Are Drummers Musicians?

01/10/2025

🎙️ 75. Kat Greta: Songwriting, Production, and Building a Musical Identity

This week, I’m joined by Kat Greta—a singer-songwriter, percussionist, and rising artist in the Pop and Indie scenes. Known for her catchy melodies, live looping, and dynamic percussion work, Kat blends retro influences with a fresh, modern energy, crafting music that is both deeply personal and widely resonant.

We talk about her musical journey—from starting as a performer to stepping into the world of songwriting and production. A key part of that evolution has been her collaboration with acclaimed producer Lindsay Gravina (Adalita, Eskimo Joe, The Living End), who has been instrumental in helping her refine her sound. Kat shares how she developed a strong musical relationship with Lindsay, gaining insight into the production process, co-producing her own music, and receiving invaluable advice that has shaped her artistry.

We also discuss the challenges of building an original music career at a stage where many artists have already been established—navigating the music scene as an independent artist, building confidence as a songwriter and producer, and pushing forward in an industry that often focuses on younger artists. On top of that, Kat shares her experience in the Soundhive competition, being chosen by industry veteran Tim Dalton, and how she’s making space for herself in the music world on her own terms.

This was an insightful and inspiring chat with an artist who is embracing her creative path and making music that truly connects—don’t miss it!

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com

24/09/2025

🎙️ 74. JIM ALXNDR: Music, Production, and a Journey Between Continents

This week, I’m joined by the incredibly talented JIM ALXNDR—a producer, artist, and multi-instrumentalist whose journey through music has taken him across the world. From growing up in a small town in the UK to moving to Australia, studying jazz and contemporary music at VCA, and then heading to Berklee and LA to further develop his craft, Jim’s story is one of exploration, creativity, and constant evolution.

We dive into his musical journey—starting with saxophone at school, being thrown into gigs at a young age, developing a passion for jazz, and transitioning into production and songwriting. Now based back in Australia, Jim continues to work across the US, UK, and Europe, collaborating with a range of artists. We talk about the differences in music education between the US and Melbourne, his approach to studio production vs. live performance, and the creative process behind his work.

We also discuss his collaborations, including producing "Slave" with , which has amassed over 600K streams on Spotify. And, of course, we chat about his latest project, The Light EP, and his EP launch at

This was an enjoyable, insightful, and sometimes deep conversation—filled with laughs about music school, reflections on purpose and creativity, and even some thoughts on tattoos and sun breaks. Jim’s passion for music is infectious—don’t miss this one!

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com

16/09/2025

🎙️ 73. Michaela Jayde: Soul, Singing Competitions, and the Art of Backing Vocals

This week, I’m joined by Michaela Jayde—a powerhouse Soul/R&B artist, dynamic performer, and an incredible vocalist who has been a key figure in Melbourne’s music scene for over a decade. With a voice that effortlessly blends classic soul with modern R&B, Michaela has worked with artists like Tones & I, Stan Walker, Jerome Farah, Kylie Auldist, Ben Abraham, Thndo, WILSN, and more.

In this episode, we dive into her purpose and intention with music—what drives her, the deep connection she has to singing, and how she balances artistry with the demands of the industry. We talk about her experience on a singing competition TV show, the positive relationships and opportunities that came from it, but also the challenges and tensions she felt between music as an expression and music as a competition.
Michaela shares the story behind posting a cover online and then being invited to sing live with Teddy Swims, as well as her journey growing up in a musical family, studying music, and drawing inspiration from Erykah Badu, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Donny Hathaway.

We also discuss her passion for vocal technique and her deep knowledge of backing vocals — nerding out on harmonies and the craft of supporting other artists. And, on top of all this, we talk about motherhood, tribute shows, and releasing her own original music.
Michaela is such a warm, inspiring presence—her strength, talent, and intention shine through in everything she does.

This was a brilliant conversation—don’t miss it!

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com

10/09/2025

🎙️ 72. Brayden Becher: Doom Metal, Drumming in Six Bands, and Life’s Big Questions

This week, I’m joined by Brayden Becher—a powerhouse drummer deeply embedded in Melbourne’s metal scene, particularly doom metal. Brayden doesn’t just play in one or two bands—he’s currently drumming for six different projects, including Ghost Smoker, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows, Holy Serpent, KVLL, Aglo, and Ahr Beka.

We dive into what it’s like balancing that many projects, his experience growing up with music—starting drums at age four but being banned from playing during high school—and the wild story of auditioning for a band. Along the way, we explore the Melbourne metal scene, the unique characteristics of doom metal, and some of life’s big questions.

We also talk about the importance of friends and family and the role they play in shaping a musician’s path. This was a really enjoyable chat, full of insight into a world of music I knew little about—don’t miss it!

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com



Checkout Brayden with his bands:
harlon.and.the.dead.crows


beka

01/09/2025

🎙️ Coming up this week on Are Drummers Musicians?
�James Davies joins the podcast for an insightful chat ✨�Coming out Wednesday!

27/08/2025

🎙️ 70. Jess Ellwood: Tour Life, Drumming for Alex Lahey, Guitarist for Angie McMahon, and Growing in Music

This week, I’m joined by the absolute legend Jess Ellwood—a drummer, guitarist, and all-around great musician who has built a career touring and recording with some of Australia’s finest artists.

We talk a lot about tour life—the highs, the challenges, and what it takes to be a good hang on the road. Jess plays drums for and guitar for , and we dive into what it’s like shifting between roles, playing different instruments in different bands, and making the leap to full-time music.

Beyond performing, we chat about their time with , their experience as a teacher, and the importance of long-term friendships with musicians—how growing together in the scene has shaped their career. This was a lovely, insightful, and inspiring conversation—don’t miss it!

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com

26/08/2025

🎙️ Coming up this week on Are Drummers Musicians?
�Jess Ellwood joins the podcast for an insightful chat ✨�Coming out Wednesday!

26/08/2025

https://www.aredrummersmusicians.com/conversations/jessellwood

Tour Life, Drumming for Alex Lahey, Guitarist for Angie McMahon, and Growing in Music

20/08/2025

🎙️ 69. Selene Messinis (SOLUNE): Keys, Improvisation, Circus Music, and Musical Freedom

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Selene Messinis—also known as SOLUNE—a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, and educator whose career spans genres from jazz and R&B to metal and circus performance. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Selene has worked with artists including thndo, Nikodimos, Bumpy, NO ZU, Gordon Koang, Parvyn, Harper Bloom, Don Glori, Teether, and RAMEN, while also developing her own unique artistic voice.
In this episode, we discuss their journey with music, including the impact of the Blackburn High music program, their early years playing saxophone and piano, and how those foundations shaped their career. We dive into their experience writing and performing music for the circus, their work as an improvising musician, and their thoughts on the experience of women in the music industry.

Selene also shares their love of dressing in bright-colored clothes as an expression of personal freedom, as well as an exciting new project—working on their metal album! This was such a dynamic and inspiring conversation—don’t miss it.

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com

19/08/2025

https://www.aredrummersmusicians.com/conversations/selenemessinis

Improvisation, Circus Music, and Musical Freedom

13/08/2025

🎙️ 68. Ellis: Drumming, Band Life, and Finding Balance in Music

This week, I’m joined by Ellis — a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator who has carved out a dynamic career in the Australian music scene. Best known as the drummer for GUSH (formerly Paper Tapir), Ellis has been playing alongside Louis Smith and Luci Floyd for the past decade, with Domenic Evans recently joining the band.

In this episode, we explore their journey through music—from growing up in a musical household to learning piano and drums, studying at VCASS, and being mentored by jazz legend Graeme Morgan. We also talk about their experiences in both jazz and pop-rock, forming GUSH, and working with other artists, including Garage Sale and Grace Robinson.
Beyond performing and recording, Ellis shares insights into their teaching philosophy, thoughts on the music industry, and how they approach finding balance between creativity, work, and life. And for those looking for some drumming inspiration, Ellis recommends checking out Steve Reich’s 1987 album Drumming.

This was an insightful and engaging conversation—don’t miss it!

The full conversation is now available on all podcast streaming platforms, YouTube and our website aredrummersmusicians.com



Checkout Ellis playing with .band.melb and .obinson

12/08/2025

https://www.aredrummersmusicians.com/conversations/ellis

Drumming, Band Life, and Finding Balance in Music