Browsing Tag

music producer

Audius Set Fire to the Silence: An Interview That Cuts Through the Noise of the Industry

Posted on 2 August 2025

In this exclusive interview, Audius peels back the polished exterior of the pop machine to speak candidly about the decades he’s spent helping shape Australia’s sonic identity. Known for penning some of the nation’s most unforgettable tracks, his name has long echoed through the halls of ARIA fame, yet his perspective remains grounded, generous, and fiercely passionate. As he steps further into the spotlight with his own releases, including the introspective single Trigger, he opens up about the shifting tides of songwriting, the quiet power of creative mentorship, and the silent battles artists face when they believe their worth lies across oceans.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Audius. It’s a pleasure to shine a light on an artist who’s shaped the sound of so many defining moments in Australian pop music. You’ve been a key part of some of Australia’s most unforgettable chart-toppers, from Born To Try to Running Back. When you reflect on those early successes, what emotions or memories still stand out most vividly for you?

I remember feeling quite overwhelmed, I knew I was good at what I did, but being trusted at such a level was full on. I guess what stood out was realising that at the core, we were all creatives reaching for the same thing. In those sessions, I made lifelong friendships. I also remember being enamoured by the process of how songs went from ideas to radio to Delta Goodrem winning ‘best single’ at the Aria awards and the first thing she said when she got up on stage was “Where’s Audius?!” There I was looking up at the big screen at myself wading through the tables to join her on stage. It was surreal as I said a few nervous words in front of so many people who I admired and respected. 

With over 15 years in the industry, what does songwriting mean to you now compared to when you first stepped into the studio as a young producer?

The music industry has a deep history of great songs. Artists are still referencing that database for inspiration so from that perspective, nothing much has changed. In the early 2000’s, the focus was on being recognised by a major label, getting signed and all the fame and fortune that came with it. The ‘Independent’ labels were also an option and functioned a little outside the box when it came to popular music. I think the biggest difference today is there is far more independent music being released and the term ‘Indi’ may just as easily refer to ‘Individual’ as 
Artists can effectively release and market their own music using very accessible distribution platforms for streaming. I believe this has freed up what was a far more rigid popular music format. Songs seem to be getting shorter and their structure changing to suit shortening attention spans and viral trends on social media. 

Working with artists like Delta Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy placed you at the heart of mainstream pop. How has your creative instinct evolved as you’ve started releasing your own music independently?

I’ve continued to work with young emerging artists, most of them are releasing their own music. Seeing their untethered approach and total creative control has inspired me to do the same. The mainstream industry is a well oiled machine that serves its function well. The independent artist however is like a kid in a candy shop, nothing stops them from exploring any angle. This doesn’t necessarily make the process easier but opens up individual artistic expression in a way that is accelerating the art form. Social media is driving the bus- so the listener is sometimes doing the asking through virility and trend, instead of just receiving what’s put out. That’s what has inspired me to do the same, I’ve dug deep into my own artistic expression have dared to release.

Your recent single Trigger marks another chapter. What were the emotional or creative catalysts behind writing and releasing this track?

I’ve been on a journey of self reflection, understanding my own human traits and how I may be unique, but still so much the same as everyone. I believe we all have triggers that are a result of unprocessed trauma or stress since childhood. It’s like a defensive mechanism or a way to cope – like a fight or flight reaction. I think all relationships are riddled with triggers that cause even more triggers if unidentified. So I went on a journey to discover my own- and find the source of each trigger. I found ‘triggers’ to be a quirky human trait and put it to song. 

You’re actively involved in mentoring through the APRA AMCOS SongMakers programme. How important is it for you to pass on knowledge, and what has the experience taught you about your own practice?

I find nothing more gratifying than imparting knowledge that would otherwise take forever to learn through trial and error. I found out so much the hard way so I’m motivated to help young creatives reach their goal sooner. I see it as bridging a gap. Sometimes an artist just needs to be told ‘it’s ok, you’re good enough’. Through the SongMakers program, young creatives can get the reassurance and guidance they need to know they are on the right path. There is so much mysticism around how to succeed in writing and producing songs. Demystifying misleading myths can make such a difference in a youngsters creative process. 

The music industry has shifted dramatically since you began. What would you say is lacking in the industry 2025?

Creatively there’s nothing lacking. The only thing missing is a truely supportive local industry that puts our own creatives on the same platform as overseas artists. I’ve travelled the world and written with so many greats and there’s never an implied superiority system in any writing session. So long as we’ve all been listening to music and playing the same instrument, we are all just as capable. The stigma however still stands that a USA artist or producer is better than any Australian. Hats off to the USA industry for believing in themselves so much that they made us believe they are the best. It’s time however that we stop our young artists from believing that the only way they will ever make it is if they go to America – or anywhere else.  If we devote the same principals instilled in young Rugby players or Cricketers to being the best in the world as Australians, we could see a turnaround in perspective and start filling our own radio stations and stadiums with our own talent. 

Has there been a turning point that reshaped your relationship with the craft of songwriting or the way you approach a project?

Yes, I’ve come to realise that creativity is best left to its own individualistic expression. As a producer, I’m now more keen to help the artist express themselves instead of trying to fit them into what I think works best. I use all my abilities and wisdom to assist their vision. When the respect is mutual in that way, magic just happens. 

You’ve spent years shaping the sound and success of others. What made you decide it was time to step out front and release music under your own name?

I guess it’s an itch that never scratched, I was always enamoured by all aspects of the industry and have thoroughly enjoyed producing and writing. In all honesty that is still my passion but I couldn’t silence the artist in me. I’ll continue to write and produce great music for other artists but also take time to show my own individuality. 

Looking at the digital landscape today, what forms of recognition or connection matter most to you as an artist who’s spent so long behind the scenes?

Like all artists I’m on a pilgrimage to find the viral/trend Pandora’s box on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. To wake up one day and find that my piece of art has captured the world’s attention! Or being added to radio across the board! That would be awesome. It’s a nice thought but what drives me most is the idea of being in the game not to win it, but instead be a part of the love for it. Fame and fortune can be a distraction to what Is potentially a loving, honest and integrity based art from. 

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Tune into Audius’ sound on Spotify, or discover more about the artist on Wikipedia.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Michael Cristiano: A Journey Through Decades of Mastery

Posted on 18 January 2025

Renowned as a singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and performer, Michael Cristiano has built a remarkable career steeped in versatility and creativity. In this exclusive interview, we touch on his beginnings, inspired by Elvis Presley’s electrifying performances, and his evolution into a globally respected music director and producer. With decades of experience, including his pivotal role with The Seekers and his recent all-Italian album, Michael opens up about the personal significance of his projects, the artistry behind music production, and the thrill of live performance. From crafting multi-platinum albums to exploring new frontiers in Latin music, his dedication to his craft remains unwavering. Whether sharing his advice for aspiring artists or reflecting on the defining moments of his career, Michael Cristiano offers an inspiring look into his world.

Michael Cristiano, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us and discuss your storied and accoladed career as a singer-songwriter, producer, composer and performer. Before we cover your achievements, we’d love to hear how you discovered and honed your skills.

I remember watching Elvis Presley in “Viva Las Vegas” on TV one night with my grandmother. I couldn’t have been more than three or four years old. Elvis was playing the guitar, singing and dancing with Ann Margaret. I was entranced. Not long after that, I watched the ’68 Comeback Special, which featured classic footage of Elvis playing the guitar and singing in black leather. I knew then – that’s what I wanted to do. I became obsessed with the guitar and started classical guitar lessons at the age of six delving into further studies in jazz, rock, composition and arrangement in my early teens.

You’ve been the Music Director and Producer for The Seekers since 1992 and joined The Original Seekers as the fourth voice in 2019. How has your experience with such iconic groups shaped your approach to music production and performance?

I am blessed to have worked with some of the greatest artists in the world throughout my career, but The Seekers were perhaps the most influential. They trusted me with producing their “sound”, and Judith Durham often said that I was the only producer since Tom Springfield (their original producer) who could re-create the magic that was The Seekers. Working with the group opened many doors for me professionally, and I am forever indebted to them for their trust and friendship. Being asked to be the ‘fourth voice’ in ‘The Original Seekers’ was the icing on the cake, and I’m thrilled and honoured to be part of Australian music history now.

Your all-Italian album, released on November 1, 2024, showcases your versatility as a singer, musician, and producer. What inspired you to explore this particular project, and what does it mean to you personally? 

I have always wanted to record an all-Italian album of original songs as I have been a fan of Italian pop music since I was a child. My father bought me a vinyl single of Italian singer/songwriter Nicola Di Bari’s hit “Chitarra Suona Più Piano” and I was hooked from my first listen.

I enjoyed every minute of recording all the songs on the album. I played all the instruments, sang all the vocals and produced the entire project. To see it resonate so strongly with international audiences is a dream come true.

You’ve produced multi-platinum albums for legends like The Seekers, Russell Morris, and Mirusia. How does your approach differ when producing for other artists versus working on your own music?

When producing my own music, I’m free to explore different styles and musical genres, whether jazz, blues or classical. When producing other artists, staying true to their style and identity is crucial. A producer’s job in that situation is to bring the artist’s vision to life and make them and their songs sound as good as possible.

What do you enjoy most about being on stage, and how does it compare to the creative process in the studio?

I love working in the studio, but nothing beats the feeling of playing in front of a live audience. That is what music is really about – performing, communicating with an audience live, in the moment. That’s one of the most special feelings there are.

With your latest album being added to international radio, how does it feel to have your solo work resonate with such a wide audience?

I’m thrilled with the reaction the album is getting around the world. I knew there was something special about this album when I first started recording the songs and seeing audiences worldwide react so positively to the music was wonderful.

Your career spans decades, and you’ve excelled as a singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and performer. What moments stand out as the most defining or pivotal in your musical journey?

Many moments stand out to me, first playing my first ‘paying gig’ when I was just twelve years old. Two years later, I started my first band, ‘Rebel’, with friends from school, later known as ‘7th Avenue’. I joined the show band ‘Koco’ in my late teens and backed many of the biggest international acts of the day that toured Australia. Following this, I played with The Seekers in 1988, became their Musical Director in 1990, and Record Producer in 1992. Producing my first platinum-selling album, ‘The Seekers – The 25 Year Reunion Celebration’ is another definite highlight.

Can you share more about the direction you’re heading with your upcoming projects?

I’m about to record two songs from my Italian album “Mai Finirà” with Spanish lyrics, and I’m very excited about releasing new material for the Latin music market. There’s also a new album in the works, so stay tuned, folks.

Reflecting on your extensive career, what advice would you offer to aspiring musicians and producers hoping to make their mark in the industry?

The best advice I can offer to up-and-coming musicians is to work with as many different musicians as possible. Make an effort to work with musicians that are better than you. Listen and learn as much as you can. Never, ever give up. Most importantly, practice. Work at your craft, always. It doesn’t matter what you have to say as a musician, a singer, a songwriter or a record producer if you haven’t developed the skills to express your ideas – oh, and practice, practice, practice.

Discover Michael Cristiano’s work on Spotify and his official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Teck-Zilla Talks Collaborations and Innovations in Music Production

Posted on 8 October 2024

This week, we sat down with Teck-Zilla, a multifaceted producer, DJ, and writer who co-founded Str8Buttah in addition to influencing the hip-hop and Breakin’ scenes across West Africa. In this exclusive interview, Teck-Zilla peels back the layers of his collaborations, notably with artists like Phlow and Maka, and explores the essence of creating breakbeats that fuel the spirited dance culture. His journey from the soundboards of London to the serene vistas of Cornwall reveals not only an artist deeply rooted in musical heritage but also one who continuously evolves to meet the collaborative and cultural shifts in the music industry. Join us as we explore the rhythms and reasons that keep Teck-Zilla at the zenith of musical innovation.

Teck-Zilla, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your accolade-decorated career as a producer, DJ, writer and founding member of Str8Buttah. Your collab history with international emcees is nothing short of impressive; what was it like working with Phlow and Maka and contributing to the ‘Breakin’ culture in West Africa? 

Thanks for having me. For me, collaborating with artists has always been in my DNA, but working with Phlow and Maka was and is special, and it opened doors for all of us. Initially, it was just supposed to be a one-off project for Maka and Phlow, but the creative process was seamless and invigorating so we just kept on making music. Also, the experience put me in the project managerial role and taught me a lot of lessons about people and conflict management.

As for the Breakin’ culture in West Africa, there is a huge community of dancers who have been keeping the culture alive and some have even represented their countries on the Redbull BC One stage in the US and Europe. I got into the Breakin’ space around 2016 as a DJ, and over the years, I immersed myself in the culture. From providing the breakbeats for dancers, working with the biggest indie companies like House Of Royalty, Loudbase, Afrobreak, and All Star Battle International to produce Breakin competitions around Nigeria, Ghana and Togo. Overall, I have been opportune to step on stage in different countries as a Deejay/Music producer, speaker, and workshop facilitator.

What equipment and software is essential in your home studio set-up?

My home hardware setup is primarily a Windows pc and Macbook Pro with an SSL 2+ Audio Interface. My software of choice is as follows: FL Studio for making the beats (sometimes recording vocals and instruments), Reaper for vocal/instrument recording, mixing and mastering, Serato and DDJ SR2 for scratches (if required)

Do you have to adapt the way you approach collaborations?

Most definitely. Collaborating is not a one-size-fits-all process. I always have to adapt, rearrange and sometimes compromise on certain things to make the collaboration work. The short story is that the collaboration has to be organic and everyone has to be on the same wavelength.

What’s your proudest achievement to date? 

This is a tough question but I may have to compartmentalize it as follows.

Production-wise: It has to be my audio documentary ‘Son Of Sade: An Ode. A short project where I remixed some Sade songs and it was well-received by the general public and even her team.

DJ-wise: Winning a DJ competition in 2017 and being flown out to South Africa alongside Black Coffee.

How do you balance your artistic vision with commercial demands?

It’s mostly about compromise and doing things in moderation while looking at the target audience. Regardless of the genre, I always try to infuse my unique touch into it to keep the authenticity. I don’t see the point in imitating others.

What inspired your move from London to the laidback county of Cornwall? 

So many things ranging from a change of pace, escaping from the hustle and bustle of London, to an opportunity I could not afford to pass up. To be fair, it was because of school. I was awarded a scholarship worth a substantial amount of money to do an MA in music business, and yeah, I took it up and recently completed the degree. My second MSc is in the bag!

Your success suggests you’re incredibly disciplined, how else does that discipline manifest in your day-to-day life? 

My discipline comes from the way my parents raised me and my lifelong martial arts training. I was raised to be considerate and forthcoming and to always put in the necessary work regardless of how difficult it is. I have been following this strict mentality from time immemorial, and it is second nature to me. Every day is preplanned, and I try to achieve little goals which all add up to the larger goal.

How do your tracks typically come to fruition? 

Most times, it starts from a bright idea, a suggestion from others and or a sample. I tend to create rough beats at first and flesh them out later as time passes. for the most part, I often let the composition and arrangement play out as naturally as possible and I’m always open to suggestions and ideas from artists I work with.

What can your fans expect from your upcoming self-produced compilation featuring Canibus, Blu, Planet Asia, Elzhi, Clear Soul Forces, JD Era, Camp Lo and others?

The compilation will be my last project, and it’s a summation of my musical journey. A chronicle if you will of the songs that make me tick. I was able to work with artists I grew up listening to and admire so that is a blessing and the best way to close out this chapter of my life.

Stream the latest hits from Teck-Zilla on Spotify and follow his career on Facebook and Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Shashaa Tirupati & Elephant Gym orchestrated an Eastern art-rock masterpiece with Jhalleyaa

Posted on 16 November 2023

With almost 8 million monthly listeners and endless internationally revered accolades behind her, the Indo-Canadian singer-songwriter and music producer Shashaa Tirupati is one of the biggest artists of this era; her recent collaboration with Elephant Gym on ‘Jhalleyaa’ is set to cement her legacy into the world music arena.

The richly vibrant instrumental arrangement evolves from a soulfully quiescent score of pure artful beguile into an Eastern rock earworm with ever-ascending rhythmics. It is effortless for your rhythmic pulses to get in sync with the sublime sonics delivered by Shashaa Tirupati and Elephant Gym who conjured alchemy while aurally exploring unchartered ground. The celestial timbre of Shashaa Tirupati’s signature Bollywood-esque vocals against the progressively intricate instrumentals is a one-way ticket to transcendence.

Jhalleyaa was officially released on November 3rd; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mother Pangea followed the muse into unchartered territory with ‘tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL’

Posted on 17 August 2023

Mother Pangea captured the mystery of his Middle Eastern roots in his latest melodically enticing single, tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL.

The neo-classic electronic hip-hop score may reach the pinnacle of experimentalism, but the artist’s inclination to follow his muse into unchartered new territory didn’t diminish the accessibility of the release; to date, tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL has clocked up almost 40k streams, and counting.

After being fascinated by the way instrumentation drives our emotions, especially by the hand of Yanni, Hans Zimmer, and Tyler Bates, Mother Pangea was keen to awaken evocative impulses with his own compositions; never one to discriminate on genre, he often turns his talents to emanating elements of pop, RnB, Indie, House, and EDM in his hybridic compositions which break every mould known to man, and a few more that are beyond our consciousness.

tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL was officially released on July 28th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

You trapped me in: Bay Area’s Juno Khrøme felt so stuck in those dangerous games on Paralyze

Posted on 1 August 2023

Feeling those sweetly intoxicating lips which are delectable and terrifyingly alluring each time, Juno Khrøme knows that he was played and lied to and can’t seem to disentangle himself from the spiderweb which has him cocooned inside like a mummy on Paralyze.

Juno Khrøme is a Bay Area, USA-based shades-sliding indie genre-floating artist and music producer who is inspired by jazzy beats, neo-soul brilliance and those funky disco tunes to lose all bad moods with.

Featuring nonfunctioning hearts, love lost and much regret, Juno Khrøme’s Paralyze is a masterful maze into the romantic intentions of those who don’t mean to cause carnage…but ultimately do anyway. Is this what dating is in 2023? Confusing and filled with hazardous potholes. Or a message to be cautious about who we let into our beds at night?

Paralyze from Bay Area, USA-based indie music producer and musician Juno Khrøme is a story that will soar minds into a thrilling but ultimately haunting zone which won’t let go.

Feeling like a misplaced zombie and reminiscing us through a single which is excellent in nature and warns us about those temptations which will take innocent souls into the dark.

Cautioning us about the dangers of a hazardous love, it will be hard not to relate to this song.

Listen up loud on Spotify and forget everything else.

See more vibes on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Don’t you tie me Down: OCILIO drops ear-opening debut track Give Me Light

Posted on 24 July 2023

Tired of being left in the dark and feeling so cold for far too long, OCILIO needs his bones to recover from all past pain via the body-grooving new single to be enthralled by, Give Me Light.

OCILIO is a Mykonos, Greece-born, Canada-based indie electronic music producer and chill house artist who assembles the kind of songs that will beam a smile on previously miserable faces.

Taking us by our hand and guiding us into a much better time and place, OCILIO has superpowers that will surely enchant everyone who takes a worthwhile listen. This is a special soundtrack which is worthy of all playlists.

Give Me Light from the Canada-based electronic music producer OCILIO is such a massive song that is monumental in nature and important in context. This is the kind of single to change moods around and strike away any frightening energy, which needs to be vanquished forever.

If you need the pulse to wake up again, this is the single you needed.

Hear the vibe manifest on Spotify.

See more of his energy come to life on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Saw the Moonlight: Preston Scott Straus hears the vociferation booming from the distance on Storm

Posted on 23 July 2023

Feeling the light shine through for a few seconds before everything changed forever, Preston Scott Straus is in breathtakingly inspiring form via the teardrop-fueled single to huddle close with rainjackets on called Storm.

Preston Scott Straus is an emerging pop singer-songwriter, music producer and a massive example for reminding others about love and compassion in an often cold world.

Scintillating all listeners with a dynamic performance, Preston Scott Straus shows us what belief sounds like. This is must-listen stuff and deserves all the love in the world.

Storm from the young pop singer-songwriter and music producer Preston Scott Straus is a movie-like single to play on loud. Honest and beautifully haunting, this is a song to hold hands with no matter the weather.

Teaching us to come closer and to seek the support needed to survive, taking us to a much better place away from the madness.

Feel the waves crashing on Spotify.

See the vibes continue on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Instead of my Lunches: Othenic and Spencer are stuck inside their heads on Problems

Posted on 19 July 2023

Opening up the tap to their issues which threatened to drown them deep in the waters of doom, Othenic and Spencer are as honest as they come on the revealing new single to nod heads with when the times get tough on, Problems.

Othenic is a hugely promising Kentucky/Cincinnati-based indie hip-hop artist/music producer who is joined by his long-time friend and highly-rated collaborator, Spencer.

With many projects to their name and more on the way, Othenic and Spencer lift up the lid here. It’s up to us to smell the cheese or not after all. With fake sharks looming in our waters, it’s so refreshing to hear something with so much meaning and significance.

Problems from Kentucky/Cincinnati-based indie hip-hop artist Othenic and Spencer opens the book on the problems that many youth faces in this rather wild world. They tell it how it is here. Nothing is missing. Truth is oozing here. It’s catchy and to the point, just like we need it. Turn this up.

Get the beat going on Spotify.

Check out their moves via their IG: Othenic and Spencer.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Shurpi gets us back into the right mindset with Energy

Posted on 12 July 2023

Taken from his head-turning, body-grooving 8-track release called Mastered The Art, Shurpi shall unwrap the unhelpful plastic lodged bottomless into our fractured frontal lobes with the dynamic new single, Energy.

Shurpi is a Boris Shurp-created EDM project that swirls around in brilliantly radiant energy to enhance our minds and calms our busy souls with only pure music to get thrilled about.

Turning our attention away from all distractions and dropping the heat to warm up all unconscious cruces, Shurpi sends all shivers into the freezer on this sublime track. If you like it foot-tapping and natural, you’ve entered the right door.

Energy from the genre-busting electronic music producer Shurpi is a quite terrific single to get ecstatic about no matter where in the world you are right now. This is an ear-piercing song with a calibrated sequence to snap back into reality. Right now.

Can you feel it? Let it sink in, it’s coming.

Hear this top new single on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen