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.

Adam Holzman is an innovative keyboardist, composer, and musical director best known for his extensive work with jazz legend Miles Davis and progressive rock icon Steven Wilson. Blending his deep understanding of jazz harmonies with heavy progressive rock and electronic textures, Adam has become a highly sought-after sonic architect, renowned for his cutting-edge synthesizer solos and dynamic soundscapes. Beyond his high-profile touring work—which includes a pivotal tenure as Miles Davis’s musical director —Adam has released numerous acclaimed solo albums, fronts his own jazz-rock group Brave New World, and is a founding member of the prog-fusion supergroup Trifecta. In Part 1, we sit down with Adam to discuss his incredible journey from growing up around the music industry to shaping the live and studio sounds of some of modern music’s most influential artists.  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’s past year touring with Steve Wilson as part of The Overview Tour Adam in action with Trifecta on Cruise to the Edge 2025 Adam playing live with Steven Wilson 2025 (also don’t forget our rig tour with Adam from that same tour) Impossible Tightrope: Live in Madrid Adam in action with Big Bang Theory 2024 Adam’s musical upbringing including seeing Elektra Records in action in real time Watching The Doors rehearse, record and hit major success as an 11-12 year old When Jim Morrison brings you a birthday present Observations on Ray Manzarek The Fents – The Other Side Playing on Ray Manzarek’s album Carmina Burana Meeting Randy Hall The Linn 9000 Randy’s introduction of Adam to Mile Davis The Rubberband recording session Touring with Miles Davis with a couple of days notice Making a second keyboard player role work in a jazz context The role of a  Musical Director with Miles Davis  Miles Davis – Intruder (Live) Keyboard rig for recording and peforming with Miles Davis Meeting and working with Michel Petrucciani Adam playing with Michel Petrucciani in 1991 Working with Chaka Khan Adam in action with Chaka Khan in 1994 Rachel Z Performing with Wayne Shorter in 1995 in Paris Adam recording with Grover Washington Jr on the Breath of Heaven album Adam performing with Wallace Roney Learning from band leaders and the decision to leave Miles Davis 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 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Daniel Minsteris is a versatile keyboardist, programmer, and musical director best known for his extensive work with visionary artists like St. Vincent and David Byrne. Widely lauded for his deep expertise in Ableton Live, Daniel is a master at bridging the gap between the studio and the stage, seamlessly integrating complex electronic production with live performance. Beyond his high-profile touring work, Daniel has made his mark as a composer. In this episode, we sit down with Daniel to discuss his unique approach to live show design, his philosophy on keeping performance rigs reliable on the road, and his experiences sharing stages with some of modern music’s most innovative acts. We also dive into specific gear preferences and the challenges of translating meticulously crafted studio albums into massive live shows. 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):   Daniel’s past year or so Joining David Byrne on his current ‘Who Is The Sky?’ tour Daniel in action on the 2013 St Vincent / David Byrne ‘Love This Giant’ tour Daniel in full mobile mode with David Byrne Ray Suen Daniel’s musical upbringing including early years in Lithuania Working with Joy Askew Joining Marianne Faithfull’s band Daniel in action live with Marianne Faithfull Daniel with Fernando Saunders – See The Light The Roland A-90 Working with Peter Cincotti Daniel with Peter Cincotti at Montreaux 2009 A discussion on playing strings and horns as a keyboard player The Ghost Train Orchestra performing on David Byrne’s ‘Everybody Laughs’ Audio Modeling’s SWAM Strings Meeting Annie Clark / St Vincent and joining her band Daniel performing live with St Vincent at Glastonbury 2014 Prepping sounds for a St Vincent tour Drummer Matt Johnson Daniel’s conflicted thoughts on redundancy management in a complex rig  Preparing for David Byrne’s ‘Who is the Sky?’ tour Divisimate by Nextmidi A detailed discussion on Daniel’s 100% wireless and mobile keyboard rig with David Byrne Daniel live with David Byrne in 2026 Implementing a large-scale wireless MIDI rig and tracking down some critical legacy equipment Sensory Percussion software for drummers Fascinating discussion on developing the means to use arms / elbows  for expression pedals instead of feet, in conjunction with keyboard tech Arturo Leon. Arduino hardware Working with Joe Jackson on the ‘What A Racket’ tour Daniel in action live with Joe Jackson Working with Steve Nieve Collaborating with Meshell Ndegeocello Meshell Ndegocello – Burn Progression Daniel recounts two notable train wrecks Daniel’s online course on troubleshooting MIDI and audio Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Homogenic – Bjork, Animals – Pink Floyd, Todo Corazon – Julio De Caro, Turangalîla-Symphonie – Olivier Messiaen 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 Daniel Mintseris, David Byrne / St Vincent / Joe Jackson / Marianne Faithfull / Meshell Ndegeocello appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Steve Nieve has been the distinctive keyboard voice beside Elvis Costello for over forty years, evolving from the new wave intensity of The Attractions to the soulful sophistication of The Imposters. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner his prolific career also includes work with Madness, Sting, and David Bowie, alongside his own ambitious solo compositions. We cover that all and more in our chat with Steve – one not to miss. 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):   Steve’s busy past couple of years Steve in action with Elvis Costello & The Imposters Steve’s musical upbringing Auditioning to join Elvis Costello Elvis Costello – Less Than Zero Memories of early gigs with The Attractions The Vox Jaguar and the Vox Continental A discussion on Steve’s favourite Elvis Costello and the Attractions album – This Year’s Model Steve’s early synths The evolution of the recording process with Elvis Costello and his band over the years Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Blood and Chocolate Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Imperial Bedroom Working on a cover of Yoko Ono’s ‘ Walking on Thin Ice’ with Allen Toussaint Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint – The River in Reverse Working as band leader and MD in Steve Nieve & The Playboys on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross  Steve performing with Paul McCartney on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross  Doing 100 shows remotely during the pandemic Steve Nieve and Kessada – About Love Working on Absolute Beginners – David Bowie Steve Nieve and Muriel Teodori – Welcome To The Voice Sans Plomb movie ToGetHer album You Lie Sweetly – Steve Nieve featuring Sting Steve in action with The Imposters 2022 On the brilliance of Pete Thomas Collaborations with David Coulter including The Great Australian Songbook Desert Island Discs: (yet to be released / titled) – Kessada, The Best of Satie – Erik Satie, Goldberg Variations – Uri Caine, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Rough and Rowdy Ways – Bob Dylan. 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 Steve Nieve, Elvis Costello & The Imposters appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Glenn Sarangapany is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who serves as the sonic texturalist for Australian rock heavyweights Birds of Tokyo. Since joining the band in 2012, Glenn has become pivotal to their evolving sound, blending his classical piano and jazz guitar training to layer rich synthesizers and backing vocals on chart-topping albums like March Fires and Human Design. Beyond his touring work, Glenn is the founder and creative director of sound production studio Electric Sheep. We sit down with Glenn to discuss his journey from session player to full-time member and the specific gear he uses to build the band’s massive live sound. 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):   Birds of Tokyo – Starlights Glenn’s musical upbringing Jebediah live The Triffids Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts  Glenn with Birds of Tokyo at an early gig, 2009 The challenges of a Western Australian band going on tour Glenn’s Birds of Tokyo keyboard rig (you can also check out our seperate rig tour with Glenn here) Making space for keyboards in a guitar heavy band Adapting the studio recording keyboard parts to the live environment Bird of Tokyo Live – Unbreakable Birds of Tokyo – Anchor Birds of Tokyo – Lanterns Live on New Year’s Eve 2025 Upcoming music from Birds of Tokyo The joys of working with an orchestra Birds of Tokyo live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra  – Good Lord Electric Sheep Music The challenges and opportunities of AI and music Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled (Blue Album) – Weezer, OST – KPop Demon Hunters, Nevermind – Nirvana, Self Titled (Green Album) – Weezer, American Idiot – Green Day Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Glenn Sarangapany, Birds of Tokyo appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In Part 2 of our chat with Neal Evans, we talk more Soulive, Jack White, The Rolling Stones, Maceo Parker 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):   More talk on Neal’s Soulive keyboard rig Holy Grail Reverb by Electro-Harmonix Neal delves into his organ technique and the importance of reverb Acoustic Samples B5 organ plugin Discussion on Neal’s amazing left-handed ‘quirk’ and hand independence Neal in action on a Hammond B3 Mk 2 Working with Jack White The brilliant Louis Cato The process of recording with Jack White Neal in action with Jack White on Saturday Night Live, 2018 Playing five shows with Soulive in support of The Rolling Stones Neal in action on stage with Maceo Parker and Soulive, 2016. Soulive with John Scolfield at Bowlive Desert Island Discs (6 curated from Neal’s much longer list): Haha Sound – Broadcast, Self-Titled – Dina Ögon, Album 2 – Louis Cole, No Sun In Venice – The Modern Jazz Quartet, Walking in Space – Quincy Jones, Sex Machine – James Brown Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Neal Evans, Soulive / Jack White / Moon Boot Lover (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Neal Evans is the rhythmic and melodic powerhouse behind the celebrated funk/jazz trio Soulive, widely revered for his ability to simultaneously hold down deep, pocket-driven bass lines with his left hand while laying down searing leads with his right. In Part 1 of our chat, we talk to Neal on his playing, composition and career as a whole, from his Buffalo roots to sharing stages with The Rolling Stones. We also discuss vintage gear preferences and the enduring chemistry he shares with his brother Alan Evans and guitarist Eric Krasno. 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):   Soulive’s latest album – Flowers Recording in Iceland Flóki Studios in Iceland The LMI Motor City Big Block DI Soulive – East Side The evolving performing and recording relationship between the three members of Soulive Neal’s musical upbringing Moon Boot Lover – Good Thing Studying with Jaki Byard Nick Mancini on Vibraphone The parallel lives of Soulive and Lettuce Early and later keyboards with Soulive Roland A-30 Roland XV-5080 Break Science Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds. Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.The post Neal Evans, Soulive / Jack White / Moon Boot Lover (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.