Tim sits down with musicians to explore the stories behind their songs, from the initial spark of inspiration to the grit it takes to finish a record.
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Tim sits down with Connor Fitzgerald, the drummer and mix engineer for the Berlin-based instrumental outfit Lords of Lounge. Following the May 2026 release of their highly anticipated third album, Lords of Lounge 3, Connor discusses the band's evolution from an accidental hotel lobby gig to a masterclass in minimalistic, lo-fi recording. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/connor
Tim catches up with old friend and collaborator Anton van Schalkwyk, the man behind the new Afrikaans project Skobbejakus. We dive into his debut EP, Eerste Dinge Eerste, discussing the emotional catalyst behind his shift to Afrikaans, the evolution of his 90s rock sound, and why making music without the pressure of a paycheck is the ultimate creative superpower. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/anton
Tim sits down with Hugo Veldsman to discuss the evolution behind his 2025 album, These Fears Are Not Our Fears. Drawing from his classical training at the Stellenbosch Conservatorium and a deep-seated love for Americana, Hugo explains how he transitioned from the quiet folk of his debut to a bold, stadium rock energy. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/hugo
Tim sits down with Ramone Pickover, the powerhouse drummer for Grand Mirage. Ramone shares the story behind their gritty new single, Ill-Gotten Gains, including a look inside the sawdust-filled Welsh lovespoon workshop where they filmed the music video. He also discusses his book, Life in 8 Beats: A Guide to Using Rhythmic Principles for Personal Growth. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/ramone
Tim sits down with veteran songwriter and artist Simon van Gend to discuss his 2025 album, Dream I’m a Bird. After a decade-long hiatus since his last release, Simon reveals how a high-pressure “song-a-week” challenge in 2017 provided the raw material for an album that took nearly eight years to mature. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/simonv
Tim sits down with John Battersby, the frontman of Battersby, to peel back the layers of their debut record, Stone Figures. After a decade in the South African indie scene, John discusses his return to his rock-and-roll roots, the profound influence of the South African landscape on his songwriting, and the “brotherhood” that defines his new lineup. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/john
Tim sits down with Will Dorey, the multi-instrumentalist and mastermind behind the acclaimed studio project, Skinshape. Known for blending vintage funk, soul, and psychedelic rock, Will takes a deep dive into his latest release, Skinshape x Horus. A collaboration with lifelong friend Ben Bell, this record serves as a love letter to 1960s and 70s Jamaican reggae and dub. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/will
Tim sits down with Jonathan Stephen Simons, the frontman of the South African indie/folk trio, to discuss their sophomore album, Time Flows Like Water. Jonathan opens up about the journey from his debut album to this new release, describing the recording process in his Kommetjie home studio and the philosophy of "channeling" lyrics rather than writing them. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/jss
Maya Spector discusses her record, Honey & Heartache. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/maya
Gary Thomas of Moodship discusses his record, Incandescent. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/gary
Brittany Dilkes discusses her record, Walking In A Storm. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/brittany
James Acker of Yndian Mynah discusses their record, The Boys Scribbled Like Mad. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/jamesa
Sarah Blake discusses her record, Food For Thought. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/sarah
Wren Hinds discusses his record, A Child’s Chant For The New Millennium. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/wren
Werner Bekker discusses his record, In My Cluttered Head. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/werner
Rocky Michaels discusses his record, Music For My Soul. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/rocky
Stanley Sibande discusses his record, Hopeless Dreams. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/stanley
Matt Langston of Eleventyseven discusses their record, Basic Glitches. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/matt
Katie Lyon discusses her record, Some Things Take Time. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/katie
Kristina Murray discusses her record, Southern Ambrosia. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/kristina
Nibs van der Spuy discusses his record, Live in Lisbon. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/nibs
Gavin Gold discusses his record, World Upside Down. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/gavin
Doug Keith discusses his record, Pony. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/doug
Simon van Gend discusses his record, Suffer Well. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/simon
Sam McTrusty of Twin Atlantic discusses their record, Great Divide.
