Jack Nigro Making Noise With New Podcast

I don’t often write about podcasts here. In fact, I’ve not sure I’ve ever written about a podcast here! But we don’t often get new podcasts from Aussies as important to the music industry as Jack Nigro. The local producer, engineer, and studio owner has worked with some of the hottest bands around including The Amity Affliction, DMAs, Skegss, Middle Kids, Pacific Avenue, and The Terrys. And now he’s sharing his wisdom with his Make Your Own Noise podcast.

“This is something very close to me that I have wanted to do for a long time,” he said. “I have been blessed with so many great discussions with my professional peers over the years about how to work for yourself, creating and perfecting your art and the many challenges and vulnerabilities we all face, mostly working for ourselves in the creative industries.”

Make Your Own Noise aims to empower creatives, but honestly I think there’s a lot for anyone to glean from podcasts discussing overcoming imposter syndrome and coping with post-study overwhelm. He also speaks to some fascinating industry heavy-hitters like renowned promoter and festival organiser Paul Campbell. So regardless of what field you’re in, I recommend checking it out.

Image used with permission from beehive

Find Music and Mental Health Tips With “Scrub Sessions”

As restrictions ease further today in New South Wales, it can be easy to forget much of Australia is still doing it tough. With the Central Coast lumped back into Greater Sydney, I’m still separated from my family in Newcastle. I’ve spoken to friends in Melbourne who find looking at the images from Sydney a little hard to take. Their restrictions will ease on Friday, but with daily cases at close to 2,000, many still don’t feel confident venturing out. People focus on mental health while we’re all locked down, but I think it’s something that will concern us for some time as we try to navigate the new normal. So I was thrilled to discover Scrub Sessions, a cool podcast series focusing on music and wellness from the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

There are three episodes so far, including the latest featuring doctor and singer-songwriter Gordi. Here’s an awesome musical performance from that episode.

Hosted by the head and founder of the hospital’s Scrub Choir Dr Emma O’Brien OAM, all the episodes feature interviews and music, including some great wellness tips.

“Scrub Sessions aim to lift the spirits of our staff, patients and community,” Dr O’Brien explained. “It’s been a long difficult road for us all, and it is at these times, more than ever, that we need to stay connected and celebrate small moments of joy, working together to face the multiple health, physical, mental and emotional challenges brought on by the pandemic – Scrub Sessions aim to keep the hope alive.”

If you need a pick-me-up, I thoroughly recommend checking the Scrub Sessions out on YouTube or your favourite digital streaming platform.