John Linnell is one half of  They Might Be Giants, an American alternative rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1982. The group is known for their unique blend of alternative rock, experimental pop, and highly unconventional songwriting. John chats with us on his career to date, recent album The World Is To Dig and a great deal more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Pulling together a ‘pile’ of songs for The World Is To Dig The Linnell / Flansburgh writing and album production process The brilliant Patrick Dillett Sound selection for The World Is To Dig The Critter and Guitari Organelle Bastl Instruments John’s long-term love of Digital Performer They Might Be Giants live – approach in the early years as a tape-backed duo They Might Be Giants re-create the duo years in Brooklyn in 2015. John in action with They Might Be Giants live in 2026: Spiraling Shape John’s discovery of the accordion Main Squeeze accordions in New York City The late, great Walter Kuhr and the Main Squeeze Orchestra John’s keyboard rig in ‘the early days’ Casio CZ-101 Casio FZ-1 John’s current virtual keyboard rig with They Might Be Giants after a long and healthy relationship with the original Roland Fantom keyboard The Marxophone The Marxophone in action on Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) – The Doors They Might Be Giants’ cover of the Irving Berlin song Lazy They Might Be Giants – Who Are The Electors? They Might Be Giants’ intergenerational appeal Mutual thoughts on Australia’s love for They Might Be Giants (and how JJJ made a difference) The TMBG musical vault and why it will likely stay closed Desert Island Discs: Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II BWV 846-893 – Glenn Gould, The Anthology 1931-1968 – The Mills Brothers, Songs of the Pogo – Norman Monath / Walt Kelly, The Biz Never Sleeps – Biz Markie, Oranges & Lemons – XTC A shout out for This Might Be A Wiki Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post John Linnell, They Might Be Giants appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace is an Australian-based accordion and keyboard player, who for more than forty years has played around the world with a range of outfits including Weddings Parties Anything and Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission.  We cover a lot of that career, in addition to some discussion on accordions in contemporary music, some great desert island disc selections and a whole bunch more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Mark’s musical upbringing and earning his stripes in a Scottish dance band from age 12. Auditioning and joining Weddings Parties Anything Wedding Parties Anything live in 1988 – Under The Clocks Weddings Parties Anything – Streets of Forbes Early days gigging with Weddings Parties Anything, including a residency at Fitzroy’s Jike Jika Hotel. Weddings Parties Anything’s first album – Scorn of the Women The Infanticide of Marie Farrar Weddings Parties Anything – Away Away The second album – Roaring Days Discussion on Weddings Parties rise and rise and supporting acts like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Steve Earle and U2. The third album – The Big Don’t Argue The Ballad of Peggy and Col The fourth album – Difficult Loves The fifth album – King Tide Changes in band lineup and making Australia the ‘new Europe’ touring-wise. The sixth album – Donkey Serenade The last album – River’esque The ending of Weddings Parties Anything, the final gigs and stage diving with an accordion Touring with U2 and BB KingMark in action with Sally Dastey The brilliant Tiddas Playing on Mick Thomas and The Sure Thing albums – including Big Geographical The formation of Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission Three Roving Commission songs to check out: Back in the Day, Build This, Anything You Recognise (which in part retells the discussion with Mark on the breakup of Weddings Parties Anything) Mark’s accordions and go to keyboard: the Nord Electro 3 The solo album: Squeezebox Wally Thoughts on musical legacy The The – This Is The Day Desert Island Discs: Kite – Kirsty Maccoll, Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, Dancer With Bruised Knees – Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Moon Safari – Air, How Will The Wolf Survive? – Los Lobos, Nina Simone At Town Hall – Nina Simone. Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. A special thanks to Tim Pyers who introduced me to Weddings Parties anything way back in 1989. Do get in touch Tim!The post Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace, Weddings Parties Anything, Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Julian Emery is a UK-based songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose credits include work with artists such as Nothing But Thieves, McFly, and Lissie. This episode is a little different as Julian doesn’t play keyboards himself, but he joins the show to share his unique perspective from the producer’s chair and offers some interesting thoughts on the role keyboard players play in songs. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Julian’s website Jules’ musical upbringingMoving into production and recognising the importance of synths / keyboards in the processHear’Say Working with Matt Willis and co-writing his first three singles, including Up All Night Co-writing with McFly, including Star Girl Building rapport and co-writing with people you are meeting for the first time Jules’ long-term collaborative relationship with Jim Irvin Collaboration mistakes made the hard way The longstanding ‘gift’ of working with Nothing But Thieves. One of Jules’ co-writes with Nothing But Thieves (and #1 hit) Trip Switch Nothing But Thieves – Welcome to the DCC The WASP synth Working with Lissie across multiple albums and co-writing songs, including the breakout hit When I’m Alone A discussion on Jules’ passion for talking on creativity and resilience. Desert Island Discs: Back in Black – AC/DC, 2112 – Rush, Hemispheres – Rush, Denim and Leather – Saxon, Chicago X – Chicago. Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a tas te of each guest’s creations.The post Julian Emery, Songwriter and Producer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Geoff Downes returns for his second appearance on the show, having originally joined us back on Episode 38. While his extensive history with Yes is well documented, this time around we focus specifically on the band’s latest album, Aurora. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview, and we take the opportunity to delve into his current approach to songwriting and his performance on the new record. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   The release of the album Aurora by Yes Thoughts on being in the longest period of time in Yes without personnel changes, and the central role Steve Howe plays in ensuring the Yes sound Yes – Countermovement Paying due respect to the legacy of previous Yes keyboard players  The keyboard sounds that are the essence of the Yes sound The more challenging aspects of a Yes live set Geoff’s (still huge) keyboard rig with Yes and the contrast with his rig with AsiaProposed approach to recreating the Aurora tracks live, in a band that doesn’t use backing tracks The importance in Yes of interplay between keyboards and guitar. Geoff’s collaborative relationships with Steve Howe and Jon Davison. Preparing for, and surviving a long tour. Geoff’s pick of artists living or dead, that’d he’d love to work with. Geoff’s admiration of Benny Andersson Band T-Shirt Pimp: Punch Drunk Cabaret Thumbnail picture via Yes official social media, taken by Ellis Larch Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Geoff Downes, Yes (Redux) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Scottie Miller is an American keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. Known for his blues- and roots-influenced playing style, Scottie has spent years on the road as the long-time musical director and keyboardist for Ruthie Foster. He’s also worked with Bo Diddley and Johnnie Johnson to name just two others. Alongside his work as an MD, he has maintained a steady solo career, releasing 13 albums—including his latest project, Hello Pain—and earning an induction into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. We chat to Scottie about his approach to composition, his time on the road, and balancing a solo career with collaborative work. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Scottie’s past 12 months Scottie’s album Hello Pain Commissioning and working with a 50+ piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra  Scottie Miller – Awake and Willing Scottie Miller – Hello Pain title song and the impetus for the whole album Scottie Miller – Underneath The Black Oaks Scottie’s musical upbringing and the huge influence of the Minneapolis music scene Working with Big John Dickerson & Blue Chamber The Scottie Miller Band in action Meeting and working briefly with Johnnie Johnson Working and touring with Bo Diddley Joining Ruthie Foster’s band Scottie in action with Ruthie Foster  – Phenomenal Woman Opening for Ray Manzarek and saving the day later in the night Scottie’s rig with Ruthie Foster Ruthie’s album Mileage and reproducing horns live A discussion on Scottie’s (victorious) battle with depression and addiction A message of support to other keyboard players struggling with addiction, depression or anxiety Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled – Donny Hathaway, Feeling Good: The Very Best of Nina Simone – Nina Simone, Goin’ Back To New Orleans – Dr John, Violin Concerto / Musica Dolorosa / Viatore – Peteris Vasks, I Wanna Go Home – Otis Spann. Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Scottie Miller, Solo Artist / Ruthie Foster appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Danny Silverston is an American keyboardist and founding member of the Boston-based soul-pop band Couch. Known for his warm, jazz- and funk-influenced playing style, Danny has been an integral part of the seven-piece group’s collaborative writing and production process since their formation in 2018. He recently played on the band’s 2025 debut full-length album, Big Talk, and continues to tour extensively with them across the United States and internationally. We chat to Danny on his approach to composition, performance and making two hands do maximum work on some complex pieces. Add in a very relatable train wreck story and there’s lots to enjoy. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Danny’s musical upbringing Orange Guava Passion Danny’s Couch connections and becoming a core member of the band Couch in action live: Jessie Couch’s cover of Conjunction Junction Couch – Black Bear Lane The importance of piano, electric piano and organ in Couch A shout-out to the amazing Kevin Gastonguay as organ mentor Danny breaks down his approach to a complex multi-patch and keyboard piece, Static and Noise Danny pulling off Static and Noise live with Couch Finding creative sonic space amongst a brass section and guitars Couch’s collaborative songwriting approach and the challenges and opportunities it brings Rehearsing pre-tour Anatole Muster Some fast playing by Danny on ‘On The Wire’ Desert Island Discs: Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, I Am – Earth, Wind & Fire, Two Star & The Dream Police – Mk.gee, Self-Titled – Daryl Johns, Brown Sugar – D’Angelo. Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Danny Silverston, Couch appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Paul Furness is a keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist who serves as a founding member of Brisbane indie rock mainstays Ball Park Music. Since forming the group during a university class assignment in 2008, Paul has spent nearly two decades helping anchor their melodic and eclectic sound, layering essential synthesizer textures, piano, and occasional trombone across eight studio albums. From their acclaimed debut Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs to their latest release Like Love, his meticulous approach to parts and arrangement has been a constant thread in the band’s enduring catalog. We chat with Paul about how a college project evolved into a multi-decade career, his collaborative writing process, and the gear he relies on for the stage and the studio. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Paul’s past 12 months  Ball Park Music’s latest album Like Love Ball Park music in action supporting Oasis last year Playing a gig with Brisbane’s cheesiest band, The Pizzas Approaching gigs supporting Oasis in stadiums The first album – Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs – and working with Matt Redlich The second album – Museum Recording the fourth album, Every Night The Same Dream,  to analog 4-track, 1/4-inch tape The evolution of Paul’s keyboard rig and the UDO Super 6 as a central component Creating and feeding energy to the audience when playing live Paul’s role as Ball Park Music’s Keep of the Statistics Ball Park Music – Hands Off My Body  Ball Park Music – Surrender Plans and motivations for the future Ball Park Music’s tour rehearsal process A Vietnam-based challenging gig Desert Island Discs: Night Train – Oscar Peterson, Morrison Hotel – The Doors, Whatever and Ever Amen – Ben Folds Five, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, We Like It Here – Snarky Puppy T-Shirt shout-out to The Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Paul Furness, Ball Park Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Michael Stephen Brown is a versatile American pianist and composer best known for his solo performances, rich chamber music collaborations, and unique original works. Bridging the gap between world-class piano playing and storytelling, he has recently released his debut album of all-original music, Twelve Blocks. Showcasing his distinct creative voice, the deeply personal project features a series of musical portraits, emotional detours, and true stories brought to life alongside an impressive roster of guest performers. We chat with Michael on this and get some great insights into his approach to music and composition. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Michael’s past year Michaels’ album – Twelve Blocks  The process of seeking or receiving commissions for musical performances and/or compositions The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Michael’s musical upbringing Attending Juilliard  Jerome Lowenthal Samuel Adler Ursula Oppens Ursula Oppens and Jerome Lowenthal perform Michael’s piece Twelve Blocks, with poetry Composing for one piano, four hands and four albums Composing for one hand only Breakup Etude for the Right Hand Alone The Yaddo retreat The Carnival of Endangered Wonders Lake Alan Piano from Pas de trois – Michael Stephen Brown Composing with pencil and paper versus computer Michael’s piano Octavia A discussion on mental health, music and the arts Creatives Care Planning and rehearsing a repertoire before a show or tour Michael’s upcoming creative works, including release of his own piano concerto Desert Island Discs: Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring – Leonard Bernstein and London Symphony Orchestra, Live Performances 1934-1956 Vol. 1 – Art Tatum, Bach: The Goldberg Variations – Glenn Gould, Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit – Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Michael Stephen Brown, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Peter Dasent is an incredibly versatile pianist, composer, and musical director best known for his long tenure as the resident keyboardist on ABC’s Play School, a role he has held for over two decades. While he is well known for his daily on-set improvisations for children, his impressive resume also includes leading his chamber-jazz ensemble The Umbrellas for over 30 years, as well as composing soundtracks for early Peter Jackson films like Meet The Feebles and Heavenly Creatures. We chat with Peter about that amazing history, his approach to playing and composing across so many different genres, and lots more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   The iconic, and Cookie Monster endorsed, Play School, turns 60 Peter’s musical upbringing Forming SPATS alongside Fane Flaws SPATS – New Wave Goodbye Joining The Crocodiles alongside the brilliant Jenny Morris The Crocodiles – Telephone Lover The very interesting Kim Fowley Peter’s admiration of Steve Nieve’s work The Crocodiles – Tears The underadmired (and according to Peter, Mushroom Records’ worst selling album ever): I Am Joe’s Music (Self-Titled) The inimitable Lobby Loyde Formation of The Umbrellas The Umbrellas live Some timely advice from Don Burrows Moving into film composition Peter’s work on Peter Jackson’s Meet The Feebles The composition and recording process for Meet The Feebles Working on Peter Jackson’s  Braindead / Dead Alive The legendary E-mu Proteus 2 Working on Peter Jackon’s Heavenly Creatures Working as the Pianist on Play School Discussion on the level of improvisation required on set of Play School Pivoting on the fly between musical genres on Play School Working with Justine Clarke Peter in action live with Justine Clarke Peter’s solo work including Songs for Solo Piano Peter in action in Studio 3 at Abbey Road Sterling Sound in New York Desert Island Discs: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Satie: Works for Piano – Aldo Ciccolini, Plays Duke Ellington – Thelonius Monk, The Fellini Album: The Film Music of Nino Rota: Nino Rota, Hot Rats – Frank Zappa. Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Peter Dasent, Pianist / Play School / The Umbrellas appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Peter Sandberg is a Swedish neo-classical and electronic pianist and composer based in Uppsala. Known for his minimalist, felt-piano compositions and atmospheric textures, he has released several acclaimed albums including Motion, Återvända, and Midnattssol. Beyond his solo work, Sandberg’s music has reached a wide audience through high-profile placements in television series such as Stranger Things, as well as collaborations with artists like Henry Green and Arctic Lake. We chat on Peter’s career as a whole and his new album Temporary Coexistence of Humans. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Peter’s album Temporary Coexistence of Humans A discussion on the album themes and ‘sitting at the piano’ approach to recording Developing an intimate sound for piano Milab / Pearl Microphones Peter Sandberg – Motion Peter’s recording keyboard rig beyond the piano Hologram Electronics Peter Sandberg – Deep Peter’s song Deep as featured on Stranger Things How Peter’s song was found and placed on the show Peter’s musical upbringing and a key ‘sliding doors’ moment Peter’s live performance rig Desert Island Discs:  None (explained by Peter in the interview) Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Peter Sandberg, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.