Interviews

Tune in to Firewater this Tuesday as Claire Stuchbery catches up with US singer Matt Caughthran from LA punk bands Mariachi El Bronx and The Bronx. Born more than two decades ago, the bands have since carved out an impressive career of its own, drawing on the band’s deep connection to the Hispanic music and culture of their Los Angeles home. Tune in from 5pm to hear about the show happening at the Forum on March 3.

A passionate vinyl collector who discovered the world of records six years ago - a turning point in her life - Margot’s experience at Fréquence, a cocktail bar in Paris, allowed her to work alongside inspiring individuals who introduced her to an incredible music scene. There, she encountered renowned European DJs who shaped her musical tastes and continue to influence her approach to music today. Tune in to Dounya as DJ Matab catches up with Margot about her love for music.

Locally based party group Succulent Funk champions underground sounds that speak to the soul. Built around community and grounded in house, disco, funk and soul - but never confined by them, it’s a space for shared moments, open minds and dancers moving together. Tune in to Boogie Beat Suite as MzRizk is joined by Jasper, chatting about 'Three Years Of Succulent Funk' at Quadraphonic Club on January 30, along with a special guest mix.

Experimental jazz artist Horatio Luna is back in action, gearing up for a show at The Night Cat with Erica Tucceri, On-Ly, and Orbit. Expect deep grooves, heavy vibes, and late-night energy on Thursday, January 29 from 9pm. Ahead of the show, Mike Gurrieri catches up with Horatio Luna - tune in to hear about his recent musical endeavours. 

Vocalist dedicated to communication, connection and flow, local vocalist Jenny Barnes has carved out a distinct musical identity, captivating audiences with her raw energy, depth and connection. Local legend Duré Dara (OAM) is an improvising percussionist in her early 80s and has been a stalwart member of Naarm’s improvised music community for decades. Tune in to Deeep Space as Lloyd Briggs is joined by Jenny and Duré. 

Tune in as Ian catches up with Tahlia Palmer, aka Amby Downs - an Australian indigenous multi-disciplinary artist, now based locally. Working with field recordings and sound art to create stories connected to place and histories of ancient indigenous life alongside colonised destruction of land, they’ll be discussing the importance of her own indigenous heritage, along with erasure of that in the context of the European-dominated culture in which she was raised, and how this influences her art.

Melbourne’s own outlaw orchestra The Counterfeit are set to saddle up once again for a cinematic showdown at Thornbury Theatre on Friday, January 31, performing The Music of Ennio Morricone and The Spaghetti West - a live celebration of the golden era of Italian Western soundtracks. Locked, loaded, and ready to fire on all cylinders, Myles catches up with members of 12 piece band ahead of the show next weekend.

Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear Kene's conversation with Finnish melodic doom/death band Swallow the Sun about their first Australian tour, spiders and being kicked in the head by a Kangaroo.

Ahead of their "Return to Prison Island Australian Tour" later this month, Belgian death metal band Aborted chat to Kene about their penchant for blending technicality with brutal, often horror-themed lyrics.

Frankston's rockin' teenbeat/rhythm and blues band The Gnomes have kicked off their Melbourne 'Dive! Dive! Dive!' tour, which will see them play a show every weekend around Melbourne (with one stop in Bendigo) in the lead up to Golden Plains on March 7 - 9. Tune in to Sunglasses After Dark as Phil catches up with the band ahead of their show at The Gem this weekend, followed by a show at The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar on January 30.

This Thursday on Junkyard, Michael Mulholland catches up with Charles Caldas (guitarist) and Claudia White (bassist) from These Future Kings. Formed in 1984, These Future Kings became a fixture on Melbourne's local circuit. Tune in to hear them discuss the band's history, the unreleased 1990 album 'Via Dolorosa', along with all of the band's digitally released recordings. 

Emerging from the ether, Moody Beaches return to Northcote Social Club for one last sonic rip through their back catalogue before the post-grunge project completes it’s final orbital loop on January 24. Offshooting from Melbourne’s punk-rock underbelly in 2017, Moody Beaches channel the thunderous riffs of early post-punk and grunge, driven by the melodic vocal hooks reminiscent of The Breeders and The GoGo’s. Tune in to hear Crispi catch up with Anna Lienhop ahead of the band's final show.

After a decade of multi-award-winning music with RVG, Romy Vager debuts her new musical chapter with a very special intimate preview of her new album on Friday 23rd January at Northcote Social Club. Ahead of this unmissable show, Romy drops in to PBS for a round of Musical Chairs with Milo. Tune in early to The Breakfast Spread to hear more.

This week on Southern Style Jan is joined in the studio by Jason Colville who programs and presents the show “Cackalacky" on OCR FM, Colac. Tune in as Jan and Jason share some favourite tracks including the song Cackalacky by Jim Lauderdale and Si Kahn - the inspiration for Jason's long-running program.

Tune in to Tyrannocoreus this week as Ryan catches up with Oliver Rae Aleron, vocalist for Canadian technical death metal group Archspire. They'll be chatting about the band's upcoming fourth album 'Too Fast To Die', going independent, along with their upcoming shows at the Froth And Fury Festival - taking place in Perth on January 24, and Adelaide on January 31.

Joining Chris Pearson on Pojama People this Tuesday is local artist Danielle Whalebone. Delivering a mesmerising night of art rock, spoken word, and experimental sound, Danielle Whalebone presents 'Whispers of Shadows', an immersive live performance that blends music, projections, and emotion at the National Theatre in St Kilda. Tune in to hear about her upcoming show on January 24.

'Cult of the Lamb' is an iconic video game with an equally iconic soundtrack, both of which are made in Melbourne and have resonated with millions of fans around the world. With the game's first major expansion 'Woolhaven' releasing this week, Sydney-based singer-songwriter Ray aka Arrowbird discusses her musical contributions to the world of the game, and her collaboration with the late, beloved Narayana Johnson (River Boy), composer of the game's original soundtrack.

Emerging, independent folk artist Rupert Bullard from Lutruwita/Tasmania is set to release his debut album with acclaimed producer John Castle (Vance Joy, Paul Kelly) in 2026. Chatting with David Pisker, Rupert drops in to PBS to promote his latest single 'Breathe Out,' and to reflect on his recent tour of Britain and Ireland. Tune in to Underground Love from 3pm to hear more.

Releasing music under the stage name A K U, Akshay Kumar Vig is a designer and record producer, who in both practices is a cultural collagist and collector. The LA-based producer creates pieces that unveil cultural connections by blending ideas and creative languages from ethnic communities and subcultures. The result is a dynamic brew of Arabic, Afro and Indian genres with jungle, footwork, and trap beats. Tune in to Dounya to hear A K U chat with DJ Matab.

One of New Zealand's leading vocal ensembles, the Signature Choir joins the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a night of powerful storytelling on January 31. With more than 90 voices in harmony, performing gospel, classical, modern and traditional Pasifika music in a sound that is fresh, moving and unmistakably Pacific. Choir Co-Director Jadrah Tupai drops in to The Gospel Show to chat with Peter about this very special collaboration.