Don't Give Up Your Day Job's Podcast

On this special bonus episode, Stephen Gallagher returns to the show to discuss his work on Peter Jacksons Beatles documentary Get Back, and his recent gig scoring the soundtrack for the new animated Lord Of The Rings entry, The War of the Rohirrim.  Original cohost Bobby Kennedy also returns to illuminate the conversation.  This episode was recorded just because Christmas 2024.  Since we last had Stephen on the show, he's won an Emmy, grown a beard and been on a date with Danny… Dig it.Support the show

Next year, Danny and Ben will have known each other for forty years.  Their friendship as has been quite the adventure, that's included the Masters Of The Universe, G.I. Joe, skateboarding, fist fights, forming their first band together at the age of twelve, both dropping out of school, scratching out a living as professional musicians, supporting the likes of Bryan Ferry, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton and these days, both finding more perspective and calm in their lives.  On this episode, Danny sits down with his oldest friend to chat about their hilarious and dramatic journey together. www.dontgiveup.co.nzSupport the show

Twenty-six years ago, Danny bought Chris Bourke's book Something So Strong, which tells the highly entertaining and informative story of Crowded House.  So much about the book stayed with Danny and gave him some very important tips about how to navigate the music industry.  All these years later, Danny got to talk to Chris Bourke about Crowded House, his books Something So Strong (1998), Blue Smoke (2010) and Good-bye Maoriland (2017) and his work at AudioCulture.  Chris is like a living library of NZ music.  Great chat! www.dontgiveup.co.nz Support the show

Saxophonist Thabani Gapara grew up Zimbabwe and eventually moved to South Africa to further his studies.  While he was studying, his parents had been living and working in the UK, but despite much effort, Thabani was unable to secure a visa to join them.  So, the whole family moved to New Zealand so they could be together and our local music scene is now fortunate to have this dedicated, professional and joyful musician in our midst.  Thabani is a thoughtful and kind-hearted guy who loves what he does and loves the people he works with.  Enjoy!www.dontgiveup.co.nzSupport the show

Danny met Chris Melville twenty five years ago when they were both regularly performing at The Temple Bar in Auckland's CBD.  Chris didn't realise he was playing an important role in Danny's career, giving Danny lots of great advice about how to build a career in the arts.  They went on to collaborate on several projects together and now, after having not seen each other for a few years, they have reconnected to record this episode of the podcast.  This one goes deep.  Enjoy!Support the Show.

Danny first met Jenni Smith when he was tutoring guitar at Auckland University.  Jenni was a first-year student on the Popular Music course and years later, Jenni is now celebrating a recent chart placement and is working hard promoting her new, upbeat single ‘T-Shirt'.  A proud ‘Swifty', Jenni developed a fascination with pop and country music when she was young and has spent the years since learning to play a variety of instruments, while developing her songwriting skills.  Support the Show.

Mike Baker is a songwriter who was involved with the Flying Nun scene in the late 80s (primarily with the band Not Really Anything) before relocating to Sydney to manage bands and create a career as a chef, including cooking for White Stripes, Dandy Warhols, Henry Rollins, Boss Hogg, Lloyd Cole and many others, before returning to NZ. He's now got a debut EP out under the name BAkeR.Support the Show.

Originally from Canada, Joanne currently holds the position of Director, Artistic Planning & Participation, at New Zealand Opera in Auckland, New Zealand where she has been a department head since 2014.  On this episode the two musicians talk about craft, technique, the business of music and they discuss the differences and the similarities between their careers.  Find out more about Joanne and New Zealand Opera at www.nzopera.comWatch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cIK_3xtfHBY www.dontgiveup.co.nzSupport the Show.

Graham Reid has been an important part of the fabric of the New Zealand music scene for several decades.  He's a journalist, an author, a writer and a music reviewer who has consistently delivered intelligent and well-considered perspectives, with class and integrity.  He's written for Metro Magazine, The Listener and the New Zealand Herald (back when it was good) as well as his legendary website Elsewhere.co.nz  Graham knows his stuff and isn't afraid to speak honestly.  He also happens to be a cool guy!Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UFXVDSIffn4www.dontgiveup.co.nzSupport the Show.

Danny sits down with bandmates Jasper de Roos and Dan Antunovich to discuss how The Beatles and Covid initiated the creation of their band Noise Play and how they produced their new album Junk.  They discuss the success and failure of their 2021 theatre show, recording the drums for one song with only three mics, the guest performances by Mark Steven, Stephen Small and Eddie Rayner and they also talk musicianship, song writing, session work, live performance, and their unique approach to recording the album. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ehtXV8otIDgwww.dontgiveup.co.nzSupport the show

In a past life Jody Garrett managed record stores.  Now he's the General Manager of DRM (Digital Rights Managers), New Zealand's go to aggregator for digital music releases.  We have an in-depth conversation about the streaming platforms and navigating a music career in the digital age.  Support the show

Podcast cofounder and Opshop drummer Bobby Kennedy is back to talk about the rebranding of the podcast, grieving his music career, societal divisions and Indiana Jones. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ueh8rYaE9cQ www.dontgiveup.co.nzSupport the show

Scott Parker from The Boondocks travels in from the sticks to talk about moustaches, kids' toys, vocal techniques, surviving with no money, living with Tourette's, Tall Poppy syndrome and 1980s TV Shows.  Support the show

I recently sat down with Rodney Fisher and chatted about the beginnings of Goodshirt, getting bottled at his first Auckland gig, how Goodshirt recorded their albums themselves before everyone else was doing it, the making of their iconic music videos, his work with Breaks Co-Op and how and why he made his new solo album Art School Dropout.  Support the show

Episode #154 is now available!  Rajneel Singh is a director who has worked on short films, music videos and TV commercials and as an editor for television dramas and documentaries.  He helped create the oldest active torrent, the pre-YouTube-era, viral video sensation The Fanimatrix.  He's also the first guest on the show who went to school with Danny.  The two haven't spoken for almost 30 years, and this recording starts a minute or so into them first meeting again.  They talk extensively about The Matrix films, The Terminator sequels, The Corridor Crew and our local film industry.  Support the show

Dixon Nacey is a highly respected guitarist, music director and tutor, who has worked with a long list of great people and has racked up a wealth of experience.  We sit down for a wide-reaching conversation about guitar playing, gigging war stories, our music careers, our families and Fonzie from Happy Days.  Great guy, lots of laughs, good times.  Support the show

Dave Thomson from Brother Sister joins us to talk about being in a band of siblings, how they created their fantastic music videos, his work as a videographer and his involvement in the Smokefree Rockquest.  Support the show

Monique Bradley is an incredibly inspiring person with an unstoppable attitude.  Monique and her partner Pete Ward, provide training, coaching and consulting services through their company We Do Famous Ltd.  Monique is also the CEO of Sky Channel 83 Face TV and they both produce several TV shows including the third season of lifestyle show Guide To Better Living and ecommerce infomercial show Guide To Better Shopping.  On this episode we discuss making a living in the arts, bullying, the stories we tell ourselves (about ourselves), cancel culture, freedom of speech and much more.  Support the show

On our 150th episode, Fiona McDonald joins me to talk about the new Strawpeople album Knucklebones - their first release in nineteen years!  We also discus writing lyrics, the innovative approach of both the Headless Chickens and Strawpeople, Bosom FM (?) and a whole lot more!Support the show

Lorenzo Hazelwood is a young singer who fronts the band Silcrow and is in the full swing of trying to establish his career.  With a new single out and an upcoming move to London, Lorenzo dropped by to chat about the highs and lows of being a young rock band trying to find their feet in the current musical industry.  This is a very pointed, hard hitting, fun chat.  Support the show

Jemilah and Koen from up-and-coming band Marmalade, stop by to talk about their thoughts and experiences as they work to get their band off the ground, progress their careers and navigate their way through the music industry.  We also learn about bed socks.

Australian songwriter, musician and guitar tutor Mark Moldre, joins us to talk about his new album Nambucca Fables.  We discuss song-writing, the story of the lost 1940s Tex Morton guitar, the trappings of genre and branding and much more.  Check out his fantastic new album and enjoy the chat!

Drummer and fellow podcaster Andrew Rooney joins Danny for a wide ranging conversation about all things music.  The conversation swings from Toto to Ringo, the Dunning–Kruger effect to making money, and Andrew gives Danny a pep talk. 

Tracey Collins is a professional accordionist with a wealth of experience.  We discuss her work touring with Operatunity, meeting her husband in Venice, her early gigs on K' Road as a young teenager, building a restaurant in a tree and her life as a fulltime musician and Mum.  Fast paced, lots of laughs, great chats.  

Songwriter Damien Binder joins us to chat about his new album Bright Side.  We talk about song writing, gigging, lyrics, production and much more.  Great album, great guy, great chats!

In September 2022 renowned vocalist Caitlin Smith, returned to our podcast studio with more to say about her latest thoughts and musings.  On this second instalment she talks about anxiety and addiction, musical identity, navigating the music business and Danny and Caitlin debate their slightly different views on lyric writing.

Pat Kuhtze has been a professional drummer since the 1980s and has remained a busy and in demand session musician ever since.  He's witnessed the music industry change in many ways and has continually evolved to stay afloat, raising four kids and racking up a long list of playing credits.  As the pandemic arrived Pat decided to steer away from some of his work to focus on projects he's more passionate about.  He now has several projects on the go with Split Enz' Eddie Rayner and a newfound excitement for music.  

Musician and songwriter Renee Millner is here to talk about her new EP ‘Fly Me Back' and her journey as an artist and a human.  Danny asks a super corny question about Australia and many laughs are had.  

Bobby Kennedy's back!  The band's back together for our usual year opener episode.  We talk A.I., music critiques and Danny gives an update on the future of the podcast.

Voodoo Bloo are an emerging Wellington based rock band who have built a strong following, toured Australia and recently supported You Am I.  Their new album The Blessed Ghost is an inspired, raw and impressive effort from such young musicians and front man Rory McDonald is disarmingly open and honest.  We talk music, life, the future and the general navigation of one's own mind.  This is an action-packed episode to close out 2022.

Uk musician and composer Simon Wood Harris talks about his journey developing the Unidentified Flying Project, an album and collaboration that includes Dave Weckl, Dominic Miller, Jeremy Stacey, Robbie McIntosh, Pino Palladino, Omar Hakim and many more of the worlds finest musicians.  On this special two-part episode, Simon talks openly about the highs and lows of his journey putting this project together. 

Uk musician and composer Simon Wood Harris talks about his journey developing the Unidentified Flying Project, an album and collaboration that includes Dave Weckl, Dominic Miller, Jeremy Stacey, Robbie McIntosh, Pino Palladino, Omar Hakim and many more of the worlds finest musicians.  On this special two-part episode, Simon talks openly about the highs and lows of his journey putting this project together. 

Garageland rose to prominence in the mid 90s and released three albums before disbanding in 2002.  Now they're back together, touring in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their first album ‘Last Exit to Garageland'.  Singer/Guitarist Jeremy Eade joins us for a philosophical chat about the 90s, life on the road and life after rock n roll.  Put on your laughing shoes.

Dug Pinnick from US band King's X talks about the new Kings X album Three Sides of One, the producers who worked on Kings X's previous albums and his thoughts on the world and life. These guys created their own sound, paved their own road and influenced many artists including Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pantera and Dream Theater.  King's X long awaited new album Three Sides of One has exceeded expectations, shot up the US charts and delighted fans all over the world.  

Riccardo Ball is the vocalist for Just One Fix, the director of Wrecking Ball Media, he's the former Music Director at The Rock and has worked as a song plugger and artist mentor.  He's broadly experienced and refreshingly honest and on this episode we have a funny and informative conversation about the business of music.   

Tom Scrase is a drummer, percussionist and lecturer from Wellington.  He's written music for dance and has maintained a performance career as a drummer for several groups including dDub, Corrella and NZ's premier percussion ensemble Strike!  More recently Tom has released his own music under the moniker Aotūroa.

Wellington producer Lee Prebble owns and runs surgerystudios.co.nz and has worked with a long list of great artists including TrinityRoots, The Phoenix Foundation, The Black Seeds, Cornerstone Roots, Fly My Pretties and L.A.B.  We talk life, music and production and have many a laugh on the way.  Great dude, great chats.

Guitarist Neil Watson has played with a long list of great artists including Michael Brecker, Ali Campbell (UB40), Anika Moa, Tim Finn, Greg Johnson, Lucy Lawless, Jordan Luck, Nathan Haines, The Finn Bro's, Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Tami Neilson and many more.  On this very special episode the two guitarists settle in for a great chat about their approaches to guitar playing, their careers and family.  Plus, Danny reveals his latest surprising news.

Ruth Power is the founder of online creative piano school Piano Picnic.  To date, Piano Picnic has approximately 2500 subscription-based students and is going from strength to strength.  Ruth's career has included music publishing, a Christchurch rockstar start up and working in London as a sheet music editor, before moving back to New Zealand to start her online school based out of her home studio in Raglan.  Ruth might just have life figured out.  Great chats.

ARIA has spent many years working as a vocalist for numerous artists including Homebrew, Dr Colossus, Teek and Noah Slee.  ARIA lived in the bustling music scene of Berlin for several years before returning to New Zealand where she got to work writing and recording her own music.  Now ARIA is celebrating the release of her new EP ‘Love Songs Till Midnight'.  We had a topical and hilarious chat, and this episode is definitely a goodie.  Enjoy!

Anthonie Tonnon is a sing songwriter from Whanganui who is about to begin his ‘Leave Love Out Of This' New Zealand tour.  He'll be playing in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, Wellington and Whanganui from May 6th to May 21st.  He's released a number of new songs in the last year including his latest single ‘Lockheed Bomber'.  You can check out his music and buy tickets at www.anthonietonnon.com  We talked about technical things, touring in the US, lyrics, and loads more.  Get it in you!

Wellington based producer Toby Lloyd has worked with a long list of great artists including Hollie Smith, Stan Walker, Ladi6, Louis Baker, Jermaine Clements and Shapeshifter.  Before going out on his own, he worked at Peter Jacksons' Park Road Studios and was part of the team that made The Hobbit Trilogy, Mortal Engines and Hunt For The Wilderpeople.  These days Toby is all about his family and all about the music.  We had a great chat that continued well after we stopped recording.  Great talks.  Enjoy!

In our first episode for 2022 we talk to Guy & Suzanne Pope-Mayell, two of the founding members of the Dyslexia Foundation.  We discuss what it means to be dyslexic, how we could better support the dyslexics in our life and how dyslexia is not a disability, it's simply a different way of thinking.  

Bobby Kennedy and Danny McCrum discuss the lessons they have learnt while making the podcast over the last six years and talk about the future of the show.  

Self-proclaimed "pop star for dorks" Geoff Ong stopped by for a fascinating conversation about funk guitar, racial profiling, his journey establishing his music career and the making of his brilliant music videos.  Check out his videos on YouTube and enjoy the conversation!

Caitlin Smith is one of New Zealand's local music legends.  Being a professional musician is challenging enough, but if you're also a blind, female, jazz singer, with a big personality and an honest heart, it's a rollercoaster.  Caitlin talks candidly about her experiences in the business, her struggles with addiction and mental health and the psychology of singing and performance.  This is a funny and thought-provoking episode.  Enjoy.  

Organising and promoting gigs!  One of the biggest challenges a musician has to face is how to manage and promote their own shows.  We certainly don't claim to have all the answers, but recently Bobby Kennedy organised and promoted a show for Opshop and Gorilla Biscuit in Christchurch and back in March, I promoted our first Noise Play show.  Bobby suggested we get together and compare notes, so that's what we did.  We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences too, so feel free to email and comment!

Beatbox champion Steven Crooks only discovered beatboxing a few years ago and ever since his life has drastically changed. Finding purpose, identity and clarity through his craft, Steven quickly became the national champion and is now a co-organiser of the Beatbox Championships. On this episode we talk about Stevens life, the positive impact beatboxing had on him and his plans to continue growing the beatbox community here in New Zealand. This is an honest and inspiring chat. 

Ekko Park drummer Nick Douch drops in for a fun conversation about all things music.  We talk bands, drummers, getting started in the business as well as Nicks journey from Te Awamutu to being a professional touring drummer and drum tutor.  Nick's a great example of how it should be done.  Great guy, great chat.

Actor, writer and director Tim Balme has had a full and varied career.  His work has included Braindead, Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, Mercy Peak, The Almighty Johnsons and his current project The Brokenwood Mysteries.   We chatted about how Tim got his start in acting, working with Peter Jackson, how he approaches his craft and his experience stripping!  Great chat!

Cassandra is a director, playwright and performer, and the artistic director of the Wellington-based Red Scare Theatre Company.  She recently directed Single Asian Female and her previous work includes Bloodlines (2014), Long Ago, Long Ago (2015), Ordinary Days (2016), Yellow Face (2017), M'Lady (2017), A New Brain (2017), The Bone Thief (2018), Gutenberg! The Musical! (2018), The Aliens (2019), Four Nights in the Green Barrow Pub (2019) and That’s All She Wrote (2020).  We had a great chat about the ins and outs of putting on stage productions and building a career in the arts.