Interviews

Renowned for his deep affinity with rebetika (Greek Blues), Fotis Vergopoulos represents the new generation of Greek musicians. On his return visit to Melbourne, Fotis joins Roger on Global Village to talk about his music and to play some live tunes ahead of his concert at the Brunswick Ballroom on Dec 5th, joined by key figures from the local rebetika scene.

The annual Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival (MWIJF) runs from December 7-15. To help celebrate, Gerry Koster presents an intimate live-in-studio performance from vocalist Louisa Rankin accompanied by the Melbourne Amplified Strings - Xani Kolac, violin and Anita Quayle, cello. Tune into Dizzy Atmosphere to hear this unique collaboration and to find out more about the program for the 2024 MWIJF.

Taking the audience on a journey through the sounds of West Africa is Melbourne-based griots, The Mandé Spirit. With members from Mali, Gambia and Guinea, the group pays homage to the late, legendary kora maestro Toumani Diabaté through kora melodies and evocative storytelling. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread for a special Monday morning performance from Aboubacar and Mohamed.

Naarm based project 'Majak Door' are influenced by a broad range of genres, from surf-rock to 60's psychedelia, to dream pop and tropical lo-fi. Earlier this year the band released their album 'Fantasy Camp', and this Dec 6 the five-piece will drop 'Everybody's Listening to the Radio Now'. With a Europe/UK tour in the works along with a 40th wedding anniversary performance on the horizon, the band stop by Homebrew to chat with Brooke about their current movements.

A Latino Fiesta with 100% Latino line up is taking place on Dec 2 for 'CALENTURA: El Gran Mono Meets Bellaqueo'. Sets from DJs Walla C, Mad Rhythm B2B Zafiro, Slim Shady, and  Lorena Lee will be pumped through Colombia’s Picó sound system, a fluorescent speaker stack that will send bass ripples through the MPavilion. Tune in to Headhunters for a special guest mix of Reggaeton, Champeta, Cumbiaton and Baile Funk from the DJ line up.

Blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Hamish Anderson has opened for rock legends B.B. King, Gary Clark Jr and George Thorogood to name a few. He's just released his third album 'Electric', a 'love letter to the electric guitar', that is presented with a nostalgic '70s blues rock feel. Tune in to Transfigurations for a chat between Lucas and Hamish, talking about his new album and performing a couple of live tunes.

Named after Urdu word loosely translated as 'whatever/whoever', Jaubi (pronounced 'Jaw-Bee') is an instrumental band from Pakistan that has people sonically captivated. Their debut album 'Nafs at Peace' was globally recognized as one of the best albums for 2021, and their latest release 'A Sound Heart' is a spiritual jazz journey through different types and stages of love. Mike catches up with the band, tune in for a mystical Studio 5 Live performance.

Melbourne-based bluegrass trio Northern Shiners feature Daniel Watkins on guitar, Justin Vilchez on mandolin, and James Taylor on bass. Known for their lively performances, they play weekly gigs around Melbourne and enjoy bringing their take on bluegrass and country standards to a wide range of listeners. Tune in to Southern Style for a festive, live performance from the band.

‘Recently I’ve Been Missing The Colour Green’ is a collection of six songs that local musical duo Acacia and Winnie have been working on over the past few years. Fresh off the back of the EP release and launch at The Merri Creek Tavern, the duo chat to Jordan and perform a couple of live songs. Tune in to Underground Love for some pastoral folk and indie rock sounds from Acacia and Winnie.

The new folk-rock record from local 6-piece The Great Divides has just come out, and it’s titled ‘(I’m sure)’. Compared to the likes of a second hand bike, a little bit janky, yet you can’t help but love it – the album explores themes of isolation, city living and finding a way through any obstacle. The band come in to Underground Love to hang with Jordan, tune in as they chat about the debut album out on Spoilsport Records.

The ambient sound of a 12 string overlayed with distorted guitars and vocal harmonies is the sound of Jumpin’ Jack William. He’s a generous guy, offering his music for free download on Bandcamp and he’ll be playing at Shotkickers soon. Tune in to Pojama People to hear when Jumpin’ Jack William’s next show will be.

In the depths of the night, Scratch N Sniff and Moondogz are coming in to Burning Bitumen for a guest mix and road trip special. Tune in to hear more.

Chaining together the most potent aspects of various influences, from the darkest catacombs of rock and roll to unique and aggressive sounds is Californian band New Skeletal Faces. 'Until the Night' is the name of their new album, and the band chat with Kene about the new sound they’ve created for this release. Listen in to Burning Bitumen to hear from the band.

‘Backward Alchemy’ is the new record soon to be released by Nipaluna/Hobart hardcore punk band Threats. We can expect to hear more dizzying drums, fast riffs and words of introspection on the album, as heard in their latest single ‘Hurricane’. Tune in as Matt, Kane and Dale drop in to Tyrannocoreus to chat with Ryan about the new record and their aspirations to tour the mainland in 2025.

Thriving in the vibrant peninsula music scene is hardcore band, Fever Shack. The five piece from Frankston have a new EP on the horizon called ‘Not F**kin’ About’, with plans to tour the East Coast in February. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as band members Lachie and Jake drop in to chat with Ryan about Fever Shack's current events.

Local metalcore band The Last Martyr is fronted by powerful vocalist Monica Strut. The band touch on electronic, trap and emo influences which you can immerse yourself in at Revolver Upstairs on the 25 Jan as they open up for Future Static. Monica stops by Tyrannocoreus, tune in to hear Ryan chat with her about the band’s latest EP ‘Requiem’ and a recent Facebook hacking scandal.

The seventh studio album of 3x ARIA Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer Sarah Blasko has just been released. It's an album that reflects on goodbyes, grief, new beginnings, and friendship, which all wraps under the album's name 'I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain'. Sarah Blasko joins Milo on The Breakfast Spread, tune in as she chats about the new album, and takes a turn on the Musical Chairs.

Igniting the stage in style with tailored suits and garage-rock tunes is Japanese band, The Bawdies. This year marks the band's 20th anniversary, and to celebrate, they've released 'Popcorn', their latest album which they're touring around Japan and popping over to Melbourne's Northcote Social Club for a show on Dec 6. Tune in to Radio City as Crispi and lead singer Roy Watanabe chat about the upcoming show.

It's been 17 years since Melbourne punk-rockers Nursey Crimes have played a headline show together. Lead vocalist Phil Rose formed the band in 1989, where the band released two albums and supported touring acts Faith No More and Fugazi. Now in 2024, the band come back together for an epic show at Shotkickers on Dec 7, supported by Fun Again and Thorazines. Phil from Sunglasses After Dark catches up with Phil Rose, tune in to hear about the bands first show in a while.

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 - which you can listen to in full from Dec 5. Tune in to Headhunters as Golden Syrup mastermind Sara Retallick chats with Elle about her new record and label.

Award-wining 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 Gordi.

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. Ahead of his show at Hotel Brunswick on Dec 13, Mike catches up with Jamie xx. Tune in for this PBS exclusive.

'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 Jan 20 opening for Dutch metal band Sinister. Listening in to Burning Bitumen for the latest.

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.

Hailing from Poland is black metal band Batushka. The band is about to undergo their Final Show Ever at Max Watt's Melbourne on Dec 13, a night of crushing black metal with haunting rituals and distinct visuals. Tune into Burning Bitumen as the band chat about changing their name to Patriarkh and how they plan to bring their many show props to Australia

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 Dec 20. 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 Dec 14. Tune in to Swinging Doors as the band stops by to chat with Ernie ahead of the show.

Los Angeles punk band Pat Todd and The Rankoutsiders are coming into Sunglasses After Dark for a Studio 5 live performance this Dec 12. For over 20 years, Pat Todd fronted the undisputed roots-punk kings of LA, and today he is backed by the driving force of The Rankoutsiders. Phil catches up with the band, tune in for this raw and energetic Studio 5 Live performance.

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