Behind The Soundcheck

We have somehow made it to the end of season one for Behind The Soundcheck today, and what better way to go out in style than with a jaunt into the world of one of the most dynamic entertainers in the biz (and one of The Soundcheck's favourite humans): Jack Venables. Leading the charge for Brisbane's prog chameleons Osaka Punch, it's an understatement to say that music and copious amounts of creativity run deep in the veins of Jack 'Muzack' Venables. An in-demand photographer by day and mythical muso by night, there's nothing quite like witnessing a man clad in sequins charm your ears and shred your soul like a rogue Backstreet Boy filling in for Slipknot at a high school formal. But while his renowned theatrics and musical prowess precedes him, there's a measured and passionate diligence in Jack's professional world that has seen him realise his creative dreams, while also earning him a reputation as a formidable frontman alongside his equally talented band-mates in the Aussie scene. This series started off looking into life on the road with Jack's bassist/band-mum Brenton 'Reggie' Page so it seems only fitting we come full circle today and return to the real reason this crazy music industry even exists: the musicians, of course. So come jump behind the scenes as Jack and Tiana Speter chat all things band life, creativity and surviving the music world

For the second last episode for season one of Behind The Soundcheck, come dive deep into the rabbit hole as we today venture far beyond the stage and studio, joining Caligula's Horse bass-man and musicology wizard Dale Prinsse on a look into how we use music on a day-to-day basis in this modern, digital era. As adept brawling his bass onstage as he is exploring the intricate and incidental aspects of the music world, Dale's creative pursuits have seen him tour the country and beyond while actively researching and challenging the ever-evolving social and technological realities of music and the broader industry. From why music is so important to the effects of incessant background tunes, today is definitely one for those who like a little knowledge spice in their podcast listening. So come join Tiana Speter as she wrangles Dale's wisdom for an in-depth look into music and its everyday implications.

It's Episode 8 today for Behind The Soundcheck, and today we're taking you into the land of music media with an actual industry superhero; boss lady and editor of the Queensland-based site Music Is My Muse, Mimm Steele weaves her love for music and her local QLD scene into a unique and dynamic platform, encouraging and showcasing artists at every stage of their career while maintaining a burgeoning community of music lovers since 2015. With a background in publicity and lifetime of devouring music, there's a refreshing sense of equality and positivity in everything Mimm sets out to achieve - plus this gal can write like nobody's business while fighting to bring more eyes and ears to some of the extraordinary local talent bubbling away. From insights into the future of Aussie music journalism to pointers on how to approach media outlets, come spend some time as Tiana Speter chats shop with this amazing woman.

Today for Episode 7 of the Behind The Soundcheck podcast we're taking a trip into production and management territory, grabbing some time with lighting wizard and manager extraordinaire (and just all-round lovely human) Will Hunter. Currently flexing his skills on lighting and TM duties for Brisbane prog behemoths Caligula's Horse, Will also balances his family life with his significant love of music and professional pursuits, striking equally with his powerful creativity and jaw-dropping organisational skills. From visually enhancing the dulcet, heavy tones of the C-Horse lads onstage to being all-powerful band dad on the road, this inspiring individual does it all with fluent finesse, and today he's chatting with Tiana Speter about the realities of production, life as a tour manager and how he found himself immersed in the music industry. Podcast episode below!

This week it's Episode 6 for Behind The Soundcheck, and we're jumping head-first into the brain, chatting with clinical psychologist Dr Tania McMahon about music as an emotional regulator, fan adoration and some of the cold hard facts about our brains and heavy music. Working by day as psychologist dedicated to helping teens and adults with a wide range of mental health concerns (in particular behavioural and process addictions), Tania's also no stranger to chucking on her best black ensemble and throwing down in the mosh or busting out a song or two at home. Metalhead, mental health megastar and absolute music lover; there are many colourful strings to Tania's musical bow, and today she's joining Tiana Speter for an in-depth and insightful journey through how and why music affects our psyches and the siren call of the rockstar.

For Episode 5 of Behind The Soundcheck it's business time as guitarist, label king and social media heavyweight Chad Ellis shares his experience and extensive knowledge about all things marketing, social media and actively developing bands in the current music industry. A veteran of the Aussie music scene, Chad currently spends his time cleaving riffs for Byron Bay extreme metal lords From Crisis To Collapse while also working alongside the legendary dw Norton from Superheist, running heavy music label Black Mountain Music as its marketing, publicity and artist liaison. A man whose passion has permeated his own career and that of many others, Chad's reluctant move into the social media world is the result of determined evolution and the pursuit of authenticity, and for Episode 5 Tiana Speter grabbed some time with Sir Ellis to chat mentors, marketing and what it really takes to elevate your band and your brand.

We're up to Episode 4 of Behind The Soundcheck, and today it's a lesson in mixing business with pleasure as Brisbane guitarist and music production guru Chrispy Town from Osaka Punch takes us from the stage to the recording studio in style. A man as notorious for his fusion licks as he is for his passionate innovation in the studio, Chrispy has long been a fixture in the Aussie music industry, recently expanding his creative muscles by co-running Brisbane music production company Head Atlas alongside fellow creative powerhouse Joel Myles. But what series of events led this shred-lord to find his home in the music world? For Ep 4, Tiana Speter grabbed some time with Mr Chrispy Town himself to chat musicality, mixing and his journey into the music industry.

For Episode Three of Behind The Soundcheck, publicity's the game and Sammie Anschau is the name. Founder of the independent music PR company Beehive PR, Sammie has become a mainstay in the industry, starting life in the live music arena before eventually finding her home in the hive with her very own company. From running PR campaigns for bands from every corner of the industry, including Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, The Ruminaters, and The Getaway Plan (to name but a few) to sharing her expert advice at various events alongside fellow industry heavyweights, Sammie's true talent isn't just that she's remarkably driven and experienced; instead, this is also a passionate lover of all things music who thrives in a hectic industry and holds authenticity and positivity above all else to achieve remarkable results. But what does it take to effectively create a buzz about a band in a this digital age? Come join Sammie as she chats with Tiana Speter about insights, inspirations and her intimate knowledge of PR and the Aussie music world.

No stranger to balancing colours, creativity and his day-to-day-life, for the second episode of Behind The Soundcheck come jump into the mind of guitarist, videographer and total creative cauldron Adrian Goleby from Caligula's Horse. A man equally at home both behind and in front of the the camera, Adrian's approach to his multiple crafts is one of sincere curiosity and a whopping dash of in-built talent. And when he's not busy busting a move onstage, touring globally or churning out tunes with his fellow pony progsters it's likely you'll find him calmly helming a music video adventure, slaving to a render or devouring every inch of the vivid world around him, and for Episode Two of Behind The Soundcheck Tiana Speter grabbed some time with this intriguing gentleman to peer further into the world of videos and how to find a balance in this brave new creative world.

Kicking off Behind The Soundcheck for the first time ever is none other than Brisbane bass overlord and all-round lovely human Brenton Page from Osaka Punch. As a man who has seen it all touring the country alongside a horde of local and international icons, including Cog, Mammal, The Butterfly Effect and Living Colour, Brenton's take on finding balance in a world of excess and constant shifts is a refreshing juxtaposition to the clichéd rockstar mold. A stomp machine by night and a mental health nurse by day, you can guarantee this is a man with a story or two to tell, and for Episode 1 Tiana Speter grabbed some phone time with Sir Page himself to chat touring tips, musical quips and where his creative journey began.