Interviews

The Naarm-based Australian electronic rockers Black Cab are playing alongside Lydia Lunch at The Tote on June 17. Their unique blend of driving electronica and psychedelic krautrock often draws inspiration from Europe and America in the 1970′s and ’80′s. Tune in to hear the band's James Lee and Andrew Coates chat more about the gig, plus your favourite Suicide and Alan Vega tracks in-between. 

From just 13 years of age, Ella Hooper has been in the spotlight for her music. As the youngest person to receive APRA’s Songwriter of the Year award, Ella has balanced a successful side hustle hosting multiple TV and radio shows, while creating synth-folk, country, and Americana music. Heading to the Espy on June 4 alongside up-and-coming artist Katie May, Ernie catches up with Ella and Katie on Swinging Doors. Tune in for a live performance from both artists.

Moody dark-pop artist Georgia Knight will be coming in to Studio 5 this June to perform songs from her debut album, 'Beanpole'. With trip-hop pulses and synth-washed layers, her music unfolds into an avant-garde landscape that coaxes listeners into a world of dark musical terrain and cinematic breadth. Joining Crispi after the performance for an interview, tune in to hear what the autoharpist has in store over the next few months.

'Kickin’ The B at 303 - 15 Year Anniversary of Hammond Sessions' is happening at Bar 303 on June 4. The bands performing are Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo, the Chris Johnstone Quartet, and Psi-Phi. Gary Jones joins Tom Sianidis on Jumpin’ The Blues to chat about the three bands playing on the night.

On June 7 at 3pm, Andy Baylor and The Big Easy Orchestra will bring their ‘Easy Ridin’ Blues’ show to Memo Music Hall. Celebrating the roots and blues of this city, audiences will be treated to cajun, soul, blues, hillbilly swing, swamp pop, and more easy ridin’ blues. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear more about the show, which will feature special guests Sarah Carroll, Alanna Egan, and The Horns of Happiness - Bruce Sandell and Ian Smith.

'STELLA: The Musical' is a story based on the life of Australian writer Stella Miles Franklin. Having battled through poverty and sexism to become a writer, Stella endured two world wars and terrible personal bereavements, emerging as an advocate for conservation, First Nation's rights, young writers, and Australian literature. Award-winning composer Monique diMattina chats to Helen about writing the music for this musical, tune in to hear about the premier at Alexander Theatre on June 12 - 20.

The eleventh studio album 'Season Of Surrender' has just been released from US metcalcore group August Burns Red. Having crafted their signature brand of metalcore for over two decades, they have ferociously established themselves as one of the foremost acts in the genre. They'll be coming across to Australia this October to tour with Bloom and I Promised The World, playing at 170 Russell on October 1. Tune in to hear from drummer Matt Greiner, and why this tour is a special one for him.

Since their live debut in 2023, NON have been spreading their own brand of Eastern inspired psychedelic doom across venues in Naarm, each show delivering a unique experience with improvised and extended jams. Now the instrumental outfit plan to play the album's final form 'Vipassana', bringing their vision to life as they launch its physical release on June 20th at Shotkickers. Tune in from 8pm to catch the details of the gig and a mesmerising live performance from the band. 

Naarm indie rock trio Hot Glue will be popping in to Underground Love this week to sing some songs live in the studio, and to talk about their album launch coming up at The Tote on June 5. Made up of siblings Lily and Pearl Harnath, the band uses shoegaze-y, fuzzy guitars and loud, heavy drums to accompany reflective lyricism in a bittersweet and cathartic manner. Tune in to hear about their new album 'Again, Again'.

In 2025, MzRizk was in Berlin and sat down with poet and activist Saul Williams, visionary percussionist and producer Carlos Niño, and keyboardist Surya Botofasina, for a candid chat about their latest collaborative, improvisational tribute to TreePeople, the organisation of young naturalists that emerged in California in the late 1970s. Ahead of Williams' and Niño's RISING performance at Melbourne Recital Centre this weekend, MzRizk airs her riveting interview on Boogie Beat Suite.

The Independent Music Exchange is back, returning to Northcote Town Hall across the weekend of June 6 and 7. Featuring a stellar lineup of labels from across Australia, this year’s IME introduces an education program with a series of panel discussions and talks designed to support emerging label makers navigating an evolving industry. Co-founder of IME Michael Kucyk and Alex Macfarlane from Hobbies Galore stop by The Breakfast Spread, tune in for the event lowdown.

Inventive and larger-than-life Grammy Award-winning artist MonoNeon stops by Black Wax this Monday, June 1. Known for his presence on YouTube as a bass guitarist and as one of the last musicians to work with Prince, Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers has referred to MonoNeon as “the greatest f**king electric bass player” of this generation. Adam Rudegeair chats with MonoNeon about his incredible career to date, tune in to hear from the Memphis legend.

Stopping by PBS is Brussels-based producer Naomie Klaus. In love with performance and constantly flirting with cinema and acting, Naomie’s sound oscillates between pitched-down vocal delays, lazy punk, and something edging towards pop. Her album 'Youth Looks So Good on You' is a sonic ballad that bizarrely explores the world between reality and self-fantasy, a world where the aesthetic cult of youth becomes sovereign. Tune in as Jasmine catches up with Naomie while she’s in town.

For this special Radio Festival edition of Flight 1067 to Africa, guest host Zvi Belling (Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, ZedSix etc) will be joined by musician, producer and DJ Kgomotso Sekhu. Tune in to the last day of the 2026 Radio Festival and hear music and insights from the African continent, and the diaspora making music around the world.

Guitarist for local punk groups Alien Nosejob and IUD, as well as a PBS fill-in announcer and staff member, Isobel Buckley will be joining Michael Mulholland on Junkyard. Tune in as they share their passion for community radio and celebrate what makes this station such an important part of this city.

PBS has a wonderful team of staff who are busy working behind the scenes to keep the station thriving this Radio Festival. Catch up with Iso and Kayley who are PBS's Marketing and Membership whizzes to hear them once again chat with Crispi about the importance of Radio Festival and to learn how you can become involved in this dynamic community of music lovers.

As the PBS Radio Festival celebrations continue, Emma Peel of Switched On joins Crispi for a Radio City special. Emma has been sharing unearthed vinyl gems from around the world for over fifteen years on the PBS airwaves while serving as a familiar voice for many every Saturday Arvo. Listen to the beloved announcers share their passion for the PBS community and how you can join to help 'Fuel the Frequency' this Radio Festival. 

Long-time video game and tech industry marketer Amy Potter-Jarman catches up with Matt ahead of the Frosty Games showcase. Not only is she the founder of Frosty Games, an online showcase dedicated to spotlighting games made in Australia and NZ, she also freelances to help indie game makers connect with their audience. Well versed in the importance of community and the connections it helps foster, tune in to hear her chat with Matt about this as the Radio Festival celebrations continue.

Local double bassist Steve Purcell is the mastermind behind the swinging jazz big band The Pearly Shells and a regular guest on Jumpin' The Blues. Dropping by the show after 1pm, Steve and Tom Sianidis will share what they love about PBS, and what the station means to them. Tune in this radio festival and support this community-driven radio station.

Margret RoadKnight returns to the PBS studios for this special co-presented edition of Roots of Rhythm to celebrate Radio Festival. Margret's impressive career, spanning over six decades, has cemented her as a national treasure within Australian blues, jazz and gospel. She joins Helen from 10am to reflect on why supporting PBS means so much to them and to the wider music community.