Interviews

'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.

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.

Heading to The Night Cat on April 3 to release his new album 'ARTIFACTUAL RHYTHM' on April 4, is Adelaide-based groove master Alexander Flood. The new record presents a re-interpretation of club and DJ music through the lens of a live band with a jazzy edge, drawing on sounds of deep house, UK garage, drum ‘n’ bass, and broken beat. Bringing in a selection of songs to share with Milo Eastwood, tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear Alexander Flood play a round of Musical Chairs.

Featuring performances from local musicians Husky Gawenda, Dan Kelly, Charm of Finches, Hannah Cameron, Stephen Grady and Dan Challis, 'Songs From The Canyon' is a night of music written by some of the world’s finest songwriters. The lineup includes the music of Joni Mitchell, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Beach Boys and more. Crispi chats with folk artist Husky Gawenda about the shows happening across Victoria, with the first one kicking off in Geelong Arts Centre on April 24.

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!

This April is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) awareness month, and local rock bands are coming together to make some pretty noise while raising funds and awareness for PMDD Australia. The lineup features Ash Acid, Jess Shreds & The Unmade Beds, Yelo, Prairie Nischler, and Brian Morley, who will be strumming their distorted guitars down at Mamma Chen’s on April 12 from 7pm. Ash Acid stop by Pojama People to chat with Chris Pearson - tune in to learn more about this fundraiser show.

The new album 'Somewhere Between 3 & 5 am' from local rock and roll group Cinco Savages captures a journey all too familiar for many - the culmination of house parties, wild festival nights, and being among the last few still awake in the early hours. In other words, a litany of questionable decisions. With gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals from front woman Kerrie Loveless, tune in to Pojama People as the band chats about their upcoming show at Lulie Tavern on April 11.

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'.

Playing a mix of old favorites and some new goodies from his latest album 'Duets', Kevin Borich (The La De Da's, The Party Boys) is making his way to Melbourne on April 11. Taking over George Lane in St Kilda with rockin'-funkin'-blues and a whole lot of fun and creativity, Helen Jennings OAM catches up with Kevin. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear the latest from the New Zealand-born artist.

The hard-rockin’, power-poppin’ band Leatherman are set to release their debut album ‘Turn You On’ on 10 April, and if it’s anything like their recent single ‘Big Shoes’, it will be packed with guitar harmonies, swingin’ rhythms, and belting vocals. On the same day as the album release, Crispi catches up with Jake and Annabel from the band. Tune in to hear tracks from their new album, along with details on where they’ll next be playing live.

Based in the subtropical wonderland of Brisbane, producer, vocalist, and DJ Squidgenini will be spinning lo-fi hip-hop and upbeat house music on the Wheels of Steel. Having spent the past year performing at the esteemed Potatohead in Bali, the bustling metropolis of Saigon, and various locations across Australia, Squidgenini will be telling stories on the fly while fostering a deep dive into feeling, moving, and grooving at Dr Morse on April 11. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear the beats.

After sharing his wit, humour, and outstanding live performances in early 2024, Los Angeles singer-songwriter John Craigie is back in Australia. Like an old friend, Craigie is a master of live shows - blending intimate conversations with songwriting crafted to perfection. Joining him on this adventure is Portland, Oregon singer-songwriter Kassi Valazza, making her Australian debut. Tune in to 5ft High and Rising as they join Myles for a chat and an intimate, live performance.

First up on Pojama People is The Miffs, a high-energy psych rock power trio from Naarm known for their intense live performances and unique blend of atmospheric psychedelic rock, surf, and grunge. Their debut self-titled album is a dynamic and ambitious collection, delving into themes of identity, morality, and personal choice, all propelled by thumping, intricately layered jams. Tune in for the full scoop on this exciting upcoming project, due out on April 20.

Ahead of their show at Shotkickers on April 19, Grinding Eyes joins Chris to talk about their upcoming release 'Out of Focus', out April 4 via Poison City Records. Hailing from Eora, the three-piece crafts a dark sonic landscape, blending psychedelic shoegaze, drone rock, and ambient garage punk. The collective has collaborated with Jim Diamond and Paul Maybury, and shared stages with Amyl and the Sniffers, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and more. Tune in for the full brief on their latest project.

Oliver Smith, bassist for Eora progressive metal band Inertia, joins Tyrannocoreus to discuss their action-packed years touring Australia in support of their debut album 'Second Shadow', released last August. After a successful run, the band is back for another national headline tour this April. Tune in to hear all about their life on the road, their experiences performing, and what’s next for the band as they continue to make their mark in the metalcore scene.

Having recently recorded several albums in Bulgaria with a local choir, kaval, and other musicians, Naarm-based jazz pianist David Dower visits Global Village to talk with Roger about his latest project 'Sonder'. The album reflects his deep connection to Bulgaria and his journey as a classical musician. Listen in as David discusses the intersection of traditional Bulgarian music and jazz, sharing insights into his unique creative process and the cultural influences behind his work.

Ahead of their performance at The Thornbury Bowls Club for Helluva Ride on April 26, Mikey and Veeka from Kosmetika join Brooke at Homebrew for a chat. Following their DIY sophomore album 'Illustration', Kosmetika’s 2024 release 'Luxury' marks a shift to a more studio-focused sound with engineering by Erik Scerba. Moving from a duo to a full art-pop band, all five members contribute vocals, song ideas, and textures, resulting in a diverse 10-track album blending elements of their previous work.

Aric Improta and Stephen Harrison from House of Protection join Ryan for a conversation about the band’s journey from the ashes of Fever333, their sophomore EP 'Outrun You All', and their plans for 2025. Born from the duo’s fearlessness and a love of pushing boundaries, they fuse hardcore, electronica, and punk into a raw, creative space. With their shared history in bands like Fever333, Night Verses, and The Chariot, House of Protection has created a sanctuary for radical self-expression.

The Tarab Ensemble performs classical Arabic instrumental music with a unique twist. "Tarab" is an Arabic term that captures the joy and emotional connection brought by exceptional classical Arab music. This large ensemble joins Roger on the Global Village to perform their music and discuss their artistry ahead of their concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre on May 9. Tune in for this special live-to-air performance.

Tune into Dounya for a live interview and performance with Watar Ensemble, a 5-member band playing acoustic Arabic music. Featuring two vocalists, electric bass, oud, percussion (darbuka, cajón, riq, daf), and guitar, Watar’s music blends tradition with emotion. "Watar" means both the string of an instrument and the nerve it stirs. With a passion for sharing stories from the heart of the Levant, the collective invites you on a journey through soul-stirring harmonies and intricate rhythms.

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.