Interviews

Berlin-based Australian composer and cellist Judith Hamann joins Australian/Egyptian drummer and sound artist Robbie Avenaim to chat to Ian this week about their involvement in the latest Liquid Architecture presentation 'Investigations', Saturday June 24 at the Meat Market, North Melbourne.

The Midnight Ramblers were formed in 2017, as a side project to help Dave Wright delve deep into his vast catalogue and re-imagine some of his most popular songs into down home country and bluegrass stompers. Tune in to 5ft High & Rising to hear Dave Wright & The Midnight Ramblers play a couple of songs from their new album 'Darkness Calling' ahead of its launch at George Lane June 23.

'Man on Fire' is the latest single from Les Thomas. Capturing the immediate aftermath and near-hospitalisation of being pushed to his emotional and psychological 'Man on Fire' draws on those painful lessons in a way that gives hope. Tune in to 5ft High & Rising to hear Les talk about the single and its launch along side debuting his full band at George Lane June 22.

Jason Isbell is a storyteller at the peak of his craft, observing his fellow wanderers, looking inside and trying to understand, reducing a universe to four minutes. With help from his fearsome backing band, The 400 Unit, 'Weathervanes' is Isbell's new collection of songs about adult love, change, the danger of nostalgia, the interrogation of myths. It is about cruelty, regret, and redemption, and he cannot wait to tell Myles O'Neil Shaw about it. Tune in early on Saturday morning to hear more.

Ahead of his performance at The Forum for RISING Festival, Nigerian UK-based artist Obongjayar graced PBS to speak to Kix. Tune in to Friday's edition of Afro Turn Up from 10pm to hear their conversation.

Power pop wonder Wesley Fuller returns with ‘Back to Square One,' his first new single since 2018. Wesley calls by Radio City to tell listeners about it.

Following on from their cold, chorus-drenched debut 12” EP from 2021, Naarm-based outfit Body Maintenance channel the stark characteristics of goth poised between the overarching pop familiarity of new wave on their first full length album 'Beside You.' Kristen is joined by Riley, Nick and James from Body Maintenance to talk about 'Beside You.'

The Hornets have a lot to be excited about. In 2022, they celebrated their silver anniversary, recorded a new EP and signed to Laneway Music. Craig Horne, Jeff Bursting and Bruce Haymes join Helen on Roots of Rhythm to talk about their new EP and its launch at George Lane June 24.

With sounds ranging from dreamy pop, country and hypnotic folk to vintage Americana and modern folk-rock, these three artists have become a staple in the blues and folk diet in Melbourne. Tanya Lee-Davies, Alison Ferrier and Little Wise talk to Helen about their special night of collaboration at Merri Creek Tavern on June 16.

Performing arts company Forest Collective have joined forces with Geelong composer and pianist Kym Alexandra Dillon and baritone Stephen Marsh to perform Kym Alexandra Dillon's newest work 'Diapsalmata: Portrait of self.' The work sees a composer bid farewell to her shattered identity and gender dysphoria, through a heartfelt and artistic rendering of her journey to freedom and discovery. Cas talks to Kym about the forthcoming performance of the work.

Ryan speaks to vocalist of The Last Martyr, Monica Strut about the band's new single 'Comedy/Tragedy,' their upcoming headline tour and celebrating Pride Month as a band with LGBTQ+ members.

Guitarist/vocalist for local prog rock band Flitcraft, Phillip T King joins Kene and Leah Noir for a special edition of Burning Pojamas to talk about the band's second album 'House at the Centre of the Universe,' its launch at The Evelyn Hotel on June 24 and why everything he writes is about space.

The Toads have just released their debut album 'In the Wilderness' through Anti Fade and Upset The Rhythm. Stella and Elsie from the band pop in to Underground Love to chat about the making of the record and upcoming live shows.

Ahead of launching their debut album 'Taxi Kids' at The Gem on June 17, local indie-pop group Think About You chat with Jordan in the studio about their unique approach to music-making.

On Sunday 18 June, music-loving footy fans will descend upon Victoria Park for the annual Reclink Community Cup to see the mighty Megahertz (PBS 106.7FM and RRR 102.7FM) take on the rugged Rock Dogs (musicians) as well as music from Close Counters, Gut Health, Teeny Tiny Stevies, Our Carlson, The Merindas, Mzrizk and the Cosmic Psychos. This huge day will see two of Melbourne’s greatest loves, music and footy combine. Athina from Gut Health joins Brooke to talk about the game and its line up.

For RISING Festival Speak Percussion presents Sonic Eclipse, an immersive percussive event that interweaves four new Australian compositions into a seamless exhalation of spatialized sound. Featuring 50+ mobilized drummers and wind players, and an ensemble of 12 leading percussionists, this performance bleeds across three floors and into the magnificent acoustics of the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. This Sunday percussionist Kaylie Melville drops in to tell Ian all about the work.

Combining songwriting and activism since 1991, Kutcha Edwards is a celebrated First Nations Artist who's latest project has been gracing NITV screens with 'Kutcha Carpool Karaoke'. He will be on Subway Sounds with Suzi to talk about the Rising Festival event he is hosting at the Forum on Sunday 11 June. The event, called Waripa (means ceremony in Mutti Mutti) and is a chance to honor Blak artists from the last 40 years, and will feature a vibrant list of guests.

The musical collaboration of Willy Vlautin and singer Amy Boone, The Delines return to Australia for the second time to perform from their mesmerising catalogue including songs from their critically acclaimed album 'The Sea Drift.' The band stopped by PBS to play a live in studio set during their Melbourne shows.

Intersecting gothy Americana and gritty folk, Ben de la Cour carves out a unique sound whilst subtly nodding to his influences. The Nashville residing artist will be joining Myles on 5ft High and Mighty to talk about his latest studio album 'Sweet Anhedonia,' which see's the artist at his narrative, nuanced best, delivering songs that seethe one minute and soothe the next.

London-based South African DJ and band leader Esa is on a global mission to to revive the legacy of the South African dance music borne during apartheid. As part of RISING, Esa brings to Melbourne the soulful melodies, electrified grooves and bubblegum bass pop of the ‘80s and ‘90s with the help of Zanzibar-born singer composer and campaigner Mim Suleiman as well as South African disco star Kamazu. Esa and Kamazu join Milo on Brekky to chat more about their weekend show at Max Watt's.