What Do We Know?
One of them makes music for a living. The other just really loves it. What Do We Know? is hosted by professional musician and producer Danny McCrum and hobby guitarist Mike Harrington. Each week they dig into the albums, artists, gear, history, and big debates that make music worth talking about. Expect strong opinions, genuine curiosity, and more laughs than they probably intended. Join the conversation.
19. Music Trivia #1
Come one, come all, for the very first What Do We Know? Music Trivia episode! This is our opportunity to show just how unqualified we are to host a music podcast. The cards are hard to read, the rules don't make sense, and the outcome is of no consequence. Let's go!
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18. The Day I Crashed
Back in 1996, working in a sheet metal factory, Danny heard a new song on the radio and was sure it was the new Supergroove single. It wasn't. It was "Too Much" by Dave Matthews Band, a band he'd never heard of. When his then-drummer handed him the full album, Crash, Danny's entire concept of music changed on the spot. Not only did Crash turn him into a lifelong fan, it showed him what was actually possible as a musician. Genre-defying musicianship, unexpected songwriting, real emotional weight, it's all still there almost thirty years later. On today's episode, Danny talks...
17. Our Favourite TV Themes
Most of us would agree that music might just be the best time machine we have. It has the ability to take us right back to a specific point in time, a specific place, a specific memory, and one of the best examples of this is TV soundtracks.
That short opening sequence of melody and rhythm has the uncanny ability of staying in our heads, attaching itself to the memories and emotions we have from the show and the time itself. And despite lasting only a few seconds, these pieces of music are often surprisingly sophisticated, real...
16. Worst Gig Stories
You'd be forgiven for thinking a professional musician's life is made up entirely of inspiration, joy, fun and adventure. But is that true, or is it a little romanticised? And why should something as simple and as awesome as playing music be so challenging? Rooney and Danny sit down for a quick fire back and forth, sharing their most ridiculous worst gig stories. Tune in and let their frustration be your comic relief.
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15. Fav Guitarists vs Fav Drummers
Mike's off chasing moose and drinking maple syrup in Canada, eh? So this week, drummer Rooney brings in some of his favourite guitarists, while guitarist Danny returns the favour with some of his favourite drummers. Together they dig into what actually makes a great drummer, and a great guitarist, while spinning some of their favourite tracks along the way.
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14. Blame Canada?
It's crude, it's offensive, and it's far more carefully crafted than it has any right to be. Our two hosts revisit South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and talk about its incredible soundtrack. Could it be that beneath the juvenile exterior of this crass movie lies true craft, talent and sophistication? And did this ridiculous movie predict the world we're living in now?
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12. Pick Me Up Mr Glyn
Buzzsprout
If a tree falls in the forest and no one's there to hear it, does it make a sound? Not if it doesn't have pickups! But how do those little magnets turn string vibrations into ear-piercing rock 'n' roll riffs? Pickup builder Mr Glyn is here to explain everything.
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11. Show Me The Money
Andrew Rooney and Danny McCrum are weird. Breaking a variety of stereotypes, these two are both musicians with a mind for business. In today's episode, cohost Mike puts on the interviewing hat to find out how they've both sustained careers in music for over two decades, without living on the bones of their asses.
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10. Mike's Melted Face: Tommy Emmanuel Concert Review
I warned him. I told him there would be repercussions, no matter how much Botox he used in preparation. Watching Tommy Emmanuel on YouTube is one thing, but seeing him live is another. Mike was excited but didn't take the warning seriously, and now he is permanently disfigured. On today's episode we relive Mike's first time seeing Tommy Emmanuel live, the moment he met the man himself backstage, and the impromptu private performance that finished him off completely.
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9. WTF is Yacht Rock?
What exactly is Yacht Rock and why is it called that? Mike, Danny and Rooney each bring their chosen Yacht Rock tracks to enjoy, analyse and debate. Are these songs gloriously cheesy, pure genius, or secretly both? And should we even be calling it Yacht Rock at all?
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8. What's the Rush?
Is Rush a legendary rock band or just a Canadian addiction? In this week's episode Mike (our resident Canadian and Rush evangelist) attempts to convert his sceptical co-host from Rush ignoramus into a genuine appreciator, if not a fully signed-up cult member. Join us as Mike takes us through the Rush story and plays some of their 'iconic' tunes. Allegedly.
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7. Why Do People Love Steven Adler?
Was Steven Adler the greatest drummer in 1980s rock 'n' roll? Maybe not the flashiest. But listen to Appetite for Destruction and you'll hear something no technically perfect player could replicate: a groove that breathes, swaggers, and feels like it's one beat away from flying off the rails. When Adler left, something walked out that never came back. Drummer Andrew Rooney joins us to break down exactly why.
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6. Was 1991 the best year in music?
Danny has a theory. Was 1991 actually the greatest year in music history? Mike's not convinced. So the two pseudo-scientists did what any reasonable person would do: built a scoring system, applied it to the evidence, and let the results speak for themselves. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers. 1991 had everything. But does having everything actually make it the best? It's closer than you'd think.
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5. Why do people hate Lars Ulrich?
He helped build one of the greatest rock bands of all time, so why does everyone seem to hate him? This week, drummer extraordinaire Andrew Rooney joins us to dig into the Lars Ulrich debate. Great drummer or overrated? Visionary leader or certified jerk? And does he actually deserve the hate he gets?
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4. Playing With Dynamics
This week Danny and Mike dig into one of the most powerful and often overlooked tools in music: dynamics. Not just in how you play, but in your songs, your band, how a record is made and how a live show breathes. They pick up the guitar and work through some examples together before Danny plays Mike a number of iconic tracks that show dynamics done right. The kind of conversation that will genuinely change how you listen to music. Worth your time.
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3. Tommy Emmanuel: Re-Release
Back in 2017, Danny and former cohost Bobby Kennedy sat down with the legendary Tommy Emmanuel. With Tommy returning to New Zealand next month, we're re-releasing the episode. Since Mike is hearing it for the first time, we discuss his reactions and thoughts, knowing he's about to see Tommy live for the very first time too.
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2. What Is a Musician, Really?
In a world of ever advancing tech, who gets to call themselves a musician? We dig into the technology quietly reshaping music, why new tech always gets a rough reception, DJs, AI, and the big question: can a machine ever really make art? Spoiler: we don't think it can.
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1. A Clean Slate
Danny & new co-host Mike kick off their revamped podcast by talking about reinvention and why sometimes you just have to burn it all down and start again. New name, new show, new attitude.
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168. Bonus Episode: Stephen Gallagher Returns
On this special bonus episode, Stephen Gallagher returns to the show to discuss his work on Peter Jacksons Beatles documentary Get Back, and his recent gig scoring the soundtrack for the new animated Lord Of The Rings entry, The War of the Rohirrim. Original cohost Bobby Kennedy also returns to illuminate the conversation. This episode was recorded just because Christmas 2024. Since we last had Stephen on the show, he’s won an Emmy, grown a beard and been on a date with Danny… Dig it.
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167. Ben Jurisich
Next year, Danny and Ben will have known each other for forty years. Their friendship as has been quite the adventure, that’s included the Masters Of The Universe, G.I. Joe, skateboarding, fist fights, forming their first band together at the age of twelve, both dropping out of school, scratching out a living as professional musicians, supporting the likes of Bryan Ferry, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton and these days, both finding more perspective and calm in their lives. On this episode, Danny sits down with his oldest friend to chat about their hilarious and dramatic journey together.
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166. Chris Bourke
Twenty-six years ago, Danny bought Chris Bourke’s book Something So Strong, which tells the highly entertaining and informative story of Crowded House. So much about the book stayed with Danny and gave him some very important tips about how to navigate the music industry. All these years later, Danny got to talk to Chris Bourke about Crowded House, his books Something So Strong (1998), Blue Smoke (2010) and Good-bye Maoriland (2017) and his work at AudioCulture. Chris is like a living library of NZ music. Great chat!
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165. Chris Melville
Danny met Chris Melville twenty five years ago when they were both regularly performing at The Temple Bar in Auckland’s CBD. Chris didn’t realise he was playing an important role in Danny’s career, giving Danny lots of great advice about how to build a career in the arts. They went on to collaborate on several projects together and now, after having not seen each other for a few years, they have reconnected to record this episode of the podcast. This one goes deep. Enjoy!
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164. Thabani Gapara
Saxophonist Thabani Gapara grew up Zimbabwe and eventually moved to South Africa to further his studies. While he was studying, his parents had been living and working in the UK, but despite much effort, Thabani was unable to secure a visa to join them. So, the whole family moved to New Zealand so they could be together and our local music scene is now fortunate to have this dedicated, professional and joyful musician in our midst. Thabani is a thoughtful and kind-hearted guy who loves what he does and loves the people he works with. Enjoy!
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163. Jenni Smith
Danny first met Jenni Smith when he was tutoring guitar at Auckland University. Jenni was a first-year student on the Popular Music course and years later, Jenni is now celebrating a recent chart placement and is working hard promoting her new, upbeat single ‘T-Shirt’. A proud ‘Swifty’, Jenni developed a fascination with pop and country music when she was young and has spent the years since learning to play a variety of instruments, while developing her songwriting skills.
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162. Mike Baker
Mike Baker is a songwriter who was involved with the Flying Nun scene in the late 80s (primarily with the band Not Really Anything) before relocating to Sydney to manage bands and create a career as a chef, including cooking for White Stripes, Dandy Warhols, Henry Rollins, Boss Hogg, Lloyd Cole and many others, before returning to NZ. He’s now got a debut EP out under the name BAkeR.
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161. Joanne Cole
Originally from Canada, Joanne currently holds the position of Director, Artistic Planning & Participation, at New Zealand Opera in Auckland, New Zealand where she has been a department head since 2014. On this episode the two musicians talk about craft, technique, the business of music and they discuss the differences and the similarities between their careers. Find out more about Joanne and New Zealand Opera at www.nzopera.com
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cIK_3xtfHBY
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160. Graham Reid
Graham Reid has been an important part of the fabric of the New Zealand music scene for several decades. He’s a journalist, an author, a writer and a music reviewer who has consistently delivered intelligent and well-considered perspectives, with class and integrity. He’s written for Metro Magazine, The Listener and the New Zealand Herald (back when it was good) as well as his legendary website Elsewhere.co.nz Graham knows his stuff and isn’t afraid to speak honestly. He also happens to be a cool guy!
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159. Noise Play
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 recording the album.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ehtXV8otIDg
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158. Jody Garrett
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.
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157. Bobby Kennedy
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
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156. Scott Parker, The Boondocks
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.
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155. Rodney Fisher
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.
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154. Rajneel Singh
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 about The Matrix films, The Terminator sequels, The Corridor Crew and our local film industry.
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153. Dixon Nacey
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.
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152. (Shorty #1) Brother Sister
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.
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151. Monique Bradley
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 stories we tell ourselves (about ourselves), cancel culture, freedom of speech and much more.
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150. Fiona McDonald / Strawpeople
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!
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149. Lorenzo Hazelwood
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.
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148. Marmalade
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.
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147. Mark Moldre
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!
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