Interviews

Irish-American duo DUG, made up of Irish songwriter Lorkin O’Reilly and California clawhammer banjo player Jonny Pickett, are bringing their raw, rowdy, and harmony-steeped sound to 5ft High and Rising this Saturday morning. Tune in to hear their clever picking, fan-worthy fiddle tricks, and where you can catch them live across Victoria, including their show at Out On The Weekend on October 11.

One of India’s most distinctive and well-known singer-songwriters, Lucky Ali, returns to Melbourne for his 'Journey Through the Decades' tour. Performing his timeless melodies with his signature soulful voice at the Northcote Theatre on October 10, fans can expect a night filled with nostalgia and a rich musical journey. Stopping by Tiger Beats Elephant Grooves to catch up with Pradip, tune in to hear from the acclaimed actor and musician.

What happens when an ancient guzheng bumps into a jazz pianist, trips over a rocking percussionist and falls into the Chinese Museum? We'll find out when Chinese-Australian musician QiQi visits the Global Village to chat and play some live music on the 21-string guzheng, in the lead-up to her Fringe show Elysian Blues, taking place at the Chinese Museum on Sunday October 12.

A collaboration between two of Melbourne’s new music ensembles, Arcko Symphonic Ensemble and Six Degrees Ensemble, will be presented at Jolted Art Space on October 11 and 12. The concert will showcase works by Helen Gifford and Nigel Butterley, two of Australia’s most celebrated composers of new and avant-garde music, with 2025 marking the 90th birthday of each. Timothy Phillips, Justine Anderson, and Peter Dumsday join Ian on The Sound Barrier, tune in to hear about this special show.

Admiring the assurance and power of connection to one another, On Diamond are about to release their upcoming album ‘Melon on the Vine’ on October 9. The first two singles ‘Letting The Wheel Go By’ and ‘Downslide’ have taken audiences through their range of musical styles and improvisatory freedom, and is only the beginning of what’s to come on the upcoming 8 track LP. Elle catches up with On Diamond to see how they’re going before the album drops on Thursday.

Local music force of nature, Tamil Rogeon, is bringing his 16-piece orchestra to The Night Cat on October 18 for a kaleidoscopic night of jazz, dance and orchestral sounds. The violinist, composer, producer and genre-chameleon best known for blending cosmic jazz through to deep house, takes audiences into his ever-expanding, multi-dimensional universe in this immersive one-off show. Listen in to Mystic Brew with Mike Gurrieri as Tamil stops by to share more about this MIJF show.

On the day of his sold-out show at The Night Cat, underground alt-indie-punk icon Jon Spencer dropped by PBS to catch up with Phil MacDougall. An innovative force in the independent music scene since the mid-’80, and frontman of Pussy Galore, Blues Explosion, Heavy Trash, and HITmaker, Jon Spencer has returned to Australia for the first time in 10 years. Tune in to Firewater to hear what Jon's been up to since his last trip to Melbourne.

Widely credited as the first-ever death metal band, USA group Possessed helped shape the Bay Area thrash scene of the ’80s alongside Metallica and Exodus. Known for their ferocious speed and Jeff Becerra’s iconic growled vocals, the band left a lasting mark with groundbreaking releases, such as 'Seven Churches' in 1985. Coming to Naarm/Melbourne for the 'Seven Churches' 40th anniversary, tune in to hear Kene and Leah catch up with Jeff ahead of their show at The Croxton Bandroom on October 31.

From the heart of Melbourne’s heavy underground, Scattered Limbs deliver an unrelenting barrage of slamming brutal death metal forged from down-tuned riffs, breakneck drumming, and guttural ferocity. Freshly formed in 2025, the band is pioneering modern-day slam in the local heavy music scene, with vocal carnage by Gemini, guitar riffs delivered by Henry Green and Sam Trask-Marino on bass. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as Ryan chats to the band about their new, self-titled EP.

The new EP 'Deathstyle' from Western Sydney band Deficit drops on November 21, and vocalist Nathan Newman from the nu-metal group joins Ryan on Tyrannocoreus to chat about their upcoming 6-track release. Tune in to hear them chat about Deficit's recent tour with Alpha Wolf and their collaboration with Unity TX on their latest single, 'FYA'.

'Legacy' a three CD series featuring Doc Watson being interviewed by and performing alongside David Holt, will be airing on Southern Style on October 8. The first interview with Doc talks about his early years growing up blind and his early musical influences. Tune in to hear this interview, along with some of Doc’s classics amongst the program.  

Hailing from Madagascar and Réunion Island, Claudio Rabe brings his sonic force to Melbourne for one show only at The Evelyn Hotel on October 10. With the ability to transform ancestral influences into modern, dancefloor-ready anthems, Claudio’s live sets are hypnotic and rhythm-driven, with a celebration of movement, identity, and connection. Tune in as Lyndelle catches up with Claudio to chat about his upcoming show and his latest EP, 'Mosary'.

The electrifying new collaboration between Naarm-based singer-songwriter Grace Robinson and producer/synthesist Christy Wositzky-Jones, Moss Body has just released a new single ‘Learn How To Love’. With shimmering synth pads, a driving subby bass, and Grace’s clear voice, the track is an exciting introduction to their sound. Tune in to The Afterglow Radio Show to hear Lyndelle catch up with Grace from the new music duo Moss Body.

Local post-punk, fun-time, gal-pals Party Pest will be finishing up with a bang on October 18 with a final party at Shotkickers. Starting their journey at a saucy 69th birthday, which inspired their creative dive into the depths of human depravity and their own wild abandon, the four-piece released their debut album 'Uninvited' last year. Jules, Jemma, and Kate join Crispi on Radio City, tune in to hear about their eight year journey as Party Pest.

In 1975, John Schwab and his band 'Mad Anthony' sat in a barn in Southern California and recorded their songs. Decades later, in a small town in Ohio, his son Ben Schwab came across his Dad's tapes that were stored in a box in a closet. Indie folk band Sylvie is the full return to the musical lineage and spirit that lived in all those lost yet beloved cassettes and reels. On the day of their show at Brunswick Ballroom, Ernie catches up with the trio.

Local vocalist Loretta Miller has made a name for herself as the powerhouse frontwoman of touring act JAZZPARTY, electrifying audiences with her undeniable natural talent. Now, she’s stepping into the spotlight with her debut solo album 'Loretta', a rich and sprawling blend of alt-country, indie Americana, '70s-tinged soul, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Richie 1250 catches up with Loretta after her Studio 5 Live session, tune in from 6pm for this interview.

Local musician Stella Anning is taking to the Black Wax stage this October for a stripped-back, in-studio performance of her genre-blending music, drawing from jazz, neo-soul, and folk traditions. Performing on the electric guitar, she’ll share with Adam Rudegeair songs from her new album 'Yellow Brick Veneer' and chat about her residency under the mentorship of Shabaka Hutchings and Ganavya. Tune in to hear about her upcoming show at the Kew Court House on October 31.

Sydney melodic hardcore band Bloom are set to release their sophomore album 'The Light We Chase' later this month. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of personal grief, broken trust, and the ongoing struggle with hope. Vocalist Jono Hawkey and drummer Jack Van Vliet join Ryan on Tyrannocoreus to talk about the band’s monumental growth over the past two years, tune in to hear how international audiences are connecting with their music.

'Bitter Disappointment' is the debut album from local nu-metalcore band Glow, and members of the band drop by Tyrannocoreus to chat with Ryan about how the release is going so far. Tune in to hear what they’ve got planned for the rest of 2025.

On this episode of Roots of Rhythm, local guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, producer, Jeff Lang drops in to chat with Helen Jennings about his upcoming shows. Having built a reputation for making startling music that is accomplished, intricate, gutsy, melodic and loaded with soul, Jeff has consistently inspired audiences with a stylistically diverse catalogue spanning 32 albums. Tune in to hear about Jeff's upcoming appearance at the Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival on November 2. 

Part two of the CD series 'Legacy', featuring Doc Watson being interviewed by and performing alongside David Holt, will be airing on Southern Style. This part two concludes with 'The Legacy Concert', a live performance by Doc and David. Tune in to hear this special recording.

After years of honing his craft in bands like the powerpop-driven Rinehearts and the high-energy LEECHES!, Benny J Ward drops 'Super!', his self-recorded and debut album. Brimming with poptastic charm and irresistibly catchy tunes, 'Super!' is a joyous ride from start to finish, bursting with jangly guitars, glittering hooks, and pure melodic magic. Crispi catches up with Benny on Radio City, chatting about the new release and his upcoming show at The Tote on November 4 with The Meanies.

'Plastic Bouquet' by Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams was released in 2020, and was met with critical acclaim by Pitchfork and NPR Music, to name a few. Now nearly 5 years on, Kacy & Clayton are touring Australia for the first time, and the stars have aligned for 'Plastic Bouquet' to be performed in full for the first time ever on October 15 and 16 at the Brunswick Ballroom. Tune in to Swinging Doors as Kacy & Clayton join Ernie for an exclusive live performance and interview.

Tune in to Swinging Doors for a lush live performance from ARIA-nominated group Minor Gold. Comprised of songwriters Tracy McNeil and Dan Parsons, their sophomore album 'Way to the Sun' is a harmony-drenched blend of cosmic country and folk. Recorded over seven sun-soaked days in California, the album slowly emerged like a hazy mirage from a cosmic suburban dream. Listen in from 3pm to hear Ernie catch up with the duo.

On October 17, local soul artist WILSN releases her sophomore album 'Bloom', a classic soul record she’s always dreamt of making. Recorded live to tape at Hive Mind Recording in Brooklyn, NYC, her latest record channels the spirit and sound of late-60s soul, creating something both timeless and contemporary. Stopping by The Breakfast Spread, tune in to hear WILSN perform an acoustic, live performance for Claire Dickson.  

'Rain in Space' is the latest album from local three-piece Tarcutta, and they're coming in to Pojama People to perform their swirling space rock live. Expect to hear their analogue-only instruments, including a Hammond organ built in 1933, played in a way its makers probably never intended. Tune in as Brian Polli chats with Peter Barrett, Justin Buckley, and Justin Wheelahan about their upcoming show at The Old Bar on November 8.

Inspired by Karen Davitt's personal experience of her mother’s ageing journey, and the profound role music played in her wellbeing and happiness, 'Bring It Home' is an evening of surprises, music, and sing-alongs. Taking place in the 'Coolroom' at Castlemaine’s Northern Arts Hotel, Helen catches up with Karen Davitt, Boris Conley, Steve Grant, and Patrick Cronin. Tune in to hear about their upcoming show on October 24.

The dynamic band from Lisbon, MAQUINA have made a significant impact on the Portuguese music scene since the release of their debut album 'DIRTY TRACKS FOR CLUBBING' in 2023. Known for their high-energy performances that fuse dance culture with heavy-hook songcraft, the band quickly earned a strong reputation and have been touring non-stop ever since. While traveling through Portugal, Vasco caught up with the band at their sold-out show in Lisbon. Tune in to hear from the trio.