Recording Studio
Eastern Suburbs Melbourne
Our People
Although the majority of work at Soggy Dog Recording involves just Steve, our owner/engineer, we have assembled a talented team of experienced professionals across the music industry. Despite their impressive accomplishments, every team member is an exceptional communicator who stays focused on your music and your vision. Whether your session involves only you and Steve or calls for a full ensemble of our skilled musicians, we’re here to support your music every step of the way.
We understand that your music is deeply personal, and we’re honored to play a role in bringing it to life with care and respect.
Steve Vertigan
Producer/Engineer/Owner
With over 35 years of experience across classical and contemporary music, Steve Vertigan brings deep musical insight and technical expertise to every session. As the founder and owner of Soggy Dog Recording for the past two decades, Steve has worked with a wide range of artists — including Grammy and ARIA award winners — across genres from acoustic, rock, jazz, to orchestral. A former full-time musician, Steve approaches every project with a strong emphasis on attentive listening and creative collaboration. His focus is always on helping artists realise their unique sound from the earliest concept to a release-ready master.
Steve holds a current Police Check and a Working with Children Pass.
Simon Hosford
Producer/guitarist
Simon Hossford is a seasoned guitarist and musical director with an international performance résumé spanning over 48 countries. He has served as Associate Musical Director for major television productions including Australia’s Got Talent and X-Factor, and was a long-standing member of the Australian Idol band.
Simon has toured with top Australian acts such as Vanessa Amorosi, Taxiride, Jon Stevens, Shannon Noll, Birtles/Shorrock/Goble, and Anthony Callea. In the studio, he has contributed to recordings for artists including Bachelor Girl, Peter Andre, Guy Sebastian, Ross Wilson, Christine Anu, and Anna-Maria LaSpina.
His extensive live credits also include performances with Kylie Minogue, Joan Jett, Chris Isaak, Rogue Traders, Darryl Braithwaite, Petula Clark, Thelma Houston, Stephen Cummings, Errol Brown (Hot Chocolate), and Renée Geyer — a testament to his musical versatility and industry recognition.
Peter Maslen
drums/percussion
Peter Maslen, known affectionately as "Maz," is one of Australia’s most respected drummers. An established member of the Soggy Dog team, Maz brings decades of experience in both live performance and studio recording.
He has worked with an extensive list of iconic Australian and international artists, including Colin Hay, Mark Seymour, Natalie Imbruglia, The Seekers, Icehouse, Eddie Rayner, Men at Work, Olivia Newton-John, Jimmy Barnes, and Delta Goodrem.
Maz's credits span genres and generations — from rock legends like Daryl Braithwaite and Tex Perkins, to pop icons such as Kylie Minogue, Nikki Webster, and Shannon Noll. His session work includes collaborations with Archie Roach, Deborah Conway, James Reyne, Vika & Linda, Tripod, Angry Anderson, and many more.
Renowned for his versatility, musicality, and professionalism, Maz continues to be a go-to drummer for recording projects that demand both precision and feel.
Belinda Parsons
vocals
Belinda Parsons (née Allchin) is an accomplished vocalist, arranger, and harmony specialist with a Bachelor of Music Performance in Improvisation from the Victorian College of the Arts. While many of her credits lie in musical theatre, Belinda is equally skilled in jazz, pop, and rock settings.
Known for her exceptional ear and deep understanding of vocal harmony, Belinda crafts backing vocals that range from subtle and elegant to bold and inventive — always tailored to the artist’s sound and genre.
Her performance and recording credits include The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (China tour and DVD release from the Great Hall of the People), Mack and Mabel (The Production Company), HMS Pinafore, The Sound of Music, Crossroads (Workshop), Life’s a Circus, and A New Brain (Chapel Off Chapel), along with appearances in the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, corporate events, and national television.
Emilio Kormanic
guitars
Emilio Kormanic is a highly sought-after guitarist known for his versatility across live performance, studio recording, and television. He has toured extensively with Australian music icon Tina Arena and Sony R&B artist Isaiah Firebrace, performing at major events such as the 2023 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena. YouTube
In addition to his touring work, Emilio is a regular guitarist for prominent television productions, including Dancing With The Stars, The Masked Singer, and the U.S. version of Name That Tune. His dynamic playing style and professionalism have made him a go-to musician for both live and televised performances.
Montana Sharp
Backing vocals
As the newest member of the Soggy Dog Recording team, Montana Sharp has quickly established herself as a versatile and in-demand vocalist and session musician. Since graduating with distinction from Monash University with a double degree in Arts and Music in 2019, Montana has contributed backing vocals to multiple tracks that have charted on the AMRAP charts.
With a classical piano background and a deep understanding of music theory and contemporary harmony, Montana crafts distinctive vocal textures and sophisticated arrangements that elevate every project she works on.
Her raw, heartfelt songwriting earned her the ‘Best Original Song’ award at the Fast Track Singing Showcase in 2014 and has led to performances at prestigious venues across Europe and the US. Montana’s talent as both a singer and songwriter continues to attract attention from major industry figures.
Jason Vorherr
bass/guitars/vocals
Jason Vorherr is a seasoned bassist and vocalist, best known for his dynamic live performances alongside Daryl Braithwaite, notably on the iconic festival anthem The Horses. With a career spanning decades, Jason’s deep groove and vocal harmonies have become a staple at festivals and concerts nationwide.
He was a founding member of the Little River Band’s original lineup (BSG), performing alongside Glen Shorrock, Beeb Birtles, and Graeham Goble. Jason’s extensive session and touring credits include The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, and many more.
Jason has also been a familiar face on Australian television, regularly appearing on The Footy Show as part of The Footy Show Band and featuring on Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton.
At Soggy Dog Recording, Jason brings his wide-ranging skills as a musical producer, arranger, guitarist, bassist, and vocalist, helping artists craft polished, professional recordings.
Amber Ferraro
vocals
Amber Ferraro is a dynamic vocalist and performer whose versatile talents span live music, songwriting, and DJing. As the frontwoman of the Melbourne-based band Honey, Amber has captivated audiences at sold-out shows, including performances at The Night Cat in Fitzroy . Her band's debut EP, released in 2023, showcases their unique blend of disco, funk, and soul influences.
Beyond her band, Amber has graced the stages of major Australian festivals such as Golden Plains and Strawberry Fields, performing to audiences of up to 8,000.
Amber's artistic reach extends into the electronic music scene as well. She is a lead vocalist for Sunshine and The Disco Faith Choir, a collective known for its fusion of techno and gospel music. Their cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" reached No. 3 on the ARIA Club Charts, and their co-written track "The Ride" also charted in the top 10 .
At Soggy Dog Recording, Amber contributes her vocal expertise as both a lead and backing vocalist, bringing her rich experience and passion for music to a diverse range of projects.
Danny Spencer
guitar/vocals
Danny Spencer is a soulful rock and alternative guitarist renowned for his dynamic playing and expressive tone. Currently touring and performing with Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes, Danny brings decades of high-level experience to every stage and studio session.
He has previously signed with BMG Sony and was a key member of iconic bands Rogue Traders and The Androids—the latter being his own alternative rock project. Known for his ability to deliver both gritty rock riffs and nuanced, soulful guitar parts, Danny is a top choice for artists seeking authentic and powerful guitar work.
Jack Earle
Piano/keys/trumpet/vocals
Jack Earle is a versatile and accomplished musician, renowned for his work as a pianist, composer, arranger, and musical director. He has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists, including Rhonda Burchmore, David Campbell, Rob Mills, Kate Ceberano, and Tina Arena. Jack has also served as the musical director for these artists, showcasing his leadership and collaborative skills in various musical settings.
In the realm of professional musical theatre, Jack has been the keyboardist for major productions such as Dream Lover, Evita, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and West Side Story. His extensive composition credits include two albums of original music (The Jack Earle Big Band and Is This Real?), dance-theatre works, and numerous jingles for television and radio. Notably, Is This Real? was recorded at Soggy Dog Recording.
Jack's musical journey began with a full-tuition scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in California, where he honed his craft and developed his unique musical voice. His passion for music and dedication to his craft continue to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Anthony Barnhill
piano, keyboards, arranger, composer
Anthony Barnhill is a leading Australian conductor, pianist, and composer with an extensive international career spanning concerts, theatre, television, and radio.
He is currently the Musical Director of the 2024 national tour of Chicago and was the Musical Director for Opera Australia’s acclaimed production of The Phantom of the Opera—the best-selling show of all time at both the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne. For this production, Anthony won the 2023 Green Room Award for Musical Direction of a commercial musical. Critics praised his work, with The Guardian stating, “nothing thrills more than the music, with conductor Anthony Barnhill on board to coax a commanding richness from the orchestra.”
Anthony has a long-standing association with West Side Story. He conducted the 2019 international tour, leading performances at renowned opera houses such as the Dresden and Berlin State Operas. His involvement continued with music supervision of the 2021 Perth and Brisbane seasons, and conducting the 2024 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production.
His other musical theatre credits include Phantom of the Opera (Opera Australia), Evita (Opera Australia), Oklahoma! (The Production Company), and serving as Associate Musical Director for the Australian production of Chicago (GFO). Outside theatre, Anthony was the pianist for Grammy-nominated RnB artist Mario, toured China as Musical Director for Australian International Productions, and served as Composer in Residence for Creative Innovation Global.
With his expertise in demanding keyboard music and live string arrangements, Anthony is a highly valued member of the Soggy Dog Recording team.