News

The Independent Music Exchange is back, returning to Northcote Town Hall across the weekend of June 6 and 7. Featuring a stellar lineup of labels from across Australia, this year’s IME introduces an education program with a series of panel discussions and talks designed to support emerging label makers navigating an evolving industry. Co-founder of IME Michael Kucyk and Alex Macfarlane from Hobbies Galore stop by The Breakfast Spread, tune in for the event lowdown.

In 2025, MzRizk was in Berlin and sat down with poet and activist Saul Williams, visionary percussionist and producer Carlos Niño, and keyboardist Surya Botofasina, for a candid chat about their latest collaborative, improvisational tribute to TreePeople, the organisation of young naturalists that emerged in California in the late 1970s. Ahead of Williams' and Niño's RISING performance at Melbourne Recital Centre this weekend, MzRizk airs her riveting interview on Boogie Beat Suite.

Naarm indie rock trio Hot Glue will be popping in to Underground Love this week to sing some songs live in the studio, and to talk about their album launch coming up at The Tote on June 5. Made up of siblings Lily and Pearl Harnath, the band uses shoegaze-y, fuzzy guitars and loud, heavy drums to accompany reflective lyricism in a bittersweet and cathartic manner. Tune in to hear about their new album 'Again, Again'.

Since their live debut in 2023, NON have been spreading their own brand of Eastern inspired psychedelic doom across venues in Naarm, each show delivering a unique experience with improvised and extended jams. Now the instrumental outfit plan to play the album's final form 'Vipassana', bringing their vision to life as they launch its physical release on June 20th at Shotkickers. Tune in from 8pm to catch the details of the gig and a mesmerising live performance from the band. 

The eleventh studio album 'Season Of Surrender' has just been released from US metcalcore group August Burns Red. Having crafted their signature brand of metalcore for over two decades, they have ferociously established themselves as one of the foremost acts in the genre. They'll be coming across to Australia this October to tour with Bloom and I Promised The World, playing at 170 Russell on October 1. Tune in to hear from drummer Matt Greiner, and why this tour is a special one for him.

'STELLA: The Musical' is a story based on the life of Australian writer Stella Miles Franklin. Having battled through poverty and sexism to become a writer, Stella endured two world wars and terrible personal bereavements, emerging as an advocate for conservation, First Nation's rights, young writers, and Australian literature. Award-winning composer Monique diMattina chats to Helen about writing the music for this musical, tune in to hear about the premier at Alexander Theatre on June 12 - 20.

On June 7 at 3pm, Andy Baylor and The Big Easy Orchestra will bring their ‘Easy Ridin’ Blues’ show to Memo Music Hall. Celebrating the roots and blues of this city, audiences will be treated to cajun, soul, blues, hillbilly swing, swamp pop, and more easy ridin’ blues. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear more about the show, which will feature special guests Sarah Carroll, Alanna Egan, and The Horns of Happiness - Bruce Sandell and Ian Smith.

'Kickin’ The B at 303 - 15 Year Anniversary of Hammond Sessions' is happening at Bar 303 on June 4. The bands performing are Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo, the Chris Johnstone Quartet, and Psi-Phi. Gary Jones joins Tom Sianidis on Jumpin’ The Blues to chat about the three bands playing on the night.