Seja talks to her guest Scott Kannberg AKA Spiral Stairs (Pavement, Preston School of Industry) about moving to Australia during the pandemic, how both his solo project and Pavement shows have been derailed this past year and the grief he’s been going through after losing close friends and band mates. Scott shares some old memories from tour and talks about his big musical influences as a kid. Seja and Scott chat about lyric writing, recording ideas and their current song obsessions. 

Scott’s strange show story is illustrated by Stephanie Ohlback (@soutback, @stressless4eva). 

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

#61 Spiral Stairs (Pavement)

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Sally Seltmann (New Buffalo) about her studio set-up, her dogs, co-writing sessions and how to keep ideas fresh. They chat about their shared similarities, working with and taking criticism from your partner, self producing and record label politics. Sally tells Seja about the financial side of being a songwriter vs feeling satisfied creatively, how making music is medicine and about the joys of hearing her daughter play music. 

Sally’s strange show story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#102 - Sally Seltmann

Seja talks to her guests Dave Graney and Clare Moore about their upcoming 30th anniversary shows for the album The Soft ’n’ Sexy Sound. They tell Seja memories of playing festivals over the years, about staying in squats in London, and the rivalry and close community with their musical peers the Go-Betweens, Kim Salmon, the Scientists, the Boys Next Door and the Triffids. They chat about album production, advocates at record labels, clever and funny titles, and how all the best people are creative creeps. 

Dave and Clare’s strange show story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#103 Dave Graney amd Clare Moore

Seja talks to her guest Evan Dando (The Lemonheads) about living in Brazil, how glad he is to be out of America at the moment and the making of the band’s latest videoclip. Evan tells Seja about having good money karma, how much the Replacements influenced him and how much he appreciates songwriting now that he doesn’t take things for granted. They share feelings about their shared love of Tom Morgan and Smudge and talk about how much the two albums the Lemonheads are in Australia playing at the moment ‘ It’s A Shame About Ray’ and ‘C’mon Feel The Lemonheads’ meant to people. 
Evan Dando was illustrated by Myles Heskett @myleskett

#104 - Evan Dando (The Lemonheads)

Seja talks to her guest Dan Whitford (Cut Copy) about the new album Moments and how the title has made him go into full dad joke/pun mode. He tells Seja about the reasons for the long break between albums, some of the software and hardware that inspired the album and how he feels about his voice after all these years. They chat about their family and band connection to each other, their time signed to Modular Records and despite questionable business dealings, how Steve Pav’s championing of electronic music with a live element changed the course of Australian dance music. Dan and Seja agree that there is joy in a synth that has been on a journey before you get it, and Dan talks touring on a lower budget. 

Dan’s strange show story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

https://pitchfork.com/news/synth-repairman-accidentally-gets-high-by-touching-lsd-left-in-vintage-buchla/

https://hypernatural.bandcamp.com/album/hypernatural

#105 - Dan Whitford (Cut Copy)

Seja talks to her guest Sharon Van Etten about her amazing band the Attachment Theory and the organic process they shared whilst writing the new album. Sharon tells Seja about the adjustment of inviting people into her songwriting practice, how her band are her chosen family and how she has come around the jamming. They chat about their mutual love of Elastica, conscious stream writing, the power of subtraction, lyric writing and setting priorities at this stage in life. 

Sharon’s story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

#106 - Sharon Van Etten

Seja talks to her guest Johannes Eckerström from the Swedish metal band Avatar about growing up near Gothenburg, playing trumboe and piano as a kid and how making a living from music seemed like a possibility. Johannes tells Seja about being enamoured with the circus and the showmanship of wrestling, getting his self confidence from his parents and the secret to heavy metal. They chat about how metal is empowering, how Avatar plan what goes out into the world visually and winning over 60,000 people whilst supporting Iron Maiden. 

Johannes’s story was illustrated by Seja. All illustrations can be seen on instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej Facebook page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32iX5lbVDto
True Norwegian Black Metal 

#107 - Johannes Eckerström (Avatar)

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.

HearSej

#14 Megan Washington

Seja talks to her guest Cate Le Bon about how growing up listening to Crowded House and Neil Young made her a sucker for good melody, how Welsh language culture has evolved and the challenges of writing in a different language. Cate tells Seja about looking up to bands like the Super Furry Animals, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci and Datblygu, how cathartic her other creative endeavours like ceramics and furniture making have been and how she uses different instruments to serve her songs. They chat about John Cale, obsessing over friends’ songs, singing in underwhelming keys, and their favourite keyboard sounds. 

Cate’s strange show experience was illustrated by Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia). 

You can see all illustrations on Instagram @hearsejpodcast or on the HearSej facebook page

#47 Cate Le Bon

Seja talks to her guest Davey Lane (You Am I, The Pictures) about his start with the band You Am I, how he became such a versatile guitarist and songs that make him emotional. Davey and Seja chat about the things they have in common including their love of ELO, Wings and Supergrass and getting to join bands they were fans of as teenagers. Davey tells Seja about his influences, things he has learnt from Tim Rogers and his favourite parts of a You Am I setlist. 

Davey’s strange show story was illustrated by Laura Imbruglia. 

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

#56 Davey Lane (You Am I)

Seja talks to her guest Jed Kurzel (The Mess Hall, film composer) about how he gravitated towards all kinds of music as a kid, how he was first inspired by the Velvet Underground, Creedence and Kris Kristofferson, and his ambidexterity. Jed tells Seja about starting what would eventually become the Mess Hall with his brother Justin, and how becoming a two-piece coupled with the intuition and dynamics of drummer Cec Condon changed the sound of the band. Jed and Seja chat about making soundscapes/loops, using music as a narrative and tricking yourself into starting a score by making mistakes. 

Jed’s strange show story is illustrated by Cec Condon. 

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

#60 Jed Kurzel (The Mess Hall, film composer)

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.

Popular tracks by HearSej