Interviews

Loud, visceral, and staged in the round, 'Ecstasy' by Marcus Whale invites the audience to stretch into a seductive void, shaking free and becoming enraptured within the unknowable. Running from June 11 - 13 as part of RISING, the show offers a choreographic investigation into the reckless abandonment of the rave: a reach toward the place where dancefloor heat transcends the physical. Tune in to Synthesize Me as Bridget and Henry catch up with the Sydney based artist.

Since releasing their Grammy-winning single 'Call My Name' (Best American Roots Song, 2020) USA based trio I’m With Her has regularly stepped away from their individual careers to create music together. Their sophomore album, 'Wild and Clear and Blue' showcases their luminous harmonies in a soul-searching collection that explores reaching into the past, navigating a chaotic present, and bravely stepping into the unknown. Tune in to hear from one of the trio’s singer/songwriters, Aoife O’Donovan.

Ghost Medium, the project of Simon Bailey and his band, made their debut performance as the house band on ABC TV's Spicks and Specks. With an all-star lineup featuring ARIA Award-winning producer Pip Norman and Naarm legends Lilith Lane and Huddy Whitlock, Ghost Medium will premiere their debut single on the show. They'll also chat about their upcoming single launches at Archies Creek Hotel on May 16 and The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick on May 17.

On May 31 at Merri Creek Tavern, singer-songwriter Amaya Laucirica will launch her latest single 'Now Or Never', with Nathan Hollywood opening the show. With the swirling contours of Cocteau Twins and the wistful melodies of The Go-Betweens, Amaya’s prosperous career has seen her perform at Primavera Sound (Spain), release four critically acclaimed albums, and is currently working on her fifth. Tune in to Radio City to hear from the local, dream-pop artist.

Returning to Australia to unleash his boldest album yet, is USA riverboat-chic rock’n’roller Pokey LaFarge. His new record 'Rhumba Country' serves up flavours of mambo, Tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock and roll, and was written during his time working 12-hour shifts on a farm. Ahead of his performance at The Croxton that night, Ernie chats with Pokey LaFarge about the new album. Tune in for a Studio 5 Live session, along with an exclusive PBS interview.

Touching down on Tomorrowland is DJ D.DEE, the force behind Pacific Rhythm, the label and party series that helped shape the breezy, buoyant sound of Canada’s West Coast. D.DEE's work with Pacific Rhythm has helped bring music from such artists as Space Ghost, Khotin, D. Tiffany, and Ex-Terrestrial, to name a few. A regular fixture in the booth at Tresor, Public Records, and his own Vancouver club Paradise, D.DEE brings his life-affirming and off-kilter selections to Angel Music Bar this Friday night.

Ella Hooper joins 5ft High and Rising for a special Radio Festival edition of the show. With four ARIA Awards and a string of gold and platinum records under her belt, Ella remains a fiercely dedicated songwriter. Tune in as Ella chats with Myles about her musical evolution, the importance of community radio, and why she believes PBS is essential in supporting artists and diverse Australian music.

Mastanah Nazarian, an Iranian-background composer, writer, guitarist, and oud player, visits Global Village to perform traditional Persian oud pieces and discuss her diverse projects, including photography and poetry. Beyond music, she’s a certified Pilates teacher, holds a black belt in aikido, and is passionate about teaching movement education to both musicians and the public.

As a regular fill-in announcer for shows on the grid, PBS staff member and talented, award winning folk musician, Kerryn Fields knows the community of PBS like the back of her guitar strumming hand. Coming into Roots of Rhythm to share the mic with Helen Jennings OAM for a unique show, tune in to hear these two PBS icons share their love for this station.

A long-time PBS champion and co-presenter during Radio Festival, beloved Naarm broadcasting icon Billy Pinnell - recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia - will join Helen Jennings OAM on Roots of Rhythm. Billy’s deep musical knowledge and unmistakable voice have been part of the fabric of PBS for decades. Tune in from 10am as Helen and Billy chat about the importance of community radio and how listeners can help keep the heart of the station beating.

As part of this year’s PBS Radio Festival celebrations, Emma Peel of Switched On joins Lyndelle for a very special edition of your Wednesday drive-time favourite. Together, they’ll talk about what makes PBS such a vital part of the music community, and share how listeners can get involved in keeping the station strong. It’s a feel-good show that's not to be missed!

As part of PBS Radio Festival week, Lyndelle Wilkinson of The Afterglow joins Crispi on Radio City for a special show celebrating all things PBS. A Wednesday drive-time favourite since 2004, Lyndelle brings an irresistible mix of soul, funk, disco, electro, hip hop and beyond—always fresh, always feel-good. Tune in for Lyndelle's passion for music and community, and to learn how PBS listeners can become involved in this vibrant community.

Pojama People host Chris Pearson joins Crispi on Radio City to celebrate this year's Radio Festival! Tune in on Thursday afternoon to hear these two beloved announcers play some of their favourite music as they talk about the important role that PBS plays in the music community and how listeners can help support the station.

PBS Music Director and DJ Firas Massouh joins Penny on Passing Notes for a special back-to-back set as part of PBS's Radio Festival. Together, they’ll dive deep into the electronic underground, spinning tracks that celebrate the genre’s diversity and energy. Between beats, Firas and Penny will share insights into what PBS means to them, why community radio matters, and how listeners can help keep this vital platform thriving. Tune in for a vibrant mix of music and conversation.

Local trio Vardos is driven by Alana's wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, performing folk and Romany music. As long-standing members and supporters of the Global Village, Vardos drop in to PBS during Radio Festival to talk about the role PBS has played in their career. Tune in to hear what they love about Roger's show Global Village, along with a live performance from this all-female group.

PBS Music Director Firas returns to the airwaves for a special Radio Festival edition of Mystic Brew. Having first met at the station and now good friends; Firas and Mike are a testament to the deep connections and creative growth that community radio fosters. Tune in as they reflect on their respective music journeys, the role PBS has played in shaping their craft, and why supporting the station matters now more than ever. Don’t miss this warm, reflective, and music-filled conversation.

Jackey Coyle of Wordy-Gurdy joins Helen on air to celebrate all things PBS—sharing highlights from the on-air festivities, giving listeners the scoop on this year’s incredible giveaway prizes, and explaining how you can help 'Keep the Beat!' in 2025. Tune in as Jackey and Helen chat about what they admire in each other’s shows and reflect on why supporting PBS means so much to them—and to the wider music community.

Margret RoadKnight joins Helen Jennings OAM for a special co-presenter segment celebrating PBS' Radio Festival. With a career spanning over five decades, Margret’s diverse talents in blues, jazz, gospel, and cabaret will shine through alongside Helen's deep knowledge of music. Tune in to hear Helen and Margret share what they love about PBS, and how listeners can help support this incredible music community.

Claire Stuchbery of Firewater joins Crispi for a special guest spot on Radio City to talk all things Radio Festival. Tune in to hear what Claire and Crispi love about each other's shows while they remind PBS listeners of the various ways they can support the station this Radio Festival.

Myles O'Neil-Shaw of 5ft High & Rising joins Crispi for a unique crossover. A passionate advocate for alt-country, Myles shares his perspective on what makes PBS such a vital force in supporting the local country scene. Tune in to Radio City as Myles and Crispi discuss their shared devotion for this community focused radio station.

Ania Reynolds brings both of her personae – as a piano player and baritone saxophonist, both extraordinaire – to her visit to the Global Village. She shares with Roger why she supports PBS and the Global Village, and encourages you to do the same. Tune in to hear her perform music from forthcoming albums in both guises, and a hint at some of her upcoming musical adventures.

Born from a love of the dance floor, Wrong Way Up serves vintage Afro disco and psychedelic boogie in the form of deep grooves, quirky synths and addictive chants. Inspired by the likes of Frances Bebey, William Onyeabor and Lijadu Sisters, the Afro-synth duo delivers a fresh but familiar funk feel. Emmanuela Degery and Andrew Phillips (Broadway Sounds) join Elle on Headhunters for a chat and Studio 5 Live performance.

On June 6, Dark FOMO 666 returns with its sixth mini-festival at the Cactus Room in Thornbury, featuring music, art, performance, nude poetry, and more. The organisers pop into Pojama People to preview the lineup, including Jack Harlon and the Dead Crows, Night Rites, USER, and plenty other acts. Tune in for all the details on this night of irreverent fun and vivid performances.

Chapter Music’s Guy Blackman and Ben O’Connor join Jordan for a Radio Festival special celebrating PBS and the music that often flies under the radar. With Chapter recently announcing a shift in focus—moving away from new signings to concentrate on its rich back catalogue—the duo reflect on the label’s legacy ahead of their Day Tripper showcase at RISING. Tune in for a deep dive into Chapter’s history, underrepresented sounds, and a passionate tribute to the role PBS plays in supporting artists.

Chris Hannah of Canadian punk heavyweights Propagandhi joins us to talk 'At Peace'—the band’s fierce new album. Since forming in 1986, the band has evolved from skate punk roots into a thrash-influenced force, pairing razor-sharp riffs with unapologetically political lyrics. From their home base in Winnipeg, they’ve championed anti-fascism, veganism, and radical change. With 'At Peace', the band continues to challenge power structures while refining their most urgent, blistering sound to date.

Aric Improta and Stephen Harrison from House of Protection join Ryan for a conversation about the band’s journey from the ashes of Fever333, their sophomore EP 'Outrun You All', and their plans for 2025. Born from the duo’s fearlessness and a love of pushing boundaries, they fuse hardcore, electronica, and punk into a raw, creative space. With their shared history in bands like Fever333, Night Verses, and The Chariot, House of Protection has created a sanctuary for radical self-expression.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blues powerhouses Lloyd Spiegel (AUS) and Charlie A’Court (CAN) reunite for a special run of NSW/VIC shows this June. Long-time collaborators and award-winning artists, the duo brings their soulful vocals, jaw-dropping guitar work and playful storytelling to the stage. With deep roots in blues, soul and rock, their chemistry is undeniable. They'll perform live on air and join Helen for an interview on Roots of Rhythm—don’t miss this electric preview of two masters at work.

Ryan sits down with Sean Harmanis, vocalist for Boorloo's progressive metalcore force Make Them Suffer. They discuss the band’s busy international tour schedule, the revitalizing energy of their 2024 self-titled album, and what’s in store for their upcoming regional Australian tour with Justice For The Damned and The Gloom In The Corner. From their symphonic deathcore roots to their evolving, genre-blurring sound, Make Them Suffer continues to push boundaries.

Naarm's The Jimmy C—aka multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coghill—joins Crispi on Radio City to chat about his new album 'Refreshing', out June 13. A one-man band since 2005, Jamie has released nine albums, scored U.S. web series and horror films, and played drums in cult Aussie acts like Luxedo and The Devilrock Four. His music pays homage to 60s psych, power pop and cinematic flair yet is something else entirely. Tune in for the chat and a sneak peek into his quirky, sonic world.

Naarm's Steve Ryan-Gledhill joins Helen on Roots of Rhythm to chat about his upcoming self-titled album, launching June 27 at George Lane in St Kilda. Blending heartfelt storytelling with country, blues and Americana, his music draws on years of lived experience. His latest release is a double A-side of upbeat break-up tunes—'End Of The Line' and 'It Happens Every Day'—delivering foot-stomping rhythms, rich horn riffs and timeless charm.

Fresh from their Canadian tour, ZÖJ visit Global Village to discuss their new album 'Give Water to Birds', created in collaboration with Brett Langsford. Gelareh Pour and Brian O'Dwyer will share insights into their musical journey, the concept of neo-Persian experimentalism, and details of their upcoming local album launch. Gelareh, alongside long-time collaborator Brian, continue to push the boundaries of contemporary music, fusing Persian and Australian sound worlds in bold, avant-garde ways.