Interviews

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.

Back in Naarm from Aotearoa for a special one-night show with The Rayes at the Merri Creek Tavern, Adam Hattaway will be stopping by Radio City to chat with David Pisker about his album 'High Horse'. Produced by Marlon Williams, the record was named one of Australia and New Zealand's top 50 albums of the year by Rolling Stone magazine. Tune in to hear more about his show this Friday with his band The Haunters.

Achieving cult status in the garage punk scene since 1989, The Breadmakers are back with a new album, 'Lonesome Sundown'. Delivering an explosive mix of garage rock revival and rockin' rhythm 'n' blues, they'll be launching the record over two nights at the Town Hall Hotel in North Melbourne, on May 2 and May 9. Tune in to Sunglasses After Dark to hear from the local garage legends.

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.

Modern-day purveyors of classic Swedish death metal, LIK have gloriously returned to action with their fourth album, 'Necro' via Metal Blade. Standing loud and proud above countless imitators, 'Necro' is the musical equivalent of a classic shock-horror movie drenched in blood and gore, and packed with over-the-top extremities. Kene and Leah Noir chat with Chris about the record, tune in to hear how the band are following in the footsteps of legends.

Listen in to Burning Bitumen this April to hear from extreme metal drummer and musician, Matt 'Skitz' Sanders. Since forming the hatecore band Damaged in 1989 and playing in numerous Australian heavy metal bands, Matt has been a huge figure in the country's metal scene. Tune in to hear about 'Metal To The Grave' – Matt 'Skitz' Sanders’ final live performance, taking place in Adelaide on May 3.

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.

Joining forces with powerhouse label ROAR, GhostSeeker are currently gearing up for the release of their hotly anticipated debut studio album, 'Divergence'. Having taken the heavy music scene by storm with their infectious debut EP, 'Initium Novum', the band has a full tour schedule planned for 2025. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus to hear when their next show in Melbourne will be.

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.

Sliding into Jumpin’ the Blues is Rick Dempster—singer, harmonica and steel guitar player with The Railway Gang. He’ll chat about the band’s rich acoustic blend and his role in the upcoming Steel Guitar Convention at Brunswick Ballroom on May 18. The Railway Gang’s lineup is a string-lover’s dream, weaving Tin Pan Alley tunes, hillbilly swing, Calypsos, tangos and rags. With four vocalists and a love for old-timey sounds, this long-running Fitzroy crew brings harmony and history to the stage.

Since releasing their Grammy-winning single 'Call My Name' (Best American Roots Song, 2020) USA based trio I’m With Her has regularly stepped away from their individual careers to create music together. Their sophomore album, 'Wild and Clear and Blue' showcases their luminous harmonies in a soul-searching collection that explores reaching into the past, navigating a chaotic present, and bravely stepping into the unknown. Tune in to hear from one of the trio’s singer/songwriters, Aoife O’Donovan.

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.

On May 31 at Merri Creek Tavern, singer-songwriter Amaya Laucirica will launch her latest single 'Now Or Never', with Nathan Hollywood opening the show. With the swirling contours of Cocteau Twins and the wistful melodies of The Go-Betweens, Amaya’s prosperous career has seen her perform at Primavera Sound (Spain), release four critically acclaimed albums, and is currently working on her fifth. Tune in to Radio City to hear from the local, dream-pop artist.

Returning to Australia to unleash his boldest album yet, is USA riverboat-chic rock’n’roller Pokey LaFarge. His new record 'Rhumba Country' serves up flavours of mambo, Tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock and roll, and was written during his time working 12-hour shifts on a farm. Ahead of his performance at The Croxton that night, Ernie chats with Pokey LaFarge about the new album. Tune in for a Studio 5 Live session, along with an exclusive PBS interview.

Touching down on Tomorrowland is DJ D.DEE—selector, curator, and the force behind Pacific Rhythm, the label and party series that helped shape the breezy, buoyant sound of Canada’s West Coast. With residencies at Public Records (NYC) and Paradise (Vancouver), plus a regular slot on Worldwide FM, D.DEE’s mixes drift from deep cuts to dancefloor sunshine. Catch him at Angel Bar this Friday night with Babycino, serving feel-good spins and global grooves that blur borders and lift spirits.

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.

Local trio Vardos is driven by Alana's wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, performing folk and Romany music. As long-standing members and supporters of the Global Village, Vardos drop in to PBS during Radio Festival to talk about the role PBS has played in their career. Tune in to hear what they love about Roger's show Global Village, along with a live performance from this all-female group.

Ania Reynolds brings both of her personae – as a piano player and baritone saxophonist, both extraordinaire – to her visit to the Global Village. She shares with Roger why she supports PBS and the Global Village, and encourages you to do the same. Tune in to hear her perform music from forthcoming albums in both guises, and a hint at some of her upcoming musical adventures.

Born from a love of the dance floor, Wrong Way Up serves vintage Afro disco and psychedelic boogie in the form of deep grooves, quirky synths and addictive chants. Inspired by the likes of Frances Bebey, William Onyeabor and Lijadu Sisters, the Afro-synth duo delivers a fresh but familiar funk feel. Emmanuela Degery and Andrew Phillips (Broadway Sounds) join Elle on Headhunters for a chat and Studio 5 Live performance.

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.

Blues powerhouses Lloyd Spiegel (AUS) and Charlie A’Court (CAN) reunite for a special run of NSW/VIC shows this June. Long-time collaborators and award-winning artists, the duo brings their soulful vocals, jaw-dropping guitar work and playful storytelling to the stage. With deep roots in blues, soul and rock, their chemistry is undeniable. They'll perform live on air and join Helen for an interview on Roots of Rhythm—don’t miss this electric preview of two masters at work.

Naarm's The Jimmy C—aka multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coghill—joins Crispi on Radio City to chat about his new album 'Refreshing', out June 13. A one-man band since 2005, Jamie has released nine albums, scored U.S. web series and horror films, and played drums in cult Aussie acts like Luxedo and The Devilrock Four. His music pays homage to 60s psych, power pop and cinematic flair yet is something else entirely. Tune in for the chat and a sneak peek into his quirky, sonic world.

Naarm's Steve Ryan-Gledhill joins Helen on Roots of Rhythm to chat about his upcoming self-titled album, launching June 27 at George Lane in St Kilda. Blending heartfelt storytelling with country, blues and Americana, his music draws on years of lived experience. His latest release is a double A-side of upbeat break-up tunes—'End Of The Line' and 'It Happens Every Day'—delivering foot-stomping rhythms, rich horn riffs and timeless charm.

Fresh from their Canadian tour, ZÖJ visit Global Village to discuss their new album 'Give Water to Birds', created in collaboration with Brett Langsford. Gelareh Pour and Brian O'Dwyer will share insights into their musical journey, the concept of neo-Persian experimentalism, and details of their upcoming local album launch. Gelareh, alongside long-time collaborator Brian, continue to push the boundaries of contemporary music, fusing Persian and Australian sound worlds in bold, avant-garde ways.