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Pain In The Arts

From First Drums to Revolver Upstairs: Gray Wesley on Gigging & Community

Ep. 77

What does a creative household actually look like from the inside when you're the kid?


We've been wanting to do this episode for a while and this week we finally got around to it, mostly because our guest was available after breakfast.


Gray Wesley is 19, plays drums in Melbourne alt-metal band Mindstain, handles most of their bookings and social media, and also happens to be our son.  We chat about his jump from playing a childhood drum kit to booking gigs, handling venue logistics, and playing iconic stages like Revolver Upstairs. We discuss the reality of playing in Melbourne's underground music scene, the financial challenges of being a young artist, growing up in a creative home, and why the live music community matters more than ever.


You might want to listen if:

  • You're a young musician trying to figure out how bands actually work
  • You're a parent watching your kid navigate the arts and wondering what they're taking in
  • You've ever hauled a drum kit up a narrow staircase and questioned your life choices


Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.


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Theme music by Lyndon Wesley

Produced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country.

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