Interviews

PBS Music Director Firas returns to the airwaves for a special Radio Festival edition of Mystic Brew. Having first met at the station and now good friends; Firas and Mike are a testament to the deep connections and creative growth that community radio fosters. Tune in as they reflect on their respective music journeys, the role PBS has played in shaping their craft, and why supporting the station matters now more than ever. Don’t miss this warm, reflective, and music-filled conversation.

Jackey Coyle of Wordy-Gurdy joins Helen on air to celebrate all things PBS—sharing highlights from the on-air festivities, giving listeners the scoop on this year’s incredible giveaway prizes, and explaining how you can help 'Keep the Beat!' in 2025. Tune in as Jackey and Helen chat about what they admire in each other’s shows and reflect on why supporting PBS means so much to them—and to the wider music community.

Margret RoadKnight joins Helen Jennings OAM for a special co-presenter segment celebrating PBS' Radio Festival. With a career spanning over five decades, Margret’s diverse talents in blues, jazz, gospel, and cabaret will shine through alongside Helen's deep knowledge of music. Tune in to hear Helen and Margret share what they love about PBS, and how listeners can help support this incredible music community.

As part of this year’s PBS Radio Festival, Miss Goldie of Boss Action joins forces with Lyndelle for a special co-hosted edition of The Afterglow—welcome to Afterglow B Action! Soul powerhouse Kylie Auldist is along for the ride, bringing three hours of non-stop musical power. Between spinning soul 45s and jazzy grooves, the trio will share why this local platform is so important. Tune in to support your PBS favourites and find out how you can help keep community alive and thriving.

Claire Stuchbery of Firewater joins Crispi for a special guest spot on Radio City to talk all things Radio Festival. Tune in to hear what Claire and Crispi love about each other's shows while they remind PBS listeners of the various ways they can support the station this Radio Festival.

Myles O'Neil-Shaw of 5ft High & Rising joins Crispi for a unique crossover. A passionate advocate for alt-country, Myles shares his perspective on what makes PBS such a vital force in supporting the local country scene. Tune in to Radio City as Myles and Crispi discuss their shared devotion for this community focused radio station.

Mary Mihelakos joins Phil to chat about PBS and her incredible journey through Naarm's music scene. From booking bands as a teen to editing Beat Magazine, launching the Aussie BBQ at SXSW, and founding Leaps and Bounds Festival, Mary’s impact is legendary. Now PBS’s Marketing & Events Coordinator and a Music Victoria Hall of Fame inductee, she shares stories from decades at the heart of the scene. Don’t miss this Radio Festival special on Sunglasses After Dark!

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.

In a very welcome return to the PBS airwaves, Gerry Koster drops by to join Greg for this special Radio Festival edition of Stars in the Static. One of Australia's most respected jazz broadcasters and a member of the PBS family for over 3 decades, Gerry joins Greg to share their love for improvised music and the myriad variants of jazz, and of course their shared love for PBS.

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.

With Chapter Music recently announcing a shift in focus—moving away from new signings to concentrate on its rich back catalogue, label heads Guy Blackman and Ben O’Connor reflect on the Chapter's legacy ahead of their Day Tripper showcase at RISING. Tune in to Underground Love for a deep dive into Chapter’s history, underrepresented sounds, and a passionate tribute to the role PBS plays in supporting its artists.

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.

Chris Hannah of Canadian punk heavyweights Propagandhi joins us to talk 'At Peace'—the band’s fierce new album. Since forming in 1986, the band has evolved from skate punk roots into a thrash-influenced force, pairing razor-sharp riffs with unapologetically political lyrics. From their home base in Winnipeg, they’ve championed anti-fascism, veganism, and radical change. With 'At Peace', the band continues to challenge power structures while refining their most urgent, blistering sound to date.

Local Coburg cinematic jazz-funk maestros Surprise Chef are releasing their new album 'Superb' this month. Since breaking onto the scene in 2017 and signing with Brooklyn label Big Crown Records, the band has continued to evolve its sound - and 'Superb' is no exception, exploring a more upbeat, groove-driven direction while staying true to its soul-jazz roots. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread with Milo Eastwood to hear from the band, and to get a glimpse into the new album.

Infectious roots/soul/blues/improv outfit Checkerboard Lounge reunites with Australian music and jazz legend Bob Sedergreen for a special not-to-be-missed event. They will be launching their limited edition vinyl album 'Live at Jazzlab' on June 7 at The Jazzlab - tune in to Roots of Rhythm to find out how you can get your hands on a copy of this unique collaboration.

Naarm trio Npcede discuss their self-titled debut EP—Chapter Music’s final new artist signing and a fittingly explosive send-off. Fusing industrial, shoegaze, rap, and noise into five tracks of raw intensity, Npcede channel alienation into something both brutal and euphoric. Formed in 2022, the band has performed at Meadow and SXSW Sydney. Singles 'Spleen', 'Tabula Rasa' and 'Hear Them' are out now. Tune in to Bleeding Black Hearts Revue for a deep dive into their latest sound.

With decades of experience in the music industry, Nina Las Vegas has become a powerful force in both the Australian and international music landscapes through her work as a producer, DJ, and the head of NLV Records. With broadcasting experience on triple j, BBC Radio One, and Red Bull Radio, Nina has performed at major festivals, from Splendour in the Grass to Coachella. Celebrating 10 years of her label NLV Records, Nina joins Milo for a round of Musical Chairs to celebrate the milestone.

Wandering through the dankest, weirdest corners of the traditional songbook, Bush Gothic are a postmodern, anti-establishment, folk feminist group. Having won the 2022 Australian Folk Music Award for Best Band and received five stars from BBC Music Magazine, their new album 'What Pop People Folk This Popular' is set for release on May 20. Members of Bush Gothic visit the Global Village, tune in to hear the dark meanings of Australian colonial and pop music, along with tracks from the new album.

Naarm-based groove-punk outfit culaccino join Brooke during PBS Radio Festival to chat about their latest release, 'Bizarre and Extreme'. Blending angular guitars, punchy rhythms, and a gritty punk attitude, the five-track EP features the songwriting of guitarist Declan Peel, vocals from Phoebe Parsons, elastic basslines by Anton Zalewski, and Callum Lee Gow’s dynamic drumming. Hear tracks from the new release and learn how you can support Homebrew and over 80 music shows this Radio Festival.

Ryan will be joined in the studio by Naarm's heavy-hitting Nu-metalcore band DRUID. They’ll discuss their recent appearance at Slipknot’s Pulse Of The Maggots digital festival, new singles, and what’s next for the band. Since forming in 2019, DRUID has built a powerful sound that blends crushing metal with experimental elements, showcased in their debut album 'The Beauty in the Decay' and tracks like 'HANG IN THERE (IT GETS WORSE)'. With 'HOSTAGE' released in April, DRUID’s rise is unstoppable.

Adam Biggs, bassist and vocalist for progressive tech-death giants Rivers of Nihil, joins Tyannocoreus to discuss their upcoming self-titled album—his first as lead vocalist. They’ll explore the band’s evolution since 'The Work', what lies ahead after completing their ambitious seasonal arc, and the new directions the band is taking with this record. With a packed touring schedule for the remainder of the year and a refreshed lineup, Rivers of Nihil are embarking on an exciting new chapter.

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.

Coming together to share their love for the Zamrock movement, 'Spiritual War' is the new EP from local Afrodelik artist Immy Owusu and hip hop producer and drummer Sensible J. Blending swirling psychedelia, Afrobeat, and funk, the EP is a rowdy, boisterous collection of songs exploring injustice, insanity, and the absurdity of modern life in the burning house that is late capitalism. Joining Milo for a round of Musical Chairs, tune in to hear the music that inspires these two talented artists.

Tune in as Belgian-born, Naarm-based songwriter Romanie joins Crispi to chat about her new single ‘Uh Oh’—out May 14—and her single launch at Merri Creek Tavern on June 6. With a voice that cuts straight to the heart, Romanie blends intimate lyricism with indie-folk charm, drawing comparisons to the likes of Lucy Rose and Big Thief. From her 2021 debut 'Little Big Steps' to now, Romanie continues to shape a sound that’s equal parts vulnerable, vivid, and unmistakably her own. Don’t miss it!

Inspired by a myriad of musical influences, ranging from House and Electro to Breakbeat and UKG, get ready for a dynamic Wheels of Steel with DJ and producer duo, Lay Down The Groove. Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Bogotá, Colombia, the duo also runs a record label and party collective under the same name. Tune in from 8am to experience the sounds of Lay Down The Groove.

Kavisha Mazzella and Rosario De Marco, the duo behind Mare Profondo ("deep sea" in Italian), craft music as magical and curious as the Mediterranean itself. Blending traditional and contemporary Italian songs, their sound is steeped in haunting melodies and lyrical depth. They join Roger on Global Village to share their passion and stories ahead of concerts in Castlemaine on May 23 and Box Hill for the Boîte on June 13.

Ryan sits down with Sean Harmanis, vocalist for Boorloo's progressive metalcore force Make Them Suffer. They discuss the band’s busy international tour schedule, the revitalizing energy of their 2024 self-titled album, and what’s in store for their upcoming regional Australian tour with Justice For The Damned and The Gloom In The Corner. From their symphonic deathcore roots to their evolving, genre-blurring sound, Make Them Suffer continues to push boundaries.

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.

Pizza Death are crashing into Arockalypse Now with a live set that’s as greasy as it is gnarly. Hailing from Naarm, this cult thrash-punk crew serves up blistering crossover anthems about three things: pizza, death, and—you're on the money—death by pizza. Riding high on the global buzz of their sophomore record 'Reign of the Anticrust', Pizza Death has topped Coretex Records’ charts and left sold-out crowds sauced and stunned. Catch the most brutal dinner-and-a-show experience on August 2.