On this episode of A Musos Tale, we sit down with bass player Andy Fry, whose low-end mastery has carried him onto some of Australia’s biggest stages. Known for locking in the groove and driving the rhythm, Andy shares his journey through the music scene, including his time playing with the iconic John Butler Trio. He talks about the art of holding down the foundation, the lessons he’s learned from life on the road, and why the bass is the heartbeat of every great band. Whether you’re a musician or a fan, Andy’s story is a deep dive into the power of groove.

James Sidebottom is a Geelong-based solo artist whose heartfelt songwriting and commanding voice have made him a standout on the Victorian music scene. Known for blending raw honesty with soaring melodies, James crafts songs that connect deeply with audiences, whether on stage or in the studio.

His journey has taken him from local venues to the national spotlight with an appearance on Australian Idol, where he showcased his vocal power and artistry to a wide audience. Armed with his guitar and a captivating stage presence, James continues to balance vulnerability with energy, drawing listeners into every performance. With his mix of experience, talent, and passion, he’s carving a unique path as one of Geelong’s most exciting solo artists.

Megan Donelan is a powerhouse vocalist from Ballarat whose voice has fronted some of the region’s most exciting and eclectic bands, including Uncle Gus, Trunk, and Playjarism. Known for her raw energy, commanding stage presence, and ability to move seamlessly between soulful melodies and gritty rock delivery, Megan has carved out a reputation as one of Ballarat’s most versatile singers.

Whether she’s driving a crowd with big, bold vocals or weaving harmonies that linger long after the last note, Megan’s passion for music is always front and centre. With a career spanning multiple projects and styles, she continues to push boundaries and bring her unmistakable sound to every stage she steps on.

Matty Rae is a Ballarat-based drummer whose powerful rhythms and dynamic style have made him a staple of the local music scene. Known for his tight grooves, relentless energy, and versatility behind the kit, Matty has played with a range of bands and projects, earning a reputation as both a rock-solid timekeeper and an explosive live performer.

Whether locking in with a bassline or driving a song with thunderous fills, Matty brings a mix of precision and passion that elevates every track. With years of experience on stage and in the studio, he continues to shape the sound of Ballarat’s music community, proving himself as one of its most reliable and inspiring drummers.

In this episode, we sit down with Jane Gazzo!! — one of Australia’s most respected music journalists, broadcasters, and passionate advocates for the local music industry. From her early days hosting on community radio in Melbourne to presenting on the BBC in the UK, to becoming a familiar face on Channel [V] and a trusted voice on Triple J, Jane’s career has been defined by her deep love of music and her ability to connect artists with their audiences.

We explore her journey through radio, television, and print, her insights into the ever-changing landscape of the music world, and her mission to document and preserve Australia’s rich musical history. With decades of interviews under her belt — from global superstars to emerging local acts — Jane shares behind-the-scenes stories, her thoughts on the state of music journalism today, and why she believes music continues to be one of the most powerful cultural forces we have.

On this episode of A Musos Tale Podcast, hosts Scotty and AO take on one of the greatest debut albums of all time — Pearl Jam’s Ten. With their trademark mix of passion, humour, and musical insight, the pair break down the record track by track, exploring its raw emotion, grunge-defining sound, and lasting cultural impact.

AO digs into the lyrical depth and heartfelt storytelling behind classics like Alive and Black, while Scotty brings a sharp ear for the production, instrumentation, and energy that made Ten a cornerstone of the ’90s rock movement. And for a twist — the hosts put themselves to the test, attempting their own covers of two songs from the album, offering both respect and a little bit of fun chaos in the process.

This episode dives into the story of Jamie Turner, the driving force behind the kit for Ballarat’s own punk outfit Agent 37. Known for his fast, fierce, and unrelenting drumming, Jamie helped define the raw energy and rebellious sound that made the band a staple of the local punk scene.

From sweaty garage rehearsals to chaotic live shows with Frenzal Rhomb, Jamie’s rhythm kept the chaos tight and the energy explosive. We talk about growing up in Ballarat’s underground music culture, the DIY spirit of punk, the wild stories from the road, and what it meant to create something loud and uncompromising in a regional city.

In this episode, we sit down with Trav Price, the hard-hitting bassist from Ballarat best known for bringing the low-end power to Heaven the Axe. Trav’s story is one of grit, groove, and chasing heavy music dreams from regional Victoria to national stages. With a style that balances precision and raw energy, he’s helped shape the backbone of one of Australia’s most ferocious hard rock/metal acts.

We dive into his early beginnings in Ballarat’s music scene, the journey of joining Heaven the Axe, the chaos and camaraderie of life on the road, and what it takes to hold down the rhythm section in a band built on attitude and volume. Beyond the stage lights, Trav opens up about the realities of the Australian heavy music community and the passion that keeps him locked into every note.