Xani Kolac: Electric Violin, Innovation and Improvisation

In this episode, I’m joined by Wild Gloriosa — the solo project of Gloria Ragesh — for an open and thoughtful conversation about identity, heritage, and creative independence. We talk about Gloria’s South Indian roots, her Singaporean upbringing, and how living in different places has shaped both her worldview and her music. She shares the story behind the name Wild Gloriosa, drawn from the flame lily of Tamil Nadu, and what it represents in her evolution as an artist. We discuss her earlier work with the band JOTHI, the decision to step forward as a solo artist, and what that transition required creatively and personally. Gloria reflects on touring as a support act for Jessica Mauboy, collaborating with other musicians, and the importance of creating spaces where authenticity and vulnerability are welcomed. The conversation also explores self-compassion, community, and how songwriting can become a reciprocal exchange between artist and listener. A really honest and reflective chat about growth, culture, and carving your own path in the soul and R&B space.

In this episode, I’m joined by Naarm/Melbourne-based R&B and soul vocalist Janelle Ashley for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, identity, and building a music career on your own terms. We talk about Janelle’s early musical memories, growing up with Filipino karaoke culture, attending a music specialist high school, and eventually studying at WAAPA. Janelle shares her experience moving from Perth to Melbourne, navigating new musical communities, and developing confidence as an artist in a competitive and fast-moving scene. Our discussion touches on blending genres, studying the music of local artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, recording and releasing original music, and the role of social media in shaping both opportunity and pressure. We also reflect on maturity, learning not to compare yourself to others, and finding a personal interpretation of sound and storytelling. A thoughtful conversation about growth, creativity, and the lead-up to the release of Janelle’s debut EP.

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based soprano Maya Charles Sedergreen to talk about opera, early music, and the place of classical voice in a contemporary music landscape. We discuss Maya’s musical upbringing and family lineage, her path into classical singing, and her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where she recently completed her honours year in classical voice. Maya shares insights into her training, working closely with her teacher Suzanne Johnston, and developing a strong technical and artistic foundation as a young opera singer. Our conversation explores her performance experiences with BK Opera and Victorian Opera, concert work including Bach’s St Matthew Passion, and her growing interest in Early Music. We also talk about the realities of pursuing a career in opera today, how classical singers find relevance and space in modern performance contexts, and what draws Maya so strongly to historical repertoire. A thoughtful discussion about craft, tradition, and carving out a future in classical music.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kee’ahn — a Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Badu Island pop-soul artist now living and creating on Kulin Nations (Melbourne). We talk about Kee’ahn’s early relationship with music, from singing with their father as a child, growing up on The Little Mermaid, Destiny’s Child, and being encouraged by a supportive grandmother, through to performing musical theatre alongside their dad. Kee’ahn shares what it was like moving from North Queensland to Naarm/Melbourne, finding community, and building meaningful musical collaborations. We discuss their debut single Better Things, winning the Archie Roach Foundation Award (and finding out via Zoom), and the impact of mentorship and collaboration with Emma Donovan, including their work together on Take No More. Kee’ahn also reflects on performing at major festivals across Australia, singing at the Invasion Day Rally on January 26th 2025, and the importance of authenticity, connection to Country, and community. The conversation also explores the significance of releasing a debut EP as a complete body of work rather than a series of singles, and what that represents creatively and personally. A thoughtful and open conversation about music, identity, and finding your place.

In this episode, I’m joined by Melbourne-based mix engineer and record producer Hayden Lauersen. It’s an open and reflective conversation about life in sound, the music industry, and finding contentment in your role within it. Hayden shares his journey from songwriting and producing original music into building a career as a mix engineer, where his focus is on supporting artists through emotional expression and clear, intentional sonics. We talk about the realities of working behind the scenes, developing a niche, and how reputation, trust, and community play a central role in sustaining a career in music. Hayden Lauerson has a long list of credits with artists - including Kate Ceberano, Clare Bowditch, Haiku Hands, Kee’ahn, Woodes, Shannen James, and RARIA, - alongside collaborations with labels such as Future Classic, Universal Music, Island Records and Ivy League Records. His work has been featured on BBC Radio 1, KCRW, Triple J, Fox FM and Nova, and has accumulated over 60 million Spotify streams. The conversation moves between technical and personal — touching on vocal production, microphone choices for singers, life as a freelance mix engineer, navigating health challenges, and what it means to arrive at a place of balance and clarity within the music industry. A thoughtful discussion about craft, career, and the long road of working in sound.