Don't Give Up artwork

Don't Give Up

298 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

Don’t Give Up is a podcast series hosted by kiwi musician Danny McCrum. 

 

The idea of this podcast is to give people an insight into the real lives and careers of creative professionals, with a focus on problem solving and finding solutions in the arts, in our lives and in these unpredictable times. 

 

Welcome to the conversation.  Welcome to Don’t Give Up.

Arts Music bobby kennedy danny mccrum music industry musician advice for musicians new zealand musicians music podcasts opshop danny mccrum band
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Episodes

159. Noise Play

March 15, 2024 02:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MB

Danny sits down with bandmates Jasper de Roos and Dan Antunovich to discuss how The Beatles and Covid initiated the creation of their band Noise Play and how they produced their new album Junk.  They discuss the success and failure of their 2021 theatre show, recording the drums for one song with only three mics, the guest performances by Mark Steven, Stephen Small and Eddie Rayner and they also talk musicianship, song writing, session work, live performance, and their unique approach to rec...

158. Jody Garrett

February 29, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MB

In a past life Jody Garrett managed record stores.  Now he’s the General Manager of DRM (Digital Rights Managers), New Zealand’s go to aggregator for digital music releases.  We have an in-depth conversation about the streaming platforms and navigating a music career in the digital age.   Support the show

157. Bobby Kennedy

February 01, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

Podcast cofounder and Opshop drummer Bobby Kennedy is back to talk about the rebranding of the podcast, grieving his music career, societal divisions and Indiana Jones.  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ueh8rYaE9cQ  www.dontgiveup.co.nz Support the show

156. Scott Parker, The Boondocks

December 21, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MB

Scott Parker from The Boondocks travels in from the sticks to talk about moustaches, kids’ toys, vocal techniques, surviving with no money, living with Tourette’s, Tall Poppy syndrome and 1980s TV Shows.   Support the show

155. Rodney Fisher

December 07, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 54.2 MB

I recently sat down with Rodney Fisher and chatted about the beginnings of Goodshirt, getting bottled at his first Auckland gig, how Goodshirt recorded their albums themselves before everyone else was doing it, the making of their iconic music videos, his work with Breaks Co-Op and how and why he made his new solo album Art School Dropout.   Support the show

154. Rajneel Singh

November 17, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 59 MB

Episode #154 is now available!  Rajneel Singh is a director who has worked on short films, music videos and TV commercials and as an editor for television dramas and documentaries.  He helped create the oldest active torrent, the pre-YouTube-era, viral video sensation The Fanimatrix.  He’s also the first guest on the show who went to school with Danny.  The two haven’t spoken for almost 30 years, and this recording starts a minute or so into them first meeting again.  They talk extensively a...

153. Dixon Nacey

October 26, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MB

Dixon Nacey is a highly respected guitarist, music director and tutor, who has worked with a long list of great people and has racked up a wealth of experience.  We sit down for a wide-reaching conversation about guitar playing, gigging war stories, our music careers, our families and Fonzie from Happy Days.  Great guy, lots of laughs, good times.   Support the show

152. (Shorty #1) Brother Sister

October 16, 2023 23:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

Dave Thomson from Brother Sister joins us to talk about being in a band of siblings, how they created their fantastic music videos, his work as a videographer and his involvement in the Smokefree Rockquest.   Support the show

151. Monique Bradley

October 01, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 50.4 MB

Monique Bradley is an incredibly inspiring person with an unstoppable attitude.  Monique and her partner Pete Ward, provide training, coaching and consulting services through their company We Do Famous Ltd.  Monique is also the CEO of Sky Channel 83 Face TV and they both produce several TV shows including the third season of lifestyle show Guide To Better Living and ecommerce infomercial show Guide To Better Shopping.  On this episode we discuss making a living in the arts, bullying, the sto...

150. Fiona McDonald / Strawpeople

September 06, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 54.1 MB

On our 150th episode, Fiona McDonald joins me to talk about the new Strawpeople album Knucklebones - their first release in nineteen years!  We also discus writing lyrics, the innovative approach of both the Headless Chickens and Strawpeople, Bosom FM (?) and a whole lot more! Support the show

149. Lorenzo Hazelwood

August 24, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MB

Lorenzo Hazelwood is a young singer who fronts the band Silcrow and is in the full swing of trying to establish his career.  With a new single out and an upcoming move to London, Lorenzo dropped by to chat about the highs and lows of being a young rock band trying to find their feet in the current musical industry.  This is a very pointed, hard hitting, fun chat.   Support the show

148. Marmalade

July 20, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MB

Jemilah and Koen from up-and-coming band Marmalade, stop by to talk about their thoughts and experiences as they work to get their band off the ground, progress their careers and navigate their way through the music industry.  We also learn about bed socks. Support the show

147. Mark Moldre

June 29, 2023 04:00 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MB

Australian songwriter, musician and guitar tutor Mark Moldre, joins us to talk about his new album Nambucca Fables.  We discuss song-writing, the story of the lost 1940s Tex Morton guitar, the trappings of genre and branding and much more.  Check out his fantastic new album and enjoy the chat! Support the show

146. Andrew Rooney

June 08, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MB

Drummer and fellow podcaster Andrew Rooney joins Danny for a wide ranging conversation about all things music.  The conversation swings from Toto to Ringo, the Dunning–Kruger effect to making money, and Andrew gives Danny a pep talk.  Support the show

145. Tracey Collins

May 18, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

Tracey Collins is a professional accordionist with a wealth of experience.  We discuss her work touring with Operatunity, meeting her husband in Venice, her early gigs on K’ Road as a young teenager, building a restaurant in a tree and her life as a fulltime musician and Mum.  Fast paced, lots of laughs, great chats.   Support the show

144. Damien Binder

April 27, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

Songwriter Damien Binder joins us to chat about his new album Bright Side.  We talk about song writing, gigging, lyrics, production and much more.  Great album, great guy, great chats! Support the show

143. Caitlin Smith Returns

March 30, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MB

In September 2022 renowned vocalist Caitlin Smith, returned to our podcast studio with more to say about her latest thoughts and musings.  On this second instalment she talks about anxiety and addiction, musical identity, navigating the music business and Danny and Caitlin debate their slightly different views on lyric writing. Support the show

142. Pat Kuhtze

March 02, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MB

Pat Kuhtze has been a professional drummer since the 1980s and has remained a busy and in demand session musician ever since.  He’s witnessed the music industry change in many ways and has continually evolved to stay afloat, raising four kids and racking up a long list of playing credits.  As the pandemic arrived Pat decided to steer away from some of his work to focus on projects he’s more passionate about.  He now has several projects on the go with Split Enz’ Eddie Rayner and a newfound e...

141. Renee Millner

February 08, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MB

Musician and songwriter Renee Millner is here to talk about her new EP ‘Fly Me Back’ and her journey as an artist and a human.  Danny asks a super corny question about Australia and many laughs are had.   Support the show

140. Bobby Kennedy & Danny McCrum

January 18, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MB

Bobby Kennedy's back!  The band's back together for our usual year opener episode.  We talk A.I., music critiques and Danny gives an update on the future of the podcast. Support the show

140. Bobby Kennedy and Danny McCrum

January 18, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MB

Bobby Kennedy's back!  The band's back together for our usual year opener episode.  We talk A.I., music critiques and Danny gives an update on the future of the podcast. Support the show

139. Rory McDonald, Voodoo Bloo

December 08, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

Voodoo Bloo are an emerging Wellington based rock band who have built a strong following, toured Australia and recently supported You Am I.  Their new album The Blessed Ghost is an inspired, raw and impressive effort from such young musicians and front man Rory McDonald is disarmingly open and honest.  We talk music, life, the future and the general navigation of one’s own mind.  This is an action-packed episode to close out 2022. Support the show

138. Simon Wood Harris Part 2

November 17, 2022 22:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MB

Uk musician and composer Simon Wood Harris talks about his journey developing the Unidentified Flying Project, an album and collaboration that includes Dave Weckl, Dominic Miller, Jeremy Stacey, Robbie McIntosh, Pino Palladino, Omar Hakim and many more of the worlds finest musicians.  On this special two-part episode, Simon talks openly about the highs and lows of his journey putting this project together.  Support the show

137. Simon Wood Harris Part 1

November 17, 2022 22:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

Uk musician and composer Simon Wood Harris talks about his journey developing the Unidentified Flying Project, an album and collaboration that includes Dave Weckl, Dominic Miller, Jeremy Stacey, Robbie McIntosh, Pino Palladino, Omar Hakim and many more of the worlds finest musicians.  On this special two-part episode, Simon talks openly about the highs and lows of his journey putting this project together.  Support the show

136. Garageland's Jeremy Eade

October 26, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MB

Garageland rose to prominence in the mid 90s and released three albums before disbanding in 2002.  Now they’re back together, touring in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their first album ‘Last Exit to Garageland’.  Singer/Guitarist Jeremy Eade joins us for a philosophical chat about the 90s, life on the road and life after rock n roll.  Put on your laughing shoes. Support the show

Episode #135 Dug Pinnick Returns

October 06, 2022 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Dug Pinnick from US band King's X talks about the new Kings X album Three Sides of One, the producers who worked on Kings X's previous albums and his thoughts on the world and life. These guys created their own sound, paved their own road and influenced many artists including Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pantera and Dream Theater.  King's X long awaited new album Three Sides of One has exceeded expectations, shot up the US charts and delighted fans all over...

135. Dug Pinnick Returns

October 06, 2022 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Dug Pinnick from US band King's X talks about the new Kings X album Three Sides of One, the producers who worked on Kings X's previous albums and his thoughts on the world and life. These guys created their own sound, paved their own road and influenced many artists including Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pantera and Dream Theater.  King's X long awaited new album Three Sides of One has exceeded expectations, shot up the US charts and delighted fans all over...

Episode #134 Riccardo Ball

September 15, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MB

Riccardo Ball is the vocalist for Just One Fix, the director of Wrecking Ball Media, he’s the former Music Director at The Rock and has worked as a song plugger and artist mentor.  He's broadly experienced and refreshingly honest and on this episode we have a funny and informative conversation about the business of music.   

134. Riccardo Ball

September 15, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MB

Riccardo Ball is the vocalist for Just One Fix, the director of Wrecking Ball Media, he’s the former Music Director at The Rock and has worked as a song plugger and artist mentor.  He's broadly experienced and refreshingly honest and on this episode we have a funny and informative conversation about the business of music.    Support the show

Episode #133 Tom Scrase

August 25, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Tom Scrase is a drummer, percussionist and lecturer from Wellington.  He’s written music for dance and has maintained a performance career as a drummer for several groups including dDub, Corrella and NZ's premier percussion ensemble Strike!  More recently Tom has released his own music under the moniker Aotūroa.

133. Tom Scrase

August 25, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Tom Scrase is a drummer, percussionist and lecturer from Wellington.  He’s written music for dance and has maintained a performance career as a drummer for several groups including dDub, Corrella and NZ's premier percussion ensemble Strike!  More recently Tom has released his own music under the moniker Aotūroa. Support the show

Episode #132 Lee Prebble

August 03, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 89.9 MB

Wellington producer Lee Prebble owns and runs surgerystudios.co.nz and has worked with a long list of great artists including TrinityRoots, The Phoenix Foundation, The Black Seeds, Cornerstone Roots, Fly My Pretties and L.A.B.  We talk life, music and production and have many a laugh on the way.  Great dude, great chats.

132. Lee Prebble

August 03, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 89.9 MB

Wellington producer Lee Prebble owns and runs surgerystudios.co.nz and has worked with a long list of great artists including TrinityRoots, The Phoenix Foundation, The Black Seeds, Cornerstone Roots, Fly My Pretties and L.A.B.  We talk life, music and production and have many a laugh on the way.  Great dude, great chats. Support the show

Episode #131 Neil Watson

July 07, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

Guitarist Neil Watson has played with a long list of great artists including Michael Brecker, Ali Campbell (UB40), Anika Moa, Tim Finn, Greg Johnson, Lucy Lawless, Jordan Luck, Nathan Haines, The Finn Bro’s, Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Tami Neilson and many more.  On this very special episode the two guitarists settle in for a great chat about their approaches to guitar playing, their careers and family.  Plus, Danny reveals his latest surprising news.

131. Neil Watson

July 07, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

Guitarist Neil Watson has played with a long list of great artists including Michael Brecker, Ali Campbell (UB40), Anika Moa, Tim Finn, Greg Johnson, Lucy Lawless, Jordan Luck, Nathan Haines, The Finn Bro’s, Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Tami Neilson and many more.  On this very special episode the two guitarists settle in for a great chat about their approaches to guitar playing, their careers and family.  Plus, Danny reveals his latest surprising news. Support the show

Episode #130 Ruth Power

June 16, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Ruth Power is the founder of online creative piano school Piano Picnic.  To date, Piano Picnic has approximately 2500 subscription-based students and is going from strength to strength.  Ruth’s career has included music publishing, a Christchurch rockstar start up and working in London as a sheet music editor, before moving back to New Zealand to start her online school based out of her home studio in Raglan.  Ruth might just have life figured out.  Great chats.

130. Ruth Power

June 16, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Ruth Power is the founder of online creative piano school Piano Picnic.  To date, Piano Picnic has approximately 2500 subscription-based students and is going from strength to strength.  Ruth’s career has included music publishing, a Christchurch rockstar start up and working in London as a sheet music editor, before moving back to New Zealand to start her online school based out of her home studio in Raglan.  Ruth might just have life figured out.  Great chats. Support the show

Episode #129 ARIA

May 26, 2022 02:00 - 1 hour - 108 MB

ARIA has spent many years working as a vocalist for numerous artists including Homebrew, Dr Colossus, Teek and Noah Slee.  ARIA lived in the bustling music scene of Berlin for several years before returning to New Zealand where she got to work writing and recording her own music.  Now ARIA is celebrating the release of her new EP ‘Love Songs Till Midnight'.  We had a topical and hilarious chat, and this episode is definitely a goodie.  Enjoy!

129. ARIA

May 26, 2022 02:00 - 1 hour - 108 MB

ARIA has spent many years working as a vocalist for numerous artists including Homebrew, Dr Colossus, Teek and Noah Slee.  ARIA lived in the bustling music scene of Berlin for several years before returning to New Zealand where she got to work writing and recording her own music.  Now ARIA is celebrating the release of her new EP ‘Love Songs Till Midnight'.  We had a topical and hilarious chat, and this episode is definitely a goodie.  Enjoy! Support the show

128. Anthonie Tonnon

May 05, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 92.8 MB

Anthonie Tonnon is a sing songwriter from Whanganui who is about to begin his ‘Leave Love Out Of This’ New Zealand tour.  He’ll be playing in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, Wellington and Whanganui from May 6th to May 21st.  He’s released a number of new songs in the last year including his latest single ‘Lockheed Bomber’.  You can check out his music and buy tickets at www.anthonietonnon.com  We talked about technical things, touring in the US, lyrics, and loads more.  Get it in you! Supp...

Episode #128 Anthonie Tonnon

May 05, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 92.8 MB

Anthonie Tonnon is a sing songwriter from Whanganui who is about to begin his ‘Leave Love Out Of This’ New Zealand tour.  He’ll be playing in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, Wellington and Whanganui from May 6th to May 21st.  He’s released a number of new songs in the last year including his latest single ‘Lockheed Bomber’.  You can check out his music and buy tickets at www.anthonietonnon.com  We talked about technical things, touring in the US, lyrics, and loads more.  Get it in you! Supp...

127. Toby Lloyd

March 03, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Wellington based producer Toby Lloyd has worked with a long list of great artists including Hollie Smith, Stan Walker, Ladi6, Louis Baker, Jermaine Clements and Shapeshifter.  Before going out on his own, he worked at Peter Jacksons’ Park Road Studios and was part of the team that made The Hobbit Trilogy, Mortal Engines and Hunt For The Wilderpeople.  These days Toby is all about his family and all about the music.  We had a great chat that continued well after we stopped recording.  Great t...

Episode #127 Toby Lloyd

March 03, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Wellington based producer Toby Lloyd has worked with a long list of great artists including Hollie Smith, Stan Walker, Ladi6, Louis Baker, Jermaine Clements and Shapeshifter.  Before going out on his own, he worked at Peter Jacksons’ Park Road Studios and was part of the team that made The Hobbit Trilogy, Mortal Engines and Hunt For The Wilderpeople.  These days Toby is all about his family and all about the music.  We had a great chat that continued well after we stopped recording.  Great t...

126. The Benefits Of Dyslexia

February 10, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

In our first episode for 2022 we talk to Guy & Suzanne Pope-Mayell, two of the founding members of the Dyslexia Foundation.  We discuss what it means to be dyslexic, how we could better support the dyslexics in our life and how dyslexia is not a disability, it’s simply a different way of thinking.   Support the show

Episode #126: The Benefits Of Dyslexia

February 10, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

In our first episode for 2022 we talk to Guy & Suzanne Pope-Mayell, two of the founding members of the Dyslexia Foundation.  We discuss what it means to be dyslexic, how we could better support the dyslexics in our life and how dyslexia is not a disability, it’s simply a different way of thinking.   Support the show

125. Evolution

November 25, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

Bobby Kennedy and Danny McCrum discuss the lessons they have learnt while making the podcast over the last six years and talk about the future of the show.   Support the show

Episode #125 Evolution

November 25, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

Bobby Kennedy and Danny McCrum discuss the lessons they have learnt while making the podcast over the last six years and talk about the future of the show.   Support the show

124. Geoff Ong

September 23, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

Self-proclaimed "pop star for dorks" Geoff Ong stopped by for a fascinating conversation about funk guitar, racial profiling, his journey establishing his music career and the making of his brilliant music videos.  Check out his videos on YouTube and enjoy the conversation! Support the show

Episode #124 Geoff Ong

September 23, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

Self-proclaimed "pop star for dorks" Geoff Ong stopped by for a fascinating conversation about funk guitar, racial profiling, his journey establishing his music career and the making of his brilliant music videos.  Check out his videos on YouTube and enjoy the conversation! Support the show

Episode #123 Caitlin Smith

September 02, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 140 MB

Caitlin Smith is one of New Zealand’s local music legends.  Being a professional musician is challenging enough, but if you’re also a blind, female, jazz singer, with a big personality and an honest heart, it’s a rollercoaster.  Caitlin talks candidly about her experiences in the business, her struggles with addiction and mental health and the psychology of singing and performance.  This is a funny and thought-provoking episode.  Enjoy.   Support the show