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 two concerts at the Brunswick Ballroom, joined by key figures from the local rebetika scene.

Australian National Academy of Music are presenting Sounds of Australia, a four-concert festival taking place at Abbotsford Convent from 28 – 30 Nov. It will be a celebration of chamber music, showcasing the many accomplished and vibrant composers this country has to offer. Artistic Director Paavali Jumppanen and composer Harry Sdrauilig come into The Sound Barrier to chat with Ian about the range of works the festival will embrace. Tune in from 10pm to hear this conversation.

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. She's been praised for her raw talent and soulful wisdom, which she brings into The Breakfast Spread. Tune in as Milo chats with Bec about her new album, and for an intimate live performance.

The iconic alternative scene stalwart (The Breeders, Pixies) Kim Deal is releasing her debut solo album 'Nobody Loves You More' on Nov 22. Having shaped the alternative rock sound of the early 90s, Kim continues to influence and inspire the globe. Claire catches up with Kim Deal about her new release, tune in to Firewater to hear this PBS exclusive interview.

Mid way through 2019 garage psychedelia band Astro Elevator were born. The Melbourne four piece define their bold-edged, delay-drenched, spacey jam sound in their 2022 album ‘Lysergic Liquid Maze of the Psychotropic Triptonauts’, and their second studio album is soon to be release. Tune into Pojama People for an exclusive insight to when the album will be released.

Coming over to Australia for a massive tour is Japanese duo Sister Paul. With four shows lined up for Melbourne, the duo makes heavy grooves with a male bassist singing in soprano and a female drummer singing in alto. The day before their show at The Tote on Nov 27, Susumu and Mackii come into Pojama People, tune in to hear how they're going ahead of their first Melbourne show.

Owning the black leather look and pumping out heavy rock'n'roll riffs is the all-girl band Hot Machine. They are playing at The Tote as part of PBS' Collingwood Crawl taking place on Dec 4, an event that will be taking over 3 of Collingwood's iconic live music venues. Ahead of this event, Hot Machine come onto Pojama People to chat with Chris. Tune in to hear more from Hot Machine, and what we can expect to see from them on the night.

Norwegian dark folk group Wardruna write music inspired by Norse culture and esoteric traditions. They use unique methods when it comes to making their instruments, using the likes of deer-hide for the drums to a goat's horn. Currently on a world tour, the band will be stopping off in Melbourne on Jan 23. Tune into Burning Bitumen as Kene chats with Einar from the band about their forth coming album, and their plans to make it through customers with their array of animal instruments.

Known as one of Melbourne's craziest metal bands, Nephalem make hardcore satanic boogie and have a new EP on the horizon. They'll be dropping a split release at The Bendigo Hotel on Nov 30, playing alongside local grinders TongueScum. Tune into Burning Bitumen as Kene chats with the band about the upcoming show along with other shenanigans.

For the last 10 years, Perth band Deadspace have been crushing it in the black metal scene. Their new album 'The Dark Enlightenment' was written while the band travelled the world and is stronger, sharper and puncher than its predecessor. Kene chats with the band about their new release and their time living in Belgium, tune into Burning Bitumen to hear more.

Hailing from Pennsylvania, USA is rap-rock band From Ashes To New. Since forming in 2013, the band have released four studio albums and are coming to Melbourne very soon as part of Good Things Festival on Dec 6. Founding member and vocalist of the band Matt Brandyberry chats with Ryan about some new material in the works and fatherhood. Tune into Tyrannocoreus to hear it all.

New Jersey deathcore band Fit for an Autopsy have had a massive year touring North America and Europe. They've just dropped their seventh studio album 'The Nothing That Is', and the band are making plans to come back to Australia next for a bunch of shows. Tune into Tyrannocoreus as guitarist Pat Sheridan swings by for a chat with Ryan.

Californian band Voodoo Glow Skulls are no strangers to ska punk, in fact, since 1988 they’ve released over 10 albums and featured in over 30 compilation albums. The band will be playing at The Croxton on Nov 30 and Dec 1 as part of the Ska Nation International Music Festival. Tune into Tyrannocoreus as Ryan is joined by guitarist Eddie Casillas. They'll be chatting about his brother Frank Casillas re-joining the band after 7 years and when we can expect to hear new music.

Hosted by Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation to mark the 100th anniversary of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station's closure in 1924 and the 200th birth anniversary of William Barak, the last chief of the Yarra Yarra tribe, yalingbuth yalingbu yirrimboi is a community event taking place in Healesville on December 7th that features Ilbijerri Theatre Company's production of CORANDERRK as well as music by Kutcha Edwards. Tune in to Subway Sounds to hear more from Uncle Kutcha himself.

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 into The Breakfast Spread for a special Monday morning performance from Aboubacar and Mohamed.

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 into 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 into 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. Coming into Mystic Brew for a mystical Studio 5 live performance, tune in as Mike catch's up with the band.

Melbourne-based bluegrass trio The 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. Coming into PBS, tune into Southern Style as the band stop by for a festive performance.

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.

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 into Burning Bitumen to hear from the band.

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 into Tyrannocoreus as band members Lachie and Jake drop in to chat with Ryan about Fever Shack's current events.

‘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.

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.

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 into Headhunters as Golden Syrup mastermind Sara Retallick comes in to chat with Elle about her new record and label.

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.

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 into 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. Tune in as Phil catches up with the band, after their 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.