Interviews

Bringing together two remarkable songwriters to create something truly special, 'No Cure For Love' is the latest single from local artists Didirri and Rowena Wise. The song evokes the complexity of long-term love, with sweeping melodies and harmonies that hold the listener in a vice, crafting a troubled ballad of real beauty. Sharing with Milo a selection of her favourite tunes, tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear this special edition of Musical Chairs with Rowena Wise.

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.

Playing at the Northcote Social Club on April 23 is Western Australian garage rock legends, The Stems. Having made a triumphant return to the live stage last year to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the band are once again hitting venues across the country due to high demand. Tune in to Radio City at 2.30pm to hear Crispi catch up with the band’s founder, vocalist, and guitarist, Dom Mariani.

With a name that is folklore in regional NSW and inner Sydney, Andy Golledge is an exhilarating, unpredictable artist. His live shows offer curveballs of his alt country/ Americana repertoire, hopping between 60s country and classic rock 'n' roll. He's taking his band to The Tote this Thursday for a show alongside Queenie, but first - he stops by Swinging Doors to catch up with Ernie.

Local group Blowers are set to release their raw and ferocious third album, 'Blowmania'. With blasts of garage punk and pure intensity at every turn, the band will be delivering their unrestrained attitude at Shotkickers on June 20. Ruari Currin on Fang It! catches up with the band ahead of the album release on April 28 - tune in to hear their latest tracks.

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 from 8am to hear the beats.

UK producer and acclaimed dubstep and dub techno artist Sub Basics joins Tomorrowland to discuss his upcoming event at QQQ ST. Park with Pugilist, presented by Modern Hypnosis Records. Celebrating his critically acclaimed 'Offshore EP' and 'Rhino EP', Sub Basics has made waves in the bass techno scene with his signature dub techno rollers, played worldwide at festivals and clubs by top electronic artists. Tune in for an interesting conversation and all the details on his highly anticipated set.

Prepare for a timeless Studio 5 performance from Mondo Freaks, the 10-piece band that has captivated Naarm for over 10 years. Known for their late 70s and early 80s funk classics and deep cuts, they’ve built a devoted following with residencies and performances at festivals like Meredith, Golden Plains, and Panama. After the live session, stick around for an exclusive interview where they’ll discuss their unique sound and storied history. Tune in with DJ Manchild for this unmissable program!

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.

This Easter, Naarm's hypnotic dance-punks Gut Health and local outsiders Slow Clap are bringing the latest installment of Highly Contagious to regional Victoria for the first time, with a stellar lineup of friends including Alien Nosejob, Gregor, Palm Springs, and plenty more crowd-pleasers. Grab your tickets via Theatre Royal and catch all the details on this special afternoon soiree with Jordan on Underground Love.

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.

Join Kev, vocalist of the animated Naarm-based metalcore five-piece Lost Souls, as he sits down with Ryan to discuss the band's debut album 'Lore', set for release on April 18. They’ll explore Kev’s journey of embracing neurodivergence, going viral online, collaborating with his new best mate Jonathan Vigil from 'The Ghost Inside', and the band’s plans for physical releases and live performances. Don’t miss this rich conversation on Tyrannocoreus.

Recently established Naarm-based darkwave band Double Happiness joins Kristen to discuss their debut album 'Derealisation' and perform live in the studio. Formed in late 2023 after the dissolution of garage punk band 'PLEBS', Double Happiness merges shoegaze, darkwave, and post-punk, with standout tracks like 'Electric Sheep' and 'Staring at the Walls'. Comprised of Sam Jemsek, Will Stanforth, and Ben Callaghan, with guitar by Sam Walsh of Silent Income, they’re navigating darker sonic realms.

PBS is gearing up for the next MIDNGIHT DRIVER, which will be held at one of Naarm/Melbourne’s most beloved nightclub's, Revolver Upstairs on April 24. The night will have sets of disco and groove, courtesy of PBS all stars Mike Gurrieri (Mystic Brew), MzRizk (Boogie Beat Suite) and Jonny Alexander (Audio Vitamins), along with six-piece disco group Steady Weather. Spinning a range of house, soul and dub on The Breakfast Spread, tune in to hear Jonny's guest mix on the Wheels of Steel.

For his latest record, singer-songwriter Bonnie 'Prince' Billy collaborated with David 'Ferg' Ferguson (Johnny Cash, Sturgill Simpson) to create his country-folk album 'The Purple Bird' - the second time he's worked with a producer in his illustrious career. Many of the songs reflect the voices of multiple composers, making the shape-shifting aspect of the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy persona more fluid than ever. Tune in to 5ft High and Rising with Myles for this PBS exclusive interview.

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.

One of the most electrifying guitarists of her generation, Samantha Fish charges rock and soul with bold energy and emotional depth. Her new album 'Paper Doll' (Rounder Records), produced by Bobby Harlow, showcases her fiercest work yet. Following the success of 'Death Wish Blues', Samantha delves into themes of unapologetic defiance grounded in vulnerability. Tune into Transfigurations with Lucas for an in-depth discussion of this powerful new release and her career-defining moments.

Having just released their album 'Snowman', the lengthy, dynamic and epic sounds of Treebeard will be gracing Studio 5 this April 22. With only one show planned in Melbourne for the year at The Old Bar on May 2, feast your ears on this PBS exclusive of post rock and post metal music. Tune in to Pojama People where Chris Pearson chats to the band about their first international show in Belgium at Dunk Festival.

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.

Blues-roots guitarist and singer-songwriter Geoff Achison is set to host a music retreat in Yackandandah, Northern Victoria. The renowned Naarm-based musician invites the public for a weekend of playing, learning and discussing the wonders of acoustic guitar with no distractions, other than eating, chatting and jamming. Helen catches up with Geoff about this leisurely weekend getaway – tune in to hear more about this retreat, taking place on May 16 -18.

Local mandolinist Justin Vilchez swings by Southern Style for a live-to-air performance and a discussion on the role of the mandolin in Bluegrass music. Bridging tradition with youthful flair, Justin captivates audiences worldwide with his unique approach to classic Bluegrass and original compositions. Currently performing with Australian Bluegrass band The High Street Drifters, he also teaches and takes on session work in his hometown of Naarm. Don’t miss this special live session!

Led by bassist Steve Purcell and members of The Pearly Shells, the Jumpin' the Blues All Stars return for another live session with Tom. This time around they'll be featuring artists involved with the Newport Jazz Festival (May 2-4) including singer Sarah Maclaine and legendary pianist Bob Sedergreen.

Joining Larry for Musical Chairs is Steady Weather (Ben Grayson, Tamil Rogeon, Allysha Joy, Rita Satch), a collective ushering organic dance music from Naarm's rich neo-soul and jazz community. With lineage tracing back to The Bamboos and The Raah Project, Rogeon and Grayson bring heritage, philosophy and true soulfulness to their productions. Featuring the glorious vocals of Joy and Satch, Steady Weather will be right at home on the dance floors of Revolver for Midnight Driver on April 24.

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.

Potent post-punk band dogworld joins Brooke on Homebrew to discuss their latest single "inmypocket" and upcoming Australian tour this winter. The Ngunnawal-born four-piece blends modern post-punk with indie rock, crafting a vivid sound fueled by razor-sharp melodies. Tune in for insights on their 2025 plans and the creative process behind their projects.

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.

Australian-born, Canada-based soprano singer-songwriter Ruth Moody, member of The Wailin' Jennys, joins Lauren to talk about her upcoming performance at Brunswick Ballroom on May 1. Ruth’s critically acclaimed album 'Wanderer' tells the story of her past decade. She’ll also perform a track live in the studio—don’t miss this intimate performance!

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.

Ghost Medium, the project of Simon Bailey and his band, made their debut performance as the house band on ABC TV's Spicks and Specks. With an all-star lineup featuring ARIA Award-winning producer Pip Norman and Naarm legends Lilith Lane and Huddy Whitlock, Ghost Medium will premiere their debut single on the show. They'll also chat about their upcoming single launches at Archies Creek Hotel on May 16 and The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick on May 17.

Mastanah Nazarian, an Iranian-background composer, writer, guitarist, and oud player, visits Global Village to perform traditional Persian oud pieces and discuss her diverse projects, including photography and poetry. Beyond music, she’s a certified Pilates teacher, holds a black belt in aikido, and is passionate about teaching movement education to both musicians and the public.

On June 6, Dark FOMO 666 returns with its sixth mini-festival at the Cactus Room in Thornbury, featuring music, art, performance, nude poetry, and more. The organisers pop into Pojama People to preview the lineup, including Jack Harlon and the Dead Crows, Night Rites, USER, and plenty other acts. Tune in for all the details on this night of irreverent fun and vivid performances.