My guest today, is powerhouse vocalist Ally Friendship — a singer with grit, soul, and one hell of a story. From fronting rock bands and tribute shows to nearly 30 years working as a mortician, Ally’s journey is as unique as it is inspiring. We dive into her career on stage, her new project Skirts, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.Check out Ally's website.Check out Ally's InstagramThis conversation was recorded on 18/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast
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Virginia Lillye - A tribute
On Sunday 19th October 2025, I got word that Virginia Lillye lost her 2 year battle with cancer. Virginia was a powerhouse on stage but more so a beacon of hope and positivity off it, which makes it that more difficult to believe she is no longer with us. In tribute, I want to share with you the parts of her life that she shared with me for this podcast. She made a couple of appearances on the show. The first one being in September 2020 which that conversation became episode 98 of the Gig Life Podcast. The 2nd time was in 2021 when she shared 4 gig stories which 2 of them featured in the A Few Gig Tales series. Im going to play all of that in its entirety here today. First up is the 2020 interview and directly after that is all 4 of her gig stories, so stick around till the end. For those that knew her, I hope you get comfort from hearing her voice, and for those of you who didnt, her spirit is well and truely alive here. Here infectious laugh, her knack of telling a great story, and of course her positivity. We have lost a giant. Rest in love Virginia Lillye ❤️---------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast
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1:58:23
163. Alexander Flood
My guest today is drummer and composer Alexander Flood.From tabla to house beats, from Adelaide to Europe – Alex has carved out his own lane, blending electronic textures with the raw power of live drums.We talk new albums, touring, and what it takes to be a true solo artist.Hope you dig this chat, and go check out his music. https://alexanderfloodmusic.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/alexander_floodThis conversation was recorded on 08/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast
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1:13:37
162. Joel Hunt
My guest today Queensland guitarist, producer, and composer Joel Hunt.A month ago I hadn’t heard of Joel Joel, but he sent me some links, I hit play, and straight away I thought, where’s this guy been hiding? His new album AudioVisual is a stunning mix of funk, rock, ambient, and electronic sounds, featuring some serious heavyweights—members of Snarky Puppy, Tycho, Corey Wong’s band, and even Aaron Sterling and Sean Hurley from John Mayer’s crew.One thing I really love about doing this podcast is discovering new music through the guests I talk to. Joel’s music is special. Hope you dig this chat, and go check out his music. https://www.youtube.com/@joelhuntguitarhttps://www.instagram.com/joelhuntguitarhttps://joelhunt.com/This conversation was recorded on 01/09/2025----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listener Survey 2025Give back to the podcast to show your support The Gig Life Podcast
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1:05:10
REPLAY - 103. Jim Kelly
To celebrate Jim Kelly's bithday, here is our 2020 podcast interview. One of my personal favourite interviews. I hope you enjoy it. Stevie. My guest today is Australian guitar legend, educator and studio owner, Jim Kelly.Jim has firmly established himself as a leading Australian contemporary jazz and blues guitarist, composer and educator whose reputation goes well beyond Australian shores.In 1975 Jim co-formed CROSSFIRE – Australia’s most celebrated jazz fusion group.From 1975-87 Jim perfected the rigorous demands of the recording studio and became a highly sought-after session player performing on countless jingles, documentaries, film scores plus pop and jazz artists’ albums.Jim also performed and recorded with Australian artists Kerrie Biddell, Renee Geyer, Johnny Farnham, Debbie Byrne, John English, Tommy Emmanuel, Erana Clark, Don Burrows, James Muller and Dale Barlow, to name but a few.The 90’s saw a change of lifestyle for Jim with a move to Northern NSW to lecture at Southern Cross University, Lismore where he was Head of Guitar Studies for 17 years. Jim has since resigned from full-time academia and now runs a recording studio from his home – TONE RANGER STUDIO.He has produced many fine albums and has quickly achieved the reputation of becoming a world-class Producer and Mixing/Mastering engineer. Jim is a musician dedicated to the art of improvising, composing, performing and teaching and is always searching for new ways to expand his musical horizons.So ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Mr Jim Kelly.This conversation was recorded 16/12/2020.Intro music: Heaven Scent - Jim Kelly (Ya Gotta Love the Drummers). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Click here to securely donate or tip The Gig Life Podcast via PayPal.Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.The Gig Life Podcast:Website InstagramFacebook Twitter
The Gig Life Podcast is a long-form conversation series hosted by Stevie Taylor that dives deep into the lives, careers, and creative journeys of musicians, producers, and industry professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Since 2018, the show has featured candid and insightful conversations that go beyond the stage lights—covering everything from early influences and career-defining moments to the challenges and triumphs of making a life in music. With over 160 episodes, The Gig Life Podcast has become a trusted space for authentic storytelling, celebrating both well-known names and hidden gems of the music world.
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