Interviews

Descending into the tales of Greek mythology is 'Labyrinth', a dance-opera presented by Forest Collective, taking place in the underground corridors of the Abbotsford Convent early next year, as part of Melbourne's annual Midsumma Festival. Composer of the dance-opera Evan J. Lawson stops by to chat with Ian about this modern human experience of shame, isolation, and redemption. Tune in to The Sound Barrier to hear more about this epic tale.

Oozing together acoustic and electronic sounds to create ambient, alt-pop/folk music is local artist and producer Golden Syrup. 'Sluice' is the name of her second album, a combination of organic and in-organic sounds in an intricate and intimate collection. Tune in to Headhunters as Golden Syrup mastermind Sara Retallick chats with Elle about her new record and label.

Award-winning folktronic artist Gordi has released 'Lunch At Dune', an EP featuring Irish artist SOAK. Recorded in an Air BnB in the suburbs of north London, the record sees the artists' voices wrap around one another in a sonic trance that builds and expands. Returning home after touring across Europe and the US, Gordi stops by The Breakfast Spread to play a couple of her latest tracks. Tune in for this unique, stripped-back performance.

From his early days as a core member of The xx, to his solo career collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry, Jamie xx continues to release high-energy electronic music. The musician, DJ and producer will be back on Australian shores for the first time since 2015. Taking a break from his busy touring schedule, Jamie xx chats with Mike Gurrieri on Mystic Brew. Tune in for this PBS exclusive.

Writer and musician Jeremy Wagner is the brainchild behind metal bands Broken Hope and Earthburner. He's been a staple figure in the metal scene since the 80s, and comes into Burning Bitumen to chat with Kene about his new projects. Tune in to hear more.

'Indomitable' is the name of the new record from black-death band Destruktor, their latest album release since 'Opporobrium' in 2015. The Geelong based 3-piece chat to Kene about their upcoming shows, including their gig at The Gasometer Hotel on January 20th opening for Dutch metal band Sinister. Listening in to Burning Bitumen for the latest.

Hailing from Poland is black metal band Batushka. The band is about to play their 'Final Show Ever' at Max Watt's Melbourne on December 13th, a night of crushing black metal with haunting rituals and distinct visuals. They chat with Kene about changing their band name and the many props they'll be bringing to Australia, tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear what their new band name will be.

For the final live-in-studio session of 2024, the Jumpin' the Blues All Stars will be joined by vocalist Lisa Miller. Led by bassist Steve Purcell, the All Stars join Lisa for this very special live set to celebrate another year of great blues and roots music every Wednesday on PBS. Tune in from 1:30 to hear these revered musos rip into some blues gems live in PBS' Studio 3.

Committed to delivering hip-hop in its golden, neo-soul form, Melbourne duo SO.Crates has put together a collection of their castaway tracks into one album, titled 'Be-Sides and Rarities'. It’s an array of tracks that cover every era, every studio, and nearly every creative turn the duo has taken over their 8+ years. Producer and one half of the band, Skomes, takes a turn on the Musical Chairs—tune in to hear what selection of music he’ll share with Milo.

Rolling the festive tradition once again is The Ronson Hangup (Christmas Show), an indie supergroup band featuring musicians Ashley Naylor and Steve Pinkerton, taking place at The Workers Club on December 20th. The night will also feature Pinkerton Pendlebury, Pinko’s collaboration with sports star Andrew Pendlebury. Tune in to Radio City as Steve and Andrew stop by to wish Crispi a very Ronson Christmas.

Roll With The Punches, Make It Swing And Groove On Your Hunches is the motto of Melbourne band Mooney Valley Drifters. They’ve been a staple in the local country-blues scene for 40 years, and to celebrate, they’re putting on a shin-digging birthday show at the Thornbury Bowls Club on December 14th. Tune in to Swinging Doors as the band stops by to chat with Ernie ahead of the show.

Last month LA punk band Pat Todd and The Rankoutsiders dropped in to Sunglasses After Dark for a Studio 5 session. Phil caught up with the band after the performance, tune in to hear what they chatted about.

Going out of 2024 with a bang is garage-rock band Snake Powder. The four piece will be playing at The Beast on December 20th, alongside local bands Salmon Sisters and Blue Fur. Snake Powder stops by Firewater to chat with Claire about the show. Tune in to hear what we can expect on the night.

The country-folk trio from 1927 Virginia, The Carter Family, has an interesting tale to tell. This December, Jan from Southern Style will play four episodes from 'Anchored in Love: The Carter Family Story', starting with Episode 1 – Pioneers of Country Music on Dec 10th, Episode 2 – Music that Endures on Dec 17th, Episode 3 – The Radio Years on Dec 24th, and Episode 4 – The Carter Family Fold on Dec 31st. Tune in to hear this special radio documentary.

A key figure in Australia’s alternative rock’n’roll scene of the 70s and 80s, John Dowler’s Vanity Project is the culmination of Dowler’s previous works. Formed in 2014, JDVP have steadily built a profile in Melbourne’s inner-city scene over the past decade, and their third album, 'Existential Friend', has just dropped. John Dowler stops by Radio City to catch up with Crispi—tune in as they discuss the album and its release show happening on January 25th.

'Five Arrows' is the name of the highly anticipated new album from UK hardcore/metal band Polar. Since forming in 2009, the band has gone through multiple lineup changes, yet this hasn’t stopped them from touring consistently around the world. Vocalist Adam 'Woody' Woodford joins Ryan on Tyrannocoreus—tune in to hear when the band will next be playing in Australia.