So What’s Been Happening?

EP170 - So What's Been Happening? - Dakota East

A Journey from Campfire Melodies to Chart Success
Join us for an engaging episode with talented musician Dakota East, as she shares her unique journey from humble beginnings on a Canadian island to becoming a prominent figure in the Americana country music scene. Dakota reveals her early musical influences and the crucial support she received from her family, which helped her navigate through the challenging times, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
We delve into her creative process, exploring how her songwriting skills evolved over time, and how she collaborates with other musicians to produce her acclaimed music. Dakota also discusses the significance of her first big hit, "Runaway", and how it set the stage for her burgeoning career.
Discover Dakota's passion for supporting local music communities through initiatives like Nashville Fridays and her thoughts on the future of country music, all while she continues to carve her path with incredible talent and determination.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights Dakota's artistic resilience and her commitment to connecting with audiences through heartfelt melodies and authentic storytelling.
 
Rewatch video episode - https://bit.ly/4hTBdc8

EP169 - So What's Been Happening? - Skyscraper Stan

Celebrate Valentine's with Skyscraper Stan's New Album!
Join us for Episode 169 of "So What's Been Happening" as we welcome back the talented Skyscraper Stan. In this Valentine's special, we catch up with Stan about his soon-to-be-released album, reflecting on its unique blend of romantic and eclectic tunes. Discover the stories behind some of the standout tracks and get a sneak peek into the creative process.
As Valentine's Day approaches, Stan encourages us to think beyond traditional gifts and instead, support live music by attending gigs and festivals. He highlights the Riverboats Festival, a must-see event featuring his band's performance, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
Tune in to learn more about the collaborations, upcoming shows, and the community spirit that drives Skyscraper Stan's artistry. Don't miss this engaging conversation, full of insights and exciting announcements for the music lovers out there!

EP168 - So What's Been Happening? - Jack Hanley - The Crazy Running Man

"Jack Hanley: The Crazy Running Man's Epic Journey"
In this captivating episode, we delve into the incredible journey of Jack Hanley, famously known as the Crazy Running Man. As we kick off 2025, Jack shares his motivating voyage from battling personal demons to setting extraordinary running records.
Driven by a passion for mental health advocacy, Jack embraced the challenge of running 100 kilometers every day for 100 days, accumulating an astonishing 10,000 kilometers. His journey is not just a personal quest but a mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health, aiming to inspire others to connect through movement.
Join us as Jack recounts pivotal moments that led him to transform his life, the supportive community that fueled his ambition, and the pivotal role of physical activity in overcoming mental struggles.
Discover Jack's ongoing work with Miles for Smiles, a movement dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and support through communal running. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and the transformative power of running.

EP167 - So What's Been Happening? - Rowan Smith

Celebrating Music with Rowan Smith: A Journey Through Kintsugi
Welcome to episode 167 of "So What's Been Happening," where we celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the universal language of music. Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with the remarkable musician, Rowan Smith — not from the Western Bulldogs, but the celebrated artist with an extraordinary melodic journey.
In this episode, Rowan shares his early musical influences, from learning piano on his father's knee to the moment that Rick Wakeman's "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" opened his world to prog rock. Discover how his music is both informed by the past and dynamically contemporary with his latest album, In the Key of Kintsugi. The album uniquely ties Rowan's vast experience into a perfect metaphor of mending and celebrating life's cracks through the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi.
Enjoy live performances and a deep dive into several tracks from his new album. Explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the artistry of turning unfinished business into celebrated work. Rowan's compelling storytelling and candidness offer an inspiring narrative not only for budding musicians but for anyone who cherishes music and its impact on life.

EP166 - So What's Been Happening? - Jeremy Beggs

Jeremy Beggs Talks Music and Mental Health
In episode 166 of "So What's Been Happening?", we dive into a captivating discussion with musician Jeremy Beggs. Jeremy shares insights into his creative process and the inspiration behind his music, including themes of light and darkness. We explore the powerful role music plays in his life, especially in navigating mental health challenges.
Jeremy’s stories of personal growth, supported by his family, offer a moving perspective about overcoming struggles and finding solace in music.
Listeners are encouraged to reach out to those they haven’t spoken to for a while, as a reminder of the season’s importance in connecting and supporting one another. Join us for an uplifting episode filled with heartfelt stories, live music, and a reminder of the power of human connection.

EP165 - So What's Been Happening? - Kerry Goulet

Catching Up with Kerry Goulet on Mental Health and Sports Challenges
Welcome to episode 165, where we catch up with Kerry Goulet, a favourite guest and great friend. The episode takes an inspiring turn as we discuss Jack Hanley aka The Crazy Running Man's incredible journey of running 100 kilometers daily for 100 days, advocating mental health awareness. Unfortunately, Jack is unable to join us today, but we highlight his groundbreaking achievements and his essential role in promoting mental health dialogues. We will have Jack on for a chat very soon.
Later on, we dive into an engaging conversation with Kerry, who shares his personal experiences and views on mental health challenges, the importance of support, and tackling loss. Kerry also opens up about the magic of friendship and the power of sharing emotional stories, especially amidst challenging times. We shed light on the emotional and mental tolls faced by many, highlighting the significance of compassion, empathy, and seeking support.
Finally, we explore the remarkable achievements of Kerry in the field of sports and philanthropy. From promoting ice hockey in Australia to creating mental awareness campaigns through his initiatives, Kerry's commitment to encouraging open conversations about mental health never ceases to inspire. Tune in and join us for an eye-opening discussion led by passion and care, exploring the intertwined worlds of mental health and sports.

EP164 - So What's Been Happening? - PJ Orr

Discovering PJ Orr's Musical Journey and New Album
In this episode, we welcome PJ Orr, an intriguing artist with a unique music journey and a new album titled "Wake Me Up When I'm Thirsty." PJ shares insights into his musical evolution, from starting as a solo project to evolving into a collaborative endeavor. We explore the story behind his catchy new album title, which pays touching homage to his late father.
PJ takes us through the fascinating creation of the music video for "Bread," a stop-motion masterpiece driven by creativity and collaboration with his partner's artistic family. He also discusses the significance of live music and the importance of supporting local venues and artists in today's ever-changing musical landscape.
Throughout the conversation, PJ delves into his musical influences, his journey with the guitar, and how his sound has evolved over time. We also get a glimpse into his offbeat song "April 23rd," and the emotional, yet whimsical narrative behind it.
Furthermore, PJ expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of his publicist Chris Familton and talks about upcoming projects and performances. Join us as we unravel the world of PJ Orr, his inspirations, and his candid reflections on the life of a musician.
Video Episode - https://bit.ly/3OoDIqw

EP163 - So What's Been Happening? - 24:1700 Virtual Music Festival

Around the World in 24 Hours: A Global Virtual Music Extravaganza
Join us for an extraordinary 24-hour virtual music festival organised by 122 Music Management, featuring 24 bands from around the globe. Kicking off on December 21st, this innovative event connects artists and fans in a unique online experience.
In this episode, we discuss the festival's inception and logistics with Mark, who shares the challenges and excitement of bringing such a diverse lineup together. The festival transcends time zones, allowing performances at 7 PM local time worldwide, creating a synchronized global celebration of music.
Featured artists include Big League representing Australia and we had a chat to Samantha Josephine representing New Zealand with insights into her creative process and set preparations. Discover how pre-recorded sets and live chats with artists enhance the virtual experience, offering fans a chance to interact and support independent musicians.
Don't miss the chance to secure early bird tickets at a discounted price before November 30th, and enjoy access to the festival until January 20th. Discover new music, support indie artists, and be part of a groundbreaking global music event!

EP162 - So What's Been Happening? - North Arm - Roderick Smith

Journey Through Sound: Northarm's Musical Evolution
In episode 162 of "So What's Been Happening," we welcome the talented Roderick Smith, the creative force behind Northarm. As time flies by and the podcast inches closer to its 200th episode, we take a deep dive into Roderick's musical journey and the stories behind his fourth album. Released over a decade since his first self-titled album in 2014, Roderick shares the challenges and triumphs of creating music in today's world.
Roderick opens up about his songwriting process, the ease he finds in making music, and the joy of collaborating with long-time partners Robin Waters and Jay Walker. He reflects on the evolving music industry and the nostalgia that fuels his work. Listeners will get a taste of Northarm's latest sounds with tracks like "Your Attention" and "Stay Young," exploring themes of youth and acceptance.
Join us as we explore Roderick's influences, from Charli XCX to Fontaine's DC, and his thoughts on the transformative power of music. Whether reminiscing about his first concert experiences or discussing potential collaborations with dream artists, Roderick's passion for music shines through. As he looks forward to future projects, we celebrate the enduring magic of Northarm's soundscapes and the inspiration they bring to listeners old and new.

EP161 - So What's Been Happening? - Jack Nolan

Melodies and Memories: Jack Nolan's Musical Journey
Welcome to episode 161 of "So What's Been Happening," where we dive into the captivating world of music with the talented Jack Nolan. In this episode, host Aaron sits down with Jack to explore his life and journey in music, focusing on his latest album, "The Songs for Hemingway."
Jack shares insights into his creative process, the magic of songwriting, and the inspiration behind his new tracks, including the emotive single "Hold On" and the powerful "Mother of All Storms." He reflects on the influence of literary giants like Hemingway and how they shaped the theme of his album.
The conversation also touches on Jack's experiences recording in Nashville, his collection of cherished guitars, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. With anecdotes from his past collaborations and thoughts on balancing tradition with the digital age, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring songwriters alike.
Join us for a heartfelt chat filled with stories, melodies, and the wisdom of a seasoned musician. Don't miss the chance to discover Jack Nolan's enchanting world of music.