Sweetman Podcast

An in-depth conversation with Jeff Boyle, guitarist for Napier-based, internationally revered post-rock/ambient-metal trio Jakob. We talk about the history of the band, they way they work together, some of their stories of touring NZ and internationally with bands like ISIS, Tool and Russian Circles and the heartbreak around the 8-year gap between records most recently.

A wee chat with my good friend Fraser Agnew - despite knowing each other for over 20 years, through school and university eras, we'd never really talked about work; specifically his. So this was a chance to catch up and find out his path into the wine industry, a passion that's always been in his blood. It's a short chat. Just 20 minutes. I hope you like this informal interview.

An in-depth chat with Melbourne-based Kiwi-born singer/songwriter Lisa Crawley. We talk about her various roles - backing singer, solo artist, band member, songwriter-for-hire, wedding singer. We talk sexism and challenges in the industry as well as the difficulties (and rewards) of being an independent artist. We talked around some of her own releases and influences and some of the high profile acts she's shared the bill with as opening/support.

An in-depth conversation with "the luckiest music fan in the world" Roger Shepherd, author of the memoir In Love With These Times: My Life With Flying Nun Records, creator of the record label, Flying Nun. We talk about his brand new memoir, about the process of writing, and about all of that great, great music that he helped to usher into the world. We also talk about his frank discussions around drinking and mental illness.

To celebrate the first birthday of Sweetman Podcast I do some shout-outs and give thanks, then play the aborted first attempt at podcasting and a 'song' from The Winter. Join us, won't you, in laughing at what the podcast might have been...

An in-depth conversation with Ben Fulton, founder and director of Red Witch Analog Guitar Pedals, musician who has worked as a solo singer/songwriter, in covers bands and experimental music, and as support or sideman for the likes of Paul Ubana Jones, Jan Hellriegel, Ahoribuzz and Wild Bill Rickets, also creator of the Led Zeppelin tribute act, Lead Zeppelin. We talk guitars and guitar pedals and music. But we also trace back our friendship over 20 years.

An in-depth chat with Wellington-based Registered Music Therapist, Pip Algie. She works one-on-one with children exploring language, communication, emotion and other learning targets and connections through music. She also hosts a weekly knees-up for toddlers called "Strummy Time". We talked about my son Oscar, a regular of Strummy Time for a couple of years now, we talked about the path to music therapy and listened to some examples of her work.

An in-depth chat with British-based Kiwi singer/songwriter Jesse Sheehan. He has two EPs to his name currently, but his Neil Finn-produced debut full-length album is in the can and will be released later this year. He's toured the world as part of Neil Finn's band and played UK and NZ dates with Dave Dobbyn, opening the shows also. He's a real talent. It's a "watch this space" situation with this guy - he's going to take on the world. There's no head up in the clouds for him either. He's very grounded. We chatted about his love of music - jazz and folk and all points between. We talked about his 'fluke' sideline career as a session guitarist and his desire to perform and write and work hard.

An in-depth chat with Jim Wilson, owner of Phantom Billstickers, (unofficial) patron saint of poetry in New Zealand, arts enthusiast and sponsor. We talk about the postering work that Phantom Billstickers does, and about Jim's life - from growing up in Dunedin to robbing chemists for drug supplies, to stints in jail and rehab, to American travel. We talk about his time running venues, managing bands and now as overseer of an empire.

An in-depth chat with Tami Neilson, singer/songwriter - country musician. Tami grew up in Canada and hit the stage just as she could walk, from there it's been to a career playing with icons of the genre and then a move to New Zealand to start all over again. We talked about her albums, and touring, her family and the fact that she's gone from being on my Worst of the Year list with her debut album to the Best of the Year with her last two records...

An in-depth chat with Julia Deans, singer/songwriter, ex-Fur Patrol frontperson, singer across musicals and tribute shows...we talk about the highs and lows of a 20-year career making music in - and out of - New Zealand.

An in-depth chat with American blues guitarist and singer Chris Cain. He's a regular visitor to New Zealand in recent years, collaborator with Rodger Fox and the Big Bands that Rodger directs. Cain discusses his life and career and the life-long love of blues, of his guitar, of the feel and thrill of playing music and of giving it as gift, creating it with and for others.

An in-depth chat with Dave Dobbyn - we talk about his brand new album, Harmony House, his career across Th' Dudes, DD Smash and solo, battles with depression and crises of confidence. We talk "National Treasure" status and the pressures associated with that, his love of his audience, of having an audience ready and waiting for new material. We talk about Brian Eno. We talk about his aims for the future with a new recording facility at home and plenty more music inside him...

An in-depth chat with Leila Adu - musician: singer/songwriter, improviser, composer - we talk music and mindfulness, we talk internet and unpacking...we talk about what artists are trying to achieve and Leila's own journey (as well as her many travels)

An in-depth chat with 'Emily Writes' - mummy-blogger, journalist, writer, advocate and activist; creator of the initiative 'Ballet Is For Everyone' and total Twitter fanatic. We talk social media, journalism and blogging. We talk about nasty comments and creating communities online. We talk parenting and having our voices heard.

An in-depth chat with Ian (drums) and Paul (guitars) of Wellington post-rock instrumental duo, Into Orbit. We talk about their brand new single, the upcoming re-release of their debut album, Caverns, on vinyl, 2016's shows and what went into making this band.

Episode 12 of Sweetman Podcast - a chat with Reece Morrow of Set Piece; caterer, chef, restaurateur, business-owner...brother-in-law...yes, we were in Sydney and we decided to sit amongst the street-noise and talk shop, something, as brothers-in-law, we almost never do.

Episode 11 of Sweetman Podcast - an in-depth chat with my friend, fellow bloggers and cultural critic Alan Stuart. We talk about his experiences growing up in England, the music he loved and lived through, the music he went on to make and his appreciation and understanding of art, comedy, films, politics, fatherhood. It's a long chat. One I really enjoyed.

Episode 10 of Sweetman Podcast - an in-depth chat with Wellington-based comedian, Alice Brine. We talk about comedy and reviewing, about comedy-writing and the state of the NZ Comedy Industry, we talk about ADHD, we took about pursuing a creative life, about performance and performing.

Episode 9 of Sweetman Podcast - an in-depth chat with New Zealand-born, Las Vegas-based artist Matthew Couper. Matt's also my oldest friend, we've known each other since we were three years old, attending the same kindergarten and going right through school together, playing sport, listening to music...