Interviews

After releasing four albums under his Sonny Ism alias, the Melbourne singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and mix engineer Xavier Bacash flips the script and starts again with the debut album ‘Into The Doldrums’ from his new project, 'Now Always Fades.' Recorded in the wake of returning to Australia with his family after spending seven years in Copenhagen and Stockholm, Xavier comes into The Breakfast Spread to chat with Milo about this beautifully melancholic, trip-hop album.

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.

Death grind band Remains have cracked open the tombstone to release their heaviest album yet: 'Grinding from the Grave'. Summoning fans to the album launch on July 25 at The Bergy Bandroom, the band promises guitar riffs that cut like rusted blades, guttural growls, and sledgehammer-like beats. Tune in to Burning Bitumen, where Kene and Leah Noir catch up with the local group about the new album, on the day of its release.

The Florida pioneers of technical death metal, Atheist, are set to make their long-awaited debut in Australia this June. Known for their groundbreaking contributions to the genre, they’ll be bringing their high-energy brand of early ’90s-style death metal to The Leadbeater Hotel this Sunday from 5.30pm. Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear Kene Lightfoot and Leah Noir chat with vocalist Kelly Shaefer ahead of Atheist's show over the weekend.

Known for pushing the boundaries of ambient, psychedelic rock, and synth, Tangerine Dream will return to Melbourne for the first time in 10 years, performing for one night only at Max Watts on June 9. Formed in 1967 by the late Edgar Froese, Tangerine Dream has influenced generations of artists - from Radiohead to M83 - and remains a pioneering force in the Berlin school of electronic music. Tune in to Pojama People for a PBS exclusive interview with the band.

The latest offering from Rami Imam sees the Melbourne-based artist establish his experimental sound in a compelling new way. Drawing on global influences that span genres from disco to house, Imam weaves together cultural elements from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean - creating music for the feet to move to and for the mind to ponder. Tune in to Dounya as Rami premieres his latest tracks for the first time in a special interview with DJ Matab.

Known for their swirling guitars and hypnotic beats, DIIV crafts an immersive sonic experience that is both raw and ethereal, pulling listeners deep into their world. Claire Dickson catches up with the Brooklyn (USA) based band to discuss their compelling new album 'Frog in Boiling Water' - a gorgeous and haunted record. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread this Tuesday morning to hear from DIIV ahead of their show at Northcote Theatre on June 8.

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.

Following the success of Pinned Down and Greedy Soul, Melbourne’s Adam Coad and his genre-defying 10-piece outfit, The Anomalies, return with their most adventurous release yet: a suite of instrumental tracks from their forthcoming album 'Walking Shadows'. These compositions span an eclectic range of styles - from brooding, polyrhythmic brass soundscapes to swinging, lush 3/4 funk. Adam Coad comes in to Black Wax - tune in for some jazzy chats with Adam Rudegeair.

Brussels-based artist Adja Fassa has just released 'Golden Retrieve Her', her debut album of jazz and soul with a dystopian twist. It’s been two years since her well-received EP 'IRONEYE', and her new album promises to be quite a ride - featuring dystopian neo-soul tales of deliveroo drivers, reimagined jazz standards, and classical-inspired songs about conditional friendships based on time and money. Tune in to Black Wax as Adam Rudegeair chats with Adja Fassa about her latest release.

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.

Coming all the way from Bristol, UK, to play at The Croxton this Saturday is Dubkasm, the duo made up of childhood friends Digistep and DJ Stryda. Known for spreading their positive, roots and dub-reggae-infused message through high-quality productions and regular live shows around the globe, they catch up with Jesse I ahead of their Brunswick performance. Tune in for some deep dub cuts and reggae grooves from 5pm.

'The Port Melbourne Music Crawl' is back on Sunday, June 8, promising an unforgettable experience for music lovers, locals, and visitors alike. Running from midday to midnight, the event will feature live performances from Emilee South, One Spirit Africa, and Don't Thank Me Spank Me - to name just a few from the soulful-to-indie-rock lineup. Joining Richie 1250 on Stone Love to chat about the event is the electrifying, '70s-influenced female rock band Don't Thank Me Spank Me.

Danny Berman, aka Red Rack'em, is a veteran of the electronic music scene - described by Juno Records as “one of the most respected figures in UK underground house circles.” Forging his own path from an early age and driven by a staunchly independent ethos, he has built a rich and varied career that skyrocketed with the release of his hit single 'Wonky Bassline Disco Banger' in 2016. Tune in to Tomorrowland to hear Edd Fisher catch up with Red Rack'em ahead of his show at Music Room tonight.

Figurehead within the Naarm electronic music landscape, Rev Lon has been a curator, tastemaker, and exceptional DJ since 2018. Performing at iconic spaces, from The Forum to Hopkins Creek Festival, Rev Lon is also a curator of the event series Slow Burn, and founder of design company Soft Edges. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear her versatile approach to sounds and texture on the Wheels of Steel.

Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel is currently touring Australia, playing to packed concert halls all around the country. Last weekend Tommy took time out ahead of his Hamer Hall soundcheck to drop in for a chat with Ernie, and to play a song live in PBS' Studio 3. Tune in this Thursday to hear from one of Australia's most revered instrumentalists.

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.

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.

Kew Court House Live has announced a season of performances by artists spanning indie, jazz, and global music. Each week, three influential leaders take over the iconic venue for a night, including Ben Langdon, Fem Belling, and PBS’s own MzRizk. Talking about the show she's curated called 'Estudiantina of Melbourne' MzRizk chats with Lyndelle about the powerful lineup, which features Ajak Kwai on June 5, Amerigos on June 12, and Tamalah on June 19.