Michael Stephen Brown, Pianist and Composer

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.

Greg Kane is one half of iconic outfit Hue And Cry, which has been producing music for well over 40 years. We chat with Greg on that amazing history, his approach to production and playing, 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):   Hue And Cry’s latest album, Everybody Working with the brilliant Yoad Nevo Thoughts on Behringer and the Deepmind 12 Hue And Cry – Stronger Greg’s love for the ASM Hydrasynth and the Moog DFAM Sam Battle’s museum: This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete When you connect 27 synths with MIDI clock The formation of Hue And Cry Hue And Cry in action live in 2025 Hue And Cry – Here Comes Everybody Hue And Cry – I Refuse Hue And Cry’s iconic song Labour of Love Hue And Cry appear on Top of the Pops Dealing with a hit and travelling to New York for recording When you’re in the vicinity of Sam Fox and David Byrne Breakfast with Petrocelli The Possible Twenty bar in New York The joy of custom DX7 and D-50 cartridges from Manny’s Music A chat on instrumentation and Hue And Cry’s 1995 album ‘Piano & Voice‘ Hue And Cry – Looking for Linda When Michael Brecker asks you to play in front of McCoy Tyner Arranging brass/horns and working with Harold Wheeler and Lenny Pickett Hue And Cry’s Jazz Not Jazz Greg’s current keyboard rig with Hue And Cry – 100% live, no backing tracks Desert Island Discs: Do It Yourself – Ian Dury & the Blockheads, Look Sharp! – Joe Jackson, Self-titled – The Specials, Kind of Blue – Miles Davis, I Heard That Noise – quickly, quickly. 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 Greg Kane, Hue And Cry appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Erik Deutsch is an American keyboard player currently touring with The Black Crowes. While he is well known for his extensive live and session work—including time spent with Leftover Salmon and Charlie Hunter—Erik is also a dedicated solo artist with a diverse catalogue of original jazz and funk releases. We chat with Erik about his career to date, how he balances major touring commitments with his solo output, and the gear he relies on for the road. A huge thanks to guest co-host Sandy Soon for joining us as well! 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):   Erik’s website Erik Deutsch – This Was Then Erik playing Martha live in 2025 The music scene in Mexico City versus New York York Erik’s musical upbringing Erik’s first band Fat Mama Erik in action with Fat Mama (2000) Joining County Road X Working in a trio with the brilliant Art Lande Joining the Charlie Hunter Trio Erik in action with the Charlie Hunter Trio  Charlie Hunter – Baboon Strength Joining Shooter Jennings Erik in action with Shooter Jennings in 2011 Working with Citizen Cope Erik’s keyboard rig with Citizen Cope Joining Leftover Salmon Erik playing with Leftover Salmon, 2017 Approach to long touring periods Erik joins The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) and perhaps sets the record for the shortest gigging employment with a band Erik in action on the one and only song he played with The Chicks Discussion on female instrumentalists and barriers / opportunities Joining The Black Crowes Erik in action with The Black Crowes The level of playing freedom at a Black Crowes gig Erik’s keyboard rig with The Black Crowes Erik’s work on The Black Crowes’ album Happiness Bastards Erik’s ‘front of stage’ train/bus wreck Erik’s own amazing podcast – Sounds of Brooklyn and Beyond Desert Island Discs:  Moon Safari – Air, Kind of Blue – Miles Davis, Treasure Island – Keith Jarrett, Illmatic – Nas, Music from Big Pink – The Band 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 Erik Deutsch, The Black Crowes / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

J. Willgoose, Esq. is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer best known as the founding member of the conceptual electronic rock group Public Service Broadcasting. Blending vintage synthesizers, samplers, and traditional instrumentation with extensive archival audio, he is recognized for constructing thematic musical narratives based around historical events. Known for his focused approach to sequencing and live looping, Willgoose effectively integrates old broadcast samples and public information films into atmospheric electronic and rock textures across albums like The Race for Space and Every Valley. We chat his and PSB’s career to date and get some great insights into what is an incredibly complicated live show. 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):   Night Flight – The Last Flight Remixes Electra – Late Night Final Remix J. Willgoose Esq’s musical upbringing The Manic Street Preachers The genesis of Public Service Broadcasting The Yamaha CS6x Public Service Broadcasting – People Will Always Need Coal Public Service Broadcasting – The Now Generation Expanding Public Service Broadcasting to a full band J’s love for Reaper as a key component of PSB’s live performances J’s keyboard rig and love of the Roland Fantom series The challenges (and documentation) involved in a highly complex and integrated rig set-up amomgst multiple musicians Public Service Broadcasting – Sputnik Redundancy and backups Operating a keyboard and guitar rig and level of integration Public Service Broadcasting – Towards The Dawn Public Service Broadcasting live at the Royal Albert Hall Public Service Broadcasting with the London Contemporary Orchestra A discussion on orchestras and experimentation Public Service Broadcasting – Bright Magic The SOMA Labs Ether The next Public Service Broadcasting album J. lists some key musical inspirations Datassette OMD – Second Thought J’s train wreck stories Desert Island Discs: Endtroducing – DJ Shadow, In Rainbows – Radiohead, Blade Runner – Vangelis, Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” – Tchaikovsky, Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) – Monleone and Mascagni 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 J. Willgoose Esq., Public Service Broadcasting appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

 In Part 2 of our chat with the brilliant David Hirschfelder, we dive deeper into his time with John Farnham, talk on his numerous other collaborations and his incredible career as a film and TV composer. 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):   Rehearsing for tours with John Farnham Recording the Age of Reason album The Fairlight Series 3 and the song Two Strong Hearts The decision to stop touring David in action with John Farnham in touring version of Jesus Christ Superstar David’s keyboard rig for Jesus Christ Superstar The brilliant Farnham documentary – Finding The Voice Handing over the baton to the brilliant Chong Lim David’s solo album: Welcome To The Nighclub Of My Mind David’performing one of his solo creations: Cool School Rules David Hirschfelder and David Hobson – Inside This Room Joesph Campbell – The Hero With A Thousand Faces The move to film and TV composition David’s work on Strictly Ballroom Working on the movie Shine David’s full roster of creations A potted history of the Yamaha Disklavier series of pianos David’s work on the film Elizabeth A chat on DAWs, plugins and David’s love for the Arturia Polybrute David’s work on The Dressmaker  David’s work on Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole David’s work on The Railway Man David’s work on The Water Diviner David’s work on Sleeping Dogs Sam Hirschfelder – musician and composer Desert Island Discs: The Rite of Spring – Stravinsky (Conducted by Stravinsky), V.S.O.P. (Live) – Herbie Hancock, Heavy Weather – Weather Report, The Planets – Holst, The Mission – Ennio Morricone 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 David Hirschfelder, Composer / John Farnham / Little River Band (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

David Hirschfelder is a globally acclaimed Australian keyboardist, composer, and arranger best known for his extensive live and studio work with pop-rock heavyweights like the Little River Band and John Farnham, as well as his distinguished career as a film score composer. His prolific output blends deep classical roots with masterful electronic and orchestral textures. A BAFTA winner and multi-Academy Award nominee, David’s celebrated cinematic repertoire includes the iconic scores for Strictly Ballroom, Shine, and Elizabeth, alongside his own ambitious contemporary art music collaborations. In Part 1 we cover off David’s work with Pyramid, Little River Band, and the early part of his time with John Farnham including the recording and touring of Whispering Jack. 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):   David and Mindy Meng Wang – Love Writing 80 minutes of music in 4 weeks for But Also John Clarke David and Pyramid in a news feature story and performance on the Don Lane Show Pyramid at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1983 Brian Cadd playing on The Real Thing by Russell Morris Forming Pyramid Herbie Hancock – Actual Proof David’s keyboard rig with Pyramid The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase Moving to the Little River Band Little River Band – The Net David in action on his first tour with Little River Band in 1983 Buying a Fairlight The Fairlight Page R Real-Time Composer Creation of the classic lead sound on the song ‘Playing to Win’ Little River Band – No Reins Joining John Farnham as a solo artist and creating the bones of Whispering Jack with a MIDI retrofitted Fairlight, and: The Yamaha QX-1 Sequencer The E-Mu SP-12 Drum Machine 8 DX7s in a box – the Yamaha TX-816 (with a Prophet-5 for some warmth) David’s co-write on Whispering Jack – Going, Going Gone David’s keyboard rig on the Whispering Jack tour and creating a click track before use of in-ear monitors David in action with John Farnham – Help David in action live with John Farnham in December 1990  – Playing to Win 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 David Hirschfelder, Composer / John Farnham / Little River Band (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Hazel Mills is a incredibly versatile keyboard player, vocalist, and songwriter whose impressive resume includes touring the globe with artists like Kylie Minogue, Florence + The Machine, Goldfrapp, Birdy, and The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble. We delve into everything from Hazel’s early classical roots and passion for 1960s minimalism, to her transition into the pop genre and her deep love for analogue synthesis. Hazel provides some great insights into her creative process, including recreating studio sounds for massive live pop tours, her go-to gear, 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):   Hazel’s past 12 months The differences in energy / stamina for a large versus more intimate gig Steve Anderson Joining Kylie Minogue’s band Hazel in action with Kylie Minogue 2025 Eventide H90 UDO Super 6 Hazel’s own look at the Super 6 Mainstage and side-chain setup Hazel in action with Christine and the Queens in 2023 Hannah Peel and Hazel Mills at King’s Place Working with Dave Rowntree Joining the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble Hazel’s solo creative output Hazel’s Patreon channel A discussion on musique concrete Joining Florence + The Machine as a touring member  Auditioning process for Florence Hazel performing with Florence + The Machine, 2018 Working with Birdy Hazel performing live with Birdy 2016 Joining Goldfrapp Hazel performing with The Paper Cinema Joining Goldfrapp  Hazel performing live with Alison Goldfrapp, 2022 The intricacies of playing a Goldfrapp show Hazel in action with Goldfrapp at Glastonbury 2014 Adding Machine – Ships to Sink Desert Island Discs: Thriller – Michael Jackson, Self-Titled – Crosby, Stills & Nash, DEACON – serpentwithfeet, Diviner – Hayden Thorpe, Ambient 1: Music for Airports – Brian Eno. For those watching on video: apologies for the gridlines, it was a glitch not picked up by us at time of recording. 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 Hazel Mills, Kylie Minogue / Florence + The Machine / Goldfrapp appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In Part 2 of our interview with Adam Holzman, we cover his longstanding work with Steven Wilson, his bands Brave New World and Trifecta, Jane Getter Premonition, Adam’s amazing solo works, his Creative Synthesizer Technique book and some amazing stories of playing with Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea (amongst many others). There’s also a great train wreck story and a funny Miles Davis anecdote to round things out. Part 1 of the interview can be found here. 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):   Adam in action with Mona Lisa Overdrive in 1994 Adam and Brave New World at Progstock 2022 The brilliant William ‘Ju Ju’ House Adam Holzman & Brave New World – Spork Adam Holzman – Truth Decay Adam Holzman & Brave New World – The Last Gig Adam Holzman – Zombie Apocalypse The Moog DFAM Steven Wilson – Beautiful Scarecrow Forming Trifecta Trifecta – Clean Up on Aisle Five John Pritchard, Adam Holzman and Rich Damone – The Dawn (Of a New Age)  Joining Steven Wilson’s band (and being nervous about it) Steven Wilson – Raider II The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories) Discussion of Adam’s approach live and in the studio to his solo on Regret #9 Adam playing his iconic solo live on the song Regret #9 Adam’s co-write with Steven Wilson – Economies of Scale (from the album The Harmony Codex) Steven Wilson – Impossible Tightrope Adam’s keyboard rig with Steven Wilson Adam’s book – Creative Synthesizer Technique Avoiding ‘Preset Purgatory’ Getting to play with hero Jan Hammer Adam playing live with Herbie Hancock, 1988 The non-musical skills required for musical success The Fents – Back in the Saddle Brief chat on Cruise to the Edge and Jane Getter Premonition  Adam jumps into a Tony Levin-less Stick Men gig on Cruise To The Edge 2024 Desert Island Discs (Rock/Pop): Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Starless and Bible Black – King Crimson, Relayer – Yes, Us – Peter Gabriel, Rubber Soul – The Beatles Desert Island Discs (Jazz): Spectrum – Billy Cobham, Birds of Fire – Mahavishnu Orchestra, Tale Spinnin’ – Weather Report, Thrust – Herbie Hancock, Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy – Chick Corea / Return to Forever 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 Adam Holzman, Steven Wilson / Miles Davis / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.