Seja talks to her guest Ambrose Kenny-Smith (The Murlocs/King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) about the making of The Murloc’s new album Bittersweet Demons, mixing remotely and how the Harry Nilsson and John Lennon album Pussy Cats was a big inspiration. He tells Seja about the challenges of being a singer and harmonica player on tour, writing songs on the piano, and bring a worrier. They chat about being being starstruck, his first EP that he made when he was 8 and the lovely Flightless Records community. 

Ambrose’s strange show story was illustrated by @millionmanymiles. You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

#68 Ambrose Kenny-Smith (The Murlocs/King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)

Seja talks to her guest Luke Steele (Empire of the Sun, the Sleepy Jackson, DREAMS, H3000) about growing up in a blues club with his dad and learning some valuable lessons. Luke tells Seja about production ideas that never made it into a show, his experimentations with illusions and the mistakes he made as a young person. Seja shares her first memories of the Sleepy Jackson and they chat about Luke’s friendship and creative collaboration with Daniel Johns, working with Beyonce and Jay-z and what it means to think about music as a business. 

Luke’s strange show experience was illustrated by Liam Barling (@leleleroy). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

#69 Luke Steele (Empire of the Sun, the Sleepy Jackson, DREAMS, H3000)

Seja talks to her guest Hayley Mary (the Jezabels) about feelings, singing from the heart and how Unchained Melody was the catalyst for Hayley’s love of singing. Hayley tells Seja about her love of dramatic melodies, how she sees singing as a game she tries to get better at, and the horror of playing solo acoustic shows. They chat about both attending Steiner schools, how to push yourself to be heard and the appeal of nihilism and chaos. 

Hayley’s strange show story was illustrated by Ruby McGregor (Babaganouj, Catalano, Lexicon). You can see all podcast illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcat or on the HearSej Facebook page

#71 Hayley Mary (The Jezabels)

Seja talks to her guest Ian Kenny (Birds of Tokyo) about working on music remotely, making mistakes on stage and the grossness of creating ‘content’ for fans. Kenny tells Seja about the creative hub in his hometown of Dunsborough, Western Australia, being vulnerable with band mates and trying not to think about your audience while writing songs. They share some random phone notes and chat AFL grand final. 

Kenny’s strange show experience was illustrated by Eadie Newman (@anemone_ears). All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#72 Ian Kenny (Birds Of Tokyo)

Seja talks to her guest Charley about her new single Arizona, its themes of mental health, panic and anxiety, and how relatable these themes are amongst artists. Charley shares her stories about being a competitor on The Voice and what she learnt from these experiences about her own creative output. She tells Seja about collaborating with other artists and producers, how communication is the key to all good songwriting and how feeling vulnerable is an important part of the process. Seja and Charley share stories about their misophonia, theories on immersion therapy and singing with accents. 

Charley’s strange show experience was illustrated by @alice_amsel. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#73 Charley

Seja talks to her guest Jen Boyce (Ball Park Music) about her love of the Seekers as a child, learning to harmonise with her sister and singing along to tapes in the car. Jen tells Seja about how she was drawn to Hanson as a musical goal, how her mum helped her make a business plan for playing live, and the first time she picked up a bass. They chat about learning by ear, karaoke and how to be happy on stage. Jen also goes into her experiences with endometriosis and how she advocates for her own health and the health of others by spreading her valuable knowledge on the issue.

Jen’s strange show story was illustrated by Mark Chester Harding. You can see more of his work on instagram @markchesterharding or his online store at www.markchesterharding.com

All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#74 Jen Boyce (Ball Park Music)

Seja talks to her guest Paul Kelly about his very special new Christmas album ‘Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train’, the journey of making the album, how the songs came together and some of the collaborations. Paul tells Seja about the post album recording flatness, how it’s always strange to talk about something once you’ve finished it and his love of sequencing albums. They chat about the album themes including family, cultural and religious representation and the spine tingling harmonies throughout. They gush about Paul’s band, touch on some songwriting tricks, go through some of his favourite hip hop artists and how they influenced his own songs.

Paul’s strange show story was illustrated by Jack Rodgers. You can see more of Jack’s work on instagram @jackrodgersartist. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#77 Paul Kelly

Seja talks to her guest Stu Mackenzie (King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) about his upcoming multi-genre residency shows in Brisbane, COVID-19 admin on tour and how difficult it is to remember 75 songs at the same time. Stu tells Seja about how he approaches music like architecture, his addictive personality and how this feeds his compulsion to write, and how his dad would play him Australian Roots/Country to put him to sleep as a kid. They chat about needing parameters while writing, their love of Juno-60s, and the phenomenon of everyone hearing music differently to one another. 

Stu’s strange show story was illustrated by Alex Smith (@alexosm). 

All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#78 Stu Mackenzie (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)

Seja talks to her guest Erica Dunn (Tropical Fuck Storm, MOD CON, harmony, Palm Springs) about the new TFS album, how the band accidentally made a movie and how songs come together in all the bands she is in. Erica tells Seja about her music related sliding doors moment, her scary piano teacher and how she joined her favourite band. They chat about her experiences with trying to learn mistakes on purpose, vocal heroes and trying to stay healthy on tour. 

Erica's strange show story was illustrated by George Karapas @georgekarapas001. All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#79 Erica Dunn (Tropical Fuck Storm, MOD CON)

Seja talks to her guest Missy Higgins about her new mini album Total Control, how she expanded the songs from writing for television and how it was produced. They chat about their shared phobias, how important it is to surround yourself with good hearted people on tour, and their fear of accidentally not being woke enough. Missy tells seja about fighting for women’s rights, being politically outspoken and writing abstract piano music. 

Missy’s strange story was illustrated by Charmaine Greenwood. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

#81 Missy Higgins

Seja talk to her guest Astrid Jorgensen (Pub Choir) about the phenomenon that is Pub Choir over the last few years, her history of being a high school teacher and how singing in a choir the quickest way to properly experience music as an amateur. Astrid tells Seja about the mistaken notion that alcohol is a 'must' for pub choir, that she doesn’t like performing when it’s all about her, and her lack of an inner dialogue. They chat about audiation, the health benefits of singing, her inclusion of sign language in Pub Choir and all the amazing female and gender diverse artists she champions as part of the show. And course, they talk about the Kate Bush email. 

Astrid’s strange story was illustrated by the Patterson kids, with artistic direction from Pub Choir manager and guitarist from the Grates John Patterson. You can follow John on instagram @Jhonpatterson or Pub Choir @pubchoir

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the hearsej facebook page.

#83 Astrid Jorgensen (Pub Choir)

Seja talks to her guest Yon (Simon Hall) from Tripod about his new podcast called Minuscule Musical, a clever half-hour podcast where he collaborates with different people each episode to write a short musical. Yon tells Seja about being inspired by a cast recording of Annie, how the musical idea of Bono and the Edge writing a Spiderman musical came about, the process of collaborating for the first time with new people and his choir training as a young boy. Seja and Yon chat about overdoing it at the gym, the time they played Dungeons and Dragons, and how to know when I song is done. 

Yon’s strange show story was illustrated by Vanessa Norlander @ness_norlander 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#86 Yon (Tripod)

Seja talks to her guest Alex Gow about the making of his new album Dizzy Spell (out in October 2023), recording to 4-track, the pressure of a single take and unexpected majors/minors. They chat about nicknames, their love of Harry Nilsson and how your body can understand music before your mind does. Alex tells Seja about feeling adult, healthy and happy, writing on the piano and what artists were played around the house when he was a child. 

Alex’s strange experience illustration was done by Artificial Intelligence (orchestrated by Alex Gow). 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#87 - Alex Gow

Seja talks to her guest Sam Bentley (The Paper Kites) about his first touring experiences, starting in punk bands and trying to be crazy on stage. Sam tells Seja about his dad, his spirituality and being inspired by gospel music. They chat about wanting to move people with music, going shows by themselves and the unique way the Paper Kites’ new album was written and recorded. 

Sam’s strange show experience was illustrated by Ethan Jenkins (@e.e.jenkins). 

All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#88 Sam Bentley (The Paper Kites)

Seja talked to her Guest Georgia Barnes about her new album It’s Euphoric, growing up surrounded by synths from birth as her dad’s band Leftfield were hitting the mainstream, and how the smell of old equipment feels like home. Georgia tells Seja about working with a producer for the first time and how trusting and open the collaborative relationship with Rostam became. They share stories about touring with old gear, album release anxiety and much synthesiser chat. 

Georgia’s strange show story was illustrated by Matt King Harbottle. You can see more of his work on instagram @gunners.king or on his website www.theharbottle.com

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#89 - Georgia

Seja talks to her guest Adem Kerimofski (Turnstyle) about their 20 odd year friendship, how they both met Dave Grohl on the same day and their Sekiden/Turnstyle brother/sister type relationship. 
Adem tells Seja about being ‘too weird’ to be signed to Shock Records, his favourite songs of all time, lo fi home recording and DIY music releasing. 
They chat about their love of Boney M, writing a simple melody with emotion, and playing with bands who are more earnest than them.

Adem’s strange experience was illustrated by PJ of the band Turnstyle.

All illustrations can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#90 Adem Kerimofski (Turnstyle)

Seja talks to her guest Asha Lorenz (Sorry) about being in Australia for the first time, growing up in the London music scene but taking it for granted and listening to Bob Dylan instead. Asha tells Seja about what it’s like being in her genre-diverse band Sorry and her experiences translating the songs to a live setting. They chat about being the only girl on tour, finding the perfect intoxication balance on stage and what’s next for Asha in terms of writing new songs and making some changes. 

Asha’s story was illustrated by Lucy Dyson. You can find more of her work on instagram @lucydysonsphere or at www.lucydyson.com.

#91 - Asha Lorenz (Sorry)

Seja talks to her guest Hannah Cameron about moving to Melbourne from Brisbane to study jazz voice, first being inspired by Laura Marling and Missy Higgins and how she balances playing and teaching music. Hannah tells Seja about being a choir nerd who loved harmonies and how getting therapy and her subsequent self reflection in adult life has helped her songwriting. They chat about album making buddies, getting to play your favourite songs with the people who wrote them and the special kind of hell that is comping your own vocals. 

Hannah’s strange story was illustrated by Jack Spider @socialjacktivism. 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#92 - Hannah Cameron

Seja talks to her guest Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) about what it’s like supporting Robbie Williams in Australia, his current killer band members and his latest album ‘Turn the Car Around’. Gaz tells Seja about translating these songs to a live setting, building his home studio and how that sparked a big moment of songwriting energy, and how his record became a comfort and a friend during the UK lockdowns. They chat about the writing and recording process including trying to keep first takes, mumble tracks and crafting the ideas, how Lennon made Gaz feel ok to express all the big feelings, getting signed as a teenager and capitalising on the Britpop label. 

Gaz’s strange story was illustrated by Davey Lane @daveyhellolane. Thank you also to Davey for helping to make the whole chat happen. 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#93 Gaz Coombes (Supergrass)

Seja talks to her guest Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) about her feelings on releasing the new Middle Kids album Faith Crisis Pt 1, the inspiration and journey of the album and what the word faith conjures up for people. Hannah tells Seja about touring with a kid, the role that alcohol can take in songwriting and performance, and her first experience of acting in a movie (check out the film Christmess). They also chat about lyrics and rhyme schemes, performance anxiety and instrumental songs. 

Hannah’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Leith O’Malley. You can see more of his amazing artwork at www.leithomalley.com or on instagram @leithomalley. 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

Solidarity Soundwaves 
https://4000.fanlink.to/solidarity-soundwavesb

#94 Hannah Joy (Middle Kids)

Seja talks to her guest Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) about growing up Modesto, moving to LA on his own terms, home recording and weird shows in Germany. Jason tells Seja about the last tour he did of Australia, his thoughts on continuing to use the name Grandaddy, and wanting to honour one’s own influences without compromise. They chat about imposter syndrome, their love of Jeff Lynne, synths and how to keep songs interesting. 

Jason’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Spod. You can see more of Spod’s music and videos @spodemonic or or https://www.spod.com.au/ 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#95 Jason Lytle (Grandaddy)

Seja talks to her guest Michael Rother (Neu!, Harmonia, Kraftwerk) about playing these 50 anniversary of Neu! Shows in Australia and if they have conjured up and feelings of nostalgia. Michael tells Seja about being grateful for his musical freedom, having a popularity resurgence for old records 20 years after their release, and his opinion on terms like Krautrock and Motorik. They chat about playing in bands with people who may not be your friends, growing up in Düsseldorf, and being introduced to Little Richard by his older brother. Michael talks openly about Klaus Dinger (dummer in Neu!), Conny Plank (engineer and producer), Jaki Liebezeit (Can), Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider (Kraftwerk) and Roedlius and Möbius (Cluster). 

Michael’s strange show story was illustrated by Kate Reid @itrecordsmelb or @katekatereid. 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#96 Michael Rother (Neu!, Harmonia, Kraftwerk)

Seja talks to her guest Angeline Armstrong (Telenova) about the band’s new album ‘Time is a Flower’, her processes around writing lyrics, setting herself deadlines and how they grew as producers. Angeline tells Seja about what their live show currently looks like, the first musicians who inspired her and her current obsession. They share stories of self doubt, the importance of backing yourself, having too many creative interests and being overthinkie and sensitive. 

Angeline’s strange show story was illustrated by friend of the podcast Leith O’Malley. You can see more of his amazing artwork at www.leithomalley.com or on instagram @leithomalley. 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#97 - Angeline Armstrong (Telenova)

Seja talks to her guest Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) about his new solo album Harmonics and all the amazing collaborators on the album. They talk about keeping electronic music interesting both in the studio and live, how having someone else listen to your music can change the way you hear it too, and how to harvest the energy in the room when working with a collaborator. Joe tells Seja about working with Katy Perry, Jarvis Cocker, Peter Gabriel, Robert Wyatt, Sleaford Mods and Brian Eno. They chat about how Joe owns Seja’s dream synthesiser (Yamaha CS-80), getting ideas down quickly, how hard editing down is and how to know when a song is done. 

Joe’s strange show story was illustrated by @matthewthegardener. You can see more of his  stuff on instagram @matthewthegardener. 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page.

#98 Joe Goddard (Hot Chip)

Seja talks to her guest Geoffrey O’Connor (Crayon Fields) about the writing and production of his new solo album ‘I Love What We Do, how the songs are sentimental and sad but also hopeful and the album's interesting instrumentation which includes a musical saw and harp. Seja and Geoff talk about their shared love of ELO, how they’re not sure if they’ve ever been cool, getting bullied and learning Nirvana songs. Geoff tells Seja about his first musical loves, why he is into audio and visual production, working with Sarah Mary Chadwick and the importance of the Yamaha DX7. 

Geoff’s story was illustrated by Greg John (@loydknowsbest). 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#99 - Geoffrey O'Connor

It’s a celebration of 100 episodes of HearSej and the tables are turned to face Seja, as three of her favourite people interview her about her life. Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger), Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) and Spod ask Seja about the important issues such as who has the best stage banter in Australia, why do we like fart noises only if a synthesizer is making them, and which famous people have you seen naked. Seja also tells her friends about how she makes the podcast, which guests she has connected with the most, and her experiences moving to Australia from Germany. 

Seja tells three strange show stories, one of which she has illustrated. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast, or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#100 - Seja Vogel (feat. Bernard Fanning, Stella Mozgawa and Spod)

Seja talks to her guest Ratbag about growing up in New Zealand, discovering music like David Bowie and Blondie through her dad, and how her parents helped her develop her singing voice. She tells Seja about her multidisciplinary artistic project, how important journaling is to her and her ambitious wishes for her future live shows. They chat about tricking oneself into confidence, writing and production and channeling one’s goblin voice. 

Ratbag’s story was illustrated by me! 

All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.


#101 - Ratbag

Seja talks to her guest Sarah Blasko about how she grew to love singing at a young age, and how she went from playing in youth group and cover bands to writing her own music and performing under her own name. Sarah chats about the different approaches she took on her albums and some of the incredible people she has worked with throughout her musical career. 

Sarah’s strange show story is illustrated by Alana Skyring and can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast on on the HearSej Facebook page.

HearSej

#12 Sarah Blasko

Seja talk to her guest Megan Washington about her ambitions to be Judy Garland when she was younger, deeply regretting lyrics in retrospect and the three things people bring up the most to her and can’t seem to let go of. They also talk about Meg’s dissatisfaction with the American jazz songbook, Keith Urban calling her out of the blue and how to write songs on dogs.

Megan’s story is illustrated by Stacy Gougoulis. You can check out more of his work on Instagram @moustace or on tumblr here: moustace.tumblr.com

All podcast pictures can be seen on the HearSej Instagram (@hearsejpodcast) or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#14 Megan Washington

Seja talks to Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music) about being in Brisbane’s politest band, their connection with fans and how he started loving music listening to his parent's classic 60s and 70s vinyl collection. Sam talks about how learning instruments gave him a sense of identity, his progression as a guitarist and singer including his experiences being transformed into a different person on stage and how he juggled university, jobs and touring. He tells Seja about the band’s instant connection with her high school friend; producer Matt Redlich, their luck with Australian radio support and his relationship with certain aspects of songwriting such as repetition. 

Sam’s strange show story is illustrated by @softnudiejazz and can be seen on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page. You can also buy Softnudiejazz shirts online at  softnudiejazz.bigcartel.com.

#26 Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music)

Seja talks to her guest Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia) about their shared German heritage, how Clem Burke and Devo transformed his life with their look and music, and his introduction into punk. Fred tells Seja about reaching out to John Waters as a teenager and their resulting friendship, the similarities between music and comedy improvisation and his thoughts on music criticism. Fred and Seja also share their unique stories about getting to perform live with Devo. 

Fred’s strange show story was illustrated by the incredible musician and their mutual friend Courtney Barnett (@courtneymelba). 

All illustrations can be viewed on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page

#44 Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia)

Seja talks to her guest Paul Dempsey (Something for Kate) during the COVID-19 quarantine about homeschooling, trying to release music during a pandemic, home recording and demo-itis. Paul tells Seja about his love for metal and fast guitar as a kid, how he managed to learn instruments by mimicking others, and his perfect pitch. Seja and Paul share stories of the infamous 4zzz Market Day that ended in a riot and stories about being tall. 

Paul’s strange show experience is illustrated by Paul McNeil (@paulmcneilart)

You can find all illustrations on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#51 Paul Dempsey (Something For Kate)

Seja talks to her guest Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) about the first bands he loved: The Beatles, David Bowie and Kiss and how important conviction is in songwriting. Bernard and Seja share memories of the Brisbane music scene in the 90s/early 00s and how they both aim to write perfectly slick sounding music. Bernard tells Seja about his compulsion to write, his work ethic and his songwriting process. They chat about memory, the difference between being a singer and a performer, and Powderfinger’s recent one-night-only reformation. 

Bernard’s strange show story was illustrated by Andrea Portela Moreno @andrea_portela_moreno

All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast 

Donate to Beyond Blue here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/make-a-donation

Donate to Support Act here: https://supportact.org.au/donate-now/

#52 Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger)

Seja talks to her guest Tex Perkins (Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea) about the juxtaposition of being a consumer of music and a music maker. They chat about Tex’s new online show called ‘The Show’ and how it has created a vehicle to build and support his musical community. Tex tells Seja about missing live performance, making music at home, homeschooling and past and present collaborations. They chat about the legacy of band mates Brian Hooper and Spencer P. Jones while reflecting on the band’s heavy lifestyle and the subsequent consequences. 

Tex’s strange show story was illustrated by Tony Giacca (@tonyguitarnerd). 

All illustrations can be seen on the HearSej Facebook page and on instagram @hearsejpodcast

#55 Tex Perkins (Beasts Of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea)

Musician and synth-enthusiast Seja talks to her guests about their creative endeavours, where they came from, and what inspires them.
She is also asking about the strangest or worst show/experience the person has had as part of their artistic venture.  The answer to this question will not only be played on the podcast, but also illustrated by a different artist each time. 
Illustrations will be posted on the HearSej Facebook and Instagram pages.

HearSej

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