The Keyboard Chronicles

Lawrence Gowan is a Scottish-Canadian singer, songwriter, and keyboardist best known as the vocalist and keyboardist for the classic rock band Styx, a role he has held since 1999. Before joining the group, he forged a highly successful solo career in Canada under the stage name Gowan. His 1985 solo album Strange Animal achieved triple-platinum status, driven by hit singles such as “A Criminal Mind,” a track that has since become a staple in Styx’s live sets. An ARCT-certified classical pianist, Gowan has crossed paths with some of rock’s most respected musicians over his decades-long career. His solo records feature notable collaborations with artists including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Furthermore, his breakthrough album Strange Animal was famously recorded with Peter Gabriel’s esteemed rhythm section, including bassist Tony Levin and drummer Jerry Marotta. 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 current Styx tour – the band ‘that doesn’t stop’ Styx in action live in 2026 Lawrence’s post-show wind-down routine Styx’s latest album – Circling From Above A discussion on reproducing Mr Roboto live Lawrence in action on Mr Roboto, 2026 Lawrence’s amazing rotating keyboard stand Gowan – Lost Brotherhood (the first appearance of the spinning stand, alongside Alex Lifeson) Lawrence’s early years as a musician and the importance of classical music The first Gowan album (self-titled) Working with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins Gowan – Strange Animal Lawrence in action with Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Healey and a wider cast of icons, 1995 Keyboards used on Strange Animal and the ‘step down’ from a Yamaha CS-80 to a Korg Poly 61 How ‘A Criminal Mind’ became part of the Styx live set Gowan – ..But You Can Call Me Larry Gowan – The Good Catches Up Gowan in action live in 2025 – Strange Animal Two questions from supporter Tammy – a song Lawrence wishes was his and his advice to his 20-year old self Lawrence’s wish for his musical legacy Desert Island Discs: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Selling England By The Pound – Genesis, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, A Night at the Opera – Queen Thumbnail graphic credit: Jason Powell via Styx official IG 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 Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, 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):   Richard’s latest album Hauntings The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890,  Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film Richard’s musical upbringing Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700 Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK) JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders Joining Porcupine Tree The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band Porcupine Tree – Signify Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus) The influence of lyrics on sound design Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here) Richard’s use of soft synths Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live Performing with The Bays Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow 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 Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In this episode we speak with Christian Dinh Gulino, a UK-based keyboard player and musical director covering everything from pop tours to video game soundtracks. Aside from his arranging and production work for Square Enix Music, he has extensively toured with artists such as Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside a long-standing working relationship with Will Young. We chat on all that and more, including some great insights into weekend corporate gigs in other countries and an Andrea Bocelli train wreck anecdote for the ages…. 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):   Christian’s musical upbringing Playing at 12 and getting ‘roasted’ by the pros Moving from Italy to the UK  Early career as a player Joining Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co Auditioning for, and joining Sophie Ellis-Bextor Using a Nord keyboard, Reason and a Dell Laptop Christian in action with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2009 Working with Will Young Christian in action with Will Young, 2015 John Newman – Love Me Again Christian’s thoughts on the key components of a Musical Director role Negotiating disagreements on musical directionWorking with Kylie MinogueChristian in action live with Kyle Minogue at Glastonbury 2019 When you have six days to get your driver’s license to be able to join Kylie Minogue in Singapore Working with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music on their 50th Anniversary tour Christian playing with Roxy music in 2022 The keyboard rig for Roxy Music Composing for games / film, including the Final Fantasy franchise Kai Kaurismaki Christian’s two notable train wrecks Working on Name That Tune Desert Island Discs: Speak Like A Child – Herbie Hancock, Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder, Off The Wall – Michael Jackson, 1996 – Ryuichi Sakamoto,  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 Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

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.