Interviews

Local psych-rock band Brown Spirits are playing at this year’s Drive Live on February 18 on The Afterglow Radio Show. Bringing their deep funk and jazz-influenced instrumental music live to air for a free show at Collingwood Yard’s CY venue, Brooke catches up with Tim from the band. Tune in to hear what Brown Spirits have on the cards for 2026.

Nongkrong returns to Fed Square this Valentine’s Day, inviting Melbournians to fall in love with Indonesian food, music, dance and community. Fed Square will transform into a pasar senja (twilight fair), where live Indonesian music, dance, food and handmade goods come together as the sun sets over the city. Artistic Director Yasmine Middleton stops by Headhunters to chat with Elle Young, tune in to hear them discuss this free, family-friendly event.

Eight years after their debut LP, local trio Grim Rhythm return with a new single, ‘Forever Eating Sh*t’, which also serves as the title track of their upcoming album. The release signals the start of a long-awaited new chapter for a band that has spent more than a decade building its reputation outside the usual channels. Tune in to Pojama People as Chris Pearson catches up with members of the band about the new album, soon to be released on March 11.

Melbourne alternative-metal band Thornhill are set to celebrate their 2025 album ‘BODIES’ at Forum Melbourne on February 27, marking both their first Australian shows since the album's release and also the group's biggest headline shows to date. Ryan catches up with vocalist Jacob Charlton about the band’s recent success, tune in to hear how Thornhill were asked to play at Good Things Festival just three hours before it began.

Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as Ryan chats with Daniel Furnari, drummer for Eora/Sydney metalcore giants Polaris. Formed in 2012 and with multiple ARIA Award nominations up their sleeve, Daniel will chat with Ryan about Polaris' self-curated festival 'Life’s a Beach', their upcoming US tour with Linkin Park and Electric Callboy, along with their new fourth studio album.

'Liquorice', the third album from Australian indie pop artist Hatchie, features a closely cropped portrait of Harriette Pilbeam laughing, her smudged red lipstick suggesting the glorious aftermath of a kiss. Captured using a dinky digital camera, the image encapsulates a record that is rough around the edges and joyfully undone with themes of longing, lust, and regret. Playing at Bergy Bandroom on February 27, tune in to The Breakfast Spread for an acoustic, live performance from Hatchie.

This week on Jumpin’ The Blues, Tom plays an interview he had back in 2009 with guitarist and singer Dave Brewer. An artist who comfortably sits among the giants of rhythm and blues in the Australian music scene, Brewer is a musician who effortlessly slips, slides, and dances between, through, and around blues, roots, soul, funk and jazz, seamlessly distilling them into an unmistakable sound. Tune in to hear this interview from the Jumpin’ The Blues archives.

The annual free, two-day celebration of local music, St Kilda Festival, is back - taking over St Kilda’s foreshore and surrounds on February 14 - 15. Saturday will showcase a huge line-up of First Peoples' talent celebrating 20 years, followed by the traditional Big Festival Sunday where every pocket of the neighbourhood comes to life in a multi-stage extravaganza. Lead programmer Sulli joins Lyndelle, tune in to hear about the line up, including Drift Clouds, Grace Cummings, BARKAA and more.

Tasmanian folk troubadour Zac Henderson is rolling through town this February for his 'Change the Tides' album tour. Known for his poetic lyricism, rich vocals, and effortless storytelling, Zac brings his new record to life with a captivating live set that drifts between heartfelt reflection and spirited acoustic energy. Playing at The Old Bar on February 14, The Thornbury Local on the 15th and Mama Chen’s on the 16th, tune in to Down By The River to hear an acoustic live set from Zac.

After two years away, Prague’s Harmony Records return to Naarm for a special collaboration with Weaver at Solace on February 20. Making the journey from a snow-covered EU, Harmony residents Alfred Czital and Ayū present their live set, joined by past collaborators Mabel and Georgia Bird (b2b Baby G), Weaver’s own suki, and Vortex head miscmeg. Joining Edd Fisher on Tomorrowland, tune in for some dance floor beats from Ayū. 

Overdressed punks who play original soul, calypso, New Orleans and old school RnB music, JAZZPARTY are kicking off 2026 in fine style, launching their brand new single 'Not Human' at Howler on February 27.  A family band full of misfits who like heavy rhythm with tightrope improvisation, the band will be joining Richie 1250 on Stone Love. Tune in for some loud, big energy jazz, performed live from JAZZPARTY. 

2-time Grammy Award winning American roots music, Jim Lauderdale is coming to Victoria next month, performing at Port Fairy Folk Festival in March. With a list of accolades - including induction into the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame - Lauderdale’s music has been woven into the fabric since the early 90s, when his twin careers as critically acclaimed recording artist and hit songwriter kicked into high gear. Tune in as Myles catches up with Jim.

With breathtaking musicianship, soaring vocals and cinematic arrangements, Thaikkudam Bridge has carved a global reputation as a genre-blending phenomenon. The collective seamlessly shifts from delicate ragas and Hindustani vocal passages to heavy guitar-driven climaxes, lush string sections and thunderous percussion, delivering a visceral and immersive live experience unlike any other. Playing at Northcote Theatre on March 7, tune in to hear Pradip catch up with the 15-member ensemble.

On Friday February 20, FCPE (Flora Carbo Percussion Ensemble) will bring her ensemble to Mamma Chen's in Footscray. A dynamic project inspired by community, electronic music and patience, FCPE focus on restraint, pulse, glitch and disintegration. Joining Greg Sher on Stars In The Static, tune in to hear about FCPE's upcoming show, joined by kindred musical spirits Bad Ambulance AV (Jack Palmer) and the premiere of The Department of Earthly Delights (Sofia Carbonara & Iran Sanadzadeh).

Discovered as a precocious 18-year-old and signed in 1968 by Japan's first independent record label, Sachiko Kanenobu is widely regarded as Japan’s first female folk-rock singer-songwriter. Having released her debut album 'Misora' in 1972 featuring a collection of ethereal folk gems, the album has since become a cult favourite among folk lovers worldwide. Now at age 77, Sachiko Kanenobu makes her debut to Australia. Tune in to hear Claire Dickson catch up with Sachiko while she's in town. 

Coming into Roots of Rhythm for the monthly segment 'Wordy Gurdy', Jackey Coyle and Helen Jennings chat about exceptional music and writing, scouring the past 100 years for rare and excellent blues, jazz, country, and more. Tune in from 9am to hear them analyse the best of the best.

Brunswick Music Festival is taking place from March 1 - 8, and this year’s lineup is packed with both local and international artists, including Ganavya, Horns of Leroy, and FRENZEE, to name a few. Festival programmer and PBS' own MzRizk will join Milo Eastwood on The Breakfast Spread to chat about the festival, sharing music from the incredible artists who will be performing. Tune in to hear this Brunswick Music Festival edition of Musical Chairs.

The new album 'Banter' from local post-rock instrumental band Badinage is set for release this month, and Simon and Dave from the group will be stopping by Radio City to chat with Crispi about the release. Made up of Simon Capp (Rhythm Pigs, Blue Ruin), Dave Reid (Speedway, The Likely Lads) and Peter Cave (Negatives, Raconteurs), the new album was recorded and produced by Phill Calvert (The Boys Next Door/The Birthday Party, Psychedelic Furs, Blue Ruin). Tune in to hear their new music.

Founder of the charity party WHOMP and psychedelic party MAGICK, ANNX is known for her driving psych-rhythms and seductive, hypnotic beats within the trance, prog, and deep-techno space. Playing regularly at underground parties across the UK and beyond, ANNX is inspired by the cities and dancefloors she’s lived in and explored. Tune in to Passing Notes as the UK-based DJ joins Penny for a special edition of the show.

Georgian ethnomusicologist Dr Gia Bagashvili is visiting Melbourne this month to present a lecture and concert about Georgian folklore and folksong: 'Georgia: Cradle of Wine and Polyphony'. Dropping in to the Global Village, Roger Holdsworth and Dr Gia Bagashvili will discuss the unique polyphonic singing in Georgia, illustrating its variations.

Passionate torchbearer of traditional Greek music, particularly Smyrneika - Estudiantina of Melbourne are about to launch their new album 'Ta Nisia' (The Islands) at Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday 15th March. Maria Antaras-Dalamagas and Christina Bachiella from the ensemble drop in to the Global Village to talk about the new direction of music which is inspired by the sunny Greek islands, and to share some of the tunes in advance of the launch.

Mid last year, Drifting Clouds released their debut single, ‘Bawuypawuy’, and it's been a favourite of the station ever since. The solo project of Yolngu musician Terry Guyula, ‘Bawuypawuy’ is a modern adaptation of a millennia old Songline passed from generations, blending tradition with Guyula’s eclectic musical style and sung in his first language: Liyawulma’mirr-Djambarrpuyngu. Tune in as Milo catches up with Drifting Clouds ahead of their show at Northcote Theatre on February 28.

Local guitarist Geoff Achison and UK saxophonist Tom Waters will be embarking on their 'Brush with the Blues' tour this February and March, showcasing blues, country, rock, funky jazz and folk. Each bringing their own catalogue of original music, along with some classic roots gems, Helen catches up with the duo ahead of their show at Brunswick Ballroom on February 28. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear a special live performance from Geoff Achison and Tom Waters.

Tune in to Jumpin' The Blues as Tom Sianidis is joined by Gary Jones. They'll be chatting about 'Kickin' The B' at Bar 303 - an upcoming show on February 26 featuring Clayton Doley, a widely regarded Hammond organists and powerhouse of the international blues and soul scene. Joining Clayton on the night will be Dave Brewer on guitar and Hamish Stuart on drums.

Cosmic funk groovers Jerry are celebrating the release of their debut album 'The Lodge', with a launch show and all-star cast performing at Northcote Social Club. An excursion through funk, jazz, dance, and cosmic sounds with most tracks written at Jerry’s birthplace, a lodge in an unassuming suburb of Melbourne. Jerry’s unmistakably electric live performance drifts between super deep and super funky, with an intention to make you move. Tune in to hear about their show on February 28.

Writing songs about three things only: pizza, death, and death by pizza, local band Pizza Death’s music is a mix of thrash and early ’80s hardcore punk. Their 2024 album 'Reign of the Anticrust' won the Best Heavy Work award at the 2024 Music Victoria Awards, and they’re about to release a new album. Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear about their upcoming release, 'World Doughmination'.

During the 1950s, the Melbourne folk scene was thriving. A new exhibition is dedicated to the Lumsden Family who were involved in folk singing, recording stories and putting on some of the first gatherings of the Melbourne folk revival. Tune in to the Global Village as exhibition curator, Alex Ettling, joins Roger to chat about an associated concert in Footscray on March 7, featuring folk artists: David Lumsden, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Margret RoadKnight, and The O’Hanlons.

This Labour Day long weekend, 'ABSORBED V' takes over Miscellania for three days of ecstatic, hopeful, and boundless music. The stacked lineup features a range of DJs and live acts, including Bridget Small and Henry Guala, Mioko Shiga (JPN), Tangerine (live), and Michael Kucyk. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread as Michael Kucyk joins Claire Dickson to chat about the festival.

Following the successful release of their self-titled debut album in 2024, PepperCreek Revival and Kelly Auty embarked on a new creative journey together, releasing their sophomore album 'It's all Been Said'. The ten-track album weaves together themes of life’s journeys, embracing Australian roots and rock while exploring both joyful and challenging personal relationships inspired by the music the band has admired over the years. Barry Hills and Kelly Auty join Helen to chat about the record.

Renowned in city pubs and regional halls for their country-soul, rock’n’roll boogie and high-energy performances, the Danny Walsh Banned are about to launch their new album 'No Monument' at Shotkickers on March 22. With singles like 'Emu War' and 'Mousetrap', the new album dives deep into Australian folklore and untold stories, expanding their sonic horizons and featuring a lineup of guest artists including Kylie Auldist, Davey Lane and Dave Graney. Tune in as Crispi catches up with Danny Walsh.

Extreme doom band Mammon's Throne have just signed with Hammerheart Records and will be launching their third and largest opus to date ‘My Body to the Worms’ at the Leadbeater Hotel on March 14. Atmospheric metallers Aquilus will make a rare live performance to celebrate - their first show since their European tour. Joining Kene on Burning Bitumen, tune in to hear about their new album ‘My Body to the Worms’.