Interviews

‘The Same Cave’ is Pascal Babare’s 5th LP, and his first solo departure from folk songs into electronic music. Imagined and realised throughout 2021 in his Melbourne home studio, the project began spontaneously – late nights on his computer experimenting with mangling found sounds and old recordings – but quickly became more conceptually grounded. Tune in to Underground Love to hear more from Pascal about this work.

Embracing a funkier and more soulful approach to his songwriting and sound whilst continuing to explore and expand upon his style, Naarm-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Dom Brinkley is readying himself to release his new single ‘Bad Wine.' Tune in from 5am on Transfigurations to hear Dom catch up with Lucas about the single and its launch show at Bar Open July 21.

'Punch the Shark' explores the ferocious power of resurrection and pulls Sweetie towards the grisly end of their flagship devo-country-punk style, and draws on influences from early riot grrls and lo-fi grunge rock icons. Sweetie calls in to Homebrew to talk about 'Punch the Shark.'

High Pass Filter were one of the most prolific, progressive and important bands in Melbourne's thriving alternative scene through the 1990s and early 2000s. This month La Sape Records are releasing a retrospective look at some long-lost High Pass Filter recordings, and there's talk of some shows in the near future. Guitarist Kelly Ryall drops in to Deeep Space to tell Lloyd all about the release and some fond memories of HPF from the 90s and early 2000s.

'Jenfest' is a tribute to singer and film producer Jennifer Ross. Jenfest will give a chance for everyone who knew Jenny, or was touched by her presence or her work, to celebrate her life. Phil chats with Jennifer's brother David Ross about the tribute at the Bendigo Hotel July 23.

Dark Dream folk ensemble Dandelion Wine have released their fifth album 'Hereafter.' Combining medieval Anglo/Celtic and Greek/Byzantine traditions with contemporary synthesis, 'Hearafter' sees the group in quartet mode and features co-founders Naomi Henderson and Nicholas Albanis, along with cellist Francesca Mountfort and Phil Coyle on frame drums, tombak and aludu. Tune in to Bleeding Black Hearts Revue to hear the band play a couple of tunes.

With the vibrant sound of a saxophone wailing over the full-bodied throb of a Hammond B-3 organ being pushed along by a driving beat from the drums, it is no wonder why Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo has been one of the most popular bands over the past thirty plus years on the Melbourne scene. Saxophonist Paul Williamson catches up with Tom to chat about the combo's Leaps & Bounds show.

Melbourne International Film Festival returns for its 71st edition with two stellar Australian films as the festival’s Opening Night (Shayda) and Music on Film Gala (Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story) features. The two Galas will lead an expansive 2023 program with the festival returning to cinemas from 3-20 August, regional locations between 11- 13 and 18-20 August and online with MIFF Play from 18-27 August. Annika chats with MIFF programmer Kate Jinx about the 2023 program.

Vocalist Matt Flood and guitarist Craig Robinson of UK post-hardcore band Caskets speak with Ryan about their upcoming new album 'Reflections,' coming to tour Australian in July and plans for the rest of the year.

Palace Of The Blues is the stripped back version of hard rockers Palace Of The King. Tune in to Pojama People from 8pm Tuesday to hear the band play a set in Studio 3 and talk about their July residency at Ringo Barr.

Stalwarts of the Melbourne pub-rock scene from the noughties, The Double Agents are putting the band back together for a special show on July 14th at Northcote Social Club to celebrate a compilation of some of their best work, now out on vinyl. Titled "Best Bits… So Far," the compilation is a response to vocalist and songwriter Dave Butterworth's battle with cancer, which has consequently inspired the band to write new songs. Tune in to Firewater to hear from Dave and fellow member Kim Walvisch.

Tune in to Underground Love this arvo from 4:30pm to hear Jordan chat with bubblegum psych explorers Parsnip! They'll be letting us know all about their upcoming performance at PBS' Rock A Bye Baby this Thursday, plus the rest of the goss from Parsnip HQ!

Titan Debirioun came to Australia as a four-year-old with no parents. Today, the South Sudanese recording artist from Melbourne's outer western region is a social justice advocate dedicated to continuing the exploration of art as a means of protest. As part of Multicultural Arts Victoria's NEWPRINT2 program, Tinan presents Crescendo II, a carefully curated event series that aims to elevate local artists. Ahead of the show at Howler on July 14th, Titan drops in for a chat with MzRizk.

Known as the Grammy nominated keyboardist/co-producer and cowriter of Hiatus Kaiyote, Simon Mavin has released his debut solo EP 'Only You & Me.' Simon chats to Mike about the Ep.

Indie rock project of siblings Lily and Pearl Harnath and Henry Lucas, Hot Glue have just released their second single 'Honey' from their forthcoming debut album 'Hatchet.' Tune in to Monday's Homebrew to hear the band play a couple of tunes.

Formed in 2023, Tariro are a neo soul and R&B girl group who have created a unique blend of soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics that speak to the heart of their listeners. Vimbai Shammah joins Ajak on Come Together to talk about their performance at The Boite's showcase event 'FLIGHT' happening on Sunday 16th July.

MESS returns to The Substation with the seventh edition of the octophonic, commissioned concert series Sonorous. Sonorous VII presents new works by two favourites of the MESS community, Katerina Stathis and Jonnine Nokes, who have engaged with MESS’s vast collection of instruments to grow their sonic harvests into beautiful, multi-channel compositions. Katerina Stathis and Jonnine Nokes pass through The Sound Barrier to talk to Ian ahead of their performances at The Substation on July 29.

‘It’s Been A While Since Our Last Correspondence’ is the new collaborative spoken word and music record by renowned Australian solo artist and composer David Bridie. During the quiet of the 2020 pandemic, David reached out to 13 spoken word artists inviting them to compose and narrate a piece. David calls in to the Global Village to talk about ‘It’s Been A While Since Our Last Correspondence.’

Makepisi are a five-piece a capella group who sing contemporary and traditional South African songs in the style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Sello Molefi calls in to Flight 1067 to Africa to talk about the group's performance at Burnley Brewing on July 14.

Grammy-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids return to Australia this July, fresh off the back of releasing their first single Running On Sweet Smile from their forthcoming album. Joey Ryan calls in to 5ft High & Rising to talk to Myles about their upcoming Melbourne shows.