Spins & Takes Podcast

On this episode, I sat down with Esther, a Meanjin/Brisbane-based singer-songwriter and music teacher. We talked candidly about the experiences that have influenced her, ranging from her classical training, taking on songwriting challenges, doing bass recorder jams on Tiktok, to neurodivergence. A potential content warning for listeners: we do talk about personal grief, relationship with food and schooling experiences from about 28:30 onwards.

Today we have Chris Yates, a dear friend who is a fantastic pianist and singer-songwriter. As a former band member of the Storm Chasers and various tribute bands, his work is diverse, drawing from influences such as Tim Minchin and Ben Folds, to personal tribulations such as a stuffed up computer. Chris candidly shares what his upcoming solo show at the Byron Bay Theatre means to him in this first episode of Spins & Takes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps: 3:53: The piano being Chris' first instrument 8:28: What to expect from the upcoming show 13:03: Singer-songwriter preferences including writing about a fictitious murder17:55: Life as a session musician playing in bands & as a solo artist19:54: The challenging idea of self promotion 27:00: What is freeing can also be harder when playing certain instruments... 32:40: The effects of concussion on playing music 34:13: What would young Chris have done? 40:40: A song for a mood44:21: Self-plug for the upcoming show ----------------------------------------------------------------------Link to live show 'Chris Yates on Piano' Byron Bay Theatre, December 11th 7pm (AEDT/NSW time)/6pm (AEST/QLD time): https://www.byroncentre.com.au/theatre-events/chris-yates-on-piano ----------------------------------------------------------------------Chris' social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopheryatespiano/?utm_source=qr&igsh=MWZ2ZXdnNW10bjZkZQ%3D%3DYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisyates3294