Interviews

Meeting through a mutual admiration for jazz and house, John Henderson is a collaboration between On-Ly (Joshua ‘John’ Smeltink) and Horatio Luna (Henry ‘Henderson’ Hicks). The project draws on influences from Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis, featuring a wide repertoire of jazz and the aesthetics of the trio. Bassist Horatio Luna swings by Black Wax to catch up with Adam, tune in as they chat about the group’s show at Jazzlab on February 12.

Adelaide-born, UK-based DJ Norsicaa has built an impressive career as a tastemaker. She hosted a long-running primetime slot on Soho Radio until 2023, as well as on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, and is the General Manager at respected independent record label Soundway Records. Norsicaa will be bringing her extensive collection of Southeast Asian music to Adelaide, but first, she catches up with Llyod. Tune in to Deeep Space to hear about her upcoming performance at WOMAD.

Saigon Soul Revival is on a mission to bring back the raw, live sound of 1960s and ’70s Vietnamese rock and soul music. Playing at WOMAD this March, the group aims to please your ears with sweet grooves while uncovering a beautiful part of the country’s culture and history that has remained dormant for so long. Tune in to Deeep Space as Llyod chats with the group about their soulful yet authentic music.

Playing the traditional Are’Are’ music from his home island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands, is artist Charles Maimarosia. With Melbourne as his new home, he’s releasing his upcoming album 'Hote’ Hote’' in February and playing a show at Odessa at Leaves in Creswick on February 8th, along with George Lane on Saturday, February 15th. Tune into Global Village as Charles talks with Roger about his music, followed by a demonstration of his songs and instrumental pieces.

Candid blues-rock band Ingrid and The Ministers achieve a rare balance of vigorous raw emotion and humble greatness, all thanks to Ingrid’s songwriting, self-taught lead guitar skills, and rich vocals. The group released their EP 'Last Train Blues' in December and will perform at a fundraiser gig at Bell City Takeaway in Preston on February 28. Bringing in her amp and electric guitar, tune in to The Juke Joint as Ingrid swings by to play some of her latest songs live.

Straight out of Kansas, but calling Arkansas home, American folk, punk, and country musician Willi Carlisle makes his Australian debut this February. Drawing from the odd corners of human nature with special visits from obscure characters, Willi’s songs will take you on a wild romp through the backwaters of America. Ahead of his show at Northcote Social Club on February 17, Myles checks in with Willi to see how he's doing before his world tour.

The swap-blues powerhouse band Opelousas' second album, 'OPELOUSAFRIED', was recently named one of PBS's top 10 albums for 2024. Keeping the momentum going, the band comes into Radio City to perform a few live tracks ahead of their show, Live at City Hall: Sunday Sounds, on February 9th. Tune in to hear Ali and Shorty perform live in Studio 3.

The ethereal and electro-medieval sounds of Dandelion Wine will grace the PBS airwaves on 6 February for the final episode of What The Folk!, celebrating Susi Lanagan's profound contribution to PBS over the past 20 years. With mixed emotions, Dandelion Wine will perform their signature blend of folk, electronic beats, and textured guitars in a Studio 5 Live performance to give Susi a royal send-off. Tune in from 9am as we celebrate the last show of What The Folk!

Radiating warmth, humor, and a depth of character that's palpable as soon as she enters the room, award-winning Americana artist Kerryn Fields is no stranger to What The Folk! Having been a guest on the show for the past few years, Kerryn expresses her gratitude for Susi Lanagan by sharing her raw yet soulful music in an intimate Studio 3 Live performance. Tune in as they catch up for the very last show of What The Folk! on February 6th.

The super psych-heavy sounds of Brown Spirits are back with their killer new album 'Cosmic Seeds'. Expanding on the band's psychedelic and krautrock leanings, the Coburg group ventures into deeper funk and jazz-influenced territories. Tim and Agostino from the band join Milo to share their world of musical tastes on Musical Chairs. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear their selection.

For the first time, undisputed kings of UK thrash metal, ONSLAUGHT, are set to hit Australia as part of their 'POWER FROM HELL' 40th anniversary world tour. Celebrating four decades of fury since the release of their seminal debut, fans can look forward to a series of shows featuring this iconic album played in full. Ahead of their Melbourne show on the 22nd of November at The Corner Hotel, Kene speaks with Nige from the band about the tour and their influence on the hardcore and metal scene.

Formed in 2006 and hailing from LA, melodic rock and gnarly death metal band Nekrogoblikon are as passionate about music as they are about goblins. Coming to Australia for the first time to open for Alestorm, they’ll be playing at Forum Melbourne on February 25. Kene and Leah Noir catch up with Alex from the band ahead of their show, tune in to hear about the band's secret goblin business.

Blasting the ceiling off this February 8 with new thrash/grind material, local band Pissbolt will be playing at Last Chance alongside some of Melbourne's finest heavy bands for a night of shredding and chaos. Tune in to Burning Bitumen as Kene and Leah Noir chat with Pissbolt ahead of the night of extreme intensity.

Returning to Melbourne for an encore album tour and celebrating making ARIA history as the first Indigenous woman to win Best Adult Contemporary Album, Warnindhilyagwa woman Emily Wurramara continues to follow her natural instincts as a storyteller and musician. Her beautiful second album, 'Nara', has been five years in the making, and Emily chats to Claire about the new record. Tune into Firewater as the two catch up before Emily's show at The Workers Club on 7 February.

Innovative duo renowned for their genre-defying sound and boundary-pushing creativity, Nø Era and Sørensen transcend traditional genres by fusing Afrohouse rhythms with elements of folk and electronic music. Their collaboration is characterised by a seamless blend of styles and a commitment to exploring new sonic landscapes, and they've just dropped their first release 'Wind Shifter' on Ostowana Records. Tune in to Boogie Beat Suite as Nø Era chats with MzRizk about the new single.

Taking inspiration from the jazz fusion movements of the '70s and '80s, Tamil Rogeon’s new album 'Wave Theory' joins forces with heavyweights from Melbourne’s thriving jazz scene to create textured soundscapes rich with cosmic synths, extended forms, soaring vocals, and deep jazz funk. The Melbourne-based, multifaceted jazz, classical, and electronic violin and viola player stops by Headhunters to chat with Elle about the album launch at The Night Cat on February 7th.

Created by Australian Art Orchestra’s Artistic Director Aaron Choulai, 'Ane Ta Abia' is a stunning choral concert bringing together musicians and singers from the Australian Art Orchestra and Papua New Guinea's Tatana Village Choir. Running as part of Asiatopa on March 8 and at WOMAD, Aaron joins Llyod on Deeep Space to chat about this incredible show.

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. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread as Bec shares her raw talent and soulful wisdom with Claire in a special Monday morning performance.

Globally recognised performance artist Stelarc is known for pushing the limits of the human body through robotics and extreme body modifications, including a lab-grown ear grafted to his arm and body suspension with hooks inserted into his skin. This 13th February, he will take the stage with BOLT Ensemble at the Northcote Social Club, curated by JOLT Arts. Tune in to The Sound Barrier as Ian chats with Stelarc about his boundary-defying performances.

Celebrating their 2nd anniversary, local promoters Prognosis are throwing a birthday bash with an extra special bill of artists, including Liquid Earth Recordings, Hâws, R.A.N.D. Muzik Recordings, and Whomp at Sub Club this Friday night. Infusing the rhythmic sensibilities of London and Berlin with the sun-soaked serenity of his native California, producer Liquid Earth stops by Passing Notes to chat with Penny about the big night.