Don't Give Up
298 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsDon’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.
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Episodes
49. Rachel LaFond
October 04, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBRachel LaFond is a pianist and composer from Seattle, who recently moved to New Zealand. Rachel’s mother was a piano teacher so her relationship with the piano started when she was very young. When she was a teenager she studied music in Austria before returning to the US. Several years ago Rachel and her husband gave up their day jobs (that’s right folks!!) to travel the world. Their travels brought them to New Zealand where Rachel was suddenly inspired and compelled to write. They liked th...
48. Scotty Pearson
September 20, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBScotty Pearson is best known as drummer for New Zealand band Elemeno P. The band’s abrupt and controversial ascent (as some people saw it) earned them a solid fan base, significant album sales and more than their fair share of criticism. We go back to the start. We talk about Scotty’s beginnings in the punk days of the late 70s, touring with christian bands, Ringo Starr, forming Elemeno P, getting kicked out of the US and the crazy number of drum kits he owns! Scotty is a top guy, really hon...
Episode #48 Scotty Pearson
September 20, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBScotty Pearson is best known as drummer for New Zealand band Elemeno P. The band’s abrupt and controversial ascent (as some people saw it) earned them a solid fan base, significant album sales and more than their fair share of criticism. We go back to the start. We talk about Scotty’s beginnings in the punk days of the late 70s, touring with christian bands, Ringo Starr, forming Elemeno P, getting kicked out of the US and the crazy number of drum kits he owns! Scotty is a top guy, really h...
Episode #47 Gray Bartlett
September 07, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBGray Bartlett has been a prominent and unrelenting force in the music industry for over fifty years. He is a highly respected guitarist who has performed regularly around the world since the sixties. As a music promoter he brought some the the biggest names in music to New Zealand (including Michael Jackson) and as an artist developer he launched the careers of numerous artists including Hayley Westenra. He’s even the person responsible for the sand down at Auckland’s Mission Bay. That’s r...
47. Gray Bartlett
September 07, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBGray Bartlett has been a prominent and unrelenting force in the music industry for over fifty years. He is a highly respected guitarist who has performed regularly around the world since the sixties. As a music promoter he brought some the the biggest names in music to New Zealand (including Michael Jackson) and as an artist developer he launched the careers of numerous artists including Hayley Westenra. He’s even the person responsible for the sand down at Auckland’s Mission Bay. That’s rig...
46. Dave Johnston
August 23, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 95.4 MBDave Johnston is a Tui-Award winning professional drummer and composer who plays and writes for alternative rock bands The Zoup and Villainy. He is also a freelance mixing engineer and during the day works as Industry Liaison for the SAE Institute. We discuss his beginnings in music, the inner workings of Villainy, his experience being produced by Tom Larkin (Shihad) and his role at SAE. Dave is very generous with both his time and opinions and we thoroughly enjoyed talking to him. Support ...
Episode #46 Dave Johnston
August 23, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 95.4 MBDave Johnston is a Tui-Award winning professional drummer and composer who plays and writes for alternative rock bands The Zoup and Villainy. He is also a freelance mixing engineer and during the day works as Industry Liaison for the SAE Institute. We discuss his beginnings in music, the inner workings of Villainy, his experience being produced by Tom Larkin (Shihad) and his role at SAE. Dave is very generous with both his time and opinions and we thoroughly enjoyed talking to him. Support ...
45. Alex Leighton & Ryan Cooper
August 10, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBAlex Leighton & Ryan Cooper are the brains and good looks behind Mukpuddy Animation. Tenacity is an understatement for these guys. Mukpuddy is an independent studio that launched over fifteen years ago and has stubbornly worked through many set backs and false starts before finally getting the green light on their biggest project to date; The Barefoot Bandits (TVNZ) a show they’ve affectionately dubbed "The Kiwi Goonies". On the eve of the release of season two, they visited our studio and h...
Episode #45 Alex Leighton & Ryan Cooper
August 10, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBAlex Leighton & Ryan Cooper are the brains and good looks behind Mukpuddy Animation. Tenacity is an understatement for these guys. Mukpuddy is an independent studio that launched over fifteen years ago and has stubbornly worked through many set backs and false starts before finally getting the green light on their biggest project to date; The Barefoot Bandits (TVNZ) a show they’ve affectionately dubbed "The Kiwi Goonies". On the eve of the release of season two, they visited our studio and h...
Episode #44 Tomm Stanley
July 27, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBAs well as being a musician and luthier, he’s worked at Disney World, on Antartica, as a business mentor and use to sky dive for fun. Talk about an interesting life! American Tomm Stanley now lives in Christchurch, New Zealand and owns Stonefield Music, building top quality, beautifully crafted bass guitars. With lots of experience in marketing and business Tomm is launching his company with an international mindset and strategy. A fascinating and lovely guy with lots of great stories. Th...
44. Tomm Stanley
July 27, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBAs well as being a musician and luthier, he’s worked at Disney World, on Antartica, as a business mentor and use to sky dive for fun. Talk about an interesting life! American Tomm Stanley now lives in Christchurch, New Zealand and owns Stonefield Music, building top quality, beautifully crafted bass guitars. With lots of experience in marketing and business Tomm is launching his company with an international mindset and strategy. A fascinating and lovely guy with lots of great stories. This ...
Episode #43 Malika Tirolien
July 13, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBMalika Tirolien is an extraordinary singer and songwriter who gained international acclaim when she sang on Snarky Puppy’s album Family Dinner. She grew up in Guadeloupe before relocating to Montreal. She soon established herself on the local jazz scene and performed with many great bands including Groundfood and The Brooks. Since her performance with Snarky Puppy, Malika has released her own album Sur la voie ensoleillée (2014) and most recently a new band called Bokante with Snarky Puppy’...
43. Malika Tirolien
July 13, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBMalika Tirolien is an extraordinary singer and songwriter who gained international acclaim when she sang on Snarky Puppy’s album Family Dinner. She grew up in Guadeloupe before relocating to Montreal. She soon established herself on the local jazz scene and performed with many great bands including Groundfood and The Brooks. Since her performance with Snarky Puppy, Malika has released her own album Sur la voie ensoleillée (2014) and most recently a new band called Bokante with Snarky Puppy’s...
42. Lucy Graves
June 29, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBKeyboardist and vocalist Lucy Graves has played for CeeLo Green, Printz Board, she currently plays for the Black Eyed Peas as well as her new duo Parker Lane. Lucy grew up in west Auckland and attended Avondale College, followed by the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Having relocated to Los Angeles, Lucy is a great example of a dedicated, successful New Zealand musician that you’ve probably never heard of. While many people are hypnotised by short-lived media darlings, puffed up by hype ...
Episode #42 Lucy Graves
June 29, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBKeyboardist and vocalist Lucy Graves has played for CeeLo Green, Printz Board, she currently plays for the Black Eyed Peas as well as her new duo Parker Lane. Lucy grew up in west Auckland and attended Avondale College, followed by the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Having relocated to Los Angeles, Lucy is a great example of a dedicated, successful New Zealand musician that you’ve probably never heard of. While many people are hypnotised by short-lived media darlings, puffed up by hype...
41. Peter Dickens
June 14, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBHaving started in radio and programme production, including a number of iconic music radio initiatives for NZ on Air, industry insider Peter Dickens went on to become the general manager for The New Zealand Music Foundation. In 2016 The New Zealand Music Foundation conducted their first ‘Wellbeing Survey’ to try and further understand the extent of the mental health issues in the entertainment industry. This is a subject that’s close to our hearts and in this conversation we attempt to unwra...
Episode #41 Peter Dickens
June 14, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBHaving started in radio and programme production, including a number of iconic music radio initiatives for NZ on Air, industry insider Peter Dickens went on to become the general manager for The New Zealand Music Foundation. In 2016 The New Zealand Music Foundation conducted their first ‘Wellbeing Survey’ to try and further understand the extent of the mental health issues in the entertainment industry. This is a subject that’s close to our hearts and in this conversation we attempt to unwr...
40. Nicole Slater
May 31, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 68 MBToday we release our 40th episode and this is one we can all relate to. Nicole Slater is an L.A. based social media & branding consultant who specialises in the entertainment industry. Her background includes TV and radio work as well as being the marketing and promotions manager for the legendary House of Blues. She now runs her own consultation company and works with a variety of high calibre clients. This episode gave us the opportunity to ask Nicole numerous questions in the attempt to g...
Episode #40 Nicole Slater
May 31, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 68 MBToday we release our 40th episode and this is one we can all relate to. Nicole Slater is an L.A. based social media & branding consultant who specialises in the entertainment industry. Her background includes TV and radio work as well as being the marketing and promotions manager for the legendary House of Blues. She now runs her own consultation company and works with a variety of high calibre clients. This episode gave us the opportunity to ask Nicole numerous questions in the attempt t...
39. Gene Rivers
May 18, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBDJ Gene Rivers has been committed to his craft and pursuing his journey from his youngest days. Most known as former DJ on George FM and KFM, Gene has seen many sides of the DJ and radio industries. We discuss the beginnings of hip hop and the way some of New Zealand culture adopted and imitated the emerging American trends. We also discuss George FM and the internal changes that arguably caused the station to lose its way. Oh and we talk about the infamous Max Key! Support the show
Episode #39 Gene Rivers
May 18, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBDJ Gene Rivers has been committed to his craft and pursuing his journey from his youngest days. Most known as former DJ on George FM and KFM, Gene has seen many sides of the DJ and radio industries. We discuss the beginnings of hip hop and the way some of New Zealand culture adopted and imitated the emerging American trends. We also discuss George FM and the internal changes that arguably caused the station to lose its way. Oh and we talk about the infamous Max Key!Support the show
Episode #38 Pele Nili
May 04, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBToday’s episode is a journey, a rollercoaster of a ride through Pele Nili’s life and mind. His experiences growing up in south Auckland, his ventures in music and eventual achievement in writing and directing the movie Groove City. We talk ghosts, religion, cheese burgers, winning a Tui, sleep paralysis and much more. Strap in for a fascinating conversation. Pele is an individual, a visionary and we were thrilled to speak to him. Support the show
38. Pele Nili
May 04, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBToday’s episode is a journey, a rollercoaster of a ride through Pele Nili’s life and mind. His experiences growing up in south Auckland, his ventures in music and eventual achievement in writing and directing the movie Groove City. We talk ghosts, religion, cheese burgers, winning a Tui, sleep paralysis and much more. Strap in for a fascinating conversation. Pele is an individual, a visionary and we were thrilled to speak to him. Support the show
37. Michel Mulipola
April 24, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBHe’s a comic book artist and a professional wrestler! Naturally. Michel Mulipola was quiet kid with a passion who grew up to become a professional who does what he loves. As well as wrestling and releasing his own comic book series, he’s currently working on the U.S comic book Headlocked: The Last Territory. We discuss comic books, wrestling, 13 Reasons Why, Comic-con, punching receipts, killing Superman and a lot more! He’s s a great guy and an inspiration! Support the show
Episode #37 Michel Mulipola
April 24, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBHe’s a comic book artist and a professional wrestler! Naturally. Michel Mulipola was quiet kid with a passion who grew up to become a professional who does what he loves. As well as wrestling and releasing his own comic book series, he’s currently working on the U.S comic book Headlocked: The Last Territory. We discuss comic books, wrestling, 13 Reasons Why, Comic-con, punching receipts, killing Superman and a lot more! He’s s a great guy and an inspiration! Support the show
36. Stelios Yiakmis
April 06, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBActor Stelios Yiakmis has made a name for himself in both New Zealand and Australia playing roles on Shortland Street, McLeod's Daughters, All Saints, Underbelly, Street Legal, The Blue Rose and acclaimed 2006 movie Jindabyne. Does he really believe he’s a lesbian, an embodiment of God and a spectator to the end of the world? We find out! We also speak briefly to Nick Poortman as he waits to board the plane, heading to his new life in L.A. Support the show
Episode #36 Stelios Yiakmis
April 06, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBActor Stelios Yiakmis has made a name for himself in both New Zealand and Australia playing roles on Shortland Street, McLeod's Daughters, All Saints, Underbelly, Street Legal, The Blue Rose and acclaimed 2006 movie Jindabyne. Does he really believe he’s a lesbian, an embodiment of God and a spectator to the end of the world? We find out! We also speak briefly to Nick Poortman as he waits to board the plane, heading to his new life in L.A.Support the show
Episode #35 Yoko-Zuna
March 23, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBYoko-Zuna! Not the Wrestler, not the Mexican metal band… the innovative, highly reputed instrumental New Zealand band who have quickly made a great name for themselves on the local scene. These guys are impressive, not just because of their music, but also because of their attitude and the approach they have taken behind the scenes. Upcoming musicians can learn a lot from these guys and we really enjoyed talking to them. Great laughs! Support the show
35. Yoko-Zuna
March 23, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBYoko-Zuna! Not the Wrestler, not the Mexican metal band… the innovative, highly reputed instrumental New Zealand band who have quickly made a great name for themselves on the local scene. These guys are impressive, not just because of their music, but also because of their attitude and the approach they have taken behind the scenes. Upcoming musicians can learn a lot from these guys and we really enjoyed talking to them. Great laughs! Support the show
Episode #34 Cherie Mathieson
March 08, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBProfessional singer, vocal coach, producer and entrepreneur Cherie Mathieson is our latest guest and we were thrilled to have her on the show. She’s collaborated with a long list of great artists including a very successful album with with Mark de Clive Lowe. She regularly tours with Sola Rosa, does session work and directs high profile shows like the APRA Silver Scroll Awards and Christmas In The Park. This is a very inspiring chat. Get your ears around it! Support the show
34. Cherie Mathieson
March 08, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBProfessional singer, vocal coach, producer and entrepreneur Cherie Mathieson is our latest guest and we were thrilled to have her on the show. She’s collaborated with a long list of great artists including a very successful album with with Mark de Clive Lowe. She regularly tours with Sola Rosa, does session work and directs high profile shows like the APRA Silver Scroll Awards and Christmas In The Park. This is a very inspiring chat. Get your ears around it! Support the show
33. Paddy Milner
February 22, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 83.3 MBPaddy Milner is a world class piano player who’s worked with Tom Jones, Jack Bruce, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) Eric Burdon (The Animals) Van Morrison, Joss Stone and many more. He was recently in New Zealand touring with The Last Waltz show and kindly made time to chat to us. Great guy, great player, great chat! Do it. Support the show
Episode #33 Paddy Milner
February 22, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 83.3 MBPaddy Milner is a world class piano player who’s worked with Tom Jones, Jack Bruce, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) Eric Burdon (The Animals) Van Morrison, Joss Stone and many more. He was recently in New Zealand touring with The Last Waltz show and kindly made time to chat to us. Great guy, great player, great chat! Do it. Support the show
32. Dave Eringa & Guy Massey
February 08, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBIn this special two-guest episode, UK producers Dave Eringa & Guy Massey join us for a fascinating conversation about making records and a lot more. Dave Eringa has worked with Manic Street Preachers, The Who, Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones & The Proclaimers. Guy Massey worked at Abbey Road and his resume includes The Beatles Remasters, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt and Paul McCartney. Get into it! Support the show
Episode #32 Dave Eringa & Guy Massey
February 08, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBIn this special two-guest episode, UK producers Dave Eringa & Guy Massey join us for a fascinating conversation about making records and a lot more. Dave Eringa has worked with Manic Street Preachers, The Who, Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones & The Proclaimers. Guy Massey worked at Abbey Road and his resume includes The Beatles Remasters, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt and Paul McCartney. Get into it! Support the show
Episode #31 Bobby & Danny Part 2
January 18, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBIn our very first episode we talked about our own beginnings in music. To kick off 2017 we thought we would pick up where we left off. In Part 2 we discuss conspiracy theories, music funding, perceived success and we both continue talking about our own stories and experiences in music. We’ve got some great guests coming up this year so stay tuned! http://www.dontgiveupyourdayjob.co.nzSupport the show
31. Bobby & Danny Part 2
January 18, 2017 05:00 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBIn our very first episode we talked about our own beginnings in music. To kick off 2017 we thought we would pick up where we left off. In Part 2 we discuss conspiracy theories, music funding, perceived success and we both continue talking about our own stories and experiences in music. We’ve got some great guests coming up this year so stay tuned! http://www.dontgiveupyourdayjob.co.nz Support the show
Episode #29 Christmas Special Part 1
December 20, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 82.1 MBThis is our Christmas Special! It’s a two-part double episode with several great guests, snippets from previous episodes and more of our highly intelligent and enlightening banter. In PART 1 we speak to Matt Bizzle, a saxophonist who’s currently making the transition to full time musician. Nick Poortman returns to talk about social dynamics within the music industry and Bobby chats to Opetaia Foa'i from Te Vaka about writing the soundtrack for the upcoming Disney film Moana. In PART 2 Edd...
Episode #30 Christmas Special Part 2
December 20, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBThis is our Christmas Special! It’s a two-part double episode with several great guests, snippets from previous episodes and more of our highly intelligent and enlightening banter. In PART 1 we speak to Matt Bizzle, a saxophonist who’s currently making the transition to full time musician. Nick Poortman returns to talk about social dynamics within the music industry and Bobby chats to Opetaia Foa'i from Te Vaka about writing the soundtrack for the upcoming Disney film Moana. In PART 2 Edd...
29. Christmas Special Part 1
December 20, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 82.1 MBThis is our Christmas Special! It’s a two-part double episode with several great guests, snippets from previous episodes and more of our highly intelligent and enlightening banter. In PART 1 we speak to Matt Bizzle, a saxophonist who’s currently making the transition to full time musician. Nick Poortman returns to talk about social dynamics within the music industry and Bobby chats to Opetaia Foa'i from Te Vaka about writing the soundtrack for the upcoming Disney film Moana. In PART 2 Eddie ...
30. Christmas Special Part 2
December 20, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBThis is our Christmas Special! It’s a two-part double episode with several great guests, snippets from previous episodes and more of our highly intelligent and enlightening banter. In PART 1 we speak to Matt Bizzle, a saxophonist who’s currently making the transition to full time musician. Nick Poortman returns to talk about social dynamics within the music industry and Bobby chats to Opetaia Foa'i from Te Vaka about writing the soundtrack for the upcoming Disney film Moana. In PART 2 Eddie ...
28. Dave Baxter
December 15, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.9 MBThis week Dave Baxter from Avalanche City has been the centre of a big media story after he won a court case against his ex-manager. The judge ordered the now infamous Matt Coleman to pay back $307,287.27 and though it’s not clear if Dave will ever see the money, this verdict is a win for us all. We chat about his career, how his first single Love Love Love took off and Dave’s account of the recent legal battle. Support the show
Episode #28 Dave Baxter
December 15, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.9 MBThis week Dave Baxter from Avalanche City has been the centre of a big media story after he won a court case against his ex-manager. The judge ordered the now infamous Matt Coleman to pay back $307,287.27 and though it’s not clear if Dave will ever see the money, this verdict is a win for us all. We chat about his career, how his first single Love Love Love took off and Dave’s account of the recent legal battle. Support the show
27. Jeremy Elwood
November 30, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 70 MBWe all know him as one of New Zealand’s favourite stand up comedians and from the television shows 7Days and Pulp Comedy. Jeremy Elwood is the real deal, a seasoned performer and an all round good guy. We discuss the rules of comedy, censorship, Brian Tamaki, Donald Trump, The Temple Bar and the best ever heckler come back! Get on it! Support the show
Episode #27 Jeremy Elwood
November 30, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 70 MBWe all know him as one of New Zealand’s favourite stand up comedians and from the television shows 7Days and Pulp Comedy. Jeremy Elwood is the real deal, a seasoned performer and an all round good guy. We discuss the rules of comedy, censorship, Brian Tamaki, Donald Trump, The Temple Bar and the best ever heckler come back! Get on it!Support the show
Episode #26 Alice Brine
November 16, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBAlice Brine is a rising star in the NZ comedy scene. Nominated for a Billy T James Award and winner at the Wellington Comedy Awards, she recently gained notoriety when one her reactive and poignant Facebook posts went viral. Our fast and furious conversation touches on sexism, racism, stealing jokes, hecklers and Opshop’s bunker. Hold on to your hats. Support the show
26. Alice Brine
November 16, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBAlice Brine is a rising star in the NZ comedy scene. Nominated for a Billy T James Award and winner at the Wellington Comedy Awards, she recently gained notoriety when one her reactive and poignant Facebook posts went viral. Our fast and furious conversation touches on sexism, racism, stealing jokes, hecklers and Opshop’s bunker. Hold on to your hats. Support the show
25. Bob Reynolds
November 03, 2016 04:00 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBHe’s a world class saxophonist. He plays for artists like Snarky Puppy, John Mayer and Usher. His own albums are extraordinary… and he’s a good guy! In this episode we are excited, humbled and grateful to talk to Bob Reynolds. We discuss, meeting and playing with John Mayer, touring, the inner workings of Snarky Puppy, the brilliant Michael League and a lot more. Enjoy! Support the show
Episode #25 Bob Reynolds
November 03, 2016 04:00 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBHe’s a world class saxophonist. He plays for artists like Snarky Puppy, John Mayer and Usher. His own albums are extraordinary… and he’s a good guy! In this episode we are excited, humbled and grateful to talk to Bob Reynolds. We discuss, meeting and playing with John Mayer, touring, the inner workings of Snarky Puppy, the brilliant Michael League and a lot more. Enjoy! Support the show
Episode #24 Monique Powell
October 20, 2016 04:00 - 1 hour - 69.6 MBToday our guest is Monique Powell from US band Save Ferris. Most known for their hit single Come On Eileen, we discuss how they got started, the resurgence of the band, their upcoming EP and the time Conan growled affectionately in her ear. There’s even a brief guest appearance by John Avila from Oingo Boingo. Get on it!Support the show