In this podcast, I dive deep with successful professionals from every music genre to uncover what it truly means to dedicate their lives to music. It may seem g...
"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio - Ep. #12: Todd Sucherman
Welcome back, everyone!
I'm excited to share this episode featuring the phenomenal Todd Sucherman—truly one of the most accomplished drummers in the world. Having the chance to chat with Todd is always a privilege. Todd's stories from his decades-long journey in music are packed with adventure, insight, and a wealth of wisdom. Known for his 28-year tenure with the iconic band Styx, his impressive career spans collaborations with top artists, countless recording projects, and celebrated teaching.
What makes Todd such an inspiring guest isn't just his unparalleled skill on the drums but also his ability to share his expertise in a way that resonates with musicians of all levels. His understanding of what it takes to thrive in the music industry and maintain a fulfilling personal life makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and heart of being a professional musician.
I hope you enjoy this candid and inspiring chat with Todd Sucherman. Cheers!
#nickdvirgilio #ndv #toddsucherman #styx #drumming #podcast #soyouwanttobeamusician
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"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio - Ep. #11: Clare Lindley
Greetings, everyone!
Welcome to Episode 11 of the podcast, where I’m joined by my bandmate in Big Big Train, Clare Lindley. Clare is not only my first female guest but also an incredibly talented musician with a wealth of experience. It’s truly inspiring to hear her perspective on what it takes to make music your life. Her dedication, hard work, and passion are undeniable, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her professionalism and skill on stage time and time again.
In this episode, we dive into Clare’s journey — starting in Scotland, where she grew up and made a name for herself, before moving to London to take on the city’s music scene head-on. Clare is also an educator, sharing her love of music with students of all ages, and—on top of that—she’s a professional rock climber! Her passion and drive are contagious, and I’m lucky to be in a band with someone so talented.
I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Cheers!
#nickdvirgilio #clarelindley #bigbigtrain #soyouwanttobeamusician #violin #fiddle #musiclife
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"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio - Ep. #10: Carter McLean
Greetings, everyone!
We've reached a milestone with episode 10 of the podcast, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome my guest this week: the incredible Carter McLean. While Carter is perhaps best known for his long-standing role as the drummer for the Broadway production of The Lion King, his career extends far beyond that. He’s toured the world, recorded albums, and is also a passionate educator. Carter has done it all and built an outstanding career, and he generously shares his knowledge along the way.
In this episode, we dive deep into his journey—from his early days in high school just getting started in the business, to moving to New York City as a newcomer with no connections, to proving himself in front of the city's best. We also discuss how he landed The Lion King gig, his foray into photography when the industry slowed down, and even his personal relationship with his wife. It’s a wide-ranging conversation packed with insight and wisdom.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!
#nickdvirgilio #soyouwanttobeamusician #cartermclean #drumming #broadway #podcast
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"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio - Ep. #9: Randy McStine
Greetings, everyone, and welcome back to the podcast!
We’ve made it to episode 9, and I’m thrilled to have Mr. Randy McStine as my guest today. Randy and I go way back—we’ve made a lot of music together over the years, and I can confidently say he’s one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever known. It was a real pleasure to sit down and talk with him.
Randy’s insights into the music industry are fascinating, and his journey is a testament to doing things on his own terms. He describes his path as a “slow burn,” but one that’s authentically his. As a solo artist, Randy has released many fantastic recordings that I highly recommend everyone check out.
In recent years, he’s reached a much broader audience in recent years through his work with Porcupine Tree. His collaboration with Steven Wilson has introduced Randy to fans worldwide, and I’m so happy to see him get the recognition he deserves—he’s earned every bit of it.
I hope you enjoy our conversation. Thanks for tuning in, and cheers!
#nickdvirgilio #randymcstine #soyouwanttobeamusician #podcast #musiclife
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"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio - Ep. #8: Steve Hackett
Greetings everyone!
Welcome back to the podcast. We’ve made it to episode 8, and I’m thrilled to introduce my guest, Mr. Steve Hackett. This episode is particularly special to me because I get to chat with a man who was a huge part of my all-time favorite band, Genesis. A band that had a profound impact on my musical evolution. It still feels surreal that I know Steve, that he’s had me play on several of his recent records, and that I even had the chance to perform live with him and his incredible band a couple of years ago. These experiences have been truly remarkable for me.
What stands out about Steve is not just his extraordinary musicianship, but his genuine kindness. With a long and storied career in the music industry, he has countless stories to share and a wealth of wisdom to impart. This interview was a real joy for me, as Steve's responses were both candid and insightful. We delved into his early days before Genesis, his experiences as a young musician in London, and the difficult decision to leave the band. We also discussed his solo career and the process of building his brand, as well as how a life in music impacts personal relationships.
It’s an insightful and enjoyable conversation that I’m excited for you to hear. Cheers!
#nickdvirgilio #ndv #stevehackett #podcast #soyouwanttobeamusician #musiclife
In this podcast, I dive deep with successful professionals from every music genre to uncover what it truly means to dedicate their lives to music. It may seem glamorous and amazing from the outside, but the reality is far more complex. Being a musician isn’t just about playing instruments, singing, or writing songs—it’s about everything else! There’s a vast world to navigate, from managing personal relationships and tackling the business side of music to balancing family life and maintaining mental health. Join me as I explore these challenges and more, revealing the true journey of a musician.
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