After a nine-week break, we’re finally back!

In this episode we share what it was like meeting Amy Shark at her exclusive Soft Pop album listening event in Sydney, what surprised us most about the experience, and why it reignited our own creativity.

As musicians (and music lovers), we dive into Amy’s songwriting process, why she chose to leave drums off the entire album, the clever musical decisions that give Soft Pop such a unique identity, and the imposter syndrome that even artists experience.

We also chat about:

* Why we’ve been away from the podcast

* Creative burnout and getting inspired again

* Why Australian artists deserve more recognition

* Kate’s perspective as a drummer and songwriter

* Lauren’s thoughts as the partner of a musician

* What it was really like meeting Amy Shark

* The importance of finding your own creative voice

Whether you’re a musician, creative, or simply love hearing the stories behind the music, we hope this episode inspires you to create something you’ve been putting off.

Have you listened to Soft Pop yet? We’d love to know your favourite track.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music and all major podcast platforms.

Follow us:

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🎥 YouTube: @theoffstagelifepodcast

🎵 TikTok: @theoffstagelifepodcast

#AmyShark #SoftPop #Podcast #AustralianMusic #Songwriting #Creativity #Musicians #TheOffstageLife #BehindTheMusic

This week on The Offstage Life, we’re celebrating Episode 10 by going behind the desk with Sydney sound engineer, lighting operator, award-winner, musician-at-heart and professional chaos wrangler — Steve.

From growing up in a musical family and being classically trained on violin, to falling in love with Aussie rock, working backstage, mixing live bands, managing egos, fixing gear minutes before showtime, and somehow surviving a gig on a boat that started sinking in the middle of Sydney Harbour… Steve has seen the side of live music most people never think about.

We talk soundcheck disasters, loud guitarists, soft singers, lighting as part of the live experience, the magic and burnout of turning music into your job, wild backstage stories, The Frocks, the infamous two Chrises, and why the people behind the stage are often carrying the whole show.

It’s funny, chaotic, honest, and very Offstage Life.

In this episode:

Soundcheck etiquette, sinking boats, Elvis impersonators, backstage madness, live music disasters, The Frocks, sound engineering, lighting, egos, and the real work that happens before the crowd ever hears a note.

0:00 - The boat started to sink in Sydney Harbor.

1:03 - Introduction to episode 10 of the Offstage Life podcast.

2:09 - Discussion about Steve's musical family background.

3:20 - The importance of playing the violin and its impact.

4:45 - Transition to becoming a sound engineer.

6:09 - High school experiences and musical journey.

8:26 - Falling in love with rock and roll music.

11:17 - Desire to be on stage and pursue music.

13:16 - First opportunity to learn sound engineering.

16:34 - The importance of lighting in music performances.

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@the_offstagelife_podcast

#TheOffstageLife #LiveMusicPodcast #AustralianPodcast #BehindTheScenes #MusicPodcast #Podcast

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From teaching kids in schools by day to touring stages by night, Kate’s journey is the side of music most people never get to see.

In this episode of The Offstage Life Podcast, Kate shares her untold story of building a career as a drummer while balancing private drum teaching, touring life, bands, financial survival, and the constant hustle behind being a working musician.

From chaotic student stories and wild first jobs to navigating burnout, passion, and identity, this episode dives deep into the hidden reality of what it truly takes to build a life in music.

In this episode:

• Kate’s first professional job in music
• Building a private drum teaching business
• Teaching while touring in punk bands
• The realities of balancing creativity and income
• Wild student and parent stories
• The hidden emotional side of being a musician
• How teaching shaped Kate’s career both on and off stage
• This episode is for musicians, creatives, music teachers, touring artists, and anyone chasing passion while balancing real life.

Because the most important part of creative careers often happens offstage.

🎙️ Episode 09 — Out now on all platforms

Timestamps:

Introduction and Testing - 0:03

Break and Return - 0:30

TikTok Success - 1:30

Interview with Jess - 2:26

Drum Teaching Era - 5:18

Challenges of Teaching - 9:10

Memorable Teaching Moments - 11:59

Balancing Music and Teaching - 19:04

Student Stories - 23:27

Teaching Philosophy - 37:17

Performing vs. Teaching - 40:29

Future of Teaching - 55:21

Upcoming Guests - 61:59

#Podcast #MusicPodcast #Drummer #DrummerLife #WomenInMusic #MusicIndustry #MusicianLife #TourLife #PunkRock #RockMusic #DrumTeacher #CreativeCareer #BehindTheScenes #BehindTheMusic #SpotifyPodcast #YouTubePodcast #AustralianPodcast #IndependentPodcast #FemaleDrummer #OffstageLife