Interviews

Experience a full sensory overload presented by some of Melbourne’s finest experimental artists for this Melbourne Music Week exclusive event at Max Watts. HEAVY SPECTRA is a new work by Mat Watson featuring live visuals by Carla Zimbler and guest appearances by experimental percussionist Nat Grant and the fevered dream saxophone sounds of Cayn Borthwick (NoZu/Cong Josie). Tune in to Pojama People to hear Mat talk about this event.

Formed in Hobart's beloved Brisbane Hotel beer garden in 2019, It Thing are gearing up to release their new 9-track EP through Marthouse Records. Vocalist Charlotte rings Jordan on Underground Love to give him the lowdown.

Join Mike Gurrieri for a special edition of Mystic Brew featuring music and testimonials from a number of artists on the Melbourne Music Week line-up, including Kylie Auldist, Tiana Khasi, The Putbacks and many more.

Traversing contemporary classical, Latin and cinematic genres, 'My Shadow Is My Only Follower' journeys through a whimsical world of tightly interwoven sound and imagery. Forests of Chupa Chups meet adventuring eyeballs and balletic coral in this cinematic audiovisual performance by award-winning composer Ania Reynolds. Tune in to Global Village to hear Ania's chat with Roger about her fantastical project.

Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear C.FRIM's special mix on Wheels of Steel. The artist will also discuss her upcoming performance at Flow Festival on Saturday 27 November at Footscray Community Arts, located on the traditional lands of the Kulin nation. The lineup will also feature performances from Brown Suga Princess, Calle Luna, Dallas Woods, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Fly Boy Jack, Kee'ahn, Kgomotso, Selena, Shio, DJ Smilez, The and Trad Ukiyo.

Jake Mackin of Gippsland metalcore band Mirrors chats about his band's debut album 'The Ego's Weight' and their plans for touring in the new year.

Vocalist of post-punk trio Plaster of Paris Zec Zechner rings in to Radio City to talk about the group's launch of their recent album 'Lost Familiar' at the Old Bar on November 26 with support from The Hot Blood & Gut Health.

Taking cues from the golden era of the Hammond organ and bridging it with jazz, soul and pop, the Jake Mason Trio weave their way through familiar sounds with their own modern twist and blazing vigour. Listen to Eternal Rhythm to hear Jake talk about his trio's performance at Melbourne International Jazz Festival on December 3.

Due to pandemic restrictions, Bitumen have taken a more precise and restrained approach to recording, allowing them to craft their nine-tracks second album 'Cleareye Shining,' which explores breakbeats, piano, acoustic guitars and more intimate vocal work. Tune in to Club It To Death to hear band members Kate & Sam talk about the album and launch at Northcote Social Club on December 4.

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.