Interviews

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gary Jones, presenter of 'Kickin' the B' at Bar 303 enters Jumpin' the Blues airwaves to chat about the show's 14th anniversary on June 5. Joining the evening of celebrations is Paul Williamson's Hammond Combo, Jake Mason Trio and Juicebox. With a strong passion for the culture and people of New Orleans, expect the distinctive rhythm of Orleanian blues in their performances. Listen in for more event details!

Following their collaborative album as The Ferguson Rogers Process, Style and Or Substance, Tim Rogers (You Am I) and Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos) return to the project that started it all - remixing The Bamboos' 2013 track 'I Got Burned', which featured Rogers on vocals. Catch them live at The Corner Hotel on June 7. But first, tune in to The Afterglow Radio Show as they stop by to catch up with Lyndelle about their album launch shows.

Coming together to share their love for the Zamrock movement, 'Spiritual War' is the new EP from local Afrodelik artist Immy Owusu and hip hop producer and drummer Sensible J. Blending swirling psychedelia, Afrobeat, and funk, the EP is a rowdy, boisterous collection of songs exploring injustice, insanity, and the absurdity of modern life in the burning house that is late capitalism. Joining Milo for a round of Musical Chairs, tune in to hear the music that inspires these two talented artists.

Listen in to Down By The River this Thursday for an intimate acoustic performance from Irish folk musician James Vincent McMorrow. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of his beloved album Early In The Morning, James is set to perform the record in full across Australia, with a stop at Northcote Theatre on June 5. Tune in from 10am for a sneak peek of the show taking place that same night.

Tune in as Belgian-born, Naarm-based songwriter Romanie joins Crispi to chat about her new single ‘Uh Oh’—out May 14—and her single launch at Merri Creek Tavern on June 6. With a voice that cuts straight to the heart, Romanie blends intimate lyricism with indie-folk charm, drawing comparisons to the likes of Lucy Rose and Big Thief. From her 2021 debut 'Little Big Steps' to now, Romanie continues to shape a sound that’s equal parts vulnerable, vivid, and unmistakably her own. Don’t miss it!

The second LP 'By Design' from Sydney band The Electorate explores themes both personal and political, ethical and ethereal. Sonically, it’s layered with gangly guitars, rich harmonies, and solid indie rock beats, with the trio of Eliot Fish, Josh Morris, and Nick Kennedy venturing into new territory on this album. Listen in to Radio City to hear Josh Morris chat to Crispi about the new album, along with some tracks from the record.

Ahead of her RISING performance on June 8, Thalia Zedek swings by Junkyard to detail her upcoming revue style concert featuring Leah Senior, Michael Beach, plus many more acts. In true collaboration, all of them are playing together in no particular order. There’s no support act, just songs from each artist, scattered here and there like seeds in a psychedelic forest. An unrepeatable act, one night only in the Athenaeum. Tune in to hear more about this intense, dark songwriter show experience.

Inspired by a myriad of musical influences, ranging from House and Electro to Breakbeat and UKG, get ready for a dynamic Wheels of Steel with DJ and producer duo, Lay Down The Groove. Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Bogotá, Colombia, the duo also runs a record label and party collective under the same name. Tune in from 8am to experience the sounds of Lay Down The Groove.

This Sunday on the Global Village, one of Iran’s foremost folkloric ensembles Lian Band stop by PBS for a special Studio 5 Live session ahead of a string of shows with celebrated instrumentalist and Kalkadunga man, William Barton. Tune in to hear Roger catch up with ney-anbān master Mohsen Sharifian, along with his daughter and first ney-anbān player in Iran, Liana Sharifian.

Naarm-based pianist Mina Yu honed her craft in New York, performing at Carnegie Hall and touring globally. She’s featured at Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre and Arts Centre Melbourne. A collaborator on award-winning albums, Mina also teaches at VCA and Monash college and holds Berklee and Manhattan School of Music degrees. The gifted pianist and composer will join Greg for a chat and live performance ahead of her show at the Jazzlab on June 14.

Kaurna-based quintet The Empty Threats fuse Australian post-punk and noise rock into a metallic rainbow of snarling bass, frenzied guitar work, restless percussion, and electric clarinet. Playing a sold-out show presented by Dark Mofo on June 15, the band bring their unadulterated party rock energy into Homebrew. Tune in to hear about their new single 'the one'. If you're an admirer of unconventional spectacles and stagecraft, tune in to this one.

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.

Ricky McCandlish, vocalist for Naarm-based melodic hardcore band Saving Face, sits down for a chat with Ryan. The pair will discuss Saving Face's sophomore EP 'The View From Up There', the upcoming album launch on June 21 at the Bergy Bandroom, as well as the band's goals and ambitions for the rest of the 2025. For more on the event, including the slew of special guests, listen in to their conversation.

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.

On June 15, the Megahertz will go head-to-head with the rugged Rock Dogs in a battle for the Community Cup. Taking place at Victoria Park, the event will feature entertainment from a range of incredible acts, including Spiderbait and Frente! Ahead of their performances at the Reclink fundraiser, Crispi catches up with Spiderbait vocalist and bassist Janet English, as well as Angie Hart from Frente!

Dropping into Swinging Doors to play some live country tunes on his acoustic guitar is Tasmanian musician Van Walker. His latest album 'Healing Decent' was recorded in Canada and emerged from the strange and dark times of lockdown, exploring themes ranging from ruin and refuge to death and reanimation. Tune in for some hearty music from Van Walker, followed by an interview with Ernie.

Guy Blackman from Chapter Music drops by to celebrate the reissued release of 'Can't Stop It!', a homegrown collection of post-punk from 1978-82. This deluxe remastered compilation boasts six bonus tracks, pressed on black vinyl, as well as limited edition green and white. 'Can't Stop It!' documents a fantastically inventive and dynamic era, when Australian acts stepped out of the shadow of overseas influence and asserted their own musical identity. Tune in to hear more on this landmark era!

Indie-folk darlings Rowena Wise and Didirri are stopping by The Breakfast Spread for a special live performance of their latest release, 'No Cure for Love'. The single is raw and rapturous in theme, drawing on the pain and pitfalls of their eight-year relationship to craft a troubled ballad of real beauty, featuring sweeping melodies and harmonies that hold the listener in a vice. Tune in to hear about their upcoming Australian tour and show at Howler on July 19.

Yoav Landau and Sam Haft from Israeli-American electronic-rock duo The Living Tombstone land in the studio to chat with Ryan ahead of their Australian tour. The duo share insights from their new album 'Rust' and divulge their thoughts and feelings on internet culture — listen in to hear about their process and sound before The Living Tombstone's show at Max Watts on July 6.

Zac Bergholtz (vocals) and Patrick Haas (guitar) from deathcore metal band Zeolite enter Tryannocoreus airwaves to chat about their sophomore album 'L'Appel Du Vide', re-grounding the group after a major lineup change, and their plans for the rest of 2025. Having been handpicked for tours alongside some of metal’s biggest names, including The Black Dahlia Murder and At The Gates, the future looks bright for this Naarm outfit.

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.

Burning B3 Trio is the spirited combination of Liam Kealy's Hammond b3 organ and Sammy Owen's Stratocaster, together with Tony Martin on drums. From blazing jump blues to sizzling slow blues and everything in-between, Owen and Kealy play a true "Hammond trio, traditional blues show" in every sense. Turn up the dial and settle in for an afternoon performance with all the hues of the rhythm and blues.

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.

Pizza Death are crashing into Arockalypse Now with a live set that’s as greasy as it is gnarly. Hailing from Naarm, this cult thrash-punk crew serves up blistering crossover anthems about three things: pizza, death, and—you're on the money—death by pizza. Riding high on the global buzz of their sophomore record 'Reign of the Anticrust', Pizza Death has topped Coretex Records’ charts and left sold-out crowds sauced and stunned. Catch the most brutal dinner-and-a-show experience on August 2.