Interviews

Local country-blues-rock band Little Quills is about to release 'Strong Bold Brave’ at Coburg's Post Office Hotel on February 15. Born from friendship, resilience, and a shared love of singing, the new album is a soulful and heartfelt testament of survival against the odds, with nine songs telling a story about the power of friendship and strength in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear from band members Pina and Sally as they join Crispi on Radio City.

Co-founder of 'Old Crow Medicine Show' and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings collaborator, Willie Watson is back with a suite of new music. Stripped of the cowboy hat and expectations, Watson has emerged as a songwriter of rare depth and truth. His new work stands proudly alongside the folk canon he has long championed - songs that remind us of our shared burdens, resilience and the possibility of renewal. Tune in as Ernie catches up with Willie ahead of his show at Brunswick Ball on March 4.

On February 14, local artist Queenie will be taking her melting pot of immersive soundscapes, raw emotion and powerhouse vocals to Riverboats Music Festival in Echuca. Blending vulnerability with voltage, Queenie’s songs cut deep - led by 'Not Divine', which was shortlisted for APRA’s 2025 Song of the Year and cemented her reputation as a fearless, genre-blurring songwriter. Tune in to Swinging Doors as Queenie joins Ernie on the show.

Tune in to Junkyard this week as Michael Mulholland catches up with members from local super group Bleak Squad. Made up of Adalita, Mick Harvey, Mick Turner and Marty Brown, the alternative 4 piece will be coming in for a Studio 5 Live performance. Having received an AMP nomination last year for their debut album, the band has unveiled their new single 'Black and White' as their inaugural national tour draws to an end. Listen in to hear how the tour has been so far.

The new album 'Hotel Texas' from The Smith & Western Jury takes listeners on a captivating journey through tales of pain, love, and loss, showcasing the true quality of Australia’s alt-country scene. Rolling like a runaway freight train on stage, the band’s live performances take the golden twang, iconic guitar lines, and killer vocals of the recordings to another level. Tune in to hear about their show for the Summer Sizzler series, taking place at Memo Music Hall on February 21.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Norris Man is a distinguished roots reggae artist known for his soulful vocals and spiritually conscious lyrics. Inspired by reggae legends like Bob Marley, his musical journey began in the 1990s. After his break through with his 1997 single 'Persistence,' Norris Man has released numerous albums, including 'Life' (2023) and 'Free Man' (2024). Tune in to Babylon Burning as Jesse I catches up with him while he’s in town.

Blending acoustic, traditional folk, roots, and pop sounds, singer-songwriter Lucy Wise’s voice pulls hearts out from the shadows. She masterfully articulates the things we don’t often say out loud, describing in rich detail what it’s like to live in the world at this particular moment. Stopping by the Global Village to play a few live songs, Lucy chats with Roger about her forthcoming album 'Salt' and its crowdfunding campaign. Tune in to hear about her show at The Lomond Hotel on February 14.

ELISION is an internationally renowned ensemble, most noted for its focus on new and adventurous compositions by living composers, and works that place technical and performative demands on their musicians. Artistic Director Daryl Buckley is a widely respected performer on electric lap steel guitar with many compositions written for him, and for ELISION. Daryl joins Ian on the Sound Barrier, tune in to hear about ELISION's 40th Anniversary, celebrating their work from throughout their history.

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.

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. Joining Milo on The Breakfast Spread, tune in to hear Hatchie chat about her new record and show at Bergy Bandroom on Feb 27.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.