Interviews

Touted as “the most influential band you’ve never heard of,” Cymande was the first British group to headline the acclaimed Apollo Theatre in New York, tour with Al Green and call the coveted Blue Note home. Over the years, the cult status of Cymande’s music has only grown stronger. DJ Manchild had the opportunity to chat with the band ahead of their imminent first ever visit to Australia. Tune in to The Breakdown to hear their conversation.

Naarm producer Marli is part of a new breed of artist taking inspiration from the whole spectrum of electronic music. With a sound rooted in Detroit Techno and Chicago House, Marli has been putting out exquisite club tracks that tap into the various traditions of deep house, soul, breakbeat, and UKG. Ahead of the launch of her brand new EP. 'Change of Seasons,' Marli drops in to chat with Firas on Tomorrowland and to play a special guest mix. Tune in Friday arvo from 1pm.

Founded over fifteen years ago, Wolf Music has emerged as a formidable force within the realm of house music. The UK label has consistently showcased a diverse and talented roster of artists, including the likes of NZ producer Manuel Darquart who joins the label's co-chief Stu Clark when they drop in on The Breakfast Spread for an exciting Friday morning hoon on the Wheels of Steel. The pair will also chat about Wolf Music's Melbourne showcase this weekend at 24 Moons.

Melbourne garage punks Split System are readying themselves to release their second album 'Vo. 2' on February 9. Vocalist Jackson Reid Briggs calls in to Fang It to chat about the album and its launch.

Fascinated by the mythology of Americana when she was growing up in the Australian bush and in the sleepy beach town of Torquay, Mia Dyson has had a rich musical journey, from her debut album at age 22 to her most recent offering, Tender Heart. She has instilled her own music with raw passion and timeless vitality; qualities she'll share with those lucky enough to see her perform at Riverboats Music Festival in mid-February. Ahead of this show, Mia stopped by PBS for a chat with Crispi.

Singer-songwriter Kate Alexander joins Crispi on Radio City to talk about her new single 'Bubblegum' and its single launch at The Gem on February 10.

Bundjalung Country/Byron Bay Shire-based singer-songwriter Merryn Jean has crafted a genre-bending, dreamy world of soundscapes with enticing musical wisdom. Ahead of the release of her first full-length album, Dog Beach, Merryn sits down with Milo for a round of Musical Chairs. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread on Thursday morning to hear more.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have just released their fifth album 'Dark Rainbow' and, to celebrate, they have announced their biggest tour to date. Simon from TNT spoke with Frank about the album and their Melbourne show at 170 Russell on April 19.

Prog-rock band Cog will be hitting the road for The Vinyl Tour, which celebrates the release of their albums 'Sharing Space' and 'The New Normal' on vinyl for the first time ever. They will be playing at the Northcote Theatre on March 1st along with special guests Yomi Ship and Kodiak Empire. Drummer Lucius Borich drops in for a chat on TNT.

The Port Fairy Folk Festival is back in 2024 with a superb line-up of homegrown talent as well as prolific folk musicians from across the seas such as Graham Nash, Alice Skye, Judy Collins and many, many more. Program director Justin Rudge chats with Helen about planning the festival and some of the artists on the line-up. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm their conversation.

ONEFOUR: Against All Odds traces the meteoric rise of Australia’s first drill rap stars, defiant in the face of police efforts to stop them from performing. Director Gabriel Gasparinatos joins Annika on State of the Art to talk about the documentary.

Vocalist for Northlane, Marcus Bridge talks to Ryan about their new single 'Miasma' featuring Winston McCall (Parkway Drive), upcoming EP 'Mirror's Edge' and headline Australian tour.

Drummer Brandon Gawith of Melbourne death metal band Cemetery Urn joins Kene to talk about their upcoming show at The Leadbeater Hotel on February 10 and playing with such stalwarts of the scene.

Known for their combination of epic walls of sound with technical dexterity and driving rhythms, underground legends Russian Circles make their return to Australian shores for the first time in five years. The instrumental trio will bring their brooding and intense live show across the Pacific during February 2024. Chris catches up with the trio about the tour.

Creating a tribal rock sound using their own interpretation of harmonic overtones, centred around active punk monk Vogli Bonze, with veteran punk drummer Takami and bassist Seiko. Japanese Buddhist punks, BUDDHADATTA return to Australia with their vinyl debut split 12" with Paul Kidney Experience on Melbourne's own Kasumuen Records. Tune in to Pojama People for a special live set from Studio 3 and conversation with the band and Kasumuen Records founder Don.

Queens of the Stone Age return to Australia for the first time since 2018 in support of their eighth studio album ‘The End Is Nero.’ Claire got to speak with guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen before the band kicks off their tour. Tune in to Firewater to hear their conversation.

Renowned pianist and composer Sophie Hutchings released her highly anticipated album, "A World Outside" late last year. Inspired by her transformative road trip through the NT, the album captures the essence of the vast and mystical landscapes of the territory with its spacious and hypnotic beauty. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear Sophie chat with Milo ahead of her Recital Centre performance on February 16th.

Having spent the better part of a decade lighting up dancefloors around Victoria, pairing cosmic groove with psychedelic disco, Squid Nebula have finally released their debut LP ‘From Here To You’ in 2023 via Northside Records. Now in 2024, the band are set to launch ‘From Here To You' at the Northcote Social Club this coming Thursday. Tune in to Black Wax to hear Squid Nebula play a couple of tunes and talk about the launch.

Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer IKSRE joins Lloyd on Deeep Space for an in-studio performance of songs from her new album ‘Abundance’ and talk about its launch at Jazzlab on February 13.

Melbourne's soulful alt country troubadour Rick Hart is readying himself for the launch of his long awaited third album 'In The Midnight Sky Alone.' Tune in to 5ft High & Rising to hear Rick catch up with Myles about the album and its launch at the Wesley Anne on February 4.