Interviews

PBS is excited to showcase the diverse soundscape of neo-soul, house, and broken beat duo Close Counters at this year's Drive Live. After playing sold-out shows across iconic Melbourne venues and recently wrapping up a UK and Europe tour, the duo will perform their signature energetic sound during Headhunters on February 24. Ahead of their Drive Live performance, they join Milo on The Breakfast Spread to chat about their upcoming album, 'Lovers Dance Academy'.

Chain, the originators of ‘Oz-Blues’, will perform at MEMO Music Hall on Saturday 8th of March to celebrate 57 years of blues and rock music in Australia. Founding member of the band, Phil Manning, has had an impressive career as a guitarist and catches up with Helen ahead of his shows. Tune in to Roots Of Rhythm to hear when you can next see Phil perform live.

Coming into Roots of Rhythm for the monthly segment 'Wordy Gurdy' is author and editor Jackey Coyle, where she'll focus on exceptional music and writing. Tune in from 9:30am to hear Helen and Jackey scour the past 100 years for rare and excellent blues, jazz, country, and more.

The debut album 'Bravo Brava' from post-punk outfit Promaja is both propulsive and engulfing, showcasing a sound that’s angular and urgent. Marked by acerbic vocals and guitars that oscillate between cascading turns and sharp, abrasive stabs, the lyrics of 'Bravo Brava' navigate the struggles of modern existence. Coming into PBS ahead of their show at Last Chance on February 21, tune in to hear the band perform their new album live on Bleeding Black Hearts Revue in Studio 3.

'I Love What We Do', the debut album from local indie pop artist Geoffrey O’Connor, is dominated by themes of rain, showcased through Geoffrey’s Spy-In-A-Thunderstorm look. One of his most collaborative works, the album features violin and flute by Genevieve Fry (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard) and harp by Jessica Venables (Jessica Says). Bringing in a degustation of musical influences, tune into The Breakfast Spread as Geoffrey plays a round of Musical Chairs with Milo.

Launching 'LUMINOUS AS IT IS' at Howler on February 23, Coda Chroma’s fourth album takes its name from a line in Mary Oliver’s poem 'Summer Morning' and touches on themes of consumerism, environmentalism, friendship, and death, all expressed through Coda Chroma’s signature poetic, abstract lens. Coda Chroma mastermind Kate Lucas joins Crispi on Radio City ahead of the epic show, tune in to hear how the album launch tour is going.

Singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska, Simon Joyner has been flying under the folk/country music radar since 1991. His latest album, 'Coyote Butterfly', draws on grief following the overdose death of his son Owen in 2022, exploring his loss through a series of imagined dialogues and raw confessions. He'll be playing at the Port Fairy Folk Festival this March, but first, Crispi catches up with Simon ahead of his performance.

When Tommy Prine’s father, the late great John Prine, taught him to play guitar as a child, something clicked, and a destiny began to take shape. Now, decades later, Tommy makes his Australian debut, performing in Melbourne on February 20 at the Northcote Social Club, sharing stories about his father and the colorful patchwork of Americana-influenced folk and country music. On the day of his show, Ernie catches up with Tommy—tune in to hear how he's enjoying Melbourne so far.

Playing at the Port Fairy Folk Festival on March 7 and 8, followed by the Brunswick Music Festival on March 10, is local legend Kutcha Edwards. A respected elder, activist, and survivor of the Stolen Generations, Kutcha Edwards uses his mesmeric music to create connections across cultures, generations, and spaces. Tune in to Swinging Doors to hear Ernie catch up with Kutcha ahead of these performances.

Bringing her otherworldly voice and country/ indie-rock music to Australia for the first time is Kentucky native S.G. Goodman. Her latest album, 'Teeth Marks', puts love on a pedestal and invites listeners to dive deep into its psychological and physical imprint — its light and darkness, and its soothing feeling of nostalgia. Tune into Swinging Doors to hear Ernie catch up with S.G. Goodman ahead of her show at Northcote Social Club on February 18.

The explosive, sonic sounds of the improvisational duo Party Dozen, made up of saxophonist Kirsty Tickle and percussionist Jonathan Boulet, has earned praise worldwide. Known for their gritty yet dancy music that has lit up New York dancefloors and dominated the stage at Meredith, the duo is set to headline a massive show at the Croxton on February 22. Two days before the event, tune in to Fang It! to hear an epic Studio 5 Live session from the band, followed by a chat with Ruari.

Armed with a new album under their belts, The Beasts are set to celebrate their latest release, 'Ultimo'. After a national sold-out tour last year, the rock band will be playing at the Corner Hotel this Friday, February 21 along with Fancy Weapon. Gearing up for the epic performance, Phil MacDougall catches up with lead singer Tex Perkins the night before the show.

Having just won the DJ Mag Best Breakthrough Label for 2024, London-based duo of 20 years, Make A Dance, seamlessly blend classic house, exotic edits, and party bombs to create euphoric dancefloor moments. Bringing their infectious energy and eclectic sound to Audio Vitamins, tune in as the duo chat with Jonny Alexander about their current tour and upcoming releases.

Proud Mutthi Mutthi/ Yorta Yorta/Tongan man Crooked TP is performing at the 8th Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee Festival on March 1 at Emu Plains Reserve, an event where community gathers to share, begin conversations, and walk alongside First Peoples. With an old-school hip-hop style, cultural 'flava,' and captivating performances, Crooked TP's music takes you on a journey through his storytelling. Tune in to Subway Sounds as Suzi chats with Crooked TP about his music and the festival.

Something stirs in the circuits. A transmission from the void—glitching between the mechanical and the organic. This is Bleak Droids, weaving solid techno grooves into a live performance. Tune into Electric Sunset this Saturday from 10pm for a live performance of hypnotic rhythms and raw machine energy colliding in a set designed to pull you into the pulse of the unknown.

Led by Craig Woodward, The Johnny Can't Dance band will bring their two-steps, one-steps, waltzes, and blues to Southern Style this February 25. Featuring Craig Woodward on Cajun accordion/fiddle/vocals, Susan Shaw on guitar/Cajun triangle/vocals, and Campbell Shaw on fiddle, listen in to hear their stomps from the swamps live.

Renowned doom metal band since 2008, Pallbearer are making their return this March 12 to Max Watt's Melbourne. Promising an electrifying tour, the US group will deliver their signature blend of haunting melodies and crushing riffs. Ahead of the tour, Chris Pearson speaks with Pallbearer about their upcoming Australian shows. Tune in to Pojama People to hear more about the tour.

On May 3rd at The Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood, prepare to witness the intense sludge/noise/doom of Religious Observance. With their live performances channeling the primal duality of creation and destruction, band vocalist Wayne catches up with Kene and Leah Noir. Tune in to Burning Bitumen as they chat about the show and flipping the bird.

Returning to Australia once again is New Bloom Fest, celebrating the golden age of DIY hardcore and all things alternative. Californian hardcore punk band DRAIN is on the lineup, and Ryan chats with vocalist Sammy Ciaramataro about the band's love affair with Australia, along with their plans for 2025. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as they catch up ahead of DRAIN's show at The Timber Yard on March 10.

Playing at New Bloom Fest and touring with their hardcore punk mates DRAIN is the USA melodic hardcore band One Step Closer. Their latest album, 'All You Embrace', explores the sonic overlaps of hardcore, emo, and '90s alternative rock, without any self-consciousness or pretension creeping into the mix. Vocalist Ryan Savitski shares his thoughts with Ryan on the band's unique version of hardcore, tune in to Tyrannocoreus to hear the band's plans for 2025.

International Women's Day (IWD) is on March 8, and to celebrate, musician and organiser Kaliopi Stavropoulos is putting together the IWD Blues Music Festival on March 10. With over 20 roots to world-class acts on Labor Day, the event will take place across Yarra City. Kaliopi, Stella, and Minnie unfold the day's events with Helen - tune into Roots of Rhythm to hear about the festivities planned.

Storming out of Melbourne with their debut, self-titled EP is the new four-piece rockers, Hexham Heads. ‘Say It Again’ is the first single to drop from the EP, and the band will be playing a residency at Shotkickers every Wednesday in March. Tune in to Radio City as Van Walker and Mic Hubbard catch up with Crispi ahead of the new release.

Philadelphia producer and music legend Todd Rundgren is returning to Australia due to high demand and a sold-out tour last year. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will perform hits from his band Nazz, including 'Open My Eyes' and 'Hello It’s Me', at The Corner Hotel on March 6. But first, Crispi checks in with Todd ahead of the tour. Tune in to Radio City to hear this PBS exclusive interview.

Hailing from a long line of fireside storytellers and a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man, Troy Cassar-Daley has shared his extraordinary musicianship with a diverse range of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s musical landscape. A passionate poet of the land, Troy has achieved 33 number 1 chart singles, along with numerous gold and platinum albums. Tune in to hear Troy chat with Ernie on Swinging Doors about his upcoming performance at The Port Fairy Folk Festival on March 7.

This February 27, PBS listeners will be amongst the first to hear the new, soon-to-be-released album 'Smoked Salmon' from indie rock artist Kim Salmon. With a nationwide tour on the horizon from March to April, Kim Salmon will be playing at Northcote Social Club on April 12. But first, Michael Mulholland previews the new album on Junkyard while catching up with Kim about the new record.

Returning to Global Village with a new album, Melbourne Greek rebetika group Estudiantina reinvigorates the essence of traditional Greek music, igniting a vibrant fusion of cultures and ethnicities. Ahead of their show at the Brunswick Ballroom on March 9, the group shares with Roger Holdsworth some of their new music, talking about all matters rebetika.

Serving a monolithic dose of psych-doom-pop, four-piece band Turtle Skull have honed their unique blend of warm melodies, earth-shaking riffs, and motorik beats. Their last album 'Monoliths' debuted locally at #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Albums Charts, and they're currently finishing up their third album. Playing at the Bergy Bandroom as part of Brunswick Music Festival on March 7, tune in to Pojama People as Chris checks in with bass player Julian.

To celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, Burning Bitumen is doing an all-girls takeover, starting with sisters Charlotte and Marianne from the melodic death metal band In Eden Slain, followed by Sarah from heavy metal podcast 'Sin and Steel'. Tune in from 10pm to hear host Leah Noir host this special edition.

Fresh off winning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for 'Mileage', Ruthie Foster's tenth studio album reflects on her journey from singing in rural Texas churches to earning Grammy nominations. Bringing her powerhouse vocals and remarkable musicianship back to Victoria from March 5th to 14th, prepare to be inspired and uplifted as Ruthie joins Helen on Roots of Rhythm for a mesmerizing Studio 3 performance. Tune in at 10am to hear the blues singer-songwriter live in studio.

Charm of Finches, the sister duo of Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes, have a unique way of creating intricate folk-pop music that seeps into your soul. With seamless harmonies and melancholic melodies, their fourth album 'Marlinchen In The Snow' was recorded in rural Canada and draws inspiration from the frozen beauty of the landscape, as well as life on the road as musicians. Ahead of their performance at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Crispi catches up with the duo.

The songs of Texas musician Townes Van Zandt are widely considered masterpieces of American folk music. To celebrate this legend, The Standard Hotel in Fitzroy will be hosting a Townes Van Zandt tribute show, featuring performances by Freya Josephine Hollick and Evan Sillence. Tune in to Swinging Doors as the duo stops by to share more about the show with Ernie.

Local musician Clio Renner is not only a thoughtful and graceful songwriter and vocalist, but she's also the go-to keyboardist for Australian royalty Angus and Julia Stone and Missy Higgins, to name a few. Each of her indie pop tracks is a colorful experience of its own, and her new album 'Don’t Hurry the Dance' will be no exception. Tune in to Radio City to hear Clio chat with Crispi about the new album and upcoming launch show.