Interviews

On this week's rotation of 'Musical Chairs', Naarm-based Balinese community orchestra Gamelan DanAnda (GDA) enters the studio. GDA is dedicated to increasing awareness of the unique features of Balinese Gamelan music, for audiences to enjoy, performers to understand, and composers to be inspired. Can't tune in? No worries – the Gamelan music collective is set to perform at Sunday Sounds: Flight 1067 to Africa and Global Village LIVE at Kingston City Hall on Sunday, March 23. Mark your calendars!

Celebrated Irish folk artist and master bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell will be gracing the stages in Australia once again at Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, on April 27. Nominated for 'Best Folk Singer' in the 2024 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in Ireland, his fourth album, ‘The Wedding Above In Glencree’, made the RTÉ Radio 2 playlist in Ireland, reaching number 11 on the official UK folk albums chart. Ahead of his Australian tour, Lauren Plant catches up with the folk singer-storyteller.

In 1995, Sydney rock band You Am I released their ARIA award-winning second album, 'Hi Fi Way', and today, they're celebrating its 30th anniversary. Playing the album in full at Forum Melbourne on April 10 - 11, they'll also be performing their classic 1996 record 'Hourly Daily'. Tune in to Radio City as lead singer Tim Rogers and drummer Rusty come in to chat with Crispi about their 'Hi Fi Daily Double Down' tour.

Serving up a Melbourne-flavored surf twang with a tasty band-next-door jangle, The Delvenes create sweet songs that are scuffed in all the right places. Their new album 'Quite The Dilemma' is out this month, and they'll be launching it into the airwaves at Shotkickers on March 23. But first, Simon, Marty, and Pip come into Radio City to chat with Crispi about their new music

The Godfather of Neo Soul, writer of the masterpiece 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine', and influencer of genres ranging from disco and funk to jazz, hip-hop, and pop since the '60s, Roy Ayers was a musical legend of our time. To celebrate his life, Mike Gurrieri will dedicate his show to the artist, along with an interview he had with Roy Ayers a few years ago. Tune in to Mystic Brew from 9am to warm your soul from the sounds of Roy Ayers.

Local psychedelic rock group DIV has been rolling out the new music this March, with their second single 'Calm Yourself' featuring Scott Penberthy out March 21. Mastermind behind the project, Lance Div, comes into Pojama People. Tune in as he chats with Chris Pearson about a new DIV album.

Dropping their debut, self-titled album last month, local band Resistance will be coming in to Burning Bitumen for a dbeat, stadium crust live performance in Studio 5. With the album recorded over four days, the band has quickly gained momentum from their organic, grounding reality of 'in the room' instrumentation, and their debut four-track tape sold out within a month of its release. Tune in to hear their live performance, followed by a catch up with Kene and Leah Noir. 

'Southern' is the name of the new album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Pete Cornelius, and he's taking the album on tour along with a talented lineup of long-time musical collaborators. Expect to hear soulful tunes, gritty guitar riffs, and raw energy from Pete and his crew, along with some fan favorites. Helen Jennings catches up with Pete, tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear from the Tasmanian local.

For the 600th show of Radio City, Crispi is bringing in a special guest for a Studio 5 Live – Liz Stringer. Drawing from jazz, funk and soul, her seventh studio album, 'The Second High' is out on March 28, and is layered with motifs of self-actualisation, lessons learnt, sharp and ever-relevant commentary on social issues, and a strong and consistent focus on justice and equality. Tune in to Radio City to hear Crispi catch up with Liz, the day before the album is released.

During the midst of the 2020 chaos of cancelled shows and turbulent touring schedules, a bond was forged between singer-songwriter Ed Kuepper (The Saints) and drummer Jim White (Dirty Three). Capturing the immediacy of what they'd been performing live, the duo went into the studio and created 'After the Flood', an album that features eight Kuepper originals dug out of his past. Michael Mulholland catches up with Ed Kuepper about the new album; tune in to hear from the German-Australian musician.

Bringing a stacker line up of indie bands to the St Kilda Sports Club, Little Green Festival will be kicking off at 3pm on March 29 with local bands Pop Off!, New Rock Syndicate, Los Dominados, The Tommys and more for a day of loud music, food and helicopters. Festival organiser Rusty Teluk comes in to Sunglasses After Dark to chat with Phil MacDougall, tune in to hear more about the fun day.

'Come Round' is a pulsating journey that spans Australia's east and west coasts, connected by heavyweight producers DJ PGZ and Yikes. The respective Naarm & Boorloo-based DJs' artistry culminates in this seven-track EP – a treasure trove of underground club gems that blend techno, bass and breakbeat in a robust collaboration, including two cross remixes. DJ PGZ and Yikes bring their melodic techno beats into Passing Notes with Penny; tune in to hear this exclusive guest mix.

Joburg-born, Naarm-based artist Ruby Gill will this month release her sophomore album 'Some Kind of Control'. A record that's cheekier, gayer and even more raw, the powerful set of songs-as-explorations share themes of control over her body, her queerness and her politic, with a witty and honest approach. Bringing in her acoustic guitar, tune in to The Breakfast Spread for an intimate, live session with Claire, and to hear about the album launch show at Northcote Social Club on April 17.

Playing at the Forum on May 24 to launch their third album, 'Underneath' into the universe is local band Floodlights. Written on the road and born from a period of transience and new experiences, the album channels the feeling of being on the precipice of something new yet fundamentally uncertain. Through their enveloping alt-rock soundscapes, Floodlights paint a metamorphosis in motion, which Claire Stuchbery chats to the band about. Tune in to Firewater to hear the latest from Floodlights.

Newcastle, UK riff wizards Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (Pigs X7) are set to release their new album 'Death Hilarious' on April 4, a title juxtaposing absurdity and seriousness. Defined by calculated aggression and self-lacerating lyrics, this will be the fifth studio album released from the stoner metal band since forming in 2012. Tune in to Pojama People to hear Chris Pearson catch up with the band.

When legendary Japanese guitarist Masami Kawaguchi and seminal underground Australian artist Kim Salmon came together to collaborate, neither was sure of the direction which they would take. With equal parts carefree attitude and punk aesthetic, these two guitarists allowed each of their playing styles to overlap and intertwine, resulting in their LP 'Blossoming'. Coming in to Pojama People, tune in to hear these two musicians ignite in a Studio 3 Live performance.

From humble beginnings in Slovenia to international recognition, nu-deathrock band Within Destruction lands in Australia for their tour with Distant & Gravemind in April. Described as a fusion of deathcore, metalcore, and electronic music, Within Destruction's lineup has shifted over time, moving from a five-piece to a four-piece, and now functioning as a trio. Vocalist Rok Rupnik swings by Tyrannocoreus to chat about the band's history, the tour and upcoming sixth full-length album 'ANIMETAL'.

With a headline tour in March, followed by supporting Make Them Suffer in May, Justice For The Damned has a busy start to 2025. Drummer Chas Levi chats with Ryan about his battle with cancer and subsequent remission, along with the band's new single 'The Current'. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus from 12.30am to hear from the Sydney-based deathcore band.

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) presents his fourth solo album and first Māori language album, 'Te Whare Tīwekaweka' ("The Messy House"). The album blends folk, country, and Māori rhythms, exploring themes of isolation, connection, and reclamation. With a tour across the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand ahead, join Milo on the Breakfast Spread for an intimate Studio 5 live and interview with Marlon, where he’ll discuss his inspirations and process.

Celebrating its 24th year from May 15-18, Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest free music festivals, featuring over 30 rhythm and blues artists. Newly announced on the second lineup drop, ARIA-winning sisters Vika & Linda Bull have released eight studio albums, two live albums, and sung on tracks by Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, and John Farnham. The Naarm-based duo joins Helen on Roots of Rhythm to chat about their upcoming performance on the Gold Coast.

Naarm-born visual artist and author Pauline Bailey drops in to Roots of Rhythm to discuss the launch of her new work, 'Blues Portrait – A Profile of the Australian Blues Scene Vol 5', at The Yorkshire Stingo Hotel in Abbotsford on April 5 at 5:30 pm. Recognised for her depictions of music venues, Pauline was awarded the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s Allan Stafford Award for Services to Blues Music. Her latest work captures a historic aspect of the Australian blues scene.

Ahead of their performance at Lulie Tavern's 10th anniversary celebration tonight, Henry Wagons & Queenie swing by Radio City to announce an exciting new project. In Henry's latest release, 'Four Seasons', the Australian singer-songwriter and TV/radio personality pushes the boundaries of modern twang with Morricone-inspired instrumentals and lyric-driven melodies, complemented by Queenie's vocals. Listeners can expect more of this dynamic duet on their upcoming joint project.

GUM (Jay Watson of Pond, Tame Impala) and Ambrose Kenny-Smith (King Gizzard, The Murlocs) announce the deluxe edition of their album 'Ill Times', releasing March 28 via p(doom) records. The expanded version includes four new tracks, available on vinyl and digital platforms. To celebrate, they share 'Snow Angels' with a visualizer by Jacob Armstrong. GUM and Kenny-Smith will also embark on a four-date Australian tour in April, their first live shows together. Tune into Homebrew for more details!

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'.

Having recently recorded a couple of albums in Bulgaria, with a Bulgarian choir, kaval, and other local guests, Melbourne jazz pianist David Dower visits Global Village to talk with Roger about his recent album 'Sonder', an album that reflects his experiences and his obsession with Bulgaria. Tune in as David chats about the intersection of traditional Bulgarian music and jazz.

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.