Droning On
Music
About
Casual conversations with pipers, drummers, and other bagpipe-adjacent folk.---Follow the show on Facebook/Instagram: @droning.on.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/DroningOnPodcast/Write-in at:TheDroningOnPodcast@gmail.comSupport the show on Patreon, just search, ”Droning On Podcast”, or by buying cool stuff at BagpipeSwag.com
Episodes
- 144: Camille from The Future (this isnow a Bluey Fandom Podcast)
Camille joins Droning On to discuss children's television programming, bagpipes, and her diverse professional life as a performer, piper, author, and stained glass artisan. The episode also references several Celtic bands.
- 143: The Jason Rouse Episode
This Droning On episode features artist Jason Rouse. He is known for programming games, painting landscapes, and making tape-recordings of historic pipe sets.
- 142: The Jack Episode
This episode of Droning On features a conversation with Jack, a multi-instrumentalist. The discussion includes mentions of Bagpipes and traditional music. The episode description also provides links to Jack's social media, the Iona Session…
- 141: The Matt Heaton Episode
This episode of Droning On features Matt Heaton. The discussion includes his musical collaborations, including a famous Irish singer and his work with Shannon. The episode also provides links to his various music projects.
- 140: Celtic Pink Floyd
Damon & Brian Stout and Patrick D'Arcy of Celtic Pink Floyd discuss the project's history and its upcoming "stripped-down" iteration. They also share a new track, their version of Duran Duran's "Winter Marches On."
- 139: A Whistle Wonderland with Cedar Dobson
Cedar Dobson joins the Droning On podcast to discuss and play music from her holiday album, A Whistle Wonderland. The episode explores her unique adaptations of traditional winter and holiday melodies.
- 138: Holiday Tunes with Andrew O'Sullivan
Andrew O'Sullivan joins the Droning On podcast to discuss and perform holiday music. The episode features tracks from Andrew, the host, Còig, Kate Nicholson, and Tim Edey, while focusing on fiddles and smallpipes.
- 137: Robert Macdonald on "Music From the Dead"
In this episode of Droning On, guest Robert Macdonald discusses his experiences in Cape Breton and his research on the fiddle playing and tune-making of John MacDougall. The conversation builds upon a previous episode that featured an audi…
- 136: Music from the Dead, The Tune-Making of John MacDougall by Robert Macdonald
In this episode, Robert Macdonald presents an audio reading of his scholarly work regarding the compositions of fiddler John MacDougall. The piece is based on Macdonald's time spent with MacDougall in Cape Breton in 2009.
- 135: Halloween Special: "Pipers and the Supernatural" with Stuart McHardy (Author of The Silver Chanter)
In this Halloween special of Droning On, guest Stuart McHardy, an author and expert in Scottish history and folklore, discusses the connection between pipers and the supernatural. The conversation also explores Scottish history, storytelli…
- 134: Tunes for the Soul with Sean Patrick Reidy
In this episode of Droning On, guest Sean Patrick Reidy joins the show to discuss and share samples from his recently released album, Tunes for the Soul. Reidy is a multi-instrumentalist with backgrounds in woodworking and re-enacting.
- 133: The Mikey Beale Episode
In this episode of Droning On, guest Mikey Beale discusses his work as an artist, including his involvement with bagpipes and hair. The episode also features universally-applicable advice shared by the guest.
- 132: Aaron Bergen of the Grinning Barretts
Aaron Bergen—a competitive soloist, steam engineer, punk rocker, and orthotics enthusiast—joins the Droning On podcast to share stories and sample music from The Grinning Barretts. This episode also includes the story of how Bergen injured…
- 131: Rufus Harley with America & David (Part 2)
In the second part of this two-part interview on Droning On, hosts discuss the life, music, and philosophy of Rufus Harley with his son, America Patton, and his artistic heir, David Duncan. The episode features recordings of Harley's bagpi…
- 130: Rufus Harley with America & David (Part 1)
In this first part of a two-part interview, America Patton and David Duncan discuss the life, philosophy, and music of Rufus Harley. The episode features recordings of Harley's work on the bagpipes, saxophone, and vocals.
- 129: The Sam Vogt Episode
In this episode of Droning On, guest Sam Vogt discusses his experiences as a musician, including his work with the whistle and guitar. Vogt shares the story of his early attempts at making and playing a flute.
- 128: A Dude who Likes Bagpipes & Has a Microphone (updated with Whistle Sample from Jeremy)
In this episode, the host requests listener audio submissions documenting their musical journeys, such as competition or performance preparation. The episode also introduces Verdant Musical Instruments, a new venture supporting Peace Throu…
- 127: Alec's New Pipes, Celtic Routes, and More
Alec, creator of Get Bagpipe Ready and recording artist, joins Droning On to discuss his new projects, including the Celtic Routes album, 'Song of the Celts.' The episode also covers his experiences as a musician and a humorous revelation…
- 126: The Michael Page Episode
In this episode, Michael Page, a piper with 20 years of experience and a member of the Wasatch & District Pipe Band, discusses his favored drone-reed combinations.
- 125: Cedar Dobson
Musician Cedar Dobson discusses her music, including her 2022 album and her recent release, "Decade," on this episode of Droning On. The conversation features audio samples from her album "Harmonies."
- 124: The Hart Episode
In this episode, the host interviews Hart, a cowboy piper from Montana. The conversation covers his experiences and delves into the world of bagpipe music.
- 123: Owen Kennedy & "Oh When: Now"
Fiddler Owen Kennedy joins the Droning On podcast to discuss his music, style, and his album "Oh When: Now." The conversation explores his influences and connections to traditions including North American and European fiddle music.
- 122: Andrew Douglas of Dojo Fame
Andrew Douglas, online bagpipe instructor, joins Jim to discuss solo competition and healthy habits. They also revisit the Tide Pods meme on this episode of Droning On.
- 121: The Arle Lommel Episode
In this episode of Droning On, guest Arle Lommel discusses his experience with various uncommon musical instruments. The conversation covers his musical background and includes advice and insights on busking.
- 120: Rowly Powly with Jeremy Kingsbury
In this episode of Droning On, guest Jeremy Kingsbury joins the show to discuss and sample music from his latest album. The hosts talk through a selection of tracks and share links to Kingsbury's website and Bandcamp page.
- 119: The Matt DeBlass Episode
Musician and teacher Matt DeBlass joins the Droning On podcast to discuss his music, including his album Small Musics, and shares his theory regarding the themes of death in folk songs.
- 118: Donald W.G. Lindsay (2025)
In this episode, bagpipe maker Donald W.G. Lindsay discusses his work and shares personal stories, including memories of emus in his father's garden. The conversation explores his ongoing projects and musical interests.
- 117: The Dr. Jordan Alexander Key Episode
In this episode of Droning On, guest Jordan Alexander Key joins the show to discuss their background as a bagpiper, composer, teacher, and mathematician, including a record-breaking conversation about mathematics.
- 116: Tommy Tavenner of the Dunkirk Riots
In this episode of Droning On, guest Tommy Tavenner discusses his experience as a multi-instrumentalist and musician for the band Dunkirk Riots.
- 115: POOL with Ross Ainslie
In this episode of Droning On, piper Ross Ainslie discusses his new album, POOL. He also shares his approach to keeping live performances engaging by remaining uncomfortable.
- 114: "Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner with Swan
In this episode of Droning On, Jim and Swan discuss the book "Effortless Mastery" by jazz pianist Kenny Werner. During the conversation, Jim reflects on his own approach to music and personal challenges.
- 113: The Many Donkeys of Christmas with Andrew O'Sullivan
Andrew O'Sullivan joins the Droning On Podcast for a holiday-themed episode featuring a variety of seasonal music, with a specific focus on songs about donkeys. The episode also includes a giveaway winner announcement and references to var…
- 112: Pipes for Peace Album Review & Finale for "Season 1"
This episode serves as the finale for the first season of the Droning On podcast. It includes a review of the celebratory "Pipes for Peace" album, which is available on major streaming platforms and BandCamp.
- 111: The Highalnd Bagpipe, by W.L. Manson, Chapter 2
In this episode of Droning On, host Jim reads the second chapter of W.L. Manson's 123-year-old book, The Highland Bagpipe. The chapter covers the history of musical instruments, including the transition from the harp to the bagpipes.
- 110: Droning On in the Wild - Utah Highland Games - 2024 - Day 2
This episode of Droning On features further commentary from Jim's inner monologue during the second day of the 2024 Utah Highland Games.
- 109: Droning On in the Wild - Utah Highland Games - 2024 - Day 1
This episode of Droning On features Jim's reflections from the first day of the 2024 Utah Highland Games. The segment includes conversations with various friends of the show and features recommendations for music and books.
- 108: The Sir William Wallace II Episode
In this episode, the podcast hosts an interview with Sir William Wallace. The episode also features coffee shop ambiance.
- 107: Erik Ask-Upmark, "The Plague Piper"
In this episode of Droning On, guest Erik Ask-Upmark discusses his work, including the album "1350: Music for a Plague" and his project Falsbordone. The conversation also covers "Pasta Pestilencia" and various aspects of his musical career.
- 106: Ruth Chiles on Focal Dystonia
Ruth Chiles, a specialist in Focal Dystonia who works primarily with musicians, discusses her work, support groups, and resources in this episode of the Droning On podcast.
- 105: The Highalnd Bagpipe, by W.L. Manson, Chapter 1
In this episode of Droning On, the host presents the first chapter of an audiobook version of W.L. Manson's 123-year-old book about bagpipes. This reading serves as an alternative to the usual guest-interview format.
- 104: The Chris Gray Episode
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Chris Gray joins the podcast to discuss his career, his music, and his self-titled album. The host interviews Gray about his background and creative work.
- 103: The Michael Gibbs Episode
In this episode of Droning On, Jim and Mike interview Michael Gibbs to discuss "heathen" style pipes. The hosts also discuss a featured video and share their experiences with seasonal allergies.
- 102: Rob of Carbony Celtic Winds
In this episode of Droning On, the host interviews Rob from Carbony Celtic Winds about his process for crafting carbon fiber bagpipes. The discussion also covers a charity album project titled 'Pipes for Peace.'
- 101: "Pipes for Peace" Album
This episode of Droning On features the album promo for "Pipes for Peace" and a rebroadcast of the episode 82 interview with Liz, founder of Peace Through Music International. It also includes information on the album's associated St. Patr…
- 100: EPISODE 100!
In this milestone 100th episode of Droning On, the host celebrates the occasion, expresses gratitude to guest contributors, and acknowledges the support of listeners. The episode also provides information on how to follow the show on socia…
- 099: The Benjamin Episode (or, "Low Drowns & High Hats")
In this episode of Droning On, the host interviews Benjamin, a piper and tinkerer, about his experiences with various types of pipes. The interview was recorded prior to the arrival of the host's baby.
- 098: Robert Macdonald of Pennyland
In this episode of Droning On, guest Robert Macdonald discusses his musical background, his band Pennyland, and his scholarly work. The conversation covers a range of musical topics, including instruments, genres, and traditional music his…
- 097: Andrew O'Sullivan
In this episode of Droning On, guest Andrew O'Sullivan discusses his original tunes and various interests. The conversation also covers a musical lament composed for the victims of the April 2020 incidents and mentions of books featuring O…
- 096: "Christmas Sessions" with The Reel Folk
In this episode of Droning On, the host discusses the recent holiday album released by The Reel Folk. The conversation includes the band's musical style, their past projects, and their perspective on polka.
- 095: The Gemma Bagpipes Episode
Gemma Briggs joins the Droning On podcast to discuss her experience as a musician and piper. She shares her journey with the bagpipes, her musical career, and various professional appearances.