Interviews

Globally recognised performance artist Stelarc is known for pushing the limits of the human body through robotics and extreme body modifications, including a lab-grown ear grafted to his arm and body suspension with hooks inserted into his skin. This 13th February, he will take the stage with BOLT Ensemble at the Northcote Social Club, curated by JOLT Arts. Tune in to The Sound Barrier as Ian chats with Stelarc about his boundary-defying performances.

Crafted in Melbourne's outer suburbs, 'Pepperpot Magic' is the debut album from dreamy-folk singer-songwriter Bec Sykes. Inspired during a time of intense personal development, the album reflects her religious upbringing and leaving an unhealthy relationship. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread as Bec shares her raw talent and soulful wisdom with Claire in a special Monday morning performance.

Australian-born, UK-based DJ and General Manager for Soundway Records, Norsicaa, will be bringing her extensive collection of Southeast Asian music to WOMAD this year. Among the records will be Vietnamese band Saigon Soul Revival, who specialise in bringing back the groove of Vietnamese rock and soul from the '60s and '70s - also playing at WOMAD 2025. Tune in to Deeep Space as Llyod catches up with Norsicaa and Saigon Soul Revival.

Created by Australian Art Orchestra’s Artistic Director Aaron Choulai, 'Ane Ta Abia' is a stunning choral concert bringing together musicians and singers from the Australian Art Orchestra and Papua New Guinea's Tatana Village Choir. Running as part of Asiatopa on March 8 and at WOMAD, Aaron joins Llyod on Deeep Space to chat about this incredible show.

Taking inspiration from the jazz fusion movements of the '70s and '80s, Tamil Rogeon’s new album 'Wave Theory' joins forces with heavyweights from Melbourne’s thriving jazz scene to create textured soundscapes rich with cosmic synths, extended forms, soaring vocals, and deep jazz funk. The Melbourne-based, multifaceted jazz, classical, and electronic violin and viola player stops by Headhunters to chat with Elle about the album launch at The Night Cat on February 7th.

For the first time, undisputed kings of UK thrash metal, ONSLAUGHT, are set to hit Australia as part of their 'POWER FROM HELL' 40th anniversary world tour. Celebrating four decades of fury since the release of their seminal debut, fans can look forward to a series of shows featuring this iconic album played in full. Ahead of their Melbourne show on the 22nd of November at The Corner Hotel, Kene speaks with Nige from the band about the tour and their influence on the hardcore and metal scene.

Formed in 2006 and hailing from LA, melodic rock and gnarly death metal band Nekrogoblikon are as passionate about music as they are about goblins. Coming to Australia for the first time to open for Alestorm, they’ll be playing at Forum Melbourne on February 25. Kene and Leah Noir catch up with Alex from the band ahead of their show, tune in to hear about the band's secret goblin business.

The super psych-heavy sounds of Brown Spirits are back with their killer new album 'Cosmic Seeds'. Expanding on the band's psychedelic and krautrock leanings, the Coburg group ventures into deeper funk and jazz-influenced territories. Tim and Agostino from the band join Milo to share their world of musical tastes on Musical Chairs. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear their selection.

Radiating warmth, humor, and a depth of character that's palpable as soon as she enters the room, award-winning Americana artist Kerryn Fields is no stranger to What The Folk! Having been a guest on the show for the past few years, Kerryn expresses her gratitude for Susi Lanagan by sharing her raw yet soulful music in an intimate Studio 3 Live performance. Tune in as they catch up for the very last show of What The Folk! on February 6th.

The ethereal and electro-medieval sounds of Dandelion Wine will grace the PBS airwaves on 6 February for the final episode of What The Folk!, celebrating Susi Lanagan's profound contribution to PBS over the past 20 years. With mixed emotions, Dandelion Wine will perform their signature blend of folk, electronic beats, and textured guitars in a Studio 5 Live performance to give Susi a royal send-off. Tune in from 9am as we celebrate the last show of What The Folk!

The swap-blues powerhouse band Opelousas' second album, 'OPELOUSAFRIED', was recently named one of PBS's top 10 albums for 2024. Keeping the momentum going, the band comes into Radio City to perform a few live tracks ahead of their show, Live at City Hall: Sunday Sounds, on February 9th. Tune in to hear Ali and Shorty perform live in Studio 3.

Coburg Lake Reserve is about to host a massive open-air party on February 15th, as PBS Breakfast host Milo Eastwood brings his charm and uplifting sounds to the Melbourne suburb. Presented by PBS and Vollyspot, joining him on the day are friends Adriana, Montana, Deeep Space's Lloyd Briggs, and groove gurus Surprise Chef. Dropping in on Edd Fisher for a guest mix, tune in to Tomorrowland for a sneak peek of the day.

Straight out of Kansas, but calling Arkansas home, American folk, punk, and country musician Willi Carlisle makes his Australian debut this February. Drawing from the odd corners of human nature with special visits from obscure characters, Willi’s songs will take you on a wild romp through the backwaters of America. Ahead of his show at Northcote Social Club on February 17, Myles checks in with Willi to see how he's doing before his world tour.

Candid blues-rock band Ingrid and The Ministers achieve a rare balance of vigorous raw emotion and humble greatness, all thanks to Ingrid’s songwriting, self-taught lead guitar skills, and rich vocals. The group released their EP 'Last Train Blues' in December, drawing comparisons to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and The White Stripes. Bringing in her amp and electric guitar, tune in to The Juke Joint as Ingrid swings by to play some of her latest songs live.

Playing the traditional Are’Are’ music from his home island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands, is artist Charles Maimarosia. With Melbourne as his new home, he’s releasing his upcoming album 'Hote’ Hote’' in February and playing a show at Odessa at Leaves in Creswick on February 8th, along with George Lane on Saturday, February 15th. Tune into Global Village as Charles talks with Roger about his music, followed by a demonstration of his songs and instrumental pieces.

Playing innovative yet old-time tunes is local 4-piece band Double Dole Stringband. With a sound that's both sweet and rowdy, the band has become a familiar face at venues around Naarm, along with folk festivals across the country. Tune in to Southern Style as Jan brings them in for some live, old-time music.

Valentine's Day just got a whole lot more fuzz-fueled and chaotic as Riff Fist reunites for one night only at the Bergy Bandroom this February 14. The riff-fueled romance will include local legends Fungoose and the always-entertaining Trash and the Treasures, ensuring the night kicks off with a bang. Tune in to Pojama People as Chris catches up with the Riff Fist team ahead of the night.

Demonstrating an uncanny ability to blend different forms of technical, cerebral metal into a coherent synthesis of death metal, German technical death metal band Obscura is about to release their new album 'A Sonication'. It’s the second part of a three-part album concept, which singer and songwriter Steffen Kummerer shares with Ryan. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus to hear what the band has planned for the rest of 2025.

'Mentalized' offers the feeling of your brain being shaped by all the forces in the world—at least, that's how Eora/Sydney-based artist Skeleten describes his upcoming second album. It's a mix of rhythmic melodies, synth-heavy layering and exotic beats, which you can catch live at this year's Golden Plains Festival in March. Bringing in his selection of tunes for a round of Musical Chairs with Milo, tune in to hear what music inspires Skeleten.

'Those Were Days' is the upcoming third album from Aotearoa-born, Melbourne-based artist Skyscraper Stan. A true songwriter with a belief in the power of words, the album was written during the pandemic, reflecting on places, people, and the state of the world as he put pen to paper. Coming into Radio City the day before its release, tune in as Skyscraper Stan chats with Crispi about the new album

Immersed in the Australian and US music landscapes, ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter and visual artist Sherry Rich has been mixing up a powerful musical brew of roots, country, folk, and rock since 1985. To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, she’s putting on a show at George Lane on February 14th with her husband Rick Plant, along with other musical couples: Jeff Lang & Alison Ferrier, and Suzannah Espie & Jack O'Dell. Tune in to Radio City as Sherry pops in to talk about the lovely evening.

What started as a lockdown project between James and Bec, Delivery has now released their punk-driven second studio album, 'Force Majeure', on Heavenly Recordings. A title that so aptly describes the content, the group is about to embark on a world tour across the UK, Europe, and the USA. But first, the band stops by Sunglasses After Dark to play a Studio 5 session of tracks from their new album, followed by a chat with Phil ahead of their big tour.

Dynamic DJ and producer duo known for their energetic festival sets, IN2STELLAR are on a roll after their debut Boiler Room and their UK and European tour. Taking their underground dance music on tour this February from Perth to New Zealand, the duo stops by The Breakfast Spread to spin the Wheels of Steel with Milo ahead of their show at Sub Club Melbourne on February 22.

Created by award-winning artist Mindy Meng Wang, and sound technologist and composer Monica Lim, 'Opera for the Dead (祭歌)' is inspired by Chinese mourning rituals but speaks to our common experiences of death, mourning, and ancestry. This breathtaking contemporary Chinese cyber-opera will be running as part of Asia TOPA from the 20th of February - 10th of March at Space 28, University of Melbourne. Tune in to Deeep Space as Mindy and Monica chat with Lloyd about their epic new work.

With roots in dark-wave, trip-hop, and post-punk, local six-piece Shock Corridor are making music that turns your favourite things inside out and back to front. Following a stacked 2024, from supporting Floodlights to playing at Rising Festival, the band will perform at Howler on February 21 to celebrate the release of their new single, 'MayDay!' Catching up with Brooke on Homebrew, tune in to hear the latest single from Shock Corridor.

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.