Interviews

Global Village’s NAIDOC Week Special showcases an incredible lineup of First Nations artists, celebrating their profound and enduring contributions to the Australian music scene. Thanks to the trailblazing work and spirit of legends like Archie Roach and Christine Anu, we’re now witnessing a powerful new wave of talent — musicians such as Emily Wurramara and Bumpy — who continue to shape and enrich the sound of this country and community. Join us for this tender tribute to music made on Country.

Local Chilean-background singer-songwriter Vanessa Estrada visits the Global Village to discuss her debut EP, and its launch at Shotkickers on Sunday, July 11. Vanessa's music blends South American folk traditions with contemporary textures. This personal body of work tells Vanessa's story of migration, protest, missing home, and love. It speaks to different facets of Vanessa's identity and journey—as an artist, immigrant, and a woman navigating a complex world through music.

This week on Deeep Space, tune in as Llyod Briggs is joined by Ian Thompson, author of 'Synths, Sax and Situationists' along with James Pianta from Roundtable Records. They'll be discussing the upcoming exhibition 'Paris May 68', exploring the creative aftershocks of the seismic events in Paris May 1968 through French underground music, films and posters.

Tune in to Homebrew this NAIDOC Week for the latest and freshest sounds from First Nations artists. Join Brooke from 3pm as she celebrates these incredible musicians, taking you on an unforgettable, sonic journey.

This NAIDOC week we welcome DJ Yarra, a rising star in the minimal house scene celebrated for her intricate mixes and hypnotic beats. With a deep appreciation for the subtleties of sound, she crafts immersive sets that transport listeners to an ethereal dance floor. Born and raised on Wathaurong country and hailing from Central QLD, Yarra is a homegrown hero with a stacked calendar: Leaps and Bounds takeover at Bodriggy on July 26, FreeForm festival on October 10, and plenty more in the works.

Coming in to Mystic Brew to co-host the show with Mike Gurrieri this NAIDOC Week is Noongar artist Poli Pearl. An immensely talented selector and beatmaker, Poli Pearl is also a composer and instrumentalist in the apocalyptic jazz/fusion group Special Feelings. Tune in for some hand-picked tracks from Poli Pearl, along with some chats with Mike in-between the grooves.

Since rising from the sewers of Melbourne in 2022, Küntsquäd have a new album on the horizon called 'Satan's Cock'. The first single 'Psychotropic Lyfe' dropped just last month, and the band joins Kene and Leah to chat about the upcoming release. Tune in to find out when the unholy-crust-death-metal band will unleash their new record.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Ryan on Tyrannocoreus will showcase music from bands that have Indigenous members, as well as an interview with Jimmy Kyle from local First Nations indie punk band, Chasing Ghosts. Ryan and Jimmy chat about Chasing Ghosts’ powerful new album 'Therapy', the band’s vision for 2025 and beyond, and engage in an open-hearted discussion around the 'Welcome to Country' debate. Tune in for this NAIDOC Week special.

In 2023, Frank Sultana won first place at the Memphis International Blues Challenge and took home four Sydney Blues Society Awards. Now returning from the USA for the fourth time in two years, his ‘Down Home’ tour will feature over 30 shows from March through to July, performing solo in intimate, hand-picked venues across the country. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm to hear more about Frank's upcoming shows.

On July 13 at Memo Music Hall, Sarah Carroll and Shannon Bourne will bring their deep understanding of great songwriting and musicianship to an intimate, live setting. Creating music that chimes with sincerity, Sarah Carroll will be performing with her band The Big Fuss, which features her two favourite guitarists Shannon Bourne and Leigh Ivin, as well as her sons Fenn Wilson and George Carroll Wilson. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm as Sarah chats with Helen about the show.

Blending elements of blues, jazz, swing, rockabilly, ska, and surf, Matt Dwyer creates feel-good, house-rockin’ music that’s entirely his own. Dropping into Jumpin' the Blues to catch up with Tom about his upcoming shows, tune in to find out where you can next catch Matt Dwyer bringing his music to life.

The incredible musical force of Noongar woman and Naarm-based artist Bumpy, will be joining Lyndelle on The Afterglow Radio Show this NAIDOC Week. Awarded the First Nations Artist Residency at last year’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Bumpy’s latest single 'MAAMBAKOORT' reflects the powerful yet dramatic way she felt when entering the saltwater of her Nanny’s country. With more new music on the horizon, tune in to hear Lyndelle catch up with the neo-soul and RnB musician.

Melbourne/Naarm-based award-winning singer-songwriter Jess Ribeiro writes with a haunting voice and plainspoken language that hides a wealth of meaning below the surface of her song craft. Jess Ribeiro’s ‘Mix Tape’ is a collection of abandoned pathways, parallel timelines, maybes and what-ifs, which will be out this July through Poison City Records. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear Jess talk about her new music, along with a few specially selected songs for a round of Musical Chairs.

Jenny Mitchell joins Down By The River following ​the latest release of 'Forest House', out now. Blending folk, Americana and country with heartfelt songwriting and a strong sense of home, 'Forest House' has already been praised by Kasey Chambers as “everything I love about Jenny Mitchell” and dubbed “album of the year” by Beccy Cole. Tune in as Jenny chats about the new record, her tour with Kasey Chambers, and the impact she hopes this project will have both musically and beyond.

Rocket Science play trashy-psychedelic-garage-punk with new wave, no-wave art-punk enthusiasm. The band's creative point of view is inspired by Roman Tucker’s songwriting and influenced by the band's innovative take on music. Formed mid-1998, the internationally renowned group are playing a one-off show at The Gem as part of Leaps and Bounds Festival on July 26. Tune in to hear Roman and Paul chat with Crispi about this special performance.

With raw lyricism and intimate delivery, California-Melbourne artist El Tee has been carving her place in the indie-folk scene since 2018. Following her debut album 'Everything Is Fine' in 2020, El Tee returns with 'Kind Safe Cool', a compelling six-track EP exploring emotional autonomy, grief, and the quiet strength of vulnerability, offering her most self-assured and stirring work to date. Tune in to Radio City to hear about her upcoming EP launch show at The Curtin on July 24.

Tune in to Swinging Doors this NAIDOC Week to hear Ernie present a special show celebrating the voices and stories of First Nations artists. From timeless classics to contemporary anthems, this curated set will honour the resilience, creativity, and cultural legacy of Indigenous musicians across generations. Whether you’re discovering new artists or revisiting old favourites, it’s a moving tribute to the music that continues to shape Australia’s cultural landscape.

Tune in to Stone Love this NAIDOC Week to hear Richie1250 play music only from Indigenous artists, along with an interview with Eleanor Jawurlngali, a Mudburra and Garrawa woman from Marlinja in the Northern Territory. Her music melds the contemporary with the traditional, singing in both traditional languages and English, and her self-titled EP is based on a concept of spiritual expression. Listen in from 5pm for this PBS exclusive show.

Growing up on the mid north coast of NSW, Matilda Sutherland was engulfed by folk, rock, and 80s ballads under the influence of her parents. Upon moving to Naarm in 2014, Matilda began her music career as a DJ in the local electronic underground, gaining recognition within the techno scene. Following her subsequent 'Holy Water' EP, Matilda presents 'Heat Stroke', a track which marks her return to country roots. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to be serenaded by some live music from Matilda.

Taking her brand-new album to the stage for the first time in Victoria, Aotearoa folk artist Greta O'Leary performs 'River Dark' this July 17, in an intimate and stripped-back show at the Wesley Anne. With a writing style marked by clarity of vision, Greta makes introspective observations that seamlessly interlock with her spare, spacious, and enthralling songcraft. She stops by PBS to play a few live songs from the album, tune in to Homebrew to hear this acoustic performance.

For Naarm/Melbourne tripwave trio Fade Evare, 'Welcome Back' is a celebration of reflection and the power of community. The album's force lies within the intersection of Mira's moving vocals and producer/brother Tori Holleman's bass-led, often hazy production. Rounded out by keyboardist Madeleine Magee Car, the three-piece has crafted a debut album full of lush, layered electronic soundscapes. For all the details on the project's creation and Fade Evare's upcoming plans, tune in to Headhunters.

Sam Octigan, vocalist for Naarm hardcore punk legends Iron Mind, swings by Tyrannocoreus to delve into their new album 'Test Of The Iron Mind' released via Last Ride Records on June 13. Ryan and Sam will chat on the band's history and future, covering how the five-piece went from low activity to an insatiable touring beast, and exchange thoughts on the current state of the Australian hardcore scene.

Tune in to Roots of Rhythm for ‘Wordy-Gurdy’, Part II of ‘John Campbell: The Greatest Guitarist You’ve Never Heard Of’. Having checked out his idiosyncratic take on other people’s songs in Part I, Helen and Jackey will explore more of his songwriting and production, spotlighting his original songs. Listen in for more great stories of John’s incredible life, as he shook up the blues scene of the 1980s and '90s with his fiery guitar work and formidable vocals.

Tom Somerville's music career was fated. Having played with his father Peter Somerville in The Burning Bridges, covering bluegrass and old time, as well as an expanding catalogue of original songs, Tom's musicality has been a longstanding family affair. Performing since 2012, The Burning Bridges appear regularly at national festivals and at venues across Naarm with two albums to date and another on the way. As a young fiddler, Tom's current forte is traditional Appalachian music.

Burning B3 Trio is the spirited combination of Liam Kealy's Hammond b3 organ and Sammy Owen's Stratocaster, together with Tony Martin on drums. From blazing jump blues to sizzling slow blues and everything in-between, Owen and Kealy play a true "Hammond trio, traditional blues show" in every sense. Turn up the dial and settle in for an afternoon performance with all the hues of the rhythm and blues.

The Maes bring contemporary folk, lush harmonies and acoustic mastery to Down By The River for a few live tracks followed by an interview with Lauren. Born in Victoria Australia, the sisters grew up emersed in a melting pot of music from around the world washed up on stolen land. The Maes are outstanding live, with engaging storytelling and spinetingling harmonies. With echoes of Gillian Welch and The Waifs, there is a timeless luminescence and simplicity to the sound of Maggie and Elsie Rigby.

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Mandy Connell is passionate about the breadth of folk music, working on solo projects as well as with larger bands such as the Stray Hens, where she reworks contemporary and trad folk ballads. Beyond performance and production, Mandy hosts a YouTube series called 'An Otherwise Quiet Room', presenting insightful interviews and showcasing musicians in unique social spaces. The diverse artist comes in to chat with Lauren about her dynamic show and career.

Eora's Bryan Estepa joins Crispi on Radio City, diving into his latest release 'I See It Now', out June 27 via Lilystars Records. With over two decades in the Australian independent music scene, Estepa has built a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and rich melodic craft. Across seven acclaimed studio albums and countless tours through Australia, Europe, the US, Japan and the Philippines, he’s quietly carved out a legacy as “one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.”

Sean McMahon of The Owls stops by Radio City ahead of the band's stacked weekend of shows: Merri Creek Tavern on August 1, Tanswell's Hotel in Beechworth on August 2, and the Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on August 3. With over a decade of writing, recording and performing, Sean has honed his craft as a musician who weaves poetic lyricism with timeless sounds inspired by classic vintage folk, rock and cosmic country. The frontman chats to Crispi about The Owls' latest offering, 'Gilded Morning'.

Professor Emeritus Michael Atherton AM joins Roger to discuss his newly released autobiography, ‘Never Miss a Beat’. An accomplished composer, writer, and educator from Sydney, Atherton has been a pioneering force in Australian inter- and cross-cultural music. From self-taught guitarist to founding member of seminal groups Sirocco and Southern Crossings, his work has shaped the sonic landscape of a grassroots multicultural music movement in the Naarm pub scene.

Fiery five-piece all-girl rockers Hot Machine join Chris on Pojama People ahead of Arockalypse Now, returning for its fourth year on August 2 at the Westernport Hotel, San Remo. Formed in 2023, the Naarm-based band burst onto the scene with their debut single ‘She’s on the Money’, and haven’t slowed down since—bringing their blazing rock and roll to stages across the country. Listen in as Hot Machine talk riffs, rebellion, and getting loud at one of Victoria’s wildest regional festivals.

Naarm punk-rock heavyweights Press Club join Claire on Firewater to talk all things ‘To All the Ones That I Love’ – their brave, energetic and emotionally charged fourth album, released May 2. Known for their electrifying live presence and DIY ethos, Press Club have spent the better part of a decade pushing boundaries in Australia’s punk scene. On their latest record, they fuse the raw intensity of their early work with a more mature, textured sound, showcasing Natalie Foster’s soaring vocals.

Seedy Jeezus is a 60s psychedelic beast melded to the throbbing corpse of 70s rock – an apt description for an outfit once described as "the bearded shamen of riffology" and "the acid blotter on the tongue of Jimi Hendrix." The band found its feet in 2015 and now boasts numerous studio albums, records, and EPs. No two gigs are the same, with spontaneous jams and deviations guiding their approach to the stage. For more on their next project, 'Damned To The Depths', tune in to Pojama People.

Pizza Death are crashing into Arockalypse Now with a live set that’s as greasy as it is gnarly. Hailing from Naarm, this cult thrash-punk crew serves up blistering crossover anthems about three things: pizza, death, and—you're on the money—death by pizza. Riding high on the global buzz of their sophomore record 'Reign of the Anticrust', Pizza Death has topped Coretex Records’ charts and left sold-out crowds sauced and stunned. Catch the most brutal dinner-and-a-show experience on August 2.

Naarm-based composer and guitarist Cam Butler sits down with Lyndelle on The Afterglow for a live in-studio performance and interview. Known for his genre-blending work with electric guitar and string instruments, Cam has played in bands like Silver Ray, Cam Butler & The Shadows Of Love, and The Coralinas. He visits the show fresh off the release of his most personal album yet, ‘Spirits Flying Home’—a solo electric guitar record marked by lush distortion, looping, and deep emotional resonance.

Naarm-based Bernadette Novembre settles into Radio City to premiere her new single 'Sliding', officially out on August 1 with a music video to accompany. The Avant-indie alt rock singer-songwriter will discuss her latest release, the launch event at the Northcote Social Club on September 13, and what's on the forecast for the rest of the year. Listen in to hear it all first on PBS airwaves.

Rick Sands from Sand Brothers, the musical project formed alongside Greg Walker, Pete Cook, Din Robers and Glen Scarlett, enter the studio to chat about their latest EP, 'Shadows In The Square' and their upcoming show supporting Bleak Squad at Meeniyan Town Hall on August 2. Expect disheveled coastal rock interconnected by thematic lyricism and elevated by the haunting violin of Dayna Roberts – more on all that on Radio City with Crispi.

Milly Strange heads to The Breakfast Spread to perform a few stripped back acoustic songs ahead of her debut self-titled album, out August 8 via Community Music. The 8-track project reveals its tensions in full, weaving sharp emotional honesty with vivid imagery and tender moments of introspection. Milly's music thrives on contrasts – light and dark, past and present, beauty and unease. With a headline show at Northcote Social Club on September 18, don't miss this special set and interview.

Australian blues and soul guitar icon Geoff Achison swings by Roots of Rhythm ahead of his 60th Birthday Gig at Memo Music Hall on August 29. Backed by his powerhouse band The Souldiggers, Geoff will celebrate his milestone with a night of blues, rock and soul, sharing the stage with genre-defying shredder Kathleen Halloran and blues master Shannon Bourne. Tune in for a chat about Geoff’s storied career, what fans can expect from this special gig, and why turning 60 is no reason to slow down.