Q'd Up

Nikki Wishart
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  • MUSIC
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Q’d Up is a podcast from audio technology platform QSIC, hosted by Music Curator and indie pop artist Nikki Wishart. At QSIC, Nikki leads music strategy for global brands like 7-Eleven, McDonald’s and Coles Liquor and as both a curator and musician, she brings a unique perspective on how music shapes culture and connects people. Each episode, Nikki dives into the latest releases, cultural trends and stories from the music world. Q’d Up is a space to discover fresh sounds, explore big ideas, and celebrate the many ways music moves us.

Episodes

  1. FEB 16

    Stuart Willett – From Geelong Pubs to Nashville Stadiums: Engineering Sound for Global Stars

    In this episode of Q’d Up, host Nikki Wishart sits down with live sound engineer Stuart Willett, who is currently making waves in the Nashville music scene. Stuart shares his journey from a high school technical production class in Australia to mixing sound for major artists like Alana Springsteen on massive US stadium tours supporting Keith Urban. Stuart opens up about the reality of life behind the scenes, detailing the meticulous preparation required for live shows—from managing complex input lists to the high-pressure environment of loading onto a stage with multiple opening acts. He reflects on the "vibe check" nature of the industry, explaining why interpersonal skills and being a "good hang" are often just as important as technical expertise when living on a tour bus 24/7. From the technical hurdles of American power connectors to the wholesome tradition of watching Bluey as a "tour mascot" to wind down after a show, Stuart provides a candid and witty look at the highs and lows of an international career in audio. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round covering The Wiggles, the influence of country-pop, and the "tour rules" of the road. [00:01:20] – Getting started: High school technical production and the first gig in Geelong [00:03:10] – The life of a sound engineer: Emails, input lists, and the "exciting" 10% of the job [00:04:46] – Tour bus vs. Van life: The "no pooping" rule and the convenience of waking up at the next venue [00:06:18] – Moving to Nashville: Being "coerced" by Seaforth and the leap of faith [00:08:46] – Adjusting to the US: Different power gear and finding a "Nashville bestie" [00:10:35] – The "Pinch-me" moment: Working US stadiums and crying during a Morgan Wallen show [00:13:56] – Job interviews in the music industry: Coffee, vibe checks, and interpersonal skills [00:17:48] – The grind of the road: Nine-hour drives, missed soundchecks, and trusting the system We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/ Stuart: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stuartwillett

    38 min

  2. FEB 2

    Cancel Culture - Why everyone hates (but secretly loves) Nickelback

    In this episode of Q’d Up, Nikki is joined by Kim for a candid and often humorous deep dive into cancel culture in music. From serious industry power imbalances to internet pile-ons and guilty pleasures, they unpack why some artists are “cancelled” while others continue to chart, and why fans often stick around even when the internet tells them not to. The conversation explores where accountability really sits, whether social media has blurred the line between consequence and bandwagon behaviour, and if it’s actually possible to separate the art from the artist. Nikki and Kim debate nostalgia, emotional attachment, moral boundaries and why artists are often held to different standards than people in our real lives. They also tackle the lighter side of cancellation, including Nickelback’s cultural reputation, guilty pleasure listening, resurfaced tweets, viral apology culture and TikTok’s role in amplifying outrage. With differing perspectives and plenty of honesty, this episode doesn’t aim to land on a neat answer, just a more thoughtful conversation. [00:00] Acknowledgement & episode intro [01:04] What is cancel culture really? [03:09] Legitimate vs bandwagon cancellations [04:30] Why fans stay loyal [06:39] Nostalgia, memory & music [07:15] Nickelback & cultural mockery [10:37] Accountability & apology culture [14:10] Judging past art through today’s lens [16:12] Cancel culture in playlists & retail [18:44] TikTok, Twitter & online pile-ons [21:56] Can you separate art from the artist? [25:25] Ridiculous cancellations [27:17] Social media’s biggest culprit [27:56] Favourite Nickelback songs & wrap-up Heavy Metal Musical Covers - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattisunwell?lang=en We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/ Kimberley: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyldavis/

    32 min

  3. JAN 19

    Todd Watson - From Headphones to Head Office

    In this episode of Q'd Up, Nikki sits down with Todd Watson, Head of Creative Services at QSIC, to unpack his journey from music-obsessed kid and audio engineering student to DJ, producer and now creative leader shaping music programs for global brands. Todd shares how growing up surrounded by vinyl, playing in bands and recording his first track as a teenager set him on a lifelong path in music. Todd reflects on his time as a DJ and producer, from underground releases and ARIA chart success to surreal moments hosting and learning from global icons like Daft Punk, Carl Cox and Swedish House Mafia. He opens up about knowing when it was time to step away from the DJ circuit, and how skills like structure, curation and reading a room now underpin his work in large-scale music programming. The conversation explores what music curation really means, the intersection of music, marketing and brand experience, and why in-store music should never be treated as “background”. Todd also shares a standout QSIC project, the Betty’s Burgers x Ocean Alley campaign, and his ambition to help break Australian artists in the US through retail discovery moments. [00:00] Acknowledgement & introduction [01:09] Todd’s role at QSIC & early days [02:44] Early music influences & family support [06:38] From producer to DJ [08:26] Touring stories & industry access [12:58] Chart success & remix work [14:26] Hanging up the DJ boots [15:19] Skills DJs bring into business [16:43] How DJ culture has changed [20:41] Career highlights at QSIC [22:30] What music curation really means [25:08] Building playlists & creative process [28:39] Big ambitions for Aussie artists [31:43] Quickfire round We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Follow Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/

    36 min

  4. JAN 5

    Lucinda Goodwin – From Local Pubs to Arena Pits: Capturing the Heart of Live Music

    In this episode of Q'd Up, host Nikki Wishart sits down with Melbourne music photographer Lucinda Goodwin, who has spent over a decade capturing the energy and emotion of artists on stages big and small. From Geelong pub gigs to photographing icons like Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes and Kasey Chambers, Lucinda shares how a Falls Festival ticket, a student camera and sheer determination sparked a full-time career. She talks about reading artists’ mannerisms “like a little bit psychic”, making tiny rooms feel like stadiums, and the pinch-me moments - from rooftop beers with Molly Meldrum to seeing her photo blown up on Kasey Chambers’ US tour poster. Lucinda also reflects on teaching and mentoring emerging photographers, and why starting small, backing your local scene and being kind are the real keys to longevity. From DIY backyard sessions during the pandemic to navigating social-media pressure, Lucinda offers grounded advice for anyone wanting to turn their creative passion into a sustainable, joy-filled career. [00:00:00] – Introduction to Lucinda Goodwin [00:04:28] – Shooting pub gigs, building confidence & learning to “see” music [00:06:10] – Transitioning into the industry: networking, access & first big breaks [00:08:46] – Working major tours: Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Paul Kelly & more [00:10:04] – The Kasey Chambers connection & having her photo on a US tour poster [00:11:18] – Career pinch-me moments: Foo Fighters, Jimmy Barnes & Molly Meldrum rooftop beers [00:14:36] – Resilience, rejection & the determination to carve out a creative career [00:19:44] – The pressure of perfection, social media expectations & staying authentic [00:21:18] – Advice for emerging photographers: start local, be kind & show up [00:22:40] – The importance of community & supporting your local music scene [00:24:03] – Quickfire round: favourite artists, dream shoots & on-tour quirks We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Lucinda Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lucindagoodwinphotography/ Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Follow Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/

    30 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    This Year in Music – K-Pop Breakouts, Latin Dominance & 2025’s Biggest Moments

    In this special recap episode of Q'd Up, hosts Nikki and Kim break down the biggest global music moments of 2025 from K-pop chart-toppers and Latin music domination to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking year and Oasis’ long-awaited reunion. They unpack the rise of K-Pop Demon Hunters, the fictional K-pop group that hit number one in the US, the unstoppable momentum of Bad Bunny and Karol G, and the resurgence of Latin music across charts, culture, and collaborations. The hosts also dive into Taylor Swift’s smash album, Grammy nominations, and fan theories plus the viral chaos of Coldplay-gate and the global excitement around Oasis’ reunion tour. The episode explores standout tours, unexpected viral moments, and the power of fanbases driving cultural trends. Nikki and Kim also look ahead with their predictions for 2026: who might drop albums, who could spark the next big scandal, and which artists are set to define the year ahead. [00:00:00] – Introduction & biggest moments of 2025 [00:01:40] – K-pop’s explosive year & Demon Hunters [00:05:00] – Bad Bunny, Karol G & Latin music’s global rise [00:12:00] – Taylor Swift’s record-breaking release [00:14:30] – Oasis’ reunion & Coldplay-gate [00:20:00] – Tours, concerts & viral performances [00:27:00] – Grammy wins, surprises & cultural impact [00:30:00] – Predictions for 2026 We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Follow Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/

    33 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Ash Hills – Guiding Artists Through Aria Wins, US Tours & New Eras

    In this episode of Q'd Up, host Nikki Wishart sits down with Ash Hills, General Manager of Unified Artist Management at Unified Music Group and a key member of the company’s leadership team. Ash shares her unexpected journey from filming artists on Melbourne trams to managing global touring acts like Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Vance Joy, and Dan Sultan. Ash opens up about the early days of building Tram Sessions, the pivotal role of community in her career, and how a $5,000 Unified Grant set her on the path that led to working alongside Unified founder Jaddan Comerford. She reflects on the lessons learned managing emerging artists, the power of clear goal-setting, and why adaptability is one of the most important skills for any modern manager. Ash also dives into her work with Dan Sultan, including his recent self-titled album, finishing a two-year campaign at the Sydney Opera House, and the exciting creative direction of his upcoming release, recorded in the UK with legendary songwriter Guy Chambers. The episode wraps with a quickfire round covering first concerts, life-changing albums, pop obsessions, and a strong latte. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Ash Hills [00:03:00] – From tram sessions to the music industry [00:06:00] – Discovering artist management [00:11:00] – Breakthrough goals & building long-term plans [00:14:00] – The rise of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers [00:17:00] – Pearl Jam tours, Arias & wild weeks [00:20:00] – Creating Glory in the bush [00:24:00] – Supporting young fans & all-ages shows [00:31:00] – Managing comparison culture in artists [00:35:00] – Dan Sultan, world-class songwriting & new music [00:41:00] – The era of pop girlies [00:44:00] – Quickfire round We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Follow Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/

    23 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    Kim and Nikki – TikTok Fame Hacks: Going Viral, Building Authenticity, and Turning Streams into Stars

    In this episode of Q'd Up, host Nikki Wishart sits down once again with Kimberley Davis to dive deep into the world of TikTok and its power to transform an artist’s career. From viral sounds that revive old hits to the strategy behind paid trends, they unpack how musicians can turn a scroll into a stream - and a fan into a lifelong listener. Kim and Nikki discuss standout TikTok success stories, including Ocean Alley's “Confidence”, and how platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape modern music discovery. They explore why authenticity and humour win audiences, how multi-platform storytelling builds lasting brand identity, and why in-store audio is one of the most underrated marketing channels in music. From Shazam data and retail radio to Taylor Swift’s dance trends and the ethics of AI in music, this conversation reveals how the smartest artists are blending creativity with strategy. Whether you’re planning your first release or your next viral hit, this episode will help you understand how to sustain momentum - and why “market research” sometimes looks a lot like scrolling. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Acknowledgement of Country and today’s topic: TikTok’s power in music marketing [00:02:30] – Viral sounds that changed careers: How Chanel, The Temper Trap, and Kate Bush found new life on TikTok [00:05:45] – The evolution of social discovery: From Vine and YouTube to TikTok and beyond [00:09:30] – Authenticity over trends: Building a real brand voice online [00:13:15] – Multi-platform storytelling: Coordinating TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, and in-store music We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Us Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Follow Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/ Follow Kimberley: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyldavis/

    29 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Jolie Chatfield - From Fashion to Festivals: Building a Multifaceted Career in Music

    In this episode of Q’d Up, host Nikki Wishart sits down with creative all-rounder Jolie Chatfield, whose career has spanned fashion, film, and the music industry. From designing costumes for Brisbane bands like The Jungle Giants and Ball Park Music to touring the U.S. with Blusher as part of Powerhouse Management, Jolie’s journey is anything but linear. She shares how a dissolved fashion job unexpectedly led her into artist management, her behind-the-scenes stories from the road, and what it’s really like to balance PR, branding, and management in Australia’s vibrant music scene. Jolie and Nikki dive into creative crossover between fashion and music, the realities of tour life, and the challenges of thriving in the algorithm-driven age of TikTok. They also discuss discovering new talent through live gigs and social media, the importance of collaboration and community, and why vulnerability and authenticity matter more than ever for emerging artists. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Nikki welcomes creative powerhouse Jolie Chatfield [00:01:00] – From fashion student to music management [00:05:00] – Touring the U.S. with Blusher [00:10:00] – Balancing PR and management at Powerhouse and Positive Feedback [00:16:00] – Creative crossover: how fashion informs music campaigns [00:21:00] – Discovering artists through gigs and the algorithm [00:27:00] – Trends in social media and artist growth [00:35:00] – Quickfire round: first concerts, favourite albums, and coffee orders We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respect to their Elders, past and present. Follow Jolie on Instagram: @f0xy_m0r0n Follow Us: Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qsic YouTube - https://youtube.com/@getqsic?si=w9nuA0AqgG1jqa6r Follow Nikki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikki_wishart/

    42 min

  9. 10/27/2025

    Nikki Wishart - From Musician to Music Curator: Blending Passion, Branding, and the Power of Sound

    In this first episode of Q'd Up, host Nikki Wishart sits down with co-host Kimberley Davis to introduce the podcast and share her personal journey through the music industry. Nikki reflects on her early beginnings as a singer-songwriter, her shift into social media and branding, and how she ultimately found her calling as a music curator - a role that lets her merge creative artistry with brand strategy. She discusses how music shapes customer experiences in retail, the psychology of sound, and why curation goes far beyond just creating playlists. Nikki also talks about the intersection of music, marketing, and culture, her passion for supporting Australian artists, and what Q'd Up aims to uncover about the evolving world of music and branding. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we are filming today, the people of the Kulin Nation. We also pay respects to their Elders past and present. Follow Us: Instagram - @qdupbyqsic LinkedIn YouTube [00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Hosts Nikki and Kim and the Vision Behind Q'd Up [00:00:32] - Nikki’s Story: Early Passion for Music and Finding Her Voice [00:01:36] - From Piano Lessons to Pop Dreams: The Taylor Swift Era [00:02:28] - Social Media to Soundtracks: Blending Marketing with Music [00:03:24] - Serendipity and Opportunity: How an 18th Birthday Changed Everything [00:05:48] - Championing Australian Music and Paying It Forward [00:07:06] - Day in the Life: What a Music Curator Actually Does [00:09:19] - The Power of Nostalgia: The Veronicas, Britney, and Memory in Music [00:10:14] - Music as Brand Identity: Matching Sound to Story [00:11:11] - The Psychology of Sound: Music, Mood, and Shopping Behaviour [00:13:22] - Building Loyalty Through Artist Collaboration [00:15:04] - What’s Ahead: Industry Guests, Trends, and Insights

    17 min

  10. 10/20/2025

    Welcome to Q'd Up!

    Q’d Up is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the music industry. Hosted by Nikki Wishart, each episode features conversations with the people shaping music today, from artists and managers to curators and creatives. The podcast explores the work happening behind the scenes and the ideas driving the industry forward. Whether listeners are in music or simply love discovering how it all comes together, Q’d Up offers an inside look at the stories, sounds, and people making it happen. Subscribe to the podcast and follow Q’d Up on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content.

    20 sec

Trailer

About

Q’d Up is a podcast from audio technology platform QSIC, hosted by Music Curator and indie pop artist Nikki Wishart. At QSIC, Nikki leads music strategy for global brands like 7-Eleven, McDonald’s and Coles Liquor and as both a curator and musician, she brings a unique perspective on how music shapes culture and connects people. Each episode, Nikki dives into the latest releases, cultural trends and stories from the music world. Q’d Up is a space to discover fresh sounds, explore big ideas, and celebrate the many ways music moves us.

Information

  • Creator
    Nikki Wishart
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Show Website
    Q'd Up