Interviews

Being just 'the guy in TISM’ has never been enough for Damian Cowell. In the 15 years since the disappearance of those Australian music icons, Damian has amassed a hefty body of work. 'Only The Shit You Love,' is Cowell’s story of a disturbingly recognisable parallel universe where we can’t decide whether to erase or exhume the past – told of course in his distinctive darkly comic style. Tune in to hear Cowell talk about this web-based graphic novel & the return of the Disco Machine.

Melbourne country soul outfit The Meltdown have an exciting tour to embark on, which includes ‘southern soul from the great southern land’, a concert they're putting on at Memo Music Hall on November 27 where they'll be showcasing music from their sophomore album, out next year on Hopestreet Recordings. Tune in to The Afterglow to hear more from band member Simon Burke.

Melbourne’s favourite blues & roots ensemble Collard Greens & Gravy celebrate the music of American roots music legend Jimmy Reed, along side special guests Ross Wilson, Kylie Auldist & Benny Peters. Listen in to Jumpin' the Blues to hear Ian talk about this celebration of Reed's music on December 3 at MEMO Music Hall.

As Melbourne’s streets awaken and its cultural pulse returns, the Naomi Milgrom Foundation is proud to unveil the 2021 MPavilion program—with Australia’s leading architecture and design event offering over 250 free events for its eighth season. Marking MPavilion’s longest-ever season and welcomes design minds from Australia and the globe, in a celebration of the important contribution of design in our city’s cultural landscape. Tune in to hear creative director Jen speak about the program.

What is it like to create an album when a band's members live in different states? Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear from South Australian/Victorian death metal band Aeons Abyss about how they managed to record their new album 'Terror Manifest' in lockdown and across state lines.

Inspired by hearing that someone who regularly said insensitive things to people also identified themselves as an empath, 'You're not an Empath' is Farewell Horizontal third instalment. Tune in to Firewater to hear Claire talk to Pat about the album.

Bedroom record maker Jake Robertson AKA Alien Nosejob returns with his fourth LP 'Paint it Clear.' Departing from his last hardcore-punk inspired concept album, 'Paint It Clear' mixes sounds of classic 80s new wave and post punk whilst sprinkling in the occasional disco track on top. But don’t let these descriptions throw you off; it still carries Robertson’s classic screech of cheeky yet witty lyrics and sharp song writing hooks. Tune in to hear Jake speak about his new album.

Melbourne's premier multicultural band Ausecuma Beats returns with 'Musso', their second full-length album, out now via Music In Exile. Percussionist Boubacar Gaye chats with Lloyd Briggs about what the album's main themes and what the summer season has in store for his band, including their Melbourne International Jazz Festival performance. Tune in to Deeep Space from 9am.

Artistic director and leading electric guitarist of ELISION ensemble calls in to talk about the ensemble's performances on Liza Lim's 'Singing in Tongues.' 'Singing in Tongues,' is a 3 CD set comprising of 2 operas and vocal works of Lim's and released by Huddersfield Contemporary Music.

Minimalist pianist Luke Howard calls in to Soak to talk about his collaborative performance with digital artist Simon Burgin (Responsve) for Melbourne Music Week on December 6. Luke will also tell Hannah about his trio's upcoming performance for Melbourne International Jazz Festival on December 2.

Originally conceived in 2020, The Resonant Heart is a uniquely curated and crafted multidisciplinary project that celebrates the work of an international group of Melbourne-based BIPOC and CALD female artists. The project's new live-streamed miniseries launches on November 22 with a heart-to-heart between MC Lizzie Kuoth and sitarist and vocalist Sarita McHarg. For more information, tune in to Global Village to hear Roger chat with Sarita about the miniseries.

Having recorded between Melbourne and Nashville & released their critically acclaimed album 'Country Lion' during 2020. After many postponements James Ellis and the Jealous Guys are set take the Brunswick Ballroom stage to finally launch this album. Tune in to hear James talk about the launch and recording process.

Godfathers of Australian ska, Strange Tenants, celebrate their 40th anniversary with a special remaster of their original vinyl albums ‘Movin’ In’ (1984) and ‘We Are Stronger’ (1985). They also embark on a 40th Anniversary Tour in December. The band's singer/songwriter Bruce Hearn joins Phil on Sunglasses After Dark to tell us more. Tune in from 8pm.

Around eight years ago, singer-songwriter Lior invited Domini Forster, then a music student at NMIT Fairfield, to perform as his support act. The pair became fast friends and strong artistic collaborators since. They now have a new EP titled 'Animal In Hiding' that Lior is eager to tell Crispi about. Tune in to Radio City to hear more.

Reservoir Stomp is touring the neighbourhood this summer/autumn, presenting three big shows in different locations across Reservoir, Kingsbury and Keon Park. Each event will be a rad live music experience, chocked full of local bands, DJs, performances, plus Darebin-based food and drinks, and some pretty darn special extracurricular activities too. Tune in to The Afterglow to hear event MC and fellow PBS presenter Emma Peel talk about the first event that's taking place on December 5.

Melbourne psychedelic jazz outfit Mildlife joins a stellar line-up for FLOW Festival, a day of music and arts in late November presented in association with Footscray Community Arts, the Foreign Brothers and The Operatives. To hear more about the festival and what Mildlife are up to, tune in to The Afterglow to hear Lyndelle chat with bassist Tom Shanahan.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary with three days and nights of performances in February 2022, the multi-award-winning Riverboats Music Festival returns to the historic town of Echuca-Moama on Yorta Yorta country with such artists as Baker Boy, Vika & Linda, and Custard, to name a few. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear David Frazer chat with Annika Priest about the full line up.

Guitarist Terrance Hobbs of brutal technical death metal band Suffocation calls in to speak about the band's new album 'Live in North America' which features the final live performances of vocalist Frank Mullen. Terrance will also chat about the future of the band after Frank's retirement.

Kene speaks to crust sludge noise band Religious Observance about recording noise for their new amazing self titled album and many other things.

The legendary Mike Rudd brings us an exciting new project that came about when composer and conductor Noel Kennedy put together a string arrangement of one of Mike’s songs, 'I Can Do Anything.' Joining forces for a truly magical event, Mike, Noel and a string quintet featuring Melbourne’s finest classical musicians present 'Mike Rudd’s Indelible String Band'. Listen in on Pojama People to hear Mike talk about this event.