Interviews

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.

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.

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.

Tune in to Firewater this Tuesday as Claire Stuchbery catches up with US singer Matt Caughthran from LA punk bands Mariachi El Bronx and The Bronx. Born more than two decades ago, the bands have since carved out an impressive career of its own, drawing on the band’s deep connection to the Hispanic music and culture of their Los Angeles home. Tune in from 5pm to hear about the show happening at the Forum on March 3.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 to Burning Bitumen to hear Kene's conversation with Finnish melodic doom/death band Swallow the Sun about their first Australian tour, spiders and being kicked in the head by a Kangaroo.

Ahead of their "Return to Prison Island Australian Tour" later this month, Belgian death metal band Aborted chat to Kene about their penchant for blending technicality with brutal, often horror-themed lyrics.

Frankston's rockin' teenbeat/rhythm and blues band The Gnomes have kicked off their Melbourne 'Dive! Dive! Dive!' tour, which will see them play a show every weekend around Melbourne (with one stop in Bendigo) in the lead up to Golden Plains on March 7 - 9. Tune in to Sunglasses After Dark as Phil catches up with the band ahead of their show at The Gem this weekend, followed by a show at The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar on January 30.

This Thursday on Junkyard, Michael Mulholland catches up with Charles Caldas (guitarist) and Claudia White (bassist) from These Future Kings. Formed in 1984, These Future Kings became a fixture on Melbourne's local circuit. Tune in to hear them discuss the band's history, the unreleased 1990 album 'Via Dolorosa', along with all of the band's digitally released recordings. 

Emerging from the ether, Moody Beaches return to Northcote Social Club for one last sonic rip through their back catalogue before the post-grunge project completes it’s final orbital loop on January 24. Offshooting from Melbourne’s punk-rock underbelly in 2017, Moody Beaches channel the thunderous riffs of early post-punk and grunge, driven by the melodic vocal hooks reminiscent of The Breeders and The GoGo’s. Tune in to hear Crispi catch up with Anna Lienhop ahead of the band's final show.

After a decade of multi-award-winning music with RVG, Romy Vager debuts her new musical chapter with a very special intimate preview of her new album on Friday 23rd January at Northcote Social Club. Ahead of this unmissable show, Romy drops in to PBS for a round of Musical Chairs with Milo. Tune in early to The Breakfast Spread to hear more.

This week on Southern Style Jan is joined in the studio by Jason Colville who programs and presents the show “Cackalacky" on OCR FM, Colac. Tune in as Jan and Jason share some favourite tracks including the song Cackalacky by Jim Lauderdale and Si Kahn - the inspiration for Jason's long-running program.

Tune in to Tyrannocoreus this week as Ryan catches up with Oliver Rae Aleron, vocalist for Canadian technical death metal group Archspire. They'll be chatting about the band's upcoming fourth album 'Too Fast To Die', going independent, along with their upcoming shows at the Froth And Fury Festival - taking place in Perth on January 24, and Adelaide on January 31.

Joining Chris Pearson on Pojama People this Tuesday is local artist Danielle Whalebone. Delivering a mesmerising night of art rock, spoken word, and experimental sound, Danielle Whalebone presents 'Whispers of Shadows', an immersive live performance that blends music, projections, and emotion at the National Theatre in St Kilda. Tune in to hear about her upcoming show on January 24.

'Cult of the Lamb' is an iconic video game with an equally iconic soundtrack, both of which are made in Melbourne and have resonated with millions of fans around the world. With the game's first major expansion 'Woolhaven' releasing this week, Sydney-based singer-songwriter Ray aka Arrowbird discusses her musical contributions to the world of the game, and her collaboration with the late, beloved Narayana Johnson (River Boy), composer of the game's original soundtrack.