EP 09: Rory Gillanders

What happens when an Irish songwriter living in Milan and a Colorado multi-instrumentalist form a band—without ever being in the same room? Meet Sun Way Street, the cross-continental duo of Steven Eli and Leor Manelis, whose prolific output defies geography.   Their newly released album Ghost Town continues their introspective journey through heartbreak, healing, and hope. In this conversation, we talk about their creative process across oceans, “lo-fi on expensive gear”, what it means to stay true to the song, and much more.

Jeff Lawton, Darryl Smith, and Palmer Jamieson from Halifax indie band Beauts join Underknown to talk about their upcoming album Marigolds. We dig into the song’s unlikely path from a 2017 demo to a mid-tempo anthem about middle-age in-betweenness: no longer at home in late-night bars, not quite ready for full domesticity. The band opens up about writing slowly, “studio-dork” experimentation, and why trusting each other enough to mute good parts is their superpower. We talk sequencing vinyl sides, letting songs breathe, and how Palmer’s home studio shaped Marigolds. There’s gear talk, a flaming bass amp, and your host successfully guesses what kind of guitar amps are used on a song. If you like nerding out and laughing about it - this episode is for you.

Joel Van Horne—better known by his moniker Covenhoven—joins The Underknown for a conversation about memories, craft, and staying the course. We trace the roots of his moniker back to his family’s hand-built Wyoming cabin, talk about his dad’s outsized influence (from Dylan records to dumpster-dived guitars), and relive everyone's high school graduation experience - playing Red Rocks.  Joel digs into his evolving process—from playing nearly everything himself to opening the door on IV with friends like Ben Wysocki (The Fray), Julie Davis (Bluebook), and Gregory Alan Isakov. We sit with the grief that shaped songs like “Nothing Left to Be,” and then zoom forward to The Color of the Dark and its “field notes” companion: stripped performances recorded outdoors along the West Coast, where wind, birds, and chance became part of the music. Gear talk, open tunings, nylon-string affinity, living-room shows, and plans for a first European run—this one covers a lot of ground with a quiet, steady heart.

On the tenth episode of Underknown, I sit down with Tess Wilkin, drummer of Sydney’s all-female rock band The Buoys. Fresh off the release of their  new single “Bitch.” Tess opens up about the story behind the track, the double standards women face in music and society, and how language shapes culture. We dive into her journey from putting down the drumsticks at age 14 to rediscovering the drums at 30, joining The Buoys by chance, and building the chemistry that fuels their explosive live shows. Tess also shares candid insights about touring Europe, the impact of Triple J and ARIA charts, and creating safe, empowering spaces through music.

What keeps an artist going when the world isn’t listening? For Irish indie‑folk troubadour Rory Gillanders, it’s the belief (and hope) that the right song for the right person can still change everything. In this episode, Rory shares the relentless reality of chasing a dream, the stories behind Waiting and Soulless World, and why he refuses to quit.

Some artists spend years convincing themselves they won’t make music — until they realize they can’t live without it. That’s Meg Elsier. In this episode, Meg opens up about the vulnerable process of sharing bare-bones demos with producer Ryan McFadden, the magic of her Hello Kitty fuzz pedal (nope, not a joke), and why she spent years writing songs alone on her bedroom floor before she ever stepped onstage. We talk about growing up biracial in a small New England town, wrestling with identity in an industry that rewards imitation, and how sometimes playing guitar “wrong” is exactly how you find what’s right. From three-string guitars superglued back to life to sweaty, nerve-wracking showcases that reignited her passion, Meg’s story is a reminder that authenticity isn’t just about the sound — it’s about having the guts to show the world who you really are, even when your hands are shaking

UK indie artist Lizzie Esau joins The Underknown to talk about her latest track "A Day in the Life"—a departure from her usual intensity, but a song that captures the frustrations of daily life with lyrical honesty. We dig into her creative process, which often starts alone in her room, looping melodies and stitching together lyrics collected from everyday inspiration. Lizzie opens up about growing up in a creatively rich household, the joys and fears of staying independent, the weight of releasing a debut album, and the importance of tight-knit band chemistry. From the shimmer of “Jellyfish” to the emotional depth of “Lazy Brain,” we explore how each song she writes becomes its own world. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a sound—and a life—as an artist without compromise, this episode is for you. Listen now and get to know one of the UK’s most exciting voices in indie music before the world catches up.

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan discusses his new album Natural Light, recorded in a cabin with longtime bandmates. He opens up about the creative process, vulnerability in songwriting, the ups and downs of a long indie music career, and why connection—not fame—is the true measure of success. Topics include: Dan Mangan interview, Canadian indie music, Natural Light album, songwriting, folk rock, music industry burnout, and artistic rediscovery.

In this episode of The Underknown, I sit down with the four members of the UK-based rock band Florentenes — a group that feels like your favorite new discovery and your favorite old record at the same time. We talk about writing lyrics that roll off the tongue, finding your sound, and how to use guitar solos and drum breaks to write fewer lyrics. They’re thoughtful, self-aware, and talented as hell — the kind of band you can’t help but root for.

Jackie and Andrew from Newcastle’s Pit Pony join The Underknown to talk about songwriting, sonic identity, and the evolution behind their latest album. They dive into the story behind some of their songs, balancing day jobs with touring, and how a spreadsheet—and a little chaos—helps the band choose what makes the cut. From stripped-down BBC sessions to big stage energy, this episode unpacks how Pit Pony crafts their sound, humor, and connection to place and each other. Featuring: songwriting process, band dynamics, parenting, touring life, social media pressure, and a cameo from mushy peas.