J WILS: Singing, DJ-ing, and The Joy of Music Making with VENTURA and FOOLS

Janelle Ashley: Songwriting, R&B Roots and Finding Your Own Path

In this episode, I’m joined by Naarm/Melbourne-based R&B and soul vocalist Janelle Ashley for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, identity, and building a music career on your own terms. We talk about Janelle’s early musical memories, growing up with Filipino karaoke culture, attending a music specialist high school, and eventually studying at WAAPA. Janelle shares her experience moving from Perth to Melbourne, navigating new musical communities, and developing confidence as an artist in a competitive and fast-moving scene. Our discussion touches on blending genres, studying the music of local artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, recording and releasing original music, and the role of social media in shaping both opportunity and pressure. We also reflect on maturity, learning not to compare yourself to others, and finding a personal interpretation of sound and storytelling. A thoughtful conversation about growth, creativity, and the lead-up to the release of Janelle’s debut EP. https://linktr.ee/janelleashleymusic?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeuT1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTZjFJZTNEcXU5aUphcWJkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHieyEksBAUQtTS3WzH4L_swzK5468iCIfSzKs8wxa4jPU0CYx6Y1T5GpDGjS_aem_dk-kiXEqab7WR0eiL_I9PA

Maya Charles Sedergreen: Opera, Early Music and the Classical Voice Today

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based soprano Maya Charles Sedergreen to talk about opera, early music, and the place of classical voice in a contemporary music landscape. We discuss Maya’s musical upbringing and family lineage, her path into classical singing, and her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where she recently completed her honours year in classical voice. Maya shares insights into her training, working closely with her teacher Suzanne Johnston, and developing a strong technical and artistic foundation as a young opera singer. Our conversation explores her performance experiences with BK Opera and Victorian Opera, concert work including Bach’s St Matthew Passion, and her growing interest in Early Music. We also talk about the realities of pursuing a career in opera today, how classical singers find relevance and space in modern performance contexts, and what draws Maya so strongly to historical repertoire. A thoughtful discussion about craft, tradition, and carving out a future in classical music.

Kee’ahn: Songs, Valuing Authenticity and Community

In this episode, I’m joined by Kee’ahn — a Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Badu Island pop-soul artist now living and creating on Kulin Nations (Melbourne). We talk about Kee’ahn’s early relationship with music, from singing with their father as a child, growing up on The Little Mermaid, Destiny’s Child, and being encouraged by a supportive grandmother, through to performing musical theatre alongside their dad. Kee’ahn shares what it was like moving from North Queensland to Naarm/Melbourne, finding community, and building meaningful musical collaborations. We discuss their debut single Better Things, winning the Archie Roach Foundation Award (and finding out via Zoom), and the impact of mentorship and collaboration with Emma Donovan, including their work together on Take No More. Kee’ahn also reflects on performing at major festivals across Australia, singing at the Invasion Day Rally on January 26th 2025, and the importance of authenticity, connection to Country, and community. The conversation also explores the significance of releasing a debut EP as a complete body of work rather than a series of singles, and what that represents creatively and personally. A thoughtful and open conversation about music, identity, and finding your place. https://www.keeahn.com/

Hayden Lauersen: Mix Engineering, Vocal Production and a Life in Sound

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based mix engineer and record producer Hayden Lauersen. It’s an open and reflective conversation about life in sound, the music industry, and finding contentment in your role within it. Hayden shares his journey from songwriting and producing original music into building a career as a mix engineer, where his focus is on supporting artists through emotional expression and clear, intentional sonics. We talk about the realities of working behind the scenes, developing a niche, and how reputation, trust, and community play a central role in sustaining a career in music. Hayden Lauerson has a long list of credits with artists - including Kate Ceberano, Clare Bowditch, Haiku Hands, Kee’ahn, Woodes, Shannen James, and RARIA, - alongside collaborations with labels such as Future Classic, Universal Music, Island Records and Ivy League Records. His work has been featured on BBC Radio 1, KCRW, Triple J, Fox FM and Nova, and has accumulated over 60 million Spotify streams. The conversation moves between technical and personal — touching on vocal production, microphone choices for singers, life as a freelance mix engineer, navigating health challenges, and what it means to arrive at a place of balance and clarity within the music industry. A thoughtful discussion about craft, career, and the long road of working in sound. https://haydenlauersen.com/

J WILS: Singing, DJ-ing, and The Joy of Music Making with VENTURA and FOOLS

In this episode I’m joined by Jessica Wilson — J WILS, a professional Melbourne-based DJ and vocalist who has spent the past decade working across both original and cover settings. She has become one of Melbourne’s busiest performers, regularly appearing with many of Australia’s top musicians and at premier venues and events. A vibrant, generous and upbeat chat — Jesssica Wilson brings the same warmth and positivity to conversation that she brings to every stage she steps on. We talk about her earliest music memories, full-album road-trip listening with her family to Harry Connick Jr and The Doobie Brothers, and developing her own taste in music, discovering neo-soul, soul, jazz, and house. Jessica shares her path from trying many instruments as a kid, to finding her voice and becoming a professional singer. We discuss one of her favourite moments from her work as a backing vocalist with Thirsty Merc on Spicks and Specks, and being part of the band FOOLS, including their performances at the iconic Bluesfest. Jess also talks about becoming a DJ, making edits and remixes, and starting her new project VENTURA - a DJ/vocal duo built around energy and fun. We also touch on her love of fashion and stage outfits, her Jamiroquai fandom, and the realities of corporate and events work. A fun, wide-ranging conversation with an artist who genuinely loves making music — and notices all the small joys along the way. For more from Jessica Wilson, visit: instagram.com/jwils/ [https://www.instagram.com/jwils/] vimeo.com/jwils [https://vimeo.com/jwils] linktr.ee/jessica.jwils [https://linktr.ee/jessica.jwils?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnvysyYLc_HP6SjfsXs4sAf_cDM71vDiX7qX-BBRuu3jpGntPI8t96iMwrBLc_aem_Cvw6jG0h1UWVD9X2afHJQQ]