The Keyboard Chronicles

David Holloway
  • 4.8 (13)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast for keyboard players

  1. 4d ago

    Ivan Doroschuk, Men Without Hats

    Ivan Doroschuk has been making great synth pop/rock songs for more than 40 years, and as founder of Men Without Hats remains a live performance powerhouse in addition to regular releases of new material. In this episode we chat on Ivan’s career, approach to composition and his favourite synths of all time. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   The past 12 months for Men Without Hats Upcoming Australian tour Men Without Hats in action in 2026 Men Without Hats’ latest album: On The Moon Ivan’s musical upbringing The formation of Men Without Hats as part of the Montreal punk scene Moving to the synth based Men Without Hats we know Developing the Men Without Hats sound and the ‘no sequencer’ approach The Korg MS-20 Origins of The Safety Dance Ivan’s key keyboard player / composer influences Ivan’s solo album – The Spell The evolution of Ivan’s home studio The 1980s version of Men Without Hats’ keyboard rig to today. The Yamaha QX1 A Men Without Hats train wreck story Desert Island Discs: Foxtrot – Genesis, Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield, Obscured by Clouds – Pink Floyd, You – Gong, Autobahn – Kraftwerk  Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Ivan Doroschuk, Men Without Hats appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  2. Sep 26

    Mike Lindup, Level 42 / Solo Artist

    Mike Lindup is one of our most requested guests and we were thrilled to speak with him in the lead up to Level 42’s Australian tour. In this initial catch-up with Mike, we do a quick rundown of his amazing career and talk about his keyboard rig , upcoming Australian tour and briefly talk on his stellar solo career as well. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Upcoming first tour to Australia Level 42 – Something About You The iconic Molly Meldrum Key musical influences of Level 42 Mike’s perspective on his evolution as a player Mike soloing live on Level 42 – Hot Water Mike’s touring keyboard rig with Level 42 Level 42’s first single, Love Meeting Love The brilliant Wally Badarou Level 42 – The Sun Goes Down (Livin’ It Up) Two of Mike’s solo albums: Changes and Changes 2 Mike’s upcoming solo piano album, Beyond Words, and the amazing story of obtaining the piano he used on the album Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Mike Lindup, Level 42 / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  3. Sep 14

    Tony Banks, Genesis / Solo Artist

    For our 200th episode we couldn’t think of a better person to feature than Tony Banks, a true master of the craft and still creating amazing music to this day. In a little over an hour we cover Tony’s career as the heart of Genesis, as well as his brilliant solo output and some superb insights into composition, soloing and a great deal more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Tony’s past couple of years An example of Tony’s work with John Potter – Follow Thy Fair Sun Tony playing on, and co-writing, Haunted Life by Rocking Horse Music Club Tony’s musical upbringing Tony’s early keyboard player inspirations The Zombies – Whenever You’re Ready Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation Genesis – Stagnation Genesis – Looking for Someone Genesis – The Knife live 1980 Genesis – The Musical Box The approach to writing songs within Genesis A detailed discussion on the writing of Supper’s Ready Tony’s perspective on different pianos / organs / synths he’s used Hammond L122 Organ Yamaha CP-70 The Polymoog The Roland VP-330 The CP-70 and Tony in action on Genesis – Undertow Tony Banks – A Curious Feeling Tony playing the fiendishly difficult Robbery, Assault and Battery live Genesis – Home By The Sea Peter Gabriel drumming on Turn It On Again Tony’s view on Genesis tribute bands The Disturbed – Land of Confusion Genesis – It’s Gonna Get Better Tony’s approach to keyboard solos and his favourite solo Thoughts on Firth of Fifth Tony’s thoughts on the degree of fame Genesis reached Genesis live at Wembley Stadium in 1987 Genesis – Domino Medley A discussion on recording ‘A Curious Feeling’ Tony talks on his solo albums: The Fugitive, Bankstatement, Strictly Inc.,  Tony Banks (with Nik Kershaw) – I Wanna Change the Score Tony Banks – An Island In The Darkness A discussion on lyrics Genesis – Keep It Dark A discussion on Tony’s orchestral works Tony Banks – Seven: A Suite for Orchestra Tony Banks – Six Pieces for Orchestra Tony Banks – Five The Genesis song that was most difficult live – Man on the Corner On missing touring (or otherwise), the 2007 and final tour The last song played live: Carpet Crawlers Desert Island Discs: Revolver – The Beatles, Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys, Rodgers & Hammerstein – The King and I, Symphony No. 10 – Shostakovich, The Oceanides- Sibelius. Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Tony Banks, Genesis / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  4. Sep 4

    David Paich, Toto / Solo Artist

    David Paich is an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as a founding member, keyboardist, and principal songwriter for the rock band Toto. Beyond his extensive work with the band, where he wrote or co-wrote hits such as “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line,” David has a prolific background as a session musician. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Elton John, Steely Dan and so many more. David is a true master of the craft and we try to cover some serious ground in what is a world-beating creative output. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   David Paich – the full discography of more than 1900 sessions / releases David’s musical upbringing A small selection of Marty Paich’s amazing work Shelly Manne Being inspired by Ray Charles, Floyd Cramer and Elton John Forming ‘Still Life’ alongside Jeff Porcaro and involving Steve Porcaro and Steve Lukather The brilliant Larry Knechtel David Paich’s first session: Seals and Crofts – Diamond Girl Cher – David’s Song Glenn Campbell – Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You) Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were Elton John – Nobody Wins The Roland MicroComposer Steely Dan – Night by Night Steely Dan – Black Friday David’s early keyboards Working with Motown Mowest artists and seeing Clarence McDonald, Jerry Peters and Sonny Burke David in action on one of his co-writes with Boz Scaggs – Lowdown The formation of Toto The first Toto album One of the eight songs David wrote on the first album, the iconic Hold The Line The successful keyboard partnership with Steve Porcaro Exploring new synths, drum machines and Jeff Porcaro’s take on drum machines The challenging of playing Toto songs live David in action with Toto live on the 40 Tours Around The Sun tour- Rosanna A discussion on Greg Phillinganes, Dennis Atlas and Rai Thistlethwayte – what it takes to be a keyboard player in Toto David Paich – Forgotten Toys David Paich – All The Tears That Shine Working as an MD on large live events and composing for film David in action preparing for the 2010 Emmy Awards David’s thoughts on musical legacy Desert Island Discs: Madman Across The Water – Elton John, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic, Trilogy – Emerson, Lake & Palmer, El Mirage – Jimmy Webb A postscript on Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post David Paich, Toto / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  5. Aug 27

    Don Walker, Solo Artist / Cold Chisel / Tex, Don and Charlie

    No-one deserves to be part of our Masters Series more than Don Walker. Don is one of Australia’s most iconic players and songwriters and we chat on his latest release Love Songs , his work with Cold Chisel and Tex, Don and Charlie, and a whole lot more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Don Walker – Love Songs Don’s approach to the ‘Love Songs’ album Don Walker’s ‘Salsa song’ – Let’s All Get Together Don Walker – Luck The song Cold Chisel knocked back – The Girl I Used To Know Don Walker – Darwin The inimitable Jeff Lang Don’s favourite piano  The sadly now deceased Head Gap Studios Don’s Kawaii Baby Grand piano Don Walker – Could You Still Be Here Don’s solo touring keyboard rig and love of the (older) Nord piano sound Don’s musical upbringing Developing skills on organ The Lawrence Audio electric piano The thankful advent of the Yamaha CP-70 Negotiating sonic space for keyboard in a guitar driven band like Cold Chisel A discussion on some deeper Don Walker compositions for Cold Chisel: Cold Chisel – Home and Broken Hearted Cold Chisel – Letter to Alan Cold Chisel – Hound Dog Cold Chisel – Janelle Tex, Don & Charlie – Danielle Arranging new songs / the collaborative approach within Cold Chisel Don’s Cold Chisel keyboard rig Auditioning a cavalcade of Yamaha CP-70s before the 2024 tour The formation of Tex, Don & Charlie Don in action with Tex, Don & Charlie live, 2017 Don’s duet with Slim Dusty: Charleville Another Don Walker composition for Slim Dusty: Looking Forward, Looking Back Don’s admiration for Thelonius Monk and Duke Ellington Desert Island Discs: Ellington Indigos – Duke Ellington, Self-Titled – Elvis Presley, A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Hymns to the Silence – Van Morrison. A potential fiction book from Don Walker Don’s view on a musical legacy or impact Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Don Walker, Solo Artist / Cold Chisel / Tex, Don and Charlie appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  6. Aug 14

    Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan

    Lawrence Gowan is a Scottish-Canadian singer, songwriter, and keyboardist best known as the vocalist and keyboardist for the classic rock band Styx, a role he has held since 1999. Before joining the group, he forged a highly successful solo career in Canada under the stage name Gowan. His 1985 solo album Strange Animal achieved triple-platinum status, driven by hit singles such as “A Criminal Mind,” a track that has since become a staple in Styx’s live sets. An ARCT-certified classical pianist, Gowan has crossed paths with some of rock’s most respected musicians over his decades-long career. His solo records feature notable collaborations with artists including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Furthermore, his breakthrough album Strange Animal was famously recorded with Peter Gabriel’s esteemed rhythm section, including bassist Tony Levin and drummer Jerry Marotta. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   The current Styx tour – the band ‘that doesn’t stop’ Styx in action live in 2026 Lawrence’s post-show wind-down routine Styx’s latest album – Circling From Above A discussion on reproducing Mr Roboto live Lawrence in action on Mr Roboto, 2026 Lawrence’s amazing rotating keyboard stand Gowan – Lost Brotherhood (the first appearance of the spinning stand, alongside Alex Lifeson) Lawrence’s early years as a musician and the importance of classical music The first Gowan album (self-titled) Working with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins Gowan – Strange Animal Lawrence in action with Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Healey and a wider cast of icons, 1995 Keyboards used on Strange Animal and the ‘step down’ from a Yamaha CS-80 to a Korg Poly 61 How ‘A Criminal Mind’ became part of the Styx live set Gowan – ..But You Can Call Me Larry Gowan – The Good Catches Up Gowan in action live in 2025 – Strange Animal Two questions from supporter Tammy – a song Lawrence wishes was his and his advice to his 20-year old self Lawrence’s wish for his musical legacy Desert Island Discs: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Selling England By The Pound – Genesis, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, A Night at the Opera – Queen Thumbnail graphic credit: Jason Powell via Styx official IG Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  7. Aug 3

    Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan

    Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Richard’s latest album Hauntings The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890,  Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film Richard’s musical upbringing Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700 Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK) JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders Joining Porcupine Tree The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band Porcupine Tree – Signify Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus) The influence of lyrics on sound design Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here) Richard’s use of soft synths Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live Performing with The Bays Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

  8. Jul 26

    Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young

    In this episode we speak with Christian Dinh Gulino, a UK-based keyboard player and musical director covering everything from pop tours to video game soundtracks. Aside from his arranging and production work for Square Enix Music, he has extensively toured with artists such as Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside a long-standing working relationship with Will Young. We chat on all that and more, including some great insights into weekend corporate gigs in other countries and an Andrea Bocelli train wreck anecdote for the ages…. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Christian’s musical upbringing Playing at 12 and getting ‘roasted’ by the pros Moving from Italy to the UK  Early career as a player Joining Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co Auditioning for, and joining Sophie Ellis-Bextor Using a Nord keyboard, Reason and a Dell Laptop Christian in action with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2009 Working with Will Young Christian in action with Will Young, 2015 John Newman – Love Me Again Christian’s thoughts on the key components of a Musical Director role Negotiating disagreements on musical direction Working with Kylie Minogue Christian in action live with Kyle Minogue at Glastonbury 2019 When you have six days to get your driver’s license to be able to join Kylie Minogue in Singapore Working with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music on their 50th Anniversary tour Christian playing with Roxy music in 2022 The keyboard rig for Roxy Music Composing for games / film, including the Final Fantasy franchise Kai Kaurismaki Christian’s two notable train wrecks Working on Name That Tune Desert Island Discs: Speak Like A Child – Herbie Hancock, Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder, Off The Wall – Michael Jackson, 1996 – Ryuichi Sakamoto,  Key links: Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our audience survey to help us improve! Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

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4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A podcast for keyboard players

Information

  • Creator
    David Holloway
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    203
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Creative Shed Services
  • Show Website
    The Keyboard Chronicles

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