Meet: Creators of All Ears
Meet the creators of All Ears, a new podcast about the ways music challenges, comforts and connects us.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Annaliese Redlich: I'm a DJ and radio broadcaster on 3RRR Fm with a midday Saturday music show called Neon Sunset. Currently I'm in three bands, and I'm a huge music and podcast fan! I was originally born in Brisbane but I've lived in, and loved Melbourne for most of my adult life. As the only punk in my classical music family, as a female DJ, even as an indie broadcaster, I’ve often felt like a bit of an outsider in music.
Tell us about All Ears - what motivated you to begin and continue the project?
AR: Music is scrutinised and fetishised in this culture in a way that takes it out of the hands of everyday people. Even though we don’t pay much attention to these stories, it doesn’t mean they’re not all around us. Everywhere I look I see ways that people from all backgrounds, ages and cultures are using music to forge relationships and make statements about things that are important to them. And so I made All Ears, a podcast that heads into operating theatres, football stadiums and community centres to see what our use of music says about us- our connections, rituals and sense of belonging.
I'd had the idea for this series since 2015 and gradually became obsessed with it. In 2018, despite a massive fear of failure I began recording! Once I started, even though it's a daunting task, I was so inspired by not only the people I was speaking to, but the endless amount of stories there are yet to be told.
I have received SO MUCH generous support (both practical, and emotional) from the local podcast community, producers like Camilla Hannan, Namila Benson, Bec Fary, The Wheeler Centre team, Kate from Audiocraft, and mostly my Broadwave mentor, the incredible Beth Atkinson-Quinton. Also, my friends and family have been extraordinary in their faith and support of this pipe dream, with special love to my brother Matt for teaching me Pro-Tools!
How did you get into audio / podcast production?
AR: I first began to learn basic recording and editing through producing my radio show on 3RRR FM. Skills-wise this was light years away from what I'm doing now for All Ears but it was a vital start that taught me the thrill of interviewing, and the joy that comes from putting together an audio documentary!
What are some of your fave / most inspiring podcasts or audio works?
AR: This American Life - this is where it all began for me. It made me want to tell stories and make podcasts.
Love and Radio - artfully tells some of the strangest and most unexpected stories imaginable!
Dolly Parton's America - a compelling and extraordinary insight into a figure who represents so much more to people than music. In many ways Dolly is a reflection of who we are and were've been and this beautifully unpacks this.
Welcome To LA - Like Dolly Parton's America, it tells us about our humanity and the way we connect and think but through the lens of this fascinating city.
99% Invisible/Articles of Interest - A brilliantly produced, warm and insightful education into myriad topics centred on the power of design.
What are you listening to at the moment?
AR: First Time Feelings by Krystal Maynard and Ruth McIver - out soon from two Melbourne producers who look at our first experiences of big feelings.
Barely Human by Max Easton - a fascinating podcast from Sydney about forgotten and footnoted musicians of underground music history.
The Memory Palace - always tender and whimsical short stories based on moments in history. Perfect for bedtime.
Tender by Madison Griffiths - An insightful and beautifully told series about what happens in the aftermath of an abusive relationship from Broadwave.
How do you stay motivated and on task with your project?
AR: I'm not going to lie, it is very difficult! The list of people I mentioned above have been instrumental in helping with this. Because I mostly work alone, but it has been so important for me to have regular contact with Beth AQ., she helps me get out of my own head and look at the bigger picture.
Also I was lucky to be involved with Signal Boost, a mentorship program put together by The Wheeler Centre. Aside from the practical tips on how to make a podcast, I actually really got so much out of being around other fledgling producers going through similar things that I have been!
I read a great book called The War Of Art recently which is an inspiration to just keep sitting down every day to do your work. It doesn't matter how you feel, there is no easy ride for anyone with this stuff. Wonderful craft is only born from a seemingly endless grind! The fact that you're exhausted and feel like your work may suck is normal, you just gotta keep at it and that's when the magic happens.
Do you have any advice for aspiring podcast producers about how to get started?
AR: Nut out your pitch! It doesn't matter if it changes but work really hard on a short "elevator pitch" of your series. Think about how it will sound and have a think about what episode one will sound like right through to episode fifteen! This process is more important for you as the maker than anyone else. Really spend time doing this.
Try and get a network together. Reach out to other makers, producers, and do whatever you can to pick their brain. Buy them a coffee and be respectful of their time and resource of experience.
Listen to a HEAP of podcasts you do and don't like, and break down what they do and why they do it.
Just give it a crack! Don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't work out the way you had planned. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Which 3 audio makers would you love to pick the brains of, and why?
AR: Shantel Wetherall - Hey Aunty! - I know Shantell and she is a delightful force of nature. Her personality is energising and disarming, and basically I'd love to bask in that for a while!
Avery Truffleman - 99% Invisible/Articles of Interest - I was actually very lucky to be able to have done this at Audiocraft in 2019. She is a born presenter and emanates warmth and humour. She is astonishingly unpretentious and generous with her knowledge.
Esther Perel - Where Should We Begin - Esther is a force for real change and healing for so many thorough her show. I admire her tremendously.