News

The soulful traditions of West African blues will meet the evocative sounds of Greek rebetiko at the Melbourne Recital Centre on July 23, when the Mande Blues Ensemble and Estudiantina of Melbourne come together. Joining Roger Holdsworth on the show to discuss their remarkable cross-cultural collaboration, tune in for live music and a conversation with Amadou Suso, Aboubacar Djelike Kouyate and Con Kalamaras about this unique musical dialogue before experiencing it live on stage.

Coming on to Stars In The Static this week is New Zealand-born pianist Mike Nock. A work of astonishing emotional depth, his seminal album 'Ondas' was recorded in Oslo in 1981, featuring himself on piano, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jon Christensen. More than four decades on, it remains one of German independent jazz record label ECM’s towering achievements. Greg catches up with Mike Nock about performing his album in full at Fed Square on July 23, with support from Krakatau.

Tonight on The Sound Barrier, Ian Parsons is joined by Björn Schmelzer, the director of the Belgian Early Music ensemble 'Graindelavoix'. A profoundly intelligent and unconventional-thinking music director, anthropologist, and musicologist, Björn draws from contemporary philosophers Adorno, Deleuze, Derrida, and Lacan - shaping the very idiosyncratic and controversial musical style of Graindelavoix (translating to 'grain of the voice').

Bringing in her guitar for some live music on Homebrew today is local artist Tamara & the Dreams. Her new single ‘Beautiful Woman on the Coast in Portugal’ is out on July 9, which follows from her viral 2025 single ‘Successful Bisexual’ and its effusive follow-up, ‘Fleetwood Mac’. Tune in to hear about Tamara & the Dreams plans for the rest of 2026.

'Last of the Natural Light' is the debut album and collaboration project from Billy Gardner & Friends. Recorded sporadically over the past five years, the project began as an attempt to finish a collection of half-written songs, before evolving into a standalone body of work with its own distinct style, sound and creative process. Tune in to Underground Love as Jordan catches up with Billy Gardner about the new record.

Local alternative four-piece metal group Verona Lights are about to go on tour with Australian nu metal band Sunk Loto, playing a sold out show at The Corner Hotel on August 14. Joining Ryan on the program to chat about the upcoming tour is Brendan Davine, Michael Tesoriero and Nath Busst. Tune in to hear about Verona Lights' band history, along with their unique writing style. 

On Tyrannocoreus this week, vocalist Julian Cashwan Pratt for US art/punk/hardcore group Show Me The Body will be coming on to the show. 'Alone Together' is their new album, and it's about praxis and putting belief into action. The opening line, “radical love compels me to fight”, reflects lived experience, standing up for one another and for what you believe in, regardless of outcome. Tune in to hear what Show Me The Body has planned for the rest of 2026.

Using her artistry as a passage for connection and catharsis, Daisy Kilbourne combines elements of folk, rock, and soul to create a sound that pays homage to her musical heroes, while remaining distinctly her own. A wannabe ‘70’s child that comes from a small town with a big spirit, Daisy draws inspiration from the musical legacy of her late father, a fellow songwriter. Tune in for a special live performance from Daisy, and to hear about playing at Town Folk Festival later on in the year.