HearSej

Seja talks to her guest Ratbag about growing up in New Zealand, discovering music like David Bowie and Blondie through her dad, and how her parents helped her develop her singing voice. She tells Seja about her multidisciplinary artistic project, how important journaling is to her and her ambitious wishes for her future live shows. They chat about tricking oneself into confidence, writing and production and channeling one's goblin voice. Ratbag's story was illustrated by me! All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

It's a celebration of 100 episodes of HearSej and the tables are turned to face Seja, as three of her favourite people interview her about her life. Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger), Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) and Spod ask Seja about the important issues such as who has the best stage banter in Australia, why do we like fart noises only if a synthesizer is making them, and which famous people have you seen naked. Seja also tells her friends about how she makes the podcast, which guests she has connected with the most, and her experiences moving to Australia from Germany. Seja tells three strange show stories, one of which she has illustrated. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast, or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Geoffrey O'Connor (Crayon Fields) about the writing and production of his new solo album ‘I Love What We Do, how the songs are sentimental and sad but also hopeful and the album's interesting instrumentation which includes a musical saw and harp. Seja and Geoff talk about their shared love of ELO, how they're not sure if they've ever been cool, getting bullied and learning Nirvana songs. Geoff tells Seja about his first musical loves, why he is into audio and visual production, working with Sarah Mary Chadwick and the importance of the Yamaha DX7. Geoff's story was illustrated by Greg John (@loydknowsbest). All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) about his new solo album Harmonics and all the amazing collaborators on the album. They talk about keeping electronic music interesting both in the studio and live, how having someone else listen to your music can change the way you hear it too, and how to harvest the energy in the room when working with a collaborator. Joe tells Seja about working with Katy Perry, Jarvis Cocker, Peter Gabriel, Robert Wyatt, Sleaford Mods and Brian Eno. They chat about how Joe owns Seja's dream synthesiser (Yamaha CS-80), getting ideas down quickly, how hard editing down is and how to know when a song is done. Joe's strange show story was illustrated by @matthewthegardener. You can see more of his stuff on instagram @matthewthegardener. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Angeline Armstrong (Telenova) about the band's new album ‘Time is a Flower', her processes around writing lyrics, setting herself deadlines and how they grew as producers. Angeline tells Seja about what their live show currently looks like, the first musicians who inspired her and her current obsession. They share stories of self doubt, the importance of backing yourself, having too many creative interests and being overthinkie and sensitive. Angeline's strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Leith O'Malley. You can see more of his amazing artwork at www.leithomalley.com or on instagram @leithomalley. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Michael Rother (Neu!, Harmonia, Kraftwerk) about playing these 50 anniversary of Neu! Shows in Australia and if they have conjured up and feelings of nostalgia. Michael tells Seja about being grateful for his musical freedom, having a popularity resurgence for old records 20 years after their release, and his opinion on terms like Krautrock and Motorik. They chat about playing in bands with people who may not be your friends, growing up in Düsseldorf, and being introduced to Little Richard by his older brother. Michael talks openly about Klaus Dinger (dummer in Neu!), Conny Plank (engineer and producer), Jaki Liebezeit (Can), Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider (Kraftwerk) and Roedlius and Möbius (Cluster). Michael's strange show story was illustrated by Kate Reid @itrecordsmelb or @katekatereid. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) about growing up Modesto, moving to LA on his own terms, home recording and weird shows in Germany. Jason tells Seja about the last tour he did of Australia, his thoughts on continuing to use the name Grandaddy, and wanting to honour one's own influences without compromise. They chat about imposter syndrome, their love of Jeff Lynne, synths and how to keep songs interesting. Jason's strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Spod. You can see more of Spod's music and videos @spodemonic or or https://www.spod.com.au/ All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) about her feelings on releasing the new Middle Kids album Faith Crisis Pt 1, the inspiration and journey of the album and what the word faith conjures up for people. Hannah tells Seja about touring with a kid, the role that alcohol can take in songwriting and performance, and her first experience of acting in a movie (check out the film Christmess). They also chat about lyrics and rhyme schemes, performance anxiety and instrumental songs. Hannah's strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Leith O'Malley. You can see more of his amazing artwork at www.leithomalley.com or on instagram @leithomalley. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page. Solidarity Soundwaves https://4000.fanlink.to/solidarity-soundwavesb

Seja talks to her guest Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) about what it's like supporting Robbie Williams in Australia, his current killer band members and his latest album ‘Turn the Car Around'. Gaz tells Seja about translating these songs to a live setting, building his home studio and how that sparked a big moment of songwriting energy, and how his record became a comfort and a friend during the UK lockdowns. They chat about the writing and recording process including trying to keep first takes, mumble tracks and crafting the ideas, how Lennon made Gaz feel ok to express all the big feelings, getting signed as a teenager and capitalising on the Britpop label. Gaz's strange story was illustrated by Davey Lane @daveyhellolane. Thank you also to Davey for helping to make the whole chat happen. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Hannah Cameron about moving to Melbourne from Brisbane to study jazz voice, first being inspired by Laura Marling and Missy Higgins and how she balances playing and teaching music. Hannah tells Seja about being a choir nerd who loved harmonies and how getting therapy and her subsequent self reflection in adult life has helped her songwriting. They chat about album making buddies, getting to play your favourite songs with the people who wrote them and the special kind of hell that is comping your own vocals. Hannah's strange story was illustrated by Jack Spider @socialjacktivism. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Asha Lorenz (Sorry) about being in Australia for the first time, growing up in the London music scene but taking it for granted and listening to Bob Dylan instead. Asha tells Seja about what it's like being in her genre-diverse band Sorry and her experiences translating the songs to a live setting. They chat about being the only girl on tour, finding the perfect intoxication balance on stage and what's next for Asha in terms of writing new songs and making some changes. Asha's story was illustrated by Lucy Dyson. You can find more of her work on instagram @lucydysonsphere or at www.lucydyson.com.

Seja talks to her guest Adem Kerimofski (Turnstyle) about their 20 odd year friendship, how they both met Dave Grohl on the same day and their Sekiden/Turnstyle brother/sister type relationship. Adem tells Seja about being ‘too weird' to be signed to Shock Records, his favourite songs of all time, lo fi home recording and DIY music releasing. They chat about their love of Boney M, writing a simple melody with emotion, and playing with bands who are more earnest than them. Adem's strange experience was illustrated by PJ of the band Turnstyle. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talked to her Guest Georgia Barnes about her new album It's Euphoric, growing up surrounded by synths from birth as her dad's band Leftfield were hitting the mainstream, and how the smell of old equipment feels like home. Georgia tells Seja about working with a producer for the first time and how trusting and open the collaborative relationship with Rostam became. They share stories about touring with old gear, album release anxiety and much synthesiser chat. Georgia's strange show story was illustrated by Matt King Harbottle. You can see more of his work on instagram @gunners.king or on his website www.theharbottle.com All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Sam Bentley (The Paper Kites) about his first touring experiences, starting in punk bands and trying to be crazy on stage. Sam tells Seja about his dad, his spirituality and being inspired by gospel music. They chat about wanting to move people with music, going shows by themselves and the unique way the Paper Kites' new album was written and recorded. Sam's strange show experience was illustrated by Ethan Jenkins (@e.e.jenkins). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Alex Gow about the making of his new album Dizzy Spell (out in October 2023), recording to 4-track, the pressure of a single take and unexpected majors/minors. They chat about nicknames, their love of Harry Nilsson and how your body can understand music before your mind does. Alex tells Seja about feeling adult, healthy and happy, writing on the piano and what artists were played around the house when he was a child. Alex's strange experience illustration was done by Artificial Intelligence (orchestrated by Alex Gow). All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Yon (Simon Hall) from Tripod about his new podcast called Minuscule Musical, a clever half-hour podcast where he collaborates with different people each episode to write a short musical. Yon tells Seja about being inspired by a cast recording of Annie, how the musical idea of Bono and the Edge writing a Spiderman musical came about, the process of collaborating for the first time with new people and his choir training as a young boy. Seja and Yon chat about overdoing it at the gym, the time they played Dungeons and Dragons, and how to know when I song is done. Yon's strange show story was illustrated by Vanessa Norlander @ness_norlander All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Cash Savage about the new album So This is Love, the process of letting go of songs and connecting with one's audience. Cash tells Seja about writing in interesting time signatures, the loss of identity during lockdown and some of her superstitions around live shows. They chat about the camaraderie in bands, games on tour and vocal heroes. Cash's strange show story was illustrated by Nick Finch. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Mo'Ju about the recording of their new album Oro, Plata Mata. Mo'Ju tells Seja about the making of the album including its concepts such as the importance of the number 3 based on Filipino superstition. Seja and Mo'Ju chat about their journeys towards trusting themselves in their songwriting practices, collaboration with family and their love of the Violent Femmes as teenagers. Mo'ju's strange show story was illustrated by Patience Hodgson. You can follow Patience on instagram @paehoddy All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Seja talk to her guest Astrid Jorgensen (Pub Choir) about the phenomenon that is Pub Choir over the last few years, her history of being a high school teacher and how singing in a choir the quickest way to properly experience music as an amateur. Astrid tells Seja about the mistaken notion that alcohol is a 'must' for pub choir, that she doesn't like performing when it's all about her, and her lack of an inner dialogue. They chat about audiation, the health benefits of singing, her inclusion of sign language in Pub Choir and all the amazing female and gender diverse artists she champions as part of the show. And course, they talk about the Kate Bush email. Astrid's strange story was illustrated by the Patterson kids, with artistic direction from Pub Choir manager and guitarist from the Grates John Patterson. You can follow John on instagram @Jhonpatterson or Pub Choir @pubchoir All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Meg Mac about her new album Matter of Time, how she scrapped an entire version to start again, how she moved to the country and some of the writing tools that helped her start again from scratch. They chat about their mutual love of Enya's vocal production, the process of working remotely with producers overseas and how it shaped the album. Meg tells Seja about the songs that made her want to sing as a child, how her dad's love of musical theatre influenced her own music and what part of her job makes her feel most vulnerable. Megs strange story was illustrated by Art Chandler You can check out more of his work on instagram @the_other_goku or on his website https://sogooddog.com/tos. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Missy Higgins about her new mini album Total Control, how she expanded the songs from writing for television and how it was produced. They chat about their shared phobias, how important it is to surround yourself with good hearted people on tour, and their fear of accidentally not being woke enough. Missy tells seja about fighting for women's rights, being politically outspoken and writing abstract piano music. Missy's strange story was illustrated by Charmaine Greenwood. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B) about the band's 5th album release, lockdown in New Zealand, and how COVID-19 has been a weird opportunity for New Zealand bands to get good slots on festivals. He tells Seja about his dad's country influence, studying jazz guitar in New York, and how he started singing. They chat about the beautiful simplicity of lyric writing and instrumentation, band royalties and Joel's love for the band Toto. Joel's story was illustrated by Laurence Crow. You can check out more of his work on instagram @lozcrowillustration or on his website www.laurencecrowillustration.com. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram here @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Erica Dunn (Tropical Fuck Storm, MOD CON, harmony, Palm Springs) about the new TFS album, how the band accidentally made a movie and how songs come together in all the bands she is in. Erica tells Seja about her music related sliding doors moment, her scary piano teacher and how she joined her favourite band. They chat about her experiences with trying to learn mistakes on purpose, vocal heroes and trying to stay healthy on tour. Erica's strange show story was illustrated by George Karapas @georgekarapas001. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Stu Mackenzie (King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) about his upcoming multi-genre residency shows in Brisbane, COVID-19 admin on tour and how difficult it is to remember 75 songs at the same time. Stu tells Seja about how he approaches music like architecture, his addictive personality and how this feeds his compulsion to write, and how his dad would play him Australian Roots/Country to put him to sleep as a kid. They chat about needing parameters while writing, their love of Juno-60s, and the phenomenon of everyone hearing music differently to one another. Stu's strange show story was illustrated by Alex Smith (@alexosm). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Paul Kelly about his very special new Christmas album ‘Paul Kelly's Christmas Train', the journey of making the album, how the songs came together and some of the collaborations. Paul tells Seja about the post album recording flatness, how it's always strange to talk about something once you've finished it and his love of sequencing albums. They chat about the album themes including family, cultural and religious representation and the spine tingling harmonies throughout. They gush about Paul's band, touch on some songwriting tricks, go through some of his favourite hip hop artists and how they influenced his own songs. Paul's strange show story was illustrated by Jack Rodgers. You can see more of Jack's work on instagram @jackrodgersartist. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Tim Shiel about his album Distractions One, the journey to feeling satisfied with one's creative output and how valuable collaborations can be for both the art and when you have to talk about the art. Tim tells Seja about using elements from the past to build a through line to new work, intertextuality in music and film and his label/musical community Spirit Level. They chat about the grossness of press releases, how impressed they are by people who can improvise confidently and the importance of editing when it comes to making an album. Tim's strange show experience is illustrated by Stewart Fulton @stweeful. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Zak Olsen (Traffik Island, ORB, Frowning Clouds, Hierophants) about his new album ‘A Shrug of the Shoulders', singing fatigue, playing with new people, and things that influenced the recording of the new album. Zak tells Seja about his farm life in Wattle Bank, his time growing up in New Zealand listening to his dad's heavy metal band rehearsing Megadeth songs, and how he got into sixties music like the Kinks and the Beatles. They discuss the frustration of how long it takes for albums to come out, their love of humour in music, social media, and their relationships with backing track. Zak's strange show experience was illustrated by Tom Lyngcoln (The Nation Blue, Harmony). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Jen Boyce (Ball Park Music) about her love of the Seekers as a child, learning to harmonise with her sister and singing along to tapes in the car. Jen tells Seja about how she was drawn to Hanson as a musical goal, how her mum helped her make a business plan for playing live, and the first time she picked up a bass. They chat about learning by ear, karaoke and how to be happy on stage. Jen also goes into her experiences with endometriosis and how she advocates for her own health and the health of others by spreading her valuable knowledge on the issue. Jen's strange show story was illustrated by Mark Chester Harding. You can see more of his work on instagram @markchesterharding or his online store at www.markchesterharding.com All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Charley about her new single Arizona, its themes of mental health, panic and anxiety, and how relatable these themes are amongst artists. Charley shares her stories about being a competitor on The Voice and what she learnt from these experiences about her own creative output. She tells Seja about collaborating with other artists and producers, how communication is the key to all good songwriting and how feeling vulnerable is an important part of the process. Seja and Charley share stories about their misophonia, theories on immersion therapy and singing with accents. Charley's strange show experience was illustrated by @alice_amsel. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Ian Kenny (Birds of Tokyo) about working on music remotely, making mistakes on stage and the grossness of creating ‘content' for fans. Kenny tells Seja about the creative hub in his hometown of Dunsborough, Western Australia, being vulnerable with band mates and trying not to think about your audience while writing songs. They share some random phone notes and chat AFL grand final. Kenny's strange show experience was illustrated by Eadie Newman (@anemone_ears). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Hayley Mary (the Jezabels) about feelings, singing from the heart and how Unchained Melody was the catalyst for Hayley's love of singing. Hayley tells Seja about her love of dramatic melodies, how she sees singing as a game she tries to get better at, and the horror of playing solo acoustic shows. They chat about both attending Steiner schools, how to push yourself to be heard and the appeal of nihilism and chaos. Hayley's strange show story was illustrated by Ruby McGregor (Babaganouj, Catalano, Lexicon). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Matt Colwell (360) about remastering and reissuing his pop/hip hop album Falling & Flying on the 10 year anniversary of its release and his memories of that time. Seja and Matt chat about demo-its, moon walking, laughing at swear words in rap songs and yearning for the excitement of youth. Matt tells seja about embracing his Australian accent and how it took him years to figure out how to be himself in a musical sense. Matt's strange show story was illustrated by @janebooty. You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Luke Steele (Empire of the Sun, the Sleepy Jackson, DREAMS, H3000) about growing up in a blues club with his dad and learning some valuable lessons. Luke tells Seja about production ideas that never made it into a show, his experimentations with illusions and the mistakes he made as a young person. Seja shares her first memories of the Sleepy Jackson and they chat about Luke's friendship and creative collaboration with Daniel Johns, working with Beyonce and Jay-z and what it means to think about music as a business. Luke's strange show experience was illustrated by Liam Barling (@leleleroy). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Ambrose Kenny-Smith (The Murlocs/King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) about the making of The Murloc's new album Bittersweet Demons, mixing remotely and how the Harry Nilsson and John Lennon album Pussy Cats was a big inspiration. He tells Seja about the challenges of being a singer and harmonica player on tour, writing songs on the piano, and bring a worrier. They chat about being being starstruck, his first EP that he made when he was 8 and the lovely Flightless Records community. Ambrose's strange show story was illustrated by @millionmanymiles. You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Mia Dyson about making writing a daily practice, finding your authentic voice and growing up surrounded by male musicians. Mia tells Seja about writing music with her husband Karl in LA lockdown, her recent near death experience and her gratitude for surviving it. They chat about song lyrics being premonitions, Mia's dad Jim Dyson's beautiful guitars and share some co-writing experiences. Mia's strange show story was illustrated by Ashley Ronning. You can find more of her work at www.ashleyronning.com or on instagram @ashleyronning. You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Gretta Ray about growing up in a musical family, singing in a community choir as a child and using music as a tool for procrastination. They chat about soaking up other people’s work, being creative during lockdown and working with encouraging producers. Gretta tells Seja bout her first gigs, touring while she was in high school, getting nerdy about pop music and celebrating changing your mind. Her debut album ‘Begin to Look Around’ will be released August 27th 2021. New single ‘Human’ is out now. Gretta’s strange show experience is illustrated by @hannahmarjorieillustration. You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Ngaiire about surviving a volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea as a child, how Australian life differs to PNG life, and how she started to love singing. She tells Seja about studying jazz, singing with Blue King Brown, and her mother’s influence on how she conducts herself creatively and personally. They chat about how writing a happy song is hard, getting a live show together and working in the gaps of parenting. Ngaiire’s strange show experience is illustrated by Ben Ely (Regurgitator). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Liz Stringer about her recent jaunt singing backing vocals for Midnight Oil, her experiences playing sessions, sober touring and her new album First Time Really Feeling. Liz tells Seja about her musical community, what makes co-writing successful and her forced travel break over the last year. They share stories about stage fright and taking stock of what is important in their lives as they get older. Liz’s strange show story was illustrated by her six year old nephew Emlyn Stringer. You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

Seja talks to her guest Bow Campbell (Front End Loader) about growing up with a folk musician father, how Guns n Roses and Motorhead changed his life and his first band the Edelweiss Pirates. Bow tells Seja about his 27 years in Front End Loader, how much songwriting gives him joy, and the band's infamous Aria Speech. They share stories about owning masters, publishing and road kill and answer some caller questions. Bow’s strange show story was illustrated by Stephen Gilbert (@pliggot). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page Aria speech "If Radio’s The Doctor is reading this from stage, it means the unthinkable has happened and Floating Me has been robbed!! The members of Front End Loader can think of no finer way to spend an evening than to be here with you all. Unfortunately, as an independent band that has been not making money and not selling albums for many years, our budget does not allow this. To our fans who congratulated us on the nomination, we accept in the spirit that you’ve offered it. You have proven over the years to be a strange bunch of freaks, but you’re our freaks and we’ve grown fond of you. If this award makes you happy, go right ahead and enjoy that. We’re not sure what the award means – we know there’s no cash prize, because that’s the first thing we asked. If there is any value attached to this award then it belongs to our partners and families, past and present, who have enabled, tolerated and endured the challenges and bullshit involved in being Australia’s least popular, relatively well-known band. To the Australian Music Industry … as you were … please carry on … we mean you no harm. We will continue to write Rock Music that we enjoy, play shows when and where we can, and record and release this music as our time, money, and circumstances permit. None of these activities concern you so please, move along, and let us never speak of this again." The possessed by Albert Tucker https://www.portrait.gov.au/image/12220/12219/

Seja talks to her guest Mat Watson about growing up in the country, loving metal and getting his start in music by playing drums and studying Jazz in Melbourne. Mat tells Seja about getting into experimental music as a sensory experience and how he has developed a very personal attachment to the EMS Synthi AKS; his favourite synthesiser and work horse. Seja and Mat share stories of playing together at the Sydney Opera House for Sydney Festival many years ago and chat about Mat's upcoming synthesizer orchestra show: MESS Live at the Bowl (details below). Mat’s strange show story was illustrated by Myles Heskett (@myleskett). All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast MESS Live at the Bowl - March 27 @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl https://liveatthebowl.com.au/mess-at-the-bowl MESS Synthesiser Orchestra led by Mat Watson members:  David Chesworth  Biddy Connor  Gus Franklin  Mads Davey  Gregor Kompar Meri Leeworthy  Katerina Stathis Romy Fox Angie Penna-Li  Mike Calendar Nina Buchanan Jannah Quill Justin Ashworth  Sooji Kim  Vijay Thillaimuthu Mat’s Bandcamp:  https://matwatson.bandcamp.com/music Other Places Bandcamp  https://otherplaces.bandcamp.com   Rocky Burnett live on Countdown in 1980 https://youtu.be/FPrhR1RFa3s

Seja talks to her guest Scott Kannberg AKA Spiral Stairs (Pavement, Preston School of Industry) about moving to Australia during the pandemic, how both his solo project and Pavement shows have been derailed this past year and the grief he’s been going through after losing close friends and band mates. Scott shares some old memories from tour and talks about his big musical influences as a kid. Seja and Scott chat about lyric writing, recording ideas and their current song obsessions. Scott’s strange show story is illustrated by Stephanie Ohlback (@soutback, @stressless4eva). All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

Seja talks to her guest Jed Kurzel (The Mess Hall, film composer) about how he gravitated towards all kinds of music as a kid, how he was first inspired by the Velvet Underground, Creedence and Kris Kristofferson, and his ambidexterity. Jed tells Seja about starting what would eventually become the Mess Hall with his brother Justin, and how becoming a two-piece coupled with the intuition and dynamics of drummer Cec Condon changed the sound of the band. Jed and Seja chat about making soundscapes/loops, using music as a narrative and tricking yourself into starting a score by making mistakes. Jed’s strange show story is illustrated by Cec Condon. All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast.

Seja talks to her guest Joey burns (Calexico, Giant Sand) about the all-encompassing topics Covid-19 and the US election as well as less intense topics such as lap steel tunings, his Willie Nelson collaboration, being positive and co-writing. Joey tells Seja about parenting his 8 year old twin girls, his goal of changing the world through music, writing in character and being influenced by the ocean and the desert. They chat about their love for the Tweedy show and Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting, Joey’s recent Grammy nomination and how to best communicate with an audience on and off stage. Joey’s strange show story was illustrated by Lara Canfield (@lalalian). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

Seja talks to her guest Kris Schroeder (Jackmann, The Basics) about his new album ‘Low Key’ which he recorded at Abbey Road, and the incredible session players he got for the recording. They chat about learning the violin as their first instrument and Kris’s transition to guitar to help him express his feelings. Kris tells Seja about studying medicine, working for the Red Cross in Kenya and Mongolia and what it’s like getting malaria and parasites. Kris’s strange show story was illustrated by Scott Edgar (Tripod). All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast.

Seja talks to her guest Georgia Mooney (All Our Exes Live In Texas) about her first memories of music, her opera singing auntie and her music studies in Perth. Georgia tells Seja about her preferred writing environment, the Sydney folk and bluegrass community from which she emerged as her own songwriter and the beginnings of her band All Our Exes Live In Texas. There are many stories about supporting the Backstreet Boys and Midnight Oil, harmony writing, her plans for her first solo album and Georgia’s experience with getting COVID-19. Georgia’s strange show story is illustrated by Hannah Factor @hannah.factor.art All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

Seja talks to her guest Davey Lane (You Am I, The Pictures) about his start with the band You Am I, how he became such a versatile guitarist and songs that make him emotional. Davey and Seja chat about the things they have in common including their love of ELO, Wings and Supergrass and getting to join bands they were fans of as teenagers. Davey tells Seja about his influences, things he has learnt from Tim Rogers and his favourite parts of a You Am I setlist. Davey’s strange show story was illustrated by Laura Imbruglia. All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

Seja talks to her guest Tex Perkins (Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea) about the juxtaposition of being a consumer of music and a music maker. They chat about Tex’s new online show called ‘The Show’ and how it has created a vehicle to build and support his musical community. Tex tells Seja about missing live performance, making music at home, homeschooling and past and present collaborations. They chat about the legacy of band mates Brian Hooper and Spencer P. Jones while reflecting on the band’s heavy lifestyle and the subsequent consequences. Tex’s strange show story was illustrated by Tony Giacca (@tonyguitarnerd). All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

Seja talks to her guest Leah Senior about the writing and recording of her beautiful new album ‘The Passing Scene’ and what it’s been like releasing the album during COVID-19. She talks about writers block, self-doubt, teaching piano and how learning other people’s songs can help one’s creativity. Seja and Leah share stories about their European upbringings, their love of Paul McCartney and The Beatles and their lyrical heroes. Leah’s strange show story was illustrated by Michelle Tinker (@design.and.tinker). All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

Seja talks to her guest Martha Brown (Banoffee) about how they became friends while touring together in the early days of Otouto. She talks about her memories of writing and singing with her sister Hazel and over the years progressing as a musician, songwriter and producer when she started her solo project Banoffee. Seja and Martha talk about their Steiner educations, late night snacks, going on a world tour with Taylor Swift and the theatre of turning knobs. There is lots of chat about Banoffee’s new album ‘Look At Us Now Dad’, relying on sadness for inspiration, looking after oneself on tour and karma. Martha’s strange show story was illustrated by beautiful singer Your Smith. check out her music here - www.yousmithforever.com All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

Seja talks to her guest Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) about the first bands he loved: The Beatles, David Bowie and Kiss and how important conviction is in songwriting. Bernard and Seja share memories of the Brisbane music scene in the 90s/early 00s and how they both aim to write perfectly slick sounding music. Bernard tells Seja about his compulsion to write, his work ethic and his songwriting process. They chat about memory, the difference between being a singer and a performer, and Powderfinger’s recent one-night-only reformation. Bernard’s strange show story was illustrated by Andrea Portela Moreno @andrea_portela_moreno All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast Donate to Beyond Blue here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/make-a-donation Donate to Support Act here: https://supportact.org.au/donate-now/

Seja talks to her guest Paul Dempsey (Something for Kate) during the COVID-19 quarantine about homeschooling, trying to release music during a pandemic, home recording and demo-itis. Paul tells Seja about his love for metal and fast guitar as a kid, how he managed to learn instruments by mimicking others, and his perfect pitch. Seja and Paul share stories of the infamous 4zzz Market Day that ended in a riot and stories about being tall. Paul’s strange show experience is illustrated by Paul McNeil (@paulmcneilart) You can find all illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.