Interviews

One of the world's most respected and in-demand electric bassists, Jimmy Haslip is in Melbourne to play with Jeff Lorber Fusion this week. With a CV that includes everyone from Allan Holdsworth to Chaka Kahn; Anita Baker to Robben Ford, and his jazz fusion project Yellowjackets, Haslip has remained a force for more than 4 decades. This Saturday on Fiesta Jazz Jimmy Haslip drops in to chat with Saul about his remarkable career.

GUM (Pond, Tame Impala) and Ambrose Kenny-Smith (King Gizzard, The Murlocs) have released their psych-pop album 'Ill Times'. The expanded version includes four new tracks, and to celebrate, GUM and Kenny-Smith will embark on a four-date Australian tour in April, playing at The Corner Hotel on Thursday, April 10. Tune in to Homebrew, where Ambrose Kenny-Smith joins Brooke to chat about these first-time ever performances with GUM.

'In My Veins' is the new album from multi dimensional artist and powerhouse Jade MacRae. It's her fourth studio album release, which began as an antidote to the despair of the pandemic, becoming an exploration of turning bitter into sweet, all set against a backdrop of punchy, soul infused riffs and rhythms. Ahead of her show at Bird's Basement on April 11, Lucas Packett checks in with the early-2000s pop star.

Creating music that lives somewhere between the realms of rom-com and horror movie, Merpire has just announced her upcoming album, 'MILK POOL'. Following the success of her debut 'Simulation Ride', Merpire dives deeper into personal themes, creativity, and her penchant for atmospheric vocals. Tune in to Underground Love for a live performance from Naarm's own multi-instrumentalist and producer.

This April is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) awareness month, and local rock bands are coming together to make some pretty noise while raising funds and awareness for PMDD Australia. The lineup features Ash Acid, Jess Shreds & The Unmade Beds, Yelo, Prairie Nischler, and Brian Morley, who will be strumming their distorted guitars down at Mamma Chen’s on April 12 from 7pm. Ash Acid stop by Pojama People to chat with Chris Pearson - tune in to learn more about this fundraiser show.

The new album 'Somewhere Between 3 & 5 am' from local rock and roll group Cinco Savages captures a journey all too familiar for many - the culmination of house parties, wild festival nights, and being among the last few still awake in the early hours. In other words, a litany of questionable decisions. With gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals from front woman Kerrie Loveless, tune in to Pojama People as the band chats about their upcoming show at Lulie Tavern on April 11.

Featuring only female-fronted bands to celebrate International Women's Day, Ryan catches up with Kat Moss, vocalist for the Californian hardcore band Scowl, who since forming in 2019, has taken the scene by storm with their vicious sound and ripping live shows. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus to hear about Scowl's upcoming new album 'Are We All Angels'.

Steven 'Snev' Jones is the guitarist and clean vocalist for the Scottish metalcore band Bleed From Within, who Ryan chats with about their upcoming new album. Having formed in 2005, Bleed From Within's latest record 'Zenith' is a brooding, anthemic slab of the kind of cutting-edge, modern metal that they have become synonymous with. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus to hear Snev's goals and aspirations for a long-awaited Australian tour.

Playing a mix of old favorites and some new goodies from his latest album 'Duets', Kevin Borich (The La De Da's, The Party Boys) is making his way to Melbourne on April 11. Taking over George Lane in St Kilda with rockin'-funkin'-blues and a whole lot of fun and creativity, Helen Jennings OAM catches up with Kevin. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear the latest from the New Zealand-born artist.

Naarm's darkwave/shoegaze outfit USER (Andrew Nunns, Frank Galgano, Lisa Gibbs & Daryl Bradie) drops by Bleeding Black Hearts Revue to discuss their latest album 'Mira Imposta', set to launch on April 11 at The Old Bar. The band will chat about the album’s creation, their dramatic live performances, and the journey to their most expressive release yet. Tune in for a special giveaway – a double pass to their launch show and a digital copy of 'Mira Imposta'.

The hard-rockin’, power-poppin’ band Leatherman are set to release their debut album ‘Turn You On’ on 10 April, and if it’s anything like their recent single ‘Big Shoes’, it will be packed with guitar harmonies, swingin’ rhythms, and belting vocals. On the same day as the album release, Crispi catches up with Jake and Annabel from the band. Tune in to hear tracks from their new album, along with details on where they’ll next be playing live.

Based in the subtropical wonderland of Brisbane, producer, vocalist, and DJ Squidgenini will be spinning lo-fi hip-hop and upbeat house music on the Wheels of Steel. Having spent the past year performing at the esteemed Potatohead in Bali, the bustling metropolis of Saigon, and various locations across Australia, Squidgenini will be telling stories on the fly while fostering a deep dive into feeling, moving, and grooving at Dr Morse on April 11. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear the beats.

Prepare for a timeless Studio 5 performance from Mondo Freaks, the 10-piece band that has captivated Naarm for over 10 years. Known for their late 70s and early 80s funk classics and deep cuts, they’ve built a devoted following with residencies and performances at festivals like Meredith, Golden Plains, and Panama. After the live session, stick around for an exclusive interview where they’ll discuss their unique sound and storied history. Tune in with DJ Manchild for this unmissable program!

After sharing his wit, humour, and outstanding live performances in early 2024, Los Angeles singer-songwriter John Craigie is back in Australia. Like an old friend, Craigie is a master of live shows - blending intimate conversations with songwriting crafted to perfection. Joining him on this adventure is Portland, Oregon singer-songwriter Kassi Valazza, making her Australian debut. Tune in to 5ft High and Rising as they join Myles for a chat and an intimate, live performance.

This Easter, Naarm's hypnotic dance-punks Gut Health and local outsiders Slow Clap are bringing the latest installment of Highly Contagious to regional Victoria for the first time, with a stellar lineup of friends including Alien Nosejob, Gregor, Palm Springs, and plenty more crowd-pleasers. Grab your tickets via Theatre Royal and catch all the details on this special afternoon soiree with Jordan on Underground Love.

First up on Pojama People is The Miffs, a high-energy psych rock power trio from Naarm known for their intense live performances and unique blend of atmospheric psychedelic rock, surf, and grunge. Their debut self-titled album is a dynamic and ambitious collection, delving into themes of identity, morality, and personal choice, all propelled by thumping, intricately layered jams. Tune in for the full scoop on this exciting upcoming project, due out on April 20.

Ahead of their show at Shotkickers on April 19, Grinding Eyes joins Chris to talk about their upcoming release 'Out of Focus', out April 4 via Poison City Records. Hailing from Eora, the three-piece crafts a dark sonic landscape, blending psychedelic shoegaze, drone rock, and ambient garage punk. The collective has collaborated with Jim Diamond and Paul Maybury, and shared stages with Amyl and the Sniffers, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and more. Tune in for the full brief on their latest project.

Join Kev, vocalist of the animated Naarm-based metalcore five-piece Lost Souls, as he sits down with Ryan to discuss the band's debut album 'Lore', set for release on April 18. They’ll explore Kev’s journey of embracing neurodivergence, going viral online, collaborating with his new best mate Jonathan Vigil from 'The Ghost Inside', and the band’s plans for physical releases and live performances. Don’t miss this rich conversation on Tyrannocoreus.

Oliver Smith, bassist for Eora progressive metal band Inertia, joins Tyrannocoreus to discuss their action-packed years touring Australia in support of their debut album 'Second Shadow', released last August. After a successful run, the band is back for another national headline tour this April. Tune in to hear all about their life on the road, their experiences performing, and what’s next for the band as they continue to make their mark in the metalcore scene.

Recently established Naarm-based darkwave band Double Happiness joins Kristen to discuss their debut album 'Derealisation' and perform live in the studio. Formed in late 2023 after the dissolution of garage punk band 'PLEBS', Double Happiness merges shoegaze, darkwave, and post-punk, with standout tracks like 'Electric Sheep' and 'Staring at the Walls'. Comprised of Sam Jemsek, Will Stanforth, and Ben Callaghan, with guitar by Sam Walsh of Silent Income, they’re navigating darker sonic realms.

Having recently recorded several albums in Bulgaria with a local choir, kaval, and other musicians, Naarm-based jazz pianist David Dower visits Global Village to talk with Roger about his latest project 'Sonder'. The album reflects his deep connection to Bulgaria and his journey as a classical musician. Listen in as David discusses the intersection of traditional Bulgarian music and jazz, sharing insights into his unique creative process and the cultural influences behind his work.

Ahead of their performance at The Thornbury Bowls Club for Helluva Ride on April 26, Mikey and Veeka from Kosmetika join Brooke at Homebrew for a chat. Following their DIY sophomore album 'Illustration', Kosmetika’s 2024 release 'Luxury' marks a shift to a more studio-focused sound with engineering by Erik Scerba. Moving from a duo to a full art-pop band, all five members contribute vocals, song ideas, and textures, resulting in a diverse 10-track album blending elements of their previous work.

One of the most electrifying guitarists of her generation, Samantha Fish charges rock and soul with bold energy and emotional depth. Her new album 'Paper Doll' (Rounder Records), produced by Bobby Harlow, showcases her fiercest work yet. Following the success of 'Death Wish Blues', Samantha delves into themes of unapologetic defiance grounded in vulnerability. Tune into Transfigurations with Lucas for an in-depth discussion of this powerful new release and her career-defining moments.

Aric Improta and Stephen Harrison from House of Protection join Ryan for a conversation about the band’s journey from the ashes of Fever333, their sophomore EP 'Outrun You All', and their plans for 2025. Born from the duo’s fearlessness and a love of pushing boundaries, they fuse hardcore, electronica, and punk into a raw, creative space. With their shared history in bands like Fever333, Night Verses, and The Chariot, House of Protection has created a sanctuary for radical self-expression.

Local mandolinist Justin Vilchez swings by Southern Style for a live-to-air performance and a discussion on the role of the mandolin in Bluegrass music. Bridging tradition with youthful flair, Justin captivates audiences worldwide with his unique approach to classic Bluegrass and original compositions. Currently performing with Australian Bluegrass band The High Street Drifters, he also teaches and takes on session work in his hometown of Naarm. Don’t miss this special live session!

The Tarab Ensemble performs classical Arabic instrumental music with a unique twist. "Tarab" is an Arabic term that captures the joy and emotional connection brought by exceptional classical Arab music. This large ensemble joins Roger on the Global Village to perform their music and discuss their artistry ahead of their concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre on May 9. Tune in for this special live-to-air performance.

Tune into Dounya for a live interview and performance with Watar Ensemble, a 5-member band playing acoustic Arabic music. Featuring two vocalists, electric bass, oud, percussion (darbuka, cajón, riq, daf), and guitar, Watar’s music blends tradition with emotion. "Watar" means both the string of an instrument and the nerve it stirs. With a passion for sharing stories from the heart of the Levant, the collective invites you on a journey through soul-stirring harmonies and intricate rhythms.

Tony Jackson and Ryan Sweeney from Mighty Horse visit Radio City to discuss their ambitious second LP, 'Road Movie Dream'. This 18-track album explores influences from rock, alt-country, dub, and psychedelia. Due for release on May 4, it will be available on vinyl and streaming platforms. The album launch will take place at The Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on release day, followed by a show at The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick on May 9.

Cantrips is the solo project of Naarm-based musician, DJ, and producer Patrick Ryan. His music blends the warmth of acid folk with 70s-inspired grooves and a distinct appreciation for analog textures. In his upcoming interview with Crispi, Cantrips discusses his debut album, 'From A Darebin Cave', set for release on May 2. Through atmospheric instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics, the full-length project offers a reflective journey of transformation, solitude, and emotional rebirth.