Explore every episode of the podcast The Tim Smal Show

Tim sits down with Connor Fitzgerald, the drummer and mixing 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. They dive deep into the unique production choices behind the new album's melancholic tone, the magic of dual-guitar interplay, and how a standard pocket wallet serves as an essential studio tool.

• 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. After 18 years in the UK, Anton has returned to the shores of Hermanus, South Africa, trading the corporate grind for the creative flow of his home studio. 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. We also dive into his debut book, Life in 8 Beats, exploring how drumming principles like tempo and “hitting hard” can help anyone—musician or not—overcome adversity and reach their goals.

• 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. We dive into the “musical archaeology” of his writing process, the respectful listening culture of Cape Town’s best venues, and why sometimes, the best album art is the piece you’ve already painted.

• Show notes: go.timsmal.com/simonv

Tim sits down with John Battersby, the frontman of the John Battersby Band, 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. John Battersby’s transition from the indie-electronic vibes of Red Tape Riot to this grounded, “open-road” rock sound makes for a compelling story.

• Show notes: go.timsmal.com/john

Tim sits down with Will Dorey, the British 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. We also chat about a major milestone: Skinshape’s very first live performance after a decade of studio releases, including the surreal experience of debuting at The Lodge Room in Los Angeles.

• 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.

Pete Uhlenbruch of Owls of the Swamp discusses their record, Atlas. • Show notes: go.timsmal.com/pete

Chloe Clark discusses her record, In Between.

Tim Millar of Protest The Hero discusses their record, Volition.

Eric Pulido of Midlake discusses their record, Antiphon.

Ryan Culwell discusses his record, Flatlands.