Interviews

Melbourne’s own outlaw orchestra The Counterfeit are set to saddle up once again for a cinematic showdown at Thornbury Theatre on Friday, January 31, performing The Music of Ennio Morricone and The Spaghetti West - a live celebration of the golden era of Italian Western soundtracks. Locked, loaded, and ready to fire on all cylinders, Myles catches up with members of 12 piece band ahead of the show next weekend.

Tune in as Ian catches up with Tahlia Palmer, aka Amby Downs - an Australian indigenous multi-disciplinary artist, now based locally. Working with field recordings and sound art to create stories connected to place and histories of ancient indigenous life alongside colonised destruction of land, they’ll be discussing the importance of her own indigenous heritage, along with erasure of that in the context of the European-dominated culture in which she was raised, and how this influences her art.

Vocalist dedicated to communication, connection and flow, local vocalist Jenny Barnes has carved out a distinct musical identity, captivating audiences with her raw energy, depth and connection. Local legend Duré Dara (OAM) is an improvising percussionist in her early 80s and has been a stalwart member of Naarm’s improvised music community for decades. Tune in to Deeep Space as Lloyd Briggs is joined by Jenny and Duré. 

Experimental jazz artist Horatio Luna is back in action, gearing up for a show at The Night Cat with Erica Tucceri, On-Ly, and Orbit. Expect deep grooves, heavy vibes, and late-night energy on Thursday, January 29 from 9pm. Ahead of the show, Mike Gurrieri catches up with Horatio Luna - tune in to hear about his recent musical endeavours. 

Locally based party group Succulent Funk champions underground sounds that speak to the soul. Built around community and grounded in house, disco, funk and soul - but never confined by them, it’s a space for shared moments, open minds and dancers moving together. Tune in to Boogie Beat Suite as MzRizk is joined by Jasper, chatting about 'Three Years Of Succulent Funk' at Quadraphonic Club on January 30, along with a special guest mix.

A passionate vinyl collector who discovered the world of records six years ago - a turning point in her life - Margot’s experience at Fréquence, a cocktail bar in Paris, allowed her to work alongside inspiring individuals who introduced her to an incredible music scene. There, she encountered renowned European DJs who shaped her musical tastes and continue to influence her approach to music today. Tune in to Dounya as DJ Matab catches up with Margot about her love for music.

Tune in to Pojama People as Chris Pearson is joined by local doom metal band VVarp. Their 2025 release, 'Power Held In Stone' is an imagined soundtrack for a folk horror film that exists only in the collective imagination. It tells the story of rebellion against invading oppressors, of doors beyond our perception, how old ways clash with new, of the terror before the dawn, and of souls trapped in stone communicating through the generations. Listen in to find out about their next live shows.

Jahred Gomes, vocalist for seminal US nu-metal group (Hed) P.E joins Ryan on Tyrannocoreus. Chatting about the band’s upcoming Australian tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album 'Broke', tune in to hear about their 17th studio album and what the band has in store for 2026.

Since launching in early 2023, metallic hardcore punk band Better Lovers has risen to global prominence at a pace as blistering as their chaotic music. After tearing it up all around the world for the last two years and ripping out their album 'Highly Irresponsible' in 2024, the group will finally make their Australian debut this month. Guitarists Jordan Buckley and Will Putney join Ryan on Tyrannocoreus, tune in to hear about their show at Max Watt's Melbourne on January 28.

Beyond The Sea are Belinda Gibson on uke and Michelle Lewis - guitar, accompanied by Andrew Barcham - double bass, and Mark Pottenger - mandolin. Beyond the Sea has developed a lovely blend of folk and bluegrass tunes, featuring sweet delicate melodies and weaving harmonies. This week they drop in to chat to Jan, and to play an intimate live set on-air.

On February 7 at the Coburg RSL club, local group The Wellingtons will be delivering their pop feel goods. Their sixth album 'Baby Moon' follows 2017’s 'End of the Summer', and marks a new chapter for the band - one that embraces getting older, exploring other interests, and raising kids, while still holding tight to their signature blend of memorable melodies and lyrical bite. Tune in to Radio City as Crispi catches up with Zac and Kate about the band's upcoming album launch show.

The Sacred Cowboys are about to release their first album in 19 years - 'In The Manifesto'. It’s a complex, atmospheric soundtrack with Gray’s cool delivery over sometimes sparse, sometimes weaving guitars and rich harmonies. Channeling a Sonic Youth ethos and grinding the gears in the engine room of the Cosmos Factory, ‘In the Manifesto’ is as wide and expansive as the Australian desert skies. Tune in to hear Michael Mulholland catch up with Garry Gray about their show at The Tote on Feb 14. 

Joining Milo Eastwood for a Studio 5 Live performance is Adelaide formed, Melbourne-based outfit No News. Following two recent standout sets at Sonder Festival and Strawberry Fields last year, No News will be sharing their genre-blurring, two-piece band blending live jazz with house and breakbeat energy to The Breakfast Spread listeners. Ahead of their show at The Night Cat on February 7, Milo catches up with the band about their biggest headline show to date. 

Joining Claire Dickson for an intimate, live in-studio performance this February 2 is local atmospheric pop trio Hydroplane. Having released their new album, 'A Place In My Memory Is All I Have To Claim' late last year - their first music after more than two decades of radio silence - Andrew Withycombe, Kerrie Bolton, and Bart Cummings return to the gentle, close-quarters musical world they shared around the turn of the century. Tune in from 8am to hear this ambient, electronic performance.

From DJing at Burning Man in the USA and Devconnect in Turkey, to dominating festival main stages around Australia, along with hosting his own show 'Coburg Up Late', Callum aka DJ Be Kind To Other People will be dropping in to Boogie Beat Suite. Tune in to hear about 'Coburg Up Late 50th Episode Live-Recorded Charity Event' at Revolver Upstairs on February 12, along with an up-beat guest mix. 

US progressive deathcore group Born Of Osiris are about to embark on their long awaited Australian tour this March, celebrating their 15th anniversary of their breakthrough album 'The Discovery’. Ahead of the tour, Ryan chats to Cameron Losch (drums) and Ronnie Canizaro (vocals) about their most recent album, 'Through Shadows', and how they're navigating the loss of a longtime member. 

Back by popular demand, the Burning B3 Trio (Sammy Owen, Liam Kealy and Tony Martin) return to Jumpin' the Blues to play an exclusive live-in-studio set at PBS. Tune in as the trio rip through red hot jump blues, smokey slow blues, burning funk and everything in-between.

Velatine is a Melbourne-based goth/darkwave musical project led by producer/engineer Loki Lockwood. The project features moody, synth-laden atmospheres and brooding post-punk/industrial textures. This week on Bleeding Black Hearts Review Velatine drop by to chat about their latest music and to play some tracks live in the studio.