Ukulele Is The New Black (Meredith Harper)
Explore every episode of Ukulele Is The New Black
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2019 | S2E07 Nissa Ludwig | 00:32:20 | |
I met Nissa Ludwig on the Joco Cruise in 2018 and recorded a conversation with her then, as well as an extra bit on the 2019 cruise. She is a professional musician who plays a huge range of instruments, but only discovered the ukulele a few years ago. I really enjoyed talking to her and I hope you do too! The ukulele manufacturer Nissa mentions on Maui is Mele Ukulele. Nissa and I play a few songs:
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. You can now support me on Patreon! Show your ukulele love and get an exclusive UitNB decal to adorn your uke case. If you sign up as a Ukulele Champion or Ukulele Legend, you will get your name in the show notes, just like these awesome people:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 22 Nov 2020 | S3E20 - Phil Doleman | 00:41:46 | |
Phil Doleman is a UK-based professional musician who plays a heap of instruments including guitar, banjo, and of course ukulele. I had a chat to him a few weeks ago about his love of old-time jug band, blues and folk music, and he tells me about his journey from playing in a band as a teenager to a career in performance, teaching, and book publishing. And of course he plays a couple of cool songs! You can find out more about Phil on his website, phildoleman.co.uk, check out his learning resources at learntheukulele.co.uk, look up Phil Doleman on YouTube, and of course become a patron at patreon.com/phildoleman. This is my last episode for 2020 – it’s been quite a year and I’m due for a break. I will be releasing some bonus episodes in early 2021, including a Best of 2020 episode which will hopefully be out in early January. I’ll be kicking off Season 4 sometime in March. In the meantime keep safe, and I look forward to bringing you chats with more great ukulele players in 2021! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 28 Jul 2019 | BONUS - Geoff Gets His Groove Back | 00:37:05 | |
Last year I released an episode featuring my friend Geoff Skellams, a talented player of ukulele and guitar who was feeling a little frustrated by his progress with learning Hawaiian slack key. He did get some lessons after that episode was recorded and they helped a bit, but this year the frustration seemed to be returning in a big way. Then in June, Geoff went to a week-long workshop in Hawaii which absolutely turned things around for him. His excitement was so infectious that I got him back on the show to tell me all about it. Links to things Geoff talked about are below. George Kahumoku's Slack Key Guitar and Ukulele Workshop The Mākaha Sons of Ni'ihau Slack Key Masters weekly concert Daniel Ward - Melodic Meditations for Ukulele 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:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist of songs relating to this episode. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 24 Mar 2019 | S2E03 Sandra Shaw | 00:28:12 | |
Sandra Shaw is a regular performer with some of Canberra’s best ukulele groups. She plays a bit of flute as well! I took a picture of her very pretty travel ukulele. In our chat, Sandra mentioned some regular URoC performances:
Groups Sandra plays with are: Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist with all the songs mentioned in this episode. And don’t miss the Gang Gang Twang festival on 4th April 2019 in Canberra. Sandra and I will be there! Songs played in this episode are:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 05 Sep 2021 | S4E10 - Kim Yang | 00:34:40 | |
I’ve talked to ukulele players all over the world but it’s nice to talk to someone local again from Canberra where I live. Originally from Taiwan, Kim Yang moved here 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. We had a chat a few weeks ago about her musical journey. Some show-related links below: Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is the New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode For more information about Kim, go to kimyangmusic.com where you will also be able to buy her new EP on 10th September. Also don’t forget to send me suggestions for people you would like me to interview on the show, before it’s too late! Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS | |||
| 02 May 2021 | S4E04 - Sugarman Slim | 00:46:43 | |
I’ve talked to a lot of overseas players recently so I figured it was time to bring back some Australian content! I have a chat to Sugarman Slim, a Sydney-based musician who combines ukulele with bass riffs in a way that will make you want to jump up and dance! He plays some fantastic songs written by his daughter, and tells us about his small, mobile rehearsal space. Enjoy! For more information about Slim, and to get details of his daughter’s songs, go to sugarmanslim.com, and check out his music on YouTube. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 07 Oct 2018 | S1E11 Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart | 00:29:09 | |
In today’s episode I chat to Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson, who performed with the Ukastle Ukestra at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August this year. Mark and Jane play their rendition of “I’ll be Your San Antone Rose” by Susanna Clark. More about Mark and Jane, including their Ukestration manual, can be found at The Sum of the Parts. This episode was recorded at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. If you want to get in touch like Kathryn did, you can send me an email here - I'd love to hear from you! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 15 Jul 2018 | S1E5 Andrew Rankine | 00:20:59 | |
Today’s episode is with Andrew Rankine, a fellow member of the Ukulele Republic of Canberra. This was recorded after URoC’s performance at the 2018 Shoalhaven Heads Ukulele Festival. Go to our YouTube channel for songs and artists mentioned in the episode. If you want to listen to Andrew’s favourite radio station it’s QBN FM. Also a shout-out to the Wattas for their rendition of Pachelbel’s Canon Want to support the podcast? Donate or buy merch on our website, ukuleleisthenewblack.com. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 29 Jul 2018 | S1E6 Tim Griffin | 00:19:56 | |
If you want to hear more music from Tim, he does a lot of shows for kids at schools and libraries around Southern California. He will be performing and teaching songwriting workshops for grownups at the upcoming World Science Fiction Convention in San Jose, California; and will be the featured music guest at FenCon in Dallas, Texas in September. You can also hear and buy his music on his website, GriffinEd.Org and he has a youtube channel. Thanks to Tim for giving me permission to include his song "Leonardo's Mother" at the end of the podcast. Ukulele Is The New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper and I also wrote and performed the theme tune. Graphic design is by Seb Carraro. Episodes are released every second Monday and you can subscribe on iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, Tumblr or your podcatcher of choice. Our YouTube channel has a playlist of songs relating to each podcast episode. Want to support the show? Please subscribe to the podcast, give us a review on iTunes, and go to the website, ukuleleisthenewblack.com to donate or buy merch. And follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 13 Sep 2020 | S3E15 - Stuart "Stukulele" Eadie | 00:33:50 | |
Today I have a chat to Mullumbimby-based Stuart Eadie, better known as Stukulele, who has had a long career in music but not always as a ukulele player. We talk about his unexpected ukulele teaching career, about starting a new ukulele group in Mullumbimby, and about touring with The Whitlams in a very famous bus. Stu also plays a couple of great original songs. Enjoy! You can support Stu by buying his CD, becoming a patron on Patreon, or subscribe to his YouTube channel. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 08 Sep 2019 | S2E12 - Aubrey and Purton | 00:35:48 | |
I went to the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August, where I had a chat to Dennis Aubrey and Pete Purton, who perform as duo Aubrey and Purton. They have been busking together for years and it shows - their performance looks so effortless, and they know how to engage a crowd. They also know a lot of songs, and they play quite a few in this episode. If you want to find out more about Dennis and Pete, or book their band for a gig, you can go to their website, www.aubreyandpurton.com, or if you’re in Sydney on a Saturday, drop into Paddington Markets – they might be there. Some show-related links below: Songs played in this episode:
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:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 22 Sep 2019 | S2E13 - Ohana | 00:32:35 | |
Today’s episode was recorded at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. Normally when I go to a festival I organise all my interviews in advance, but when I heard Ohana playing at the festival on the Saturday morning I was impressed, and hit them up for an interview as soon as they finished their set. Fortunately, Adam and Lea were up for it! If you want to record your version of Brand New Day and support the Brand New Day Project, the chords and lyrics are on the Facebook page. I recorded a version with my bandmates Jasmine Fellows and Chris Williams – and yes it does have a bit of melodica in it! You can watch the video on the Brand New Day Project page, or the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 02 Aug 2020 | S3E12 - Christopher "CC" Carr | 00:53:39 | |
Today’s episode is with Christopher Carr, aka CC, of the Ukulele Trading Co based in Adelaide, South Australia. We talk about the importance of changing your strings, the Adelaide ukulele scene, and we do some bad Bob Dylan impressions! Enjoy. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 24 May 2020 | S3E07 - Gwendolyn Fitz | 00:31:04 | |
Here’s my third New York interview – this time with Gwendolyn Fitz, ukulele player and founder of the Brooklyn Ukulele Festival. We had a chat in my hotel room on a day when there was unfortunately a lot of noisy maintenance going on in the hotel. I’ve done my best to minimise it in this episode but hey – I suppose it gives our conversation some genuine New York flavour! Given the current environment, the Brooklyn Ukulele Festival won’t be running in the way Gwendolyn originally intended – but the good news is that it is still going ahead on June 12-13 in a virtual format. Full details will be available on 1st June on gwendolynfitzmusic.com, so make sure you go there and subscribe to the mailing list. Some show-related links below: Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as others relating to the episode. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 21 May 2018 | S1E1 Michael Rosenberg | 00:24:53 | |
In my first episode I have a chat to my ukulele teacher, Michael Rosenberg. Michael plays snippets from a few songs. If you want to hear the originals, check out the playlist on the YouTube channel.
And check out the photos of Michael’s resonator ukulele and the amazing tri-coconut uke. Thanks to Seb Carraro for doing my graphic design, and to everyone who has given me advice on this massive undertaking! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 16 Aug 2020 | S3E13 - Sunitra Martinelli | 00:33:58 | |
Today’s episode with Adelaide-based musician Sunitra Martinelli, who despite having some less than optimal violin lessons when she was young is now an accomplished songwriter, ukulele player and singer. Sunitra has a particular fondness for cabaret-style numbers and loves to sing in French! I think you will enjoy this chat. Some show-related links below: Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 31 Oct 2021 | S4E14 - Meredith Harper | 00:46:54 | |
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! Some show-related links below:
Podcasts I mentioned:
Episodes I mentioned:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele is the New Black YouTube channel for a playlist of songs relating to today’s episode. Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thank you so much to Cameron Murray for being part of this final episode. If you haven’t heard Cameron’s podcast Ukulele Stories, now is the perfect time to subscribe so that you keep on getting your ukulele podcast fix! Well listeners, this is the last interview I will be posting on this feed for now, but please stay subscribed as I will be releasing a 2021 compilation episode in early 2022. And who knows, I might get inspired and make the occasional new episode. Thank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast, with special thanks to my wonderful patrons. Stay safe and keep strumming! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 13 Jan 2019 | BONUS: Phil Thompson | 00:14:21 | |
I bumped into my ex brother in law Phil Thompson at the Newkulele Festival in October 2018. He played a few bars from:
Like many guests on the podcast, Phil talked about the talented Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart. If you want to learn more about them and their Ukestras, they featured in episode 11, and they have a website: The Sum of the Parts. Please vote for the podcast in the Australian Podcast Awards – wouldn’t it be amazing for a ukulele podcast to win the popular vote? The voting link is here. I will be in Seattle for a few days in early March 2019. If you know someone who lives in either of those places who should be a guest on the show, please get in touch via the website www.ukuleleisthenewblack.com, or podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com. And if you need more musical podcasts in your life, check out Strong Songs – I love it! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 10 Feb 2020 | BONUS - Spoken Word Theme Tune | 00:01:37 | |
Inspired by the great William Shatner, I made this magnificent spoken word version of the theme tune, with some friends. I hope you enjoy it! Lyrics written and spoken by Meredith Harper, with additional vocals by Jasmine Fellows. Music by Geoff Skellams, Paul Marsh and Chris Williams. Thanks to my $10 per month & higher Patreon supporters:
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| 17 Jun 2018 | S1E3 Janine Chandler | 00:29:57 | |
Today’s chat is with Janine Chandler. Janine plays snippets from these songs:
Go to our YouTube channel to listen to originals in full, as well as other music mentioned by Janine. Janine raved about her lessons with Dave O’Neill. I took her advice and I’m having some lessons with him too! If you’d like to do the same, check out his website. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 21 Mar 2021 | S4E01 - Stuart Yoshida | 00:57:18 | |
Season 4 is here – welcome to the first episode for 2021! Today I talk to fellow ukulele podcaster Stuart Yoshida, who has been making the Ooktown podcast for around 10 years with co-host Doug Brown. As well as talking podcasting, Stuart tells me the story of his first ukulele (blue house, brown roof, black dog) and the secret origin of the ukulele (two plants, one bird, three people, one ship). Enjoy! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 08 Jan 2021 | BONUS - How Ukulele Changed our Lives in 2020 | 00:27:22 | |
2020 was a memorable year for many reasons, but today let’s focus on the positive. I talked to players from around the globe in 2020 about why they love the ukulele, and today I bring you the many ways in which it has changed their lives. I’ve also recorded some new songs with the podcast’s house band, The New Black – including an extended version of the theme tune which you will hear at the end of the episode. Yes, I’ve finally written another verse! Please enjoy this dose of positivity to kick off 2021. Thanks so much for listening in 2020, and I look forward to bringing you another year of ukulele inspiration in 2021. Look out for new episodes starting sometime in March. Happy new year! Songs performed by The New Black on the show are below. All songs were recorded and mixed by Paul Marsh.
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear the original versions of these songs as well as a few of our covers. Ukulele is the New Black is produced by Meredith Harper, who also wrote the theme tune. The theme tune was performed by Meredith Harper with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 02 Jun 2019 | S2E08 Alan and Paul Okami | 00:38:02 | |
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Hawaii was my visit to the KoAloha factory. I did their daily factory tour first, then had a chat to Alan and Paul Okami. Oh, and I also bought the ukulele of my dreams! 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 the amazing Debbie Hoad. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 06 Oct 2019 | S2E14 - The Wild Women of Anywhere Beach | 00:52:43 | |
Today’s episode is the last of three which I recorded at the 2019 Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. Cathy Welsford and Angie Smith are the Wild Women of Anywhere Beach, an incredibly talented duo who frequently perform, run workshops, and write fantastic songs. I really enjoyed my chat with these two! If you want to buy their CD, you can do that here, or you can stream it in the usual places. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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:
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. 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. | |||
| 21 Oct 2018 | S1E12 Stickie FIngers | 00:32:34 | |
Stickie Fingers are from Griffith, which is in the Riverina region of New South Wales. I had a chat to them at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August. This is the first time I’ve done an episode with 5 people at once, and it was a little daunting at first! We recorded this in a very small hotel room, and you can imagine how crowded it was with six people and a heap of ukuleles. It was all good fun though, and I enjoyed our chat. I hope you do too! They played: “Donald Where’s Your Troosers” – Andy Stewart & Neil Grant (1960) “Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms” – Traditional And here are a few links to things mentioned in the episode: The Junee Rhythm & Rail Festival The Norfolk Island Ukulele Festival The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival The Murrumbidgee Ukulele Group Strummers The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 18 Nov 2018 | S1E14 A.J. Leonard | 00:45:16 | |
Multi instrumentalist, arranger and recording artist A.J. Leonard is one of Australia's pioneer ukulele players and is regarded to be among the best in the world. Songs played by A.J. in the podcast (and with Jenny Rowlands in the Christmas medley) are:
A.J. has a website where you can find all his music and see where he will be performing. A.J. talks about Kamaka ukuleles. A.J. mentions another ukulele and cello duo, James Hill and Anne Janelle The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
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| 01 Mar 2020 | S3E01 - All The Way Home | 00:38:32 | |
Welcome to the first episode for 2020, which was recorded at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival in February. I had a chat to Melbourne-based Nicki Johnson and Craig Barrie, who perform together as All The Way Home. As well as being great ukulele players they take their singing pretty seriously, and Nicki plays a mean shaker as well! Enjoy. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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 for every episode, like these supporters:
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. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 05 May 2019 | S2E06 Jim Boggia | 00:45:18 | |
This chat with Jim Boggia was recorded on the Joco Cruise in March 2019. Jim has been playing music since the age of five, and it shows! As well as being an incredibly talented musician he was a lot of fun to chat to. Jim played two songs on the podcast:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for this episode's playlist - it contains these songs as well as others mentioned in the episode. The audio of "Tune That Thing" was sourced from Angela Brett's excellent YouTube video recorded on the 2019 Joco Cruise. As well as Jim, it featured Paul Sabourin and jean Grae (and a little bit of Night Moves - Bob Seger, 1976). Go watch the video - it's even better with pictures! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 03 Nov 2019 | S2E16 - Ruth Allen | 00:31:35 | |
I recently went to the SPRUKE ukulele festival in Brisbane, where I caught up with Ruth Allen, leader of the Port Macquarie Ukestra. If you don’t know what a Ukestra is, go back and listen to the episode I recorded last year with Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart. Not only does Ruth lead the ukestra, she is also a James Hill accredited ukulele teacher, and a very entertaining performer! Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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:
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 podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com, 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. | |||
| 17 Nov 2019 | S2E17 - Ian Porter | 00:35:17 | |
This is the second episode recorded at the Brisbane SPRUKE ukulele festival in September. If you listened to my previous episode with Ruth Allen, you would have heard her talk about Ian Porter. Well, here he is in today’s episode! Ian is an accomplished player and teacher of ukulele and I really enjoyed my chat with him. I think you will too! Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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:
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 podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com, 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. | |||
| 25 Jul 2021 | S4E07 - Barbara Taylor | 00:33:20 | |
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. Oh and Barbara mentions my cat curtains, which were pretty hard to miss when I talked to her over Zoom. If you want to see them, here’s a picture. They are wonderfully tacky and you won’t be disappointed! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 22 Aug 2021 | S4E09 - Dani Joy and Perry Stauffer | 00:47:14 | |
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. They are a wonderfully warm and energetic couple and I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with them. I think you will too! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 04 Nov 2018 | S1E13 Miriam Miley-Read | 00:31:04 | |
Miriam Miley-Read plays and sings with trad-Dixieland jazz band Zackerbilks. I had a great chat to her at Smith’s Alternative in Canberra. Miriam and I both LOVE our Cordoba ukuleles – and if you’re interested, here is mine. Miriam mentioned an appearance at Artsound FM, a Canberra community radio station. And she also mentioned the National Folk Festival, which happens annually in Canberra at Easter. There is always a lot of ukulele going on there! Miriam played a couple of tunes: “Ice Cream” by Howard Johnson, Billy Moll, and Robert King (1927) “In A Persian Market” by Albert Ketèlbey (1920) The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 30 May 2021 | S4E06 - Christopher Davis-Shannon | 00:36:16 | |
Today I have a chat to Christopher Davis-Shannon, a Philadelphia-based musician who grew up in a very musical family. He discovered ukulele a few years back and fell in love with it, and he now plays some fantastic music, much of it influenced by early 20th century players such as Roy Smeck and George Formby. Enjoy! To find out more about Christopher’s music, teaching, and his new book “The George Formby Handbook”, go to his website thetinman.co. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 08 Nov 2020 | S3E19 - Sam Brown | 00:31:43 | |
Sam Brown is a professional musician best known as a singer, having sung backing vocals for bands such as Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Spandau Ballet, as well as having a successful solo career including the international hit single “Stop!”, which is still one of my favourite songs. When Sam lost her singing voice in 2007 she started teaching ukulele, and now runs 7 ukulele groups in the UK. We have a great chat about her discovery of the ukulele and she also plays a couple of songs on a ukulele with a very impressive provenance. For more information about Sam, and to buy her albums go to misssambrown.com, and to find out more about her many ukulele clubs go to thefabulousukuleleclub.co.uk. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 07 Jun 2020 | S3E08 - Gracie Terzian | 00:27:20 | |
My final New York interview is with Gracie Terzian, a ukulele player and teacher who is known for playing a harp ukulele – something which I had never seen before! We had a great chat in her New York studio, surrounded by her many ukuleles and other instruments. Enjoy! Some show-related links below: Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as others relating to the episode. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 01 Jul 2018 | S1E4 Kendra Zzyzwyck | 00:21:48 | |
Today’s conversation is with Kendra Zzyzwyck. Kendra and I play Code Monkey by Jonathan Coulton. You can find this and all his other tunes on his website, jonathancoulton.com. Kendra also has a podcast. If you love the TV series “Charmed” (or even if you don’t!) you will enjoy Charmed Chats. Go to our YouTube channel to listen to the playlist for this episode, which includes music by Jonathan Coulton, Molly Lewis, and Paul & Storm - and you can also see a clip of the Ukulele Melee. Want to support the show? Please subscribe to the podcast, and give us a review on iTunes. You can donate to the show on our website ukuleleisthenewblack.com, where you can also buy merch! This helps keeps the show running, including making sure all the music we cover is legal. And follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 24 Feb 2019 | S2E01 Paul Marsh | 00:26:30 | |
Welcome back to season 2 – please enjoy this chat with ukulele player and all-round nice guy Paul Marsh, the first I have ever recorded in a winery cellar. And it’s a very nice winery too – if you’d like some delicious wines, food and a bit of live music you can visit Contentious Character winery, located around a half-hour drive from Canberra. Some other things mentioned in the show: The Shadies, who appear not to have an online presence – this was all I could find Lunchulele at Smith's Alternative Paul Marsh & Kate Ord’s duo is Poetry in Motion If you want to learn more about Mary Bryant, here’s a link to the Wikipedia entry Songs: Home Town (Paul Marsh) Sailing Away (Paul Marsh) The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 29 Mar 2020 | S3E03 - Chantelle Riordan | 00:45:03 | |
Well the world is a scary place at the moment – I got home from my shorter-than-expected overseas trip a week ago, and have been at home in self-isolation since then. Fortunately I have plenty of interviews recorded, so I will be able to continue to take your mind off things with more chats with ukulele players over the next few months. Today’s episode is the final one recorded at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival back in February, this time with Chantelle Riordan, otherwise known as Chantelle & Uke. Chantelle is a percussionist who discovered the joy of the little stringed instrument and is now firmly hooked. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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 for every episode, like these supporters:
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. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 20 May 2018 | Welcome to Ukulele Is The New Black | 00:02:31 | |
Ukulele Is The New Black is a podcast about the people who love to play ukulele. What is it about this little instrument that appeals to so many? In the coming episodes I will be having conversations with ukulele players to find out. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode! | |||
| 26 Apr 2020 | S3E05 - Chloe Hennessee | 00:15:56 | |
I spent a week in New York in late February, just before things really went pear-shaped there. Chloe Hennessee is the first of four New York-based ukulele players I talked to on my trip. Chloe is only 17, but she has already made her mark on the music scene with her talent in both playing and writing music. We had a chat in her family’s apartment, which I have to point out is very open plan and not really designed for audio recording, so there is a bit of hum and background noise, so it’s not as clean as I would like. Chloe talks about her favourite ukulele producer Ohana Ukulele, and plays a beautiful song which she wrote, “Boxes”. Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear this song as well as others by Chloe. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 30 Jun 2019 | BONUS - STRUM (Seattle's Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians) | 00:36:01 | |
I went to an impromptu meetup with STRUM, Seattle’s Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians, on a recent visit to Seattle. I recorded some of the songs we played, and asked some of the members how ukulele has changed their lives. If you’re passing through Seattle I would highly recommend dropping in for a strum! This episode features a whole lot of songs:
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. 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:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 13 Jun 2021 | CLASSIC EPISODE: Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson | 00:29:57 | |
Hi listeners! Life is a bit frantic for me at the moment – I’ve sold my house and I’m desperately trying to buy a new one before I have to move out – a task which has proved more difficult and stressful than I’d anticipated. As a result I’ve struggled to find the time and headspace to record a new interview for you, so instead I’m bringing one back from the vault! This episode is from my first season back in 2018 – a time when ukulele players could safely go to crowded festivals and hang out together. When I arranged this interview at the Central Coast Ukulele Festival I had no idea how influential my guests were. In the three years since, I have lost count of the number of times people I’ve interviewed have said how these two ukulele players had inspired and helped them – not just Australian players, but people from across the world. Please enjoy this classic episode with Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart. ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode I chat to Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson, who performed with the Ukastle Ukestra at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August this year. Mark and Jane play their rendition of “I’ll be Your San Antone Rose” by Susanna Clark. More about Mark and Jane, including their Ukestration manual, can be found at The Sum of the Parts. This episode was recorded at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 15 Mar 2020 | S3E02 - Duplicity | 00:32:14 | |
Today’s episode is the second which I recorded at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival in February. I had a chat to another Melbourne-based duo – this time, Sue Kidd and Brendan Canty, who perform together as Duplicity. We had a great chat in my Airbnb with the rain bucketing down outside, which gave the recording a little extra atmosphere at times! I’m sure you will enjoy this one. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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 for every episode, like these supporters:
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. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 11 Aug 2019 | S2E10 - Dave Parker | 00:42:28 | |
I had a short trip to Auckland recently, and took the opportunity to chat to ukulele player and songwriter Dave Parker. Dave is one third of New Zealand ukulele band The Nukes, who have been playing around New Zealand, Australia and other places for around 10 years. I saw the Nukes play last year and was blown away by how good they were – so I was really excited by the opportunity to talk to Dave, and was not disappointed. Enjoy! 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:
Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 09 Sep 2018 | S1E9 Cameron Murray | 00:30:17 | |
I had a fantastic chat with Cameron Murray at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August 2018. He plays: “The Window Cleaner” – George Formby, Harry Gifford and Frederick E. Cliffe (1936) “Haleiwa” – Cameron Murray Also, the Ukulele Republic of Canberra plays “Walking after Midnight” by Alan Block & Donn Hecht (1956) And here are a few more links to things we discussed in the podcast: Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival SSCUM - St George and Sutherland Community of Ukulele Musicians The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 25 Oct 2020 | S3E18 - Samantha Muir | 00:41:44 | |
Samantha Muir is a classically trained musician who had a passion for guitar from an early age. In 2012 she discovered the ukulele and fell in love with it. Since then she has arranged and composed a huge body of instrumental pieces for ukulele, with a focus on classical and folk music. She talks to me in today’s episode about her musical journey which also includes teaching music, publishing books and CDs, and playing the machete. For more information about Sam, or to buy her books and CDs (hurry now to get them in time for Christmas!) go to samanthamuir.com, and also don’t forget to look up her YouTube channel, SamMuir Ukulele. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 21 Jun 2020 | S3E09 - M Sieiro Garcia & Colin Taylor | 00:33:38 | |
Believe it or not, today’s episode was recorded on a cruise in March 2020. I had a chat to ukulele players M Sieiro Garcia and Colin Taylor on the island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas on the last day of the Joco Cruise. It’s funny to listen back to it now, knowing that the next day we were well and truly back in the real world and the realities of a pandemic. Because this was recorded on the beach, there’s a fair bit of background noise – but just close your eyes and imagine you’re sitting on the beach with a pina colada, and enjoy! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear this song as well as other clips relating to the episode. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 03 Oct 2021 | S4E12 - Jim Croft | 00:39:52 | |
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! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 30 Aug 2020 | S3E14 - Lloyd and his Ukes | 00:31:29 | |
In today’s episode I have a chat to Lloyd, aka Lloyd and His Ukes, who talks about ukulele acquisition syndrome, Christmas performances in Germany, and how George Formby featured in his tertiary studies. He also plays a couple of fantastic songs which I am sure you will enjoy! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 08 Aug 2021 | S4E08 - Aldrine Guerrero | 00:38:11 | |
Today I talk to Aldrine Guerrero of Ukulele Underground, 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:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 17 Oct 2021 | S4E13 - Jasmine Fellows | 00:37:47 | |
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. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode. Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 10 May 2020 | S3E06 - Andrew Swackhamer | 00:43:55 | |
Today I have another conversation recorded in New York earlier this year, with Andrew Swackhamer – self proclaimed ukulele wizard, and all-round gorgeous human. He appeared at the door of my hotel room carrying a ukulele and a gift of chocolate, and I immediately knew we were going to have a great chat! I hope you enjoy it too. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as others relating to the episode. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 04 Apr 2021 | S4E02 - Marc Gallagher | 00:38:32 | |
Today I bring you a chat with Marc Gallagher, a multi-instrumentalist from Manchester in the UK. Marc started out trying to play all the instruments, but when the time came to pick a specialty he wisely opted for the fun one - the ukulele. He is also an accomplished songwriter, and he plays a couple of his songs in today’s episode. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 01 Dec 2019 | S2E18 - Jenny Parenteau | 00:28:36 | |
Jenny Parenteau plays ukulele with The Loveys, a brilliant four-piece band from Mullumbimby in northern NSW. I first heard them play at the Newkulele festival in 2018, and was thrilled to hear that they would be at SPRUKE this year. I had a chat with Jenny in The Loveys’ dressing room backstage before their sound check for the Sunday afternoon performance. There were other sound checks going on in the background while we talked, so enjoy the background music! Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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:
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 podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com, 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. | |||
| 03 Jun 2018 | S1E2 Joey Marianer | 00:14:02 | |
This is the first of four episodes recorded on the 2018 Joco Cruise. Today’s chat is with Joey Marianer. Joey plays two songs:
I’ve created a playlist with videos of both songs, as well as Jonathan Coulton’s original “Glasses”, on the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel. Find out more about the Joco Cruise at www.jococruise.com. If you want to go next year you’re too late – it’s sold out! But you can sign up on the website to be on the waitlist, or join the mailing list so you’re first in line to book for 2020. Jonathan Coulton’s website is www.jonathancoulton.com. You can listen to his music there, or in the usual online places. Why not support a musician and buy his new album, Solid State? You can even go old-school and get an actual CD. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 19 Jul 2020 | S3E11 - Charlotte Pelgen | 00:36:23 | |
Over the past year or so I’ve noticed a big increase in listeners from Germany, so I thought it was time to feature a German ukulele player on the show. Fortunately my friend Jim Croft seems to be able to find interesting ukulele players all over the world, and he suggested that I get in touch with Charlotte Pelgen, who turned out to not only be a brilliant ukulele player and singer, but also an absolute delight. I ‘m sure you will all enjoy this episode! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode, including The Masochism Tango! 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. The bagpipe music at the end of the episode was downloaded from https://freesound.org/people/rivermagic321/sounds/481061/ under a Creative Commons 0 licence. | |||
| 02 Dec 2018 | S1E15 Ukenjamit | 00:37:45 | |
Trish, Jack, Rosalie, John and Gayle are Ukenjamit, a fantastic ukulele group from Newcastle, NSW. I had a chat to them at the Newkulele Festival in October 2018. They played a few songs:
There was a lot of discussion about the talented Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart. If you want to learn more about them and their Ukestras, they featured in episode 11, and they have a website: The Sum of the Parts. I will be in Seattle and Vancouver for a few days in early March 2019. If you know someone who lives in either of those places who should be a guest on the show, please get in touch via the website www.ukuleleisthenewblack.com, or podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 18 Apr 2021 | S4E03 - Rich Sexton | 00:41:06 | |
Today’s episode features actor and musician Rich Sexton, who entertains and educates young children as the award-winning Funnybones Music, putting his acting and ukulele skills to excellent use. I discovered in our chat that Rich can play grown-up music as well, as you will hear in this episode. Enjoy! Some show-related links below: Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 14 Jul 2019 | BONUS - Live at the Gang Gang Twang Festival | 00:11:34 | |
Today’s episode consists of the best bits of a live episode recorded at the Ukulele Republic of Canberra’s Gang Gang Twang 2 festival, where I had a chat to David Megarrity and Samuel Vincent. David and Samuel regularly perform and record together as the duo Tyrone and Lesley. Due to technical issues I was only able to include a few highlights in this episode, but I’m sure you will enjoy the two songs performed by David and Samuel:
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:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist where you can hear these songs as well as a few other great Tyrone and Lesley tunes. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 20 Jan 2020 | BONUS - How Ukulele Changed our Lives in 2019 | 00:37:37 | |
This episode is a celebration of all those people I talked to in 2019. Every one of them told me how ukulele had changed their life, and I’ve put all those reasons together in one place. I’ve scored this episode with a lot of music featuring ukulele. Most of it was recorded specifically for this episode with the help of my friends, but there are a few songs which I recorded during 2019, including one live performance. Thank you so much to all the guests who appeared in this episode:
I hope you like the music in this episode – we had a great time recording it! Details of all the songs are below. “Perfect” (Mark E. Nevin, 1988)
“The Weight” (Robbie Robertson, 1968)
“Catch My Disease” (Ben Lee & McGowan Southworth, 2004)
“Sister Golden Hair” (Gerry Beckley, 1975)
“With A Little Help From My Friends” (Lennon & McCartney, 1967)
“Brand New Day” (Adam & Lea Johnson)
“Livin’ Thing” (Jeff Lynne, 1976)
“Heroes” (David Bowie & Brian Eno, 1977)
Ukulele is the New Black is produced by Meredith Harper. The theme tune was written by Meredith Harper and performed by Meredith Harper, Jasmine Fellows, Geoff Skellams, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoyed this podcast please tell your friends! If you have friends who don’t play ukulele, this is the perfect episode to get them inspired. You can also support me on Patreon, 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 and tell me what you thought of it – I love to hear from listeners! You can email me at podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com, or send me a message on social media or through the website. I’ll be releasing a short bonus episode in February, and then I’ll start the 2020 season some time in March. I hope 2020 is your best ukulele year ever! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. Thanks to my $10 per month & higher Patreon supporters:
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| 16 Dec 2018 | S1E16 Mal Webb | 00:38:52 | |
Mal Webb describes himself as a “vocal adventurer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist”, and I can’t think of a better description. I hope you enjoy his vocal adventures as much as I did! Mal plays one of his songs, “TLA”. This episode was recorded at the Newkulele Festival, including a small excerpt from Mal’s ukulooping workshop. More information about Mal and his workshops can be found on his website. Mal mentions a few interesting instruments: the Zimbabwean thumb piano and African udu drums. And despite being from Melbourne, he refers to some Canberra things: TUGS ukulele group and Questacon. He also mentions a band he and his partner Kylie play in, which has the BEST BAND NAME EVER: Formidable Vegetable Sound System. This is the final episode in Season 1, but I will be back with season 2 in February next year. Keep checking the podcast feed in the meantime though, as I will be posting a few bonus episodes during the break. Thank you so much for your support this year, and I look forward to making more episodes for you next year! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 05 Jul 2020 | S3E10 - Jenny Peters | 00:29:06 | |
Well real life finally caught up with me, so today is the first interview I’ve recorded remotely. I had a chat with Chicago-based Jenny Peters, one of the two Ukulele Sisters, who publish a heap of ukulele tutorials and books, which I think have a little more to offer than your average tutorial. I hope you think so too - and don’t forget you can get your free arrangement of Simple Gifts from Jenny by clicking here! Some show-related links below: Songs played on the show: Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
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| 20 Oct 2019 | S2E15 - David Megarrity | 00:30:57 | |
Back in February, I recorded a live episode at the Gang Gang Twang festival in Canberra featuring David Megarrity and Samuel Vincent, otherwise known as Tyrone and Lesley. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to release that episode due to issues with the sound quality, but I recently caught up with David at his home in Brisbane. As my regular listeners know, I normally ask my guests to perform their music live during the interview but as Samuel wasn’t able to make it, this time we’ve gone with prerecorded songs instead. If you would like to hear David and Samuel perform a couple of live songs, I released a bonus episode with the better bits of the live interview back in July. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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:
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. 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. Permission to use the recordings was given by David Megaritty. | |||
| 19 Sep 2021 | S4E11 - Nicole and Aaron Keim | 00:42:47 | |
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. After I recorded this interview another listener, Paul Gissing, also suggested I talk to Aaron – so chances are you should all enjoy it! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode For more information about Aaron and Nicole, and to buy their books and CDs, go to QuietAmericanMusic.com, and check out Aaron’s ukuleles at thebeansprout.com. And of course there’s also a whole lot of content on Aaron’s YouTube channel. Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 07 Apr 2019 | S2E04 Guido Heistek | 00:27:50 | |
Guido Heistek is a teacher and performer of ukulele and guitar, based in Vancouver. Here are some links to things we discussed in the show: Guido played Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg, 1939). The music played in this podcast is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 26 Jan 2021 | BONUS - AUTLA Survives 2020 | 00:40:33 | |
I’m going to start working on 2021 episodes soon, but in the meantime here is a bonus episode with some of the members of AUTLA – the Australian Ukulele Teachers and Leaders Association. I have a chat with two former guests of the podcast – Tom the Pom and Ruth Allen – as well as AUTLA’s president, Dan McEoin. They talk about what AUTLA does, and how they managed the challenges of 2020 and beyond. Links to things mentioned on the show:
Ukulele is the New Black is produced by Meredith Harper, who also wrote the theme tune. The theme tune was performed by Meredith Harper with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 11 Jul 2021 | BONUS - Life is a Musical | 00:07:02 | |
Today I have a bonus episode for you. 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. Songs played in this episode:
Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 27 Sep 2020 | S3E16 - Kevin Chennell | 00:35:52 | |
In today’s episode I chat to Kevin Chennell from COVID-free Perth, Western Australia. He talks about how much fun it is to busk with a large group of ukulele players, about travelling the world to hang out with top musicians, and convinces his wife Lyn to join him for one of his songs. Please enjoy! Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 15 Dec 2019 | S2E19 - David "Snapper" Thiele | 00:50:05 | |
If 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:
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:
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 podcast@ukuleleisthenewblack.com, 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. | |||
| 11 Oct 2020 | S3E17 - Stuart Fuchs | 00:51:21 | |
Stuart Fuchs is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who can do amazing things with a ukulele, but he is also passionate about helping people to use music for healing and happiness. He loves to teach and has a heap of resources on his YouTube channel, Ukulele Zen. In today’s episode we talk about his early days learning guitar with his father, his discovery of the ukulele, and how much he loves living in Buffalo, New York. He also plays a bit of didgeridoo, and shows me some unconventional ways to play the uke! If you want to support Stu, you can go to stufuchs.com to buy CDs and merchandise, or become a patron on patreon.com. And of course check out his Ukulele Zen YouTube channel where you will find some amazing resources. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or wherever you listen to your podcasts - and tell your friends! Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 16 May 2021 | S4E05 - Toast Garden | 00:42:34 | |
In today’s episode I talk to Bill and Lizzie, otherwise known as Toast Garden, a couple and musical duo based in Tasmania. Originally from Sydney where they started out as a guitar and voice duo, they discovered ukulele and have now filled their Tasmanian home with them. They play a couple of great renditions of Beatles songs during our chat, which I am sure you will enjoy. If you want to hear more great ukulele from Toast Garden check them out on YouTube, or on Instagram. Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 26 Aug 2018 | S1E8 The Demented Ukeholics | 00:25:29 | |
Today’s chat is with Narelle and Marina, aka the Demented Ukeholics. They play a few songs: “Getting Old” – The Demented Ukeholics “I’m a Reader” – The Demented Ukeholics, adapted from “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond (originally performed by The Monkees) “Going to Play our Ukey Now” – the Demented Ukeholics “Give Ukes a Chance” – the Demented Ukeholics, adapted from “Give Peace A Chance” by John Lennon And the BlueMUGS played “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” by The Angels Don’t miss this video of Narelle and Marina's appearance on Sunrise: You can hear more of their music on their YouTube channel and keep in touch with them on their Facebook page. And here are a few links to things we discussed in the podcast: The Hilarious World of Depression - Therapeutic Ukuleles The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 12 Apr 2020 | S3E04 - Shane McAlister | 00:46:54 | |
I recorded this episode on a work trip to Wellington, New Zealand back in February – looking at the calendar, it was less than two months ago, but it feels like another life! I asked a few people who I should talk to in Wellington, and the response was unanimous – Shane McAlister. Shane’s place was about an hour’s train ride from Wellington and he picked me up at the station in his van, which was packed full of various instruments and puppets. We did the interview in Shane’s living room, where he wandered around the room grabbing different instruments as we chatted. This had some interesting effects on the sound quality, as you will probably hear! His house was a treasure trove of interesting things, and I have to apologise for forgetting to take photos of the puppets and instruments for you, but hopefully you will get the idea. Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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. 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, Jim Croft, Chris Williams, Paul Marsh and Sandra Shaw. Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 25 Aug 2019 | S2E11 - Tom "Tom the Pom" Harding | 00:47:32 | |
A few weeks ago I was at one of my regular ukulele group meetups, and someone new turned up to play. He confidently walked in, introduced himself as Tom the Pom, and started playing with us. It didn’t take too long for me to decide that I had to get him on the podcast. He was only in Canberra for a couple of days, but agreed to record a conversation with me on the following evening. I’m glad I followed my instincts! Enjoy. 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:
Some show-related links below:
Songs played in this episode:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 31 Dec 2018 | BONUS: How ukulele changed our lives in 2018 | 00:25:10 | |
Best of 2018 – Show Notes How has ukulele changed our lives in 2018? I revisit episodes from Season 1 and take a look at the ways the humble uke has changed the lives of this year’s podcast guests. Thanks to featured guests Michael Rosenberg, Joey Marianer, Janine Chandler, Andrew Rankine, Tim Griffin, Amber Shuhyta, The Demented Ukeholics (Marina and Narelle), Cameron Murray, Geoff Skellams, Mark Jackson, Jane Jelbart, Stickie Fingers (John, Janine, Val, Phil and Cilla), Miriam Miley-Read, A.J. Leonard, Ukenjamit (Trish, Jack, Rosalie, John and Gayle) and Mal Webb. Thanks also to my friends Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows and Geoff Skellams for recording some background music for the show, and also a new version of the theme tune. Music included in today’s show is:
Thanks for listening this year and I look forward to 2019! The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 21 Apr 2019 | S2E05 Molly Lewis | 00:27:36 | |
This chat with Molly Lewis was recorded on the Joco Cruise in March 2019. Molly has been playing ukulele on that cruise (and in many other places of course!) since its inception nine years ago, and I was so excited to get the opportunity to talk to her for the podcast. Links to some of the things we discussed are below.
I was going to get a photo of Molly’s Bluebird ukulele but as usual, I forgot. Here is a link to the concert version (hers is a tenor). Songs played in this episode are:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 27 Jun 2021 | CLASSIC EPISODE - Mal Webb | 00:39:45 | |
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. I will be spending a couple of weeks in an Airbnb before I can move into the new place, so hopefully I will have the time to make an original episode for next time. This is another of my favourites from season 1, with Mal Webb - a ukulele player and multi-instrumentalist who was a source of both fun and inspiration for me. I hope you enjoy it! ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES: Mal Webb describes himself as a “vocal adventurer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist”, and I can’t think of a better description. I hope you enjoy his vocal adventures as much as I did! Mal plays one of his songs, “TLA”. This episode was recorded at the Newkulele Festival, including a small excerpt from Mal’s ukulooping workshop. More information about Mal and his workshops can be found on his website. Mal mentions a few interesting instruments: the Zimbabwean thumb piano and African udu drums. And despite being from Melbourne, he refers to some Canberra things: TUGS ukulele group and Questacon. He also mentions a band he and his partner Kylie play in, which has the BEST BAND NAME EVER: Formidable Vegetable Sound System. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 12 Aug 2018 | S1E7 Amber Shuhyta | 00:26:17 | |
Today’s chat is with Amber Shuhyta. Amber plays a few songs in the podcast:
She also plays her own composition, “Rising Up to See the Sun”. If you want to hear the original versions of the songs she covered, and also other songs mentioned in the show, go to our YouTube channel where there is a playlist for this episode. Amber mentions some Canberra ukulele groups: The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 23 Sep 2018 | S1E10 Geoff Skellams | 00:40:31 | |
Today’s chat is with Geoff Skellams. He plays some cool stuff: “Afternoon Delight” – Bill Danoff (1975) “The Redtail Hawk” – George Schroder (1975) “Molehu” – Ozzie Katani “Dragonfly” – A J Leonard “Nanea Kou Maka I Ka Le'ale'a” – arrangement by Mark Kailana Nelson And my attempt at fingerpicking was “Come Said the Boy” by Mondo Rock, written by Eric McCusker (1983) Want to see Ledward Kaapana playing with his hand in a bag? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWroL8aOAFQ The book Geoff mentions is Ozzie Kotani's book "Guitar Playing Hawaiian Style". The Dan Gibson tune that really inspired Geoff to pick up the guitar: "Around The Campfire" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujSfne2MkHc The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 16 Jun 2019 | S2E09 Flat Foot Floozy | 00:27:57 | |
Recently I was in Sydney for the weekend and took the opportunity to have a chat with Jeff, Rita, Patsi and Peter of ukulele band Flat Foot Floozy. 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:
Some show-related links below: Flat Foot Floozy played a couple of songs:
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. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
| 10 Mar 2019 | S2E02 Khristina Joy | 00:32:35 | |
I had a lovely chat with Khristina Joy at the 2019 Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival. She mentioned a few ukulele groups:
You can find out more about Khristina at her website. Khristina played:
Loud in the Library played “Whatever It Takes” (Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, Daniel Platzman & Joel Little, 2017). Performers were Jasmine (vocal), Meredith, Sandra & Emma (ukulele and vocals), Amber (djembe) and the stylishly dressed Jim on ukulele. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS. | |||
