal range, which spans over five octaves, to his genre-defining and genre-defying work in the more progressive metal waters, Devin is everything and everywhere at once creatively. A man who can pull of a pitch-perfect howl in a ballad mixed alongside folk, metal, rock and cinematic flourishes without breaking a sweat, it's little wonder Devin is so beloved - or why he has also previously been described as being the Frank Zappa of metal. His latest solo release, Lightwork, aka his brand new album dropping this Friday 4 November, follows on from his more recent work Empath, Snuggles and The Puzzle…and, once again, Devin has carved out another masterpiece, albeit one that finds itself branching more into moments of ambience and mellowed introspection. But, true to form, there are moments of heaviness alongside all that trademark tasty layered Devin production lying in wait, and, overall, Lightwork almost feels like you're stepping into Devin Townsend's personal dream land. And, as today's episode of Behind The Soundcheck reveals, it's not really a coincidence, with Devin actively using the album to both find himself as he is in his current personal and creative life, and also leap drastically outside of his comfort zone. The light and shade of Devin has always been as revered as much as his incomparable reputation for being one of the nicest men in the business, and entirely living up to this reputation and then some - the man himself joins host Tiana Speter on Episode 8, Season 2 of Behind The Soundcheck to chat all things Lightwork, ambition, creativity and more. IN THIS EPISODE:Devin's life between completing and releasing Lightwork into the world, including his "post-pandemic" activities, nerves, creative ideas and actualising said ideas.Devin's varied experiences between life in a band and following a creative vision, being an "uncomfortable" person and the duality of being a human being. How Devin found himself accepting things he had no control over during the past few years, and ultimately releasing an album that is less indicative of being in pain and more reflective of making positive choices and looking for solutions in his own life.A last minute addition to the closing track on Lightwork, and how it resonates with Devin's experience ultimately making the album.Devin's connection to his own music, how that plays into his own audience's own connection, and the function of artists.The power of the mind, patterns and the negative profitability of fear.The ultimate driving forces behind Lightwork and why Devin had been afraid in the past to experiment like he has with this new solo album.Devin's experience for the first time ever allowing a producer, fellow Canadian dynamo Garth Richardson, into his creative process, the realities that accompanied that "experiment" and finding the balance amongst some chaos.Discerning the root of control as an artist and a human, and Devin's gratitude of an absence of comfort zones.And finally, high school reunions and a bonus pop vinyl chat post-end credits!FOR MORE DEVIN TOWNSEND INFO: https://hevydevy.com/

A master-craftsman of the highest order, Colin Jeffs has certainly worn plenty of creative hats over the years in the Australian music industry and beyond, from his tenure with bands including Widow The Sea, Heavens Lost, Tongues and Aversions Crown to his potent output behind the camera, conjuring music videos, branded content and capturing weddings. Operating under his company Ten Of Swords Media Collective, Colin has gone on to shoot 150+ music videos in the relatively short space of four years, most recently conjuring the visual magic behind the brand new Make Them Suffer music video for their tune Doomswitch (which also features Behind The Soundcheck's guest from last week Alex Reade), as well as clips for the likes of Black Lava, Jacob Lee, Diamond Construct, Clay J Gladstone, To Octavia, Alpha Wolf and countless others.An all-rounder as director, videographer and editor in his latest endeavours, Colin has also recently announced a team-up with Sony Australia, with two intimate masterclasses lined up in November where Colin will inspire and thoroughly educate anyone wanting to create music videos themselves, with an intensive behind-the-scenes look and practical guidance surrounding the start to finish process to ultimately create a kickass music video.In between dodging blizzards, precarious situations and the inevitable chaos that can accompany any filming endeavour, Colin spent a moment with Behind The Soundcheck host Tiana Speter to chat about his own musical journey, developing his love for heavy music, the time he had to make two dogs act on cue and more. IN THIS EPISODE:When Colin's interest in music first ignited, including being part of a band in his early teens, early musical influences and his first official gig (hosted by a bikie gang in the outskirts of Bendigo). His journey as a vocalist, diving deeper into heavier music and his light bulb music moment courtesy of The Black Dahlia Moment that helped shaped his style. How Colin's professional journey as a musician, a love for gadgetry and a love for visual mediums as a kid inadvertently led to him leaping into his new creative home as a videographer, filmmaker and storyteller. Some standout and memorable moments from Colin's life as a videographer, including weathering snowstorms, fire, swamps and trying to make dogs act on cue in the name of art for Gold Coast artist and entrepreneur Jacob Lee. Some of the unknowns, joys and potential misconceptions about life as a videographer and the realities behind the scenes, particularly for music videos.Colin's upcoming Sony Australia masterclasses in Sydney and Melbourne to inspire new creators and guide people wanting to get into making music videos, and the importance of breaking down gatekeeping in the music and creative industries. Colin's favourite music video of all time (hint: it's one of his own, and you can check it out below)The best live shows Colin's ever been to, past and preset, and why they blew his mind (including a reference to Behind The Soundcheck's Season 2, Episode 3 guests Sunk Loto). Two of Colin's favourite artists of 2022 so far and why: shout out to Clay J Gladstone and JSTNXMLLR!For more info on Colin Jeffs, visit: https://www.colinjeffsmedia.com/For more The Soundcheck info, visit: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/

Aussie metal maestros Make Them Suffer have evolved for over a decade, relentlessly honing and bolstering their unique blend of symphonic metal, progressive metal and metalcore tendancies. From their debut EP Lord of Woe released back in 2010 to their current iteration in 2022, the band have consistently stunned and enamoured, joining the likes of Architects, Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder, Northlane, Chelsea Grin and countless others around the globe along the way.When the lockdowns hit Australia, resoundingly also rocking the music industry to its core, a question mark had emerged for Make Them Suffer internally as a band. And it was this very timeframe amid Melbourne's intense and restricting lockdowns that the pathway to Make Them Suffer's brand new lineup inevitably began to take shape, with guitarist Nick McLernon joining fellow Melbourne muso Alex Reade, formerly of Drown This City, on runs within the prescribed kilometer bubbles. A long-time fan of Make Them Suffer and a prolific musician in her own right, the stars aligned and a light bulb moment saw Reade recently unveiled as MTS's vocalist and keyboardist; aka, the essential and trademark "fifth member" for Make Them Suffer.Last week releasing the explosive new track Doomswitch, alongside an accompanying music video, it would be at the filming for that very video that Reade and the band were all entirely together in-person for the very first time. But now, the new exciting chapter for MTS is well in full swing, with the band performing two sold out shows in Brisbane and Sydney last weekend, with a sold out show in Melbourne tonight in Melbourne, and a final two sold out shows in Adelaide and Perth over the weekend. With symphonic flourishes, blasting beats, jagged guitars, and oscillating light and shade between frontman Sean Harmanis and Reade, Doomswitch is equally energetic and ethereal, leveling up the band's heaviness alongside emphatic melodics while presenting a resonating narrative: "It's not how you get knocked down / It's how you get back up."Performing harsh vocals in conjunction with the cleans, busting out keys and keytar and seamlessly fitting into the Make Them Suffer world, Reade's addition has been met with resounding praise from longtime fans and new fans alike. But in between touring the new track, Alex Reade stopped by Behind The Soundcheck to join host Tiana Speter, chatting renewed talents and passions, core memories, the importance of tough love and beyond. IN THIS EPISODE:

Consistently armed with a wink and a ravishing riff, Northern Rivers quartet Hammers are the quintessential Aussie band with just enough grit to set them apart from your average pub rocker. Solidifying their current lineup a few years back with vocalist Leigh 'Fish' Downling, bassist Ricky T, guitarist and vocalist Lucas Stone and drummer Ryan 'Ruckus' Lucas, the evolution from stoner rock-tinged blues, metal and punk into an amalgamation of Every Time I Die mixed with The Bronx, He Is Legend and a tantalising Aussie twist has seen the group become a sturdy fixture in festival and headline capacities. Releasing their debut EP Homeblokes back in 2018, Hammers have since gone on to score a nomination for Best Video at the Gold Coast Music Awards for their https://youtu.be/gpVv-L1htn8 (Dead Set) clip, drop a B-side Pocket Soup in 2019 before kicking sonic goals with their 2020 sophomore EP; the aptly titled Kicking Goals. Releasing in August of 2020 while the world was steadily going mad, the ongoing plans to finally tour their latest EP hit significant snags, but the band still persevered to bring their raucous live show to the masses, including recent appearances at Blacken Open Air and Wallapalooza. And now, over two years since the release of Kicking Goals, the band have finally laid down concrete plans to bring it on home for Kicking Goals, with seven dates lined up into November in Tasmania, the Gold Coast, Sunbury, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney for the official Try Again Tour. With mini-festivals, house parties and hometown shows on the horizon, what better time to grab Hammers axe king Lucas Stone for a chat. From live show memories to the Hammers secret sauce, plenty of "kicking puns" (my bad) and some insight into the current state of the music industry, grab a listen to Lucas joining host Tiana Speter on the latest episode of The Soundcheck's podcast Behind The Soundcheck. Tickets for The Try Again tour are live right now: http://beatscartel.com/showtickets (beatscartel.com/showtickets). IN THIS EPISODE: How Hammers are feeling in the lead up to their The Try Again Tour. The making of their 2020 EP Kicking Goals; creative goals, growing as a band and galvanising the Hammers sound. Some of the real life and reality-adjacent tales behind tracks on Kicking Goals. What fans can expect from the upcoming Hammers shows, including some of Stoney's key highlights that he's looking forward to most. How Hammers get "gig fit" and the secret behind their front-facing camaraderie. Hammers' ongoing attempts to tour amid the pandemic, and rediscovering their passion amongst the hurdles. What makes a Hammers live show moment particularly memorable after all this time, and the invigorating experience that was Blacken Open Air 2022. Stoney's personal musical influences that have played major roles in who he is a musician today, his creative signature and some of the common threads between his four major musical projects. What music Hammers collectively love, and Stoney's role in having Cardi B as the Hammers walk on song of late. Stoney's take on the current state of the music industry and Australian music community, and the ways punters can help artists. What celebrities would play each of the members of Hammers in the Hammers official Hollywood motion picture. Stoney shares a guilty pleasure in honour of the Kicking Goals single Guilty Pleasures. Try Again Tour Tickets: www.beatscartel.com/showtickets Hammers Info: www.beatscartel.com/hammers BEHIND THE SOUNDCHECK HOST & PRODUCER: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/about (Tiana Speter) GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/lucasstonemusic (Lucas Stone) from https://www.beatscartel.com/hammers (Hammers) THEME SONG: Hall Of Shame by https://www.osakapunch.com/ (Osaka Punch) AUDIO EDITING: https://www.instagram.com/lukepalmerguitarist/ (Luke Palmer)

Capturing a seasoned elegance and ferocity well beyond their years, Sydney's Reliqa are entirely in a league of their own via their blazing mix of prog, metal and genre-defiant creations. Already a burgeoning fixture in the Australian progressive metal scene, Reliqa have spent much of 2022 wowing crowds on stages, appearing at all national dates for https://www.destroyalllines.com/festival-faq/ (Monolith Festival) as well as supports for Caligula's Horse and Thy Art Is Murder earlier this year, as well as unveiling new music in the form of their blazing single Safety, featuring Sean Harmanis from Make Them Suffer. But while their ongoing successes have seen their star quality exponentially rise, it's this month that the group arrive at yet another triumph: a third EP, I Don't Know What I Am, ready to dazzle with its measured mayhem and sharpened dexterity. With the new EP dropping the same day as the group's final appearance at Monolith Festival in Perth alongside the likes of Karnivool, Cog, Plini, Ocean Grove and more, there's still plenty of Reliqa magic still to come in the not-too-distant future. But before the next incredible Reliqa chapter truly ignites, Reliqa vocalist, and all-round powerhouse, Monique Pym joins host Tiana Speter on the latest epsiode of https://www.thesoundcheck.org/the-soundcheck-podcast (Behind The Soundcheck) to chat new music, vulnerability and some extremely quick onstage problem solving. Read on and listen below. In this episode we discuss: The reality of hard work for any working band or artist, and the struggle of downtime. Reliqa's active patience involved in building towards the upcoming release of I Don't Know What I Am. The goal behind the band's lead single Safety featuring Sean Harmanis from Make Them Suffer. The trademark arsenal of skills, tools and sounds of Reliqa, and how and why they chose to branch out in their new EP. Embracing their genre-defying sound and carrying that notion into I Don't Know What I Am. Writing from a more personal perspective for the new EP and Mon's comfort zone background as a constant writer. Finding meaning in music, accessible music and respecting the platform of vulnerable communication and varied listening styles. A recent live music memory for Mon involving pants, gaffer tape and some quick problem solving. For more Reliqa info, visit: https://www.facebook.com/reliqaband (https://www.facebook.com/reliqaband) For more info on 'Behind The Soundcheck', visit: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/ (https://www.thesoundcheck.org)

It's been five (x 3) years of silence since metal trailblazers Sunk Loto last stepped foot onstage. Once the poster children, both literally and figuratively, of Australian heavy music, the Gold Coast alternative icons were last seen 15 years ago after a high-octane decade of existence after exploding and shaping the scene back in 1997. Founded by Luke McDonald on guitar alongside brothers Dane Brown on drums and Jason Brown on vocals, and then joined by Sean Van Gennip on bass, the Sunk Loto journey saw an intrepid band of teenagers ricochet from the underground into prime-time infamy and festival stages, including the hallowed Homebake festival in 1999 armed only with a nu-metal flavoured EP, Social Anxiety. Releasing their debut full-length not long after via 2000's Big Picture Lies, Sunk Loto scored favour with its eclectic prowess and tracks like Sunken Eyes, while still also signalling that the best was still yet to come. And future greatness was indeed lying in wait, with the band living up to and utterly monstering expectations courtesy of their sophomore follow up album Between Birth and Death. Putting themselves under extreme scrutiny for the 2003 release, the band emerged with an opus classed as one of the best Australian metal albums of all time, while also simultaneously enduring ongoing personal hardships and the ever-growing conjecture that the group were being, as http://whothehell.net/archives/220 (Dom Alessio succinctly put it): "pushed by their label to be the next Silverchair". Sunk Loto indeed snagged quick and frequent acclaim as they progressed, going on to grace Big Day Out, Livid and Splendour In The Grass festival stages while also touring over the years with the likes of Linkin Park, Korn, A Perfect Circle and countless other titans of the international alternative realms . But while a third album was potentially in the works, the band devastatingly parted ways back in 2007, seemingly never to surface under the Sunk Loto moniker together again and breaking the hearts of many who had looked to the group for a fresh and formidable gateway to heavier and more ambitious sonic waters. But, in true unexpected 2022 form, earlier rumblings and speculations from fans following some cryptic online posts earlier in the year ultimately culminated in the stuff Sunk Loto dreams are made of: the confirmation of a Sunk Loto tour, their first in 15 years, and a chance to witness the original lineup together in action once more. With majority of the shows selling out within 24 hours of going on-sale, it's clear that fans are well and truly primed and ready for whatever lies in wait when the tour kicks off next month and beyond. But before Sunk Loto embark upon this new and extremely exciting chapter, Tiana Speter grabbed some time with Jason Brown and Luke McDonald to chat reunions, live music memories and some of their own personal musical gateways. Grab a listen below! For more Sunk Loto info, visit: https://www.facebook.com/SunkLotoOfficial (https://www.facebook.com/SunkLotoOfficial) For more info about The Soundcheck, visit: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/ (https://www.thesoundcheck.org/)

Built on a sturdy foundation of virtuosic guitarwork and instrumental heavy bliss, the journey for Rohan Stevenson, aka Ro and his project I Built The Sky has been one lined with immersive releases and resounding critical acclaim, from the project beinghttps://www.guitarworld.com/news/i-built-the-sky-jake-howsam-lowe-coalesce ( declared "prog titans") by Guitar World Magazine to http://www.metalobsession.net/2019/10/27/i-built-the-sky-the-zenith-rise/ (being described as one of the best albums of 2019) for the scintillating full-length The Zenith Rise. It was back in 2019 that https://www.thesoundcheck.org/post/interview-rohan-stevenson-i-built-the-sky (The Soundcheck first caught up with )Stevenson about the goings-on for I Built The Sky At The Time, unknowingly right on the doorstep of the COVID-19 pandemic taking its choking grip worldwide and right before I Built The Sky's EP Coalesce, in conjunction with Jake Howsam Lowe (Plini, The Helix Nebula), and also just before Stevenson unknowingly embarked on one of his last tours for a long while alongside Monuments in Europe and the UK. And while 2020 also saw a new track The Fire Inside, featuring guest vocalist Andy Cizek from Monuments, it's in 2022 that the most ambitious and jaw-dropping I Built The Sky chapter yet will fully take flight with an impending new album The Quiet Place - but on this new endeavour, things are not all what they seem. Promising a reimagined take on an entirely acoustic album, The Quiet Place is acoustic done entirely I Built The Sky-style, traversing ten tracks that weld plenty of progressive brilliance alongside dazzling soundscapes, guest musicians and still plenty of familiar riffy goodness that fans have come to expect from Stevenson over the years. Also with a brand new single out today and the new album dropping this Friday, what better time to catch up with Rohan himself, and today he joins Tiana Speter on Season 2, Episode 2 of the Behind The Soundcheck podcast to chat bringing literal dreams to life, sonic exploration and where his love (and prodigy-like skill) for the guitar first began. Grab a listen below! For more I Built The Sky information, visit: https://www.ibuiltthesky.com/#home-section (https://www.ibuiltthesky.com/#home-section ) For more info about The Soundcheck, visit: https://www.thesoundcheck.org/ (https://www.thesoundcheck.org/)

As one of the hardest-working humans in the Australian music industry right now, Gold Coast-based singer-songwriter Jacob Lee is a formidable combination of sheer talent, innovation and a commitment to ongoing evolution beyond the studio. Currently in command of hundreds of millions of streams and views while helming his own record label https://www.facebook.com/PhilosophicalRecords (Philosophical Records) and trailblazing the world of music NFTs, Lee's enigmatic success story stems not just from an ingrained knack for weaving immersive songs packed with creamy vocals and swooning charm, but rather from a dedication to relentlessly challenge and enhance his own skillset and creativity. With a ravenous following online and establishing himself more recently as https://www.blankstreetpress.com.au/music/jacob-lee-music-nfts (one of the first creators of music NFTs) in the world, Lee's authentic and genuine love for his craft and his fans underpins every surge forward; this is not an artist in it purely for the "likes", and it's this very fact that sees his influence and reach grow to eye-watering heights - and all done minus record label or booking agent backing over the years. Following a string of international tour cancellations and some eventful moments throughout the past few years of the pandemic, Lee has certainly not taken any hurdles lying down, recently busting out some surprise acoustic songs at the end of 2021, and now, most imminently, building towards the release of a brand new single this week: the official version of Break My Heart Again, which will usher in a brand new sonic aesthetic for Lee as he forges on into 2022. Immersed in the world of Web3 and the NFT sphere at large, Lee's time is undeniably rare and precious, but he joins host Tiana Speter today to welcome in Season 2 of The Soundcheck's podcast https://www.thesoundcheck.org/the-soundcheck-podcast (Behind The Soundcheck) to chat new tunes, evolution, heavy music and beyond.For more info, head to www.thesoundcheck.org

We have somehow made it to the end of season one for Behind The Soundcheck today, and what better way to go out in style than with a jaunt into the world of one of the most dynamic entertainers in the biz (and one of The Soundcheck's favourite humans): Jack Venables.Leading the charge for Brisbane's prog chameleons Osaka Punch, it's an understatement to say that music and copious amounts of creativity run deep in the veins of Jack 'Muzack' Venables. An in-demand photographer by day and mythical muso by night, there's nothing quite like witnessing a man clad in sequins charm your ears and shred your soul like a rogue Backstreet Boy filling in for Slipknot at a high school formal. But while his renowned theatrics and musical prowess precedes him, there's a measured and passionate diligence in Jack's professional world that has seen him realise his creative dreams, while also earning him a reputation as a formidable frontman alongside his equally talented band-mates in the Aussie scene.This series started off looking into life on the road with Jack's bassist/band-mum Brenton 'Reggie' Page so it seems only fitting we come full circle today and return to the real reason this crazy music industry even exists: the musicians, of course. So come jump behind the scenes as Jack and Tiana Speter chat all things band life, creativity and surviving the music world

For the second last episode for season one of Behind The Soundcheck, come dive deep into the rabbit hole as we today venture far beyond the stage and studio, joining Caligula's Horse bass-man and musicology wizard Dale Prinsse on a look into how we use music on a day-to-day basis in this modern, digital era. As adept brawling his bass onstage as he is exploring the intricate and incidental aspects of the music world, Dale's creative pursuits have seen him tour the country and beyond while actively researching and challenging the ever-evolving social and technological realities of music and the broader industry. From why music is so important to the effects of incessant background tunes, today is definitely one for those who like a little knowledge spice in their podcast listening. So come join Tiana Speter as she wrangles Dale's wisdom for an in-depth look into music and its everyday implications.

It's Episode 8 today for Behind The Soundcheck, and today we're taking you into the land of music media with an actual industry superhero; boss lady and editor of the Queensland-based site Music Is My Muse, Mimm Steele weaves her love for music and her local QLD scene into a unique and dynamic platform, encouraging and showcasing artists at every stage of their career while maintaining a burgeoning community of music lovers since 2015.With a background in publicity and lifetime of devouring music, there's a refreshing sense of equality and positivity in everything Mimm sets out to achieve - plus this gal can write like nobody's business while fighting to bring more eyes and ears to some of the extraordinary local talent bubbling away. From insights into the future of Aussie music journalism to pointers on how to approach media outlets, come spend some time as Tiana Speter chats shop with this amazing woman.

Today for Episode 7 of the Behind The Soundcheck podcast we're taking a trip into production and management territory, grabbing some time with lighting wizard and manager extraordinaire (and just all-round lovely human) Will Hunter.Currently flexing his skills on lighting and TM duties for Brisbane prog behemoths Caligula's Horse, Will also balances his family life with his significant love of music and professional pursuits, striking equally with his powerful creativity and jaw-dropping organisational skills. From visually enhancing the dulcet, heavy tones of the C-Horse lads onstage to being all-powerful band dad on the road, this inspiring individual does it all with fluent finesse, and today he's chatting with Tiana Speter about the realities of production, life as a tour manager and how he found himself immersed in the music industry. Podcast episode below!

This week it's Episode 6 for Behind The Soundcheck, and we're jumping head-first into the brain, chatting with clinical psychologist Dr Tania McMahon about music as an emotional regulator, fan adoration and some of the cold hard facts about our brains and heavy music. Working by day as psychologist dedicated to helping teens and adults with a wide range of mental health concerns (in particular behavioural and process addictions), Tania's also no stranger to chucking on her best black ensemble and throwing down in the mosh or busting out a song or two at home. Metalhead, mental health megastar and absolute music lover; there are many colourful strings to Tania's musical bow, and today she's joining Tiana Speter for an in-depth and insightful journey through how and why music affects our psyches and the siren call of the rockstar.

For Episode 5 of Behind The Soundcheck it's business time as guitarist, label king and social media heavyweight Chad Ellis shares his experience and extensive knowledge about all things marketing, social media and actively developing bands in the current music industry.A veteran of the Aussie music scene, Chad currently spends his time cleaving riffs for Byron Bay extreme metal lords From Crisis To Collapse while also working alongside the legendary dw Norton from Superheist, running heavy music label Black Mountain Music as its marketing, publicity and artist liaison. A man whose passion has permeated his own career and that of many others, Chad's reluctant move into the social media world is the result of determined evolution and the pursuit of authenticity, and for Episode 5 Tiana Speter grabbed some time with Sir Ellis to chat mentors, marketing and what it really takes to elevate your band and your brand.

We're up to Episode 4 of Behind The Soundcheck, and today it's a lesson in mixing business with pleasure as Brisbane guitarist and music production guru Chrispy Town from Osaka Punch takes us from the stage to the recording studio in style.A man as notorious for his fusion licks as he is for his passionate innovation in the studio, Chrispy has long been a fixture in the Aussie music industry, recently expanding his creative muscles by co-running Brisbane music production company Head Atlas alongside fellow creative powerhouse Joel Myles. But what series of events led this shred-lord to find his home in the music world? For Ep 4, Tiana Speter grabbed some time with Mr Chrispy Town himself to chat musicality, mixing and his journey into the music industry.

For Episode Three of Behind The Soundcheck, publicity's the game and Sammie Anschau is the name. Founder of the independent music PR company Beehive PR, Sammie has become a mainstay in the industry, starting life in the live music arena before eventually finding her home in the hive with her very own company.From running PR campaigns for bands from every corner of the industry, including Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, The Ruminaters, and The Getaway Plan (to name but a few) to sharing her expert advice at various events alongside fellow industry heavyweights, Sammie's true talent isn't just that she's remarkably driven and experienced; instead, this is also a passionate lover of all things music who thrives in a hectic industry and holds authenticity and positivity above all else to achieve remarkable results. But what does it take to effectively create a buzz about a band in a this digital age? Come join Sammie as she chats with Tiana Speter about insights, inspirations and her intimate knowledge of PR and the Aussie music world.

No stranger to balancing colours, creativity and his day-to-day-life, for the second episode of Behind The Soundcheck come jump into the mind of guitarist, videographer and total creative cauldron Adrian Goleby from Caligula's Horse.A man equally at home both behind and in front of the the camera, Adrian's approach to his multiple crafts is one of sincere curiosity and a whopping dash of in-built talent. And when he's not busy busting a move onstage, touring globally or churning out tunes with his fellow pony progsters it's likely you'll find him calmly helming a music video adventure, slaving to a render or devouring every inch of the vivid world around him, and for Episode Two of Behind The Soundcheck Tiana Speter grabbed some time with this intriguing gentleman to peer further into the world of videos and how to find a balance in this brave new creative world.

Kicking off Behind The Soundcheck for the first time ever is none other than Brisbane bass overlord and all-round lovely human Brenton Page from Osaka Punch.As a man who has seen it all touring the country alongside a horde of local and international icons, including Cog, Mammal, The Butterfly Effect and Living Colour, Brenton's take on finding balance in a world of excess and constant shifts is a refreshing juxtaposition to the clichéd rockstar mold. A stomp machine by night and a mental health nurse by day, you can guarantee this is a man with a story or two to tell, and for Episode 1 Tiana Speter grabbed some phone time with Sir Page himself to chat touring tips, musical quips and where his creative journey began.