Ukulele Is The New Black
I promised you a special guest for the last episode – surprise, it’s me!! I figured my story was long overdue so I asked my friend and fellow ukulele podcaster Cameron Murray to interview me. It was a bit weird to be on the other side of the microphone but I really enjoyed it. I play a couple of songs, including a new original. I wasn’t entirely happy with either performance and I could have re-recorded them, but that felt like cheating so you’re stuck with what I played on the day, warts and all
info_outline S4E13 - Jasmine FellowsUkulele Is The New Black
It’s taken me four years to get her on the show but I finally did it! Today I chat to my great friend and musical collaborator Jasmine Fellows. Jas is a multi-instrumentalist who I originally met through Canberra ukulele groups, but who has now become an irreplaceable member of house band The New Black, and our ukulele and cello duo Four Strings Two. We had a great time recording this - I think I cut out at least ten minutes of giggling in the edit! Please enjoy.
info_outline S4E12 - Jim CroftUkulele Is The New Black
Today’s guest is one of the members of the Ukulele is the New Black house band – Jim Croft. I’ve been wanting to get him on the show for some time, but because I know he’s not really a fan of the limelight I didn’t approach him – until now! Fortunately he said yes, and we had a great chat about experimenting with different tunings, the importance of music theory, and his extensive ukulele collection. Please enjoy!
info_outline S4E11 - Nicole and Aaron KeimUkulele Is The New Black
Today’s guests were suggested by one of my patrons, Maja Zweck. Nicole and Aaron Keim are trained musicians who play ukulele as the duo “The Quiet American”, and luthier Aaron also makes beautiful handcrafted ukuleles at Beansprout Musical Instruments, at their home in Hood River, Oregon.
info_outline S4E10 - Kim YangUkulele Is The New Black
Originally from Taiwan, Kim Yang moved to Canberra around 10 years ago where she discovered the joy of music and, of course, ukulele. Kim is now a full-time musician and songwriter who is about to release her new EP, Brave.
info_outline S4E09 - Dani Joy and Perry StaufferUkulele Is The New Black
In today’s episode I talk to Dani Joy and her partner in life and music, Perry Stauffer. Dani and Perry live in Portland, Oregon where they run an online music academy, create wonderful music as a duo and with others, and have a wall full of ukuleles which they sell from their living room.
info_outline S4E08 - Aldrine GuerreroUkulele Is The New Black
Today I talk to Aldrine Guerrero of , a passionate ukulele player and teacher based in Kaua’i in Hawai’i. We chat about the creation of the Ukulele Underground forums, his love of teaching and performing, and he plays a couple of incredible songs. Towards the end you may hear some roosters in the background – for me that is the sound of Kau’ai, a place I really hope I can visit again some day. Please enjoy! Some show-related links below: s Songs played on the show: Dance with a Bandit (Aldrine Guerrero) Senor Viktor (Aldrine Guerrero) Go to the for a playlist...
info_outline S4E07 - Barbara TaylorUkulele Is The New Black
In this episode I talk to Barbara Taylor, a dynamic ukulele player and organiser from Busselton in Western Australia. Barbara has been on my list since previous guest Kevin Chennell mentioned her, and I’m so glad I finally caught up with her, because she is a delight.
info_outline BONUS - Life is a MusicalUkulele Is The New Black
If you’ve been listening to my recent episodes you will know that I have been going through a long and painful process of moving house, and as a result I haven’t been able to find the time to make new episodes. Today I bring you something which is new, but a little different. I’m going to tell you about some of the challenges I’ve been facing, and how music – or specifically, musicians – brought me an incredible moment of light and joy.
info_outline CLASSIC EPISODE - Mal WebbUkulele Is The New Black
Sorry listeners - I am still in the fun process of moving house, and when this comes out the removalist will be arriving to take all my possessions from my current home.
info_outlineIf you listened to the episode earlier this year where I talked to Dave Parker of The Nukes, you may have been wondering about this guy called Snapper we kept talking about. Well wonder no more, because here he is! I had another brief visit to Auckland a few months ago and jumped at the opportunity to chat to him. It wasn’t ideal timing – there was a major building fire in the city which caused traffic chaos and terrible air quality, but Snapper battled through the smoke and traffic to have a chat to me at my hotel. Thanks Snapper – I think it was worth it!
Some show-related links below:
- Feels Like Home
- Cape Reinga Way
- Rose Turtle Ertler
- Central Coast Ukulele Festival
- Men At Work copyright ruling
- WOMAD
- Melbourne Ukulele Festival
- Azo Bell
- Bosko and Honey
- Betty France
- Ukulele Death Squad
- The Loveys
- SPRUKE
- Tyrone and Lesley
Songs played in this episode were written by David Thiele.
Please support me on Patreon and get an exclusive Ukulele Is The New Black decal for your ukulele case! Give a little more and you will get your name in the show notes every week, like these supporters:
- Debbie Hoad
- Linda Dodwell
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as others mentioned in the episode. If you enjoy this podcast, buy some merch at ukuleleisthenewblack.com, or give the podcast a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. You can also get in touch – I love to hear from listeners. You can email me at [email protected], or send me a message on social media or through the website.
Ukulele is the New Black is produced by Meredith Harper, who also wrote the theme tune. The theme tune was performed by Meredith Harper, Jasmine Fellows, Geoff Skellams and Jim Croft. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.