Are Drummers Musicians?

Are Drummers Musicians? Welcome to a space where we have conversations with a diverse range of musicians—from emerging to established artists and session musicians.

Join us in building a vibrant community within the Melbourne/Naarm music scene. Are Drummers Musicians? is a captivating exploration of Melbourne's vibrant music scene. Through relaxed conversations held on a cosy couch in Brunswick, host Luke Singleton uncovers the diverse perspectives and stories of musicians across various genres and roles. The title question, Are Drummers Musicians? serves as

a playful entry point into a deeper exploration of what it truly means to be a musician. Each episode dives into the unique artistry and experiences of each guest. A place for storytelling, we also offer insight into collaboration and musical relationships. This is your backstage pass to the stories of the talents that keep the music world alive, in Melbourne and beyond.

.band.melb at Wednesday 12 November 2025📷
16/11/2025

.band.melb at

Wednesday 12 November 2025

📷

80. James Sherlock: Mentors, Growth and the Craft of Jazz GuitarIn this episode, I’m joined by James Sherlock, one of Au...
05/11/2025

80. James Sherlock: Mentors, Growth and the Craft of Jazz Guitar

In this episode, I’m joined by James Sherlock, one of Australia’s most respected jazz guitarists.
We talk about his New Zealand roots, the transition from classical to jazz guitar, his early studies and mentors, and how those lessons continue to influence his approach today. James shares stories from his various collaborations, reflects on improvisation and artistic identity, and talks about performing with Paul Grabowsky and Emma Donovan for The Old Rugged Cross and regular gigs at Uptown Jazz Cafe with Ben Hanlon. Sherlock even shares one of his most memorable (and disastrous) gigs performing a live movie soundtrack with legendary film composer Howard Shore.

As a bandleader, James has released six albums and worked with artists including Sheila Jordan, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Riley, Leroy Jones, Rick Margitza, Martin Taylor, Paul Grabowsky, Megan Washington, Joe Camilleri, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. His recordings feature collaborations with Ben Hanlon, Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning, Emma Gilmartin, and Jake Mason, and he recently recorded for François Tétaz’s film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage.

James has toured extensively across more than twelve countries, performing at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (opening for George Benson and Al Jarreau), Melbourne Recital Centre, A Trane in Berlin, and Jazz Dock in Prague. In 2021, he was featured soloist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Blood on the Floor, and his trio appeared in the ABC TV Jazz Series “The Pulse.”

A thoughtful and grounded conversation with a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene — one whose work continues to shape the sound of Australian jazz.

79. Beth Stephen Making Music for Every Age – From Indie Folk to ARIA-Winning Kids TunesIn this episode, we chat with ...
28/10/2025

79. Beth Stephen
Making Music for Every Age – From Indie Folk to ARIA-Winning Kids Tunes

In this episode, we chat with songwriter, musician, and one half of Teeny Tiny Stevies and The Little Stevies, Beth Stephen. We talk about her long-standing creative partnership with her sister Byll, how their indie-folk beginnings evolved into one of Australia’s most loved children’s music acts, and honest thoughts of a working musician.

Beth shares insights into balancing creativity and commercial opportunity, why kids deserve music made just for them, and what it’s been like building a career that’s grown alongside their audience. We also mention their ARIA and AIR Award wins, collaborations with ABC Kids and Zoos Victoria, and what’s next as the band’s youngest fans start to grow up.

A fun and thoughtful conversation with lots of laughs, stories from the road, and reflections on making meaningful music — no matter who’s listening.

78. Lash 78: Singing, Sisterhood, Songwriting, and Navigating the Music IndustryEpisode Description:This week is a speci...
21/10/2025

78. Lash 78: Singing, Sisterhood, Songwriting, and Navigating the Music Industry
Episode Description:

This week is a special one—our first-ever double guest episode! I’m joined by Lauren and Sheridan Harvey, the powerhouse pop-rock duo Lash 78. Known for their huge vocals, high-energy performances, and guitar-driven sound, these Melbourne-based sisters have built a loyal fan base through their electrifying live shows and infectious original music.

Before we hit record, Lauren and Sheridan played me some new demo tracks, including “Heartbreak Lane”—a killer pop-rock track with driving beats, dynamic half-time shifts, and, of course, their amazing harmonies. We talk about their new music, the writing and recording process, and what it means to be an artist in today’s industry. They also share their excitement about gearing up to release new music and hit the stage again in the near future.

Beyond the music, we get into what it’s like working with a sibling, the impact of viral moments and social media, and their journey from early musical influences to finding their sound and building their brand. We also chat about the creative process—singing, making videos, songwriting, and recording. Plus, they share the story behind Lash 78.
This was an energetic, fun, and insightful chat with two incredibly talented artists—don’t miss it!

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

🎙️ 76. Nathan Liow: Jazz, Life Is Better Blonde, and Making Music for YourselfThis week, I’m joined by Nathan Liow—an aw...
14/10/2025

🎙️ 76. Nathan Liow: Jazz, Life Is Better Blonde, and Making Music for Yourself

This week, I’m joined by Nathan Liow—an award-winning jazz pianist and composer who has been a key figure in Melbourne’s jazz scene, performing regularly at venues like Jazzlab, Paris Cat, Birds Basement, and Uptown. He’s studied with some of the world’s best, including Fred Hersch, Vijay Iyer, Geri Allen, Andrea Keller, and Tony Gould, and his compositions have been featured in film soundtracks, installation works, and gallery spaces.
Beyond his jazz career, Nathan is also the artist behind Life Is Better Blonde, a solo project that quickly gained critical acclaim. In 2015, it had a rapid rise, earning a J Award nomination, Triple J rotation, and a spot in BBC 1Xtra’s Top 5 Future R&B. With millions of streams, it was an unexpected success—but we also reflect on how quickly the moment passed and what that taught him about the music industry, expectations, and making music for yourself.

We also discuss keeping an audio journal, his creative process, and balancing live band energy vs. studio production. And fair warning—I was crazy tired from a uni exam when we recorded this, so the chat gets a little all over the shop at times, but it made for an authentic and fun conversation.

This was an awesome chat—don’t miss it!

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

🎙️ 77. Thomas Waltrich: Drumming, Streaming, and Balancing Music with LifeThis week, I’m joined by Thomas Waltrich — a d...
14/10/2025

🎙️ 77. Thomas Waltrich: Drumming, Streaming, and Balancing Music with Life

This week, I’m joined by Thomas Waltrich — a drummer, Twitch streamer, educator, and content creator based in Naarm/Melbourne. With a background in jazz and contemporary music from Monash University, Thomas has played across a wide range of genres, from folk and post-rock to punk hardcore and free improvisation. His passion for drumming and creativity is at the heart of everything he does, whether it’s performing, recording, or sharing his journey online.

But Thomas’s story isn’t just about music—he’s also a full-time school teacher and has spent time living overseas, immersing himself in different cultures, learning languages, and taking part in skill exchanges that have shaped his perspective on music and life. We talk about how those experiences influenced his creative approach, as well as the challenges of moving to a new city and rebuilding connections from scratch.

We also dive into leading a music project, navigating social media as a musician (including his work in Instagram drumming and Twitch streaming), and balancing a full-time job with the pursuit of a music career. Thomas shares how his relationship with music has evolved over time—including stepping away and coming back—and what it means to create for passion rather than expectation.

There’s a lot of trying and a lot of challenges, but also plenty of insight, creativity, and inspiration in this conversation. If you're a musician figuring out how to balance multiple pursuits, this one is for you!

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

🎙️ 75. Kat Greta: Songwriting, Production, and Building a Musical IdentityThis week, I’m joined by Kat Greta—a singer-so...
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

🎙️ 74. JIM ALXNDR: Music, Production, and a Journey Between ContinentsThis week, I’m joined by the incredibly talented J...
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

🎙️ 73. Michaela Jayde: Soul, Singing Competitions, and the Art of Backing VocalsThis week, I’m joined by Michaela Jayde—...
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

🎙️ 72. Brayden Becher: Doom Metal, Drumming in Six Bands, and Life’s Big Questions This week, I’m joined by Brayden Bech...
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


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🎙️ Coming up this week on Are Drummers Musicians?�James Davies joins the podcast for an insightful chat ✨�Coming out Wed...
01/09/2025

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

🎙️ 70. Jess Ellwood: Tour Life, Drumming for Alex Lahey, Guitarist for Angie McMahon, and Growing in MusicThis week, I’m...
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

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