Welcome to episode 94 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and Le Petite Chocolat.

I had a terrific chat with Adam McGrath of The Eastern. Adam is also a solo artist – with his debut solo record due out early next year. But for the last half-decade and more he’s been the frontman and one of the songwriters for The Eastern. So we talk all about that band – its formation, the setback of the Christchurch earthquakes, during which The Eastern became a balm, a salvation for many; their ‘relief’ shows featuring rousing entertainment all in the aim of lifting the spirits.

The Eastern (or Adam solo) has opened for the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Steve Earle and when I met Adam for this chat – our first time meeting – he was about to lead the band through yet another rousing set opening for Paul Kelly.

Adam had written to me ahead of that show introducing himself, essentially. I’d reviewed the band, he knew that, acknowledged that, but we had never met. After a long exchange we planned this meet-up (he had always been someone on my list for the podcast, I had been waiting to find out when they were next in Wellington). And it all aligned.

We had a good old talk about Christchurch and The Eastern and punk and stealing cars and the influence of The Clash and Henry Rollins and working in record stores and being young – pre-teen – record nerds; obsessed with music, music the salvation, music the hope, the reason…

I hope you enjoy hearing our conversation. It was my great pleasure to meet and speak with Adam McGrath of The Eastern.

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Please enjoy episode 94 of Sweetman Podcast, my conversation with Adam McGrath.