Interviews

During the 1950s, the Melbourne folk scene was thriving. A new exhibition is dedicated to the Lumsden Family who were involved in folk singing, recording stories and putting on some of the first gatherings of the Melbourne folk revival. Tune in to the Global Village as exhibition curator, Alex Ettling, joins Roger to chat about an associated concert in Footscray on March 7, featuring folk artists: David Lumsden, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Margret RoadKnight, and The O’Hanlons.

The latest album 'Raw Denshi’ from Aaron Choulai is a combination of dirty samples, lush horn and string orchestration, bilingual raps and complex improvisation all woven together into Aaron Choulai's distinct approach to composition. Being both an award-winning pianist and a prominent beat maker in Japanese hip hop, Choulai creates a complex world of sound and structure featuring some of Japan's most popular MC's and vocalists. Tune in to Stars In The Static as the Tokyo based artist stops by.

Stopping by Homebrew this afternoon for an acoustic, in-studio live session is Maggie Alley. Blending dark folk with raw rock energy, she creates music that is as haunting as it is powerful. Maggie Alley and her band have just released a new single, which she'll be chatting about on Homebrew with Brooke. Tune in for some gritty folk and atmospheric rock, that’s both intense and electrifying.  

This Labour Day long weekend, 'ABSORBED V' takes over Miscellania for three days of ecstatic, hopeful, and boundless music. The stacked lineup features a range of DJs and live acts, including Bridget Small and Henry Guala, Mioko Shiga (JPN), Tangerine (live), and Michael Kucyk. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread as Michael Kucyk joins Claire Dickson to chat about the festival.

Chilean-Australian percussionist, composer, educator, producer and recording artist Alex Pertout will be stopping by Dounya this Tuesday. A founding member of the Australian Art Orchestra, he’s performed as a soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with a wide variety of artists, including Paul Kelly, Badi Assad, James Morrison and Casiopea to name a few. Tune in to hear more about Alex Pertout's impressive musical career.

The musician and activist Ganna is sharing Ukraine’s cultural heritage through her blend of traditional folk, electronic, classical, and experimental music. Playing at WOMAD this March, as well as performing at Jazzlab on March 8, she's just released her new album 'UTOPIA' which she describes: “Hope is sometimes the only thing that keeps us going. Ukrainian folk songs are part of my UTOPIA: a space for my country and a way to help make my culture visible.” DJ Matab catches up with Ganna.

Aotearoa’s heavy psych-rock two-piece Earth Tongue are about to release their new album 'Dungeon Vision' ahead of their Australian tour with Ty Segall. Produced by Segall, the duo were awarded Best Group at the Aotearoa Music Awards in 2025 and will be playing at The Croxton Bandroom on March 4. Currently based in Berlin, tune in to Pojama People as the duo catch up with Chris Pearson while they’re in town.

On March 6 at The Creature Bar in Brunswick, local grunge group Howling Mountain will release their new single ’Numb Blooded’. Finding a distinct sound from the freedom of stoner rock and dirty blues, the music is reminiscent of the brutal honesty of those styles, with the flesh and bone that a determined three piece can only deliver. Chris Pearson catches up with the band on Pojama People ahead of their show.

Tonight on Tyrannocoreus, Ryan will be interviewing Greg Burgess, lead guitarist for US melo tech group Allegaeon. Having just released 'The Ossuary Lens’, they’ll be chatting about the reception their new album has received, and how vocalist Ezra Haynes has joined the band once again. Tune in to hear about their Australian headline tour, playing in Naarm on March 8 at The Corner Hotel.

Mikey Arthur, vocalist for Naarm/ Melbourne cinematic metalcore outfit The Gloom In The Corner, will be catching up with Ryan on Tyrannocoreus. Their 12-track new album 'Royal Discordance' is out in late February via SharpTone Records, and they’re about to head on tour with King 810 and DREGG. Tune in to hear how the band bonded during their recent tours across Europe and North America.

Claire Edwardes OAM has built a career in new music by asking what percussion can be and how it can boldly reflect the world we inhabit. Drawing inspiration from chaos theory, 'Dual Attractor' explores two gravitational centres pulling in different directions. For Claire, these opposing forces are found in the relationship between performer and instrument, and the distinct voices of marimba and vibraphone. Tune in to hear about her show at the Melbourne Recital Centre on March 18.

Chain, the originators of ‘Oz-Blues’, present an evening that includes their hits from the early 70's through to recent albums, all delivered with the energy and cohesion they are known and loved for. Founding member of the band, Phil Manning, has had an impressive career as a guitarist and catches up with Helen ahead of the shows. Tune in to Roots Of Rhythm as they discuss the performances going down at Memo Music Hall on March 7 and 8.

Following the successful release of their self-titled debut album in 2024, PepperCreek Revival and Kelly Auty embarked on a new creative journey together, releasing their sophomore album 'It's all Been Said'. The ten-track album weaves together themes of life’s journeys, embracing Australian roots and rock while exploring both joyful and challenging personal relationships inspired by the music the band has admired over the years. Barry Hills and Kelly Auty join Helen to chat about the record.

Brunswick Music Festival and In The Moment present a hub for music, culture, and community- spanning live radio, curated events, intimate gatherings, pop-ups, record-fairs and everything in between. To mark the beginning, join them for their official launch, taking place over two nights, where they will let loose, boogie and toast to the road ahead. Tune in to The Afterglow Radio Show as Lyndelle is joined by Mike Gurrieri who'll be chatting more about this event. 

This week on Game Jams, Matt will be joined by Ramon Bellett. A game developer at Super Spin Digital, the Melbourne-based indie studio behind the rhythm game Spin Rhythm XD, Ramon has composed the original liquid drum and bass soundtrack for their upcoming game 'Ligmanauts', a physics-driven party platformer launching on Steam later this year. Tune in to hear about the music engine that Ramon has built that generates an endless, evolving DnB mix.

Renowned in city pubs and regional halls for their country-soul, rock’n’roll boogie and high-energy performances, the Danny Walsh Banned are about to launch their new album 'No Monument' at Shotkickers on March 22. With singles like 'Emu War' and 'Mousetrap', the new album dives deep into Australian folklore and untold stories, expanding their sonic horizons and featuring a lineup of guest artists including Kylie Auldist, Davey Lane and Dave Graney. Tune in as Crispi catches up with Danny Walsh.

The Aireys Inlet Music Festival is happening from March 13–16, and the lineup features an array of great local artists, including Ella Thompson, The Meanies, Kathleen Halloran, and Sarah Carroll and The Big Fuss. PBS’s own Ernie is helping put the festival together and joins Crispi on Radio City to chat about it. Tune in to hear more.

'Get Low' is the new EP from Victorian songwriter and musician Sarah Carroll; an intelligent and adventurous five song trip which takes listeners from the intimacy, playfulness and pain of love to a wide-screen view of life itself. An intrinsic understanding of all manner of roots music, Sarah’s songs chime with sincerity and deal largely with her experiences as a teacher, mother, wife, political animal and touring musician. Tune in as she plays a few live songs to air on Swinging Doors.

On March 26 at Northcote Theatre, Faroese singer, composer and sonic alchemist Eivør and Norwegian composer and multi-instrumentalist Sylvaine will be joining forces for an unforgettable show. With a sound that has been described as a bridge between the sacred and the storm, Sylvaine's (Kathrine Shepard) album ‘Nova' solidified her as a leading figure in the black-gaze and atmospheric Nordic music scenes. Kene catches up with Sylvaine, tune in to hear about her first ever show in Australia.

Extreme doom band Mammon's Throne have just signed with Hammerheart Records and will be launching their third and largest opus to date ‘My Body to the Worms’ at the Leadbeater Hotel on March 14. Atmospheric metallers Aquilus will make a rare live performance to celebrate - their first show since their European tour. Joining Kene on Burning Bitumen, tune in to hear about their new album ‘My Body to the Worms’.

The mind behind RnBSide.Naarm, an R&B party for lovers of underplayed and underappreciated tracks from across the decades, FRESHXPRINCESS is known for their signature throwbacks, B-side deep cuts, and genre-blending mixes that fold in R&B, house, afrobeats, Jersey club, and more. Tune in to Moondial as DJ FRESHXPRINCESS joins Olive for a dynamic, feel-good guest mix.

'Sound of Women' is an initiative by rapper Krantinaari and percussionist-singer Charu, empowering women artists across India by preserving folk traditions while inspiring new expressions through contemporary music collaborations. With 'Studio Monkey Shoulder', Krantinaari travelled to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in a mobile studio bus, visiting communities where women’s voices are rarely heard. Pradip catches up with Krantinaari, tune in for this TBEG special for International Women's Day.

Versatile Chinese/Australian composer and world-leading contemporary guzheng artist, Mindy Meng Wang is known for collaborations ranging from the Australian Art Orchestra to Gorillaz. A pioneer to bring the guzheng into many western genres such as experimental, jazz, western classical, electronic, pop and improvisation, Mindy will be playing at the Big Jazz Day Out on March 21 at the Monash University Performing Arts Centre. Adam catches up with Mindy ahead of the epic jazz party.

Renowned for their ecstatic, free-flowing performances, Mildlife have lit up stages at Glastonbury, Primavera Sound, Montreux Jazz Festival, Love Supreme and beyond, transporting audiences through a kaleidoscopic journey of ’70s psychedelia, cosmic disco and deep-space jazz. They’ll be playing their Monash debut at Big Jazz Day Out on March 21, but first, Kevin Mcdowell from the local group stops by Black Wax to chat with Adam Rudegeair about the show.

Tune in to Boogie Beat Suite as MzRizk is joined by Derya Yıldırım and Grup Şimşek for a Studio 5 Live performance. Produced by Grammy-winning Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) and backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Şimşek, their latest album, 'Yarın Yoksa', is a standout record that challenges genre with a powerful message. Led by Derya Yıldırım - who sings and plays the bağlama (a seven-stringed Turkish lute), tune in to hear the band's psychedelic meets Anatolian folk music.

Known for their electrifying performances and politically charged punk anthems, Upchuck’s live shows have been blowing minds across the US and Europe with their wild, no-holds-barred approach. Delivering raw energy and a blend of punk, garage rock, and bluesy fury, catch them live at The Tote on March 11. Jordan catches up with the band - tune in to hear from the ferocious five-piece hailing from Atlanta.

US group Water From Your Eyes are in Naarm/Melbourne for the very first time this month. Playing shows at Meredith and The Night Cat, their album 'It’s a Beautiful Place' is a glittering, gonzo magnum opus that has been met with an outpour of reviews, including Pitchfork, Stereogum and Bandcamp. The Brooklyn-based duo of Nate Amos and Rachel Brown swing by PBS - tune in to Underground Love to hear how they're finding Melbourne so far.

After 10 years, Grim Rhythm are back with their second album, 'Forever Eating Sh*t' - an ode to the bad luck and raw deals they have had to swallow while playing in a band during their travels around the country and the world. A full on heavy metal attack, they will be playing at Luliepalooza on March 21, then returning to their spiritual home at The Tote to release their new album on April 4. Tune in to Pojama People as Chris Pearson catches up with the band about their new record.

Tune in to Tyrannocoreus on March 10 for a packed show filled with femme-fronted music and interviews celebrating International Women’s Day. To kick off the program, Ryan will interview vocalist Maddie Rose and guitarist Matthew Barnard from Naarm metalcore group Detestor. Tune in to hear about their debut EP, 'Drown Me In My Own Self-Guilt', and their experience opening for bands such as Justice For The Damned.

After an incredible 12 months with an insane amount of live shows, local hardcore band TIMEPEACE are set to release their debut EP 'WE REMAIN'. Joined by Outright, Illan Kaapan, Dead End and Skurge, TIMEPEACE will be playing at Footscray Park Bowling Club on March 14. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as Meg Edge and PBS' own Robyn Challands drop by to chat with Ryan about the band's vision for 2026.

The Geelong Jazz and Blues Festival exists to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of jazz and blues music, while inspiring new generations through live performance over two vibrant days in the city of Geelong. With over 40+ performances and 5 venues, festival treasurer and president Paul Brooke catches up with Helen. Tune in to hear more about the two day festival, taking place on March 14 and 15.

Formed by four friends, Alabama group Mountain Grass Unit are bringing their bluegrass to Australia for the first time. Playing at Northcote Social Club on March 11, their latest EP 'Runnin’ From Trouble' (2024), shows their radiant energy and fearless musicianship. With a sound that draws from bluegrass tradition but fearlessly weaving in country, jazz, funk, rock and even metal, tune in to Southern Style to hear their lightning-fast picking, and a whole lotta twang live in-studio. 

Iron & Wine, the moniker of singer/songwriter and film studies lecturer Sam Beam, returns to Australia for the first time since 2018 – this time as soloist in a captivating run of shows. Known for his deeply burnished vocals, keen melodic sensibility, and introspective, free-flowing lyrical point of view, Iron & Wine is one of the preeminent artists and collaborators of the first wave of indie folk. Tune in as Myles catches up with Iron & Wine after his Studio 5 Live performance.

One of the defining figures in contemporary British jazz, Shabaka will be gracing Stars In The Static. His new solo album, 'Of The Earth' is written, performed, produced, and mixed entirely by Shabaka, marking a pivotal moment in the multi-instrumentalist’s artistic evolution. Establishing him as a singular instrumentalist-producer, the album synthesises the dance-driven propulsion of his groups Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming. Tune in as Greg Sher interviews one of his musical heroes.

After nine years, local band Private Function have confirmed their final show ever at LuliePalooza Festival on March 21. Known for their unrelenting live shows and unmatched irreverence, their latest 19-track LP '¯\_(ツ)_/¯’ captures everything fans have come to love about the band: catchy hooks, irreverent lyrics, and a family-friendly “bite me” attitude. Claire catches up with the band’s front man Chris Penney, tune in to hear how he’s feeling ahead of the band’s big finale.

Southern California’s Spite, the decibel-and-soul-crushing deathcore unit, are returning to Melbourne this April for their first-ever Australian headline tour, bringing with them Pennsylvania’s Varials and local heavyweights DIESECT. Having released their debut album 'Nothing Is Beautiful’ in 2017, the band are entering the next cycle as they drop their new album, 'New World Killer' via Rise Records. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus to hear about their show at Max Watt's Melbourne on April 30.

Coming into Roots of Rhythm for the monthly segment 'Wordy Gurdy', Jackey Coyle and Helen Jennings chat about exceptional music and writing, scouring the past 100 years for rare and excellent blues, jazz, country, and more. Tune in from 9am to hear them analyse the best of the best.

Local group Comedy will be coming on to Radio City this March 19, ahead of their show at Lulie Tavern on March 27 and at Rocksteady Records for Record Store Day on April 18. Their indie-rock tune 'L.A. Perfume' was released late last year, and the four-piece are about to drop their second single, 'Hate Machine.' Tune in as Crispi chats with Andy and Francis from the band about their new music.

Local purveyors of hard-hitting tunes, Drunk Mums will be storming onto the Arockalypse Now stage in San Remo on April 18. Known for their raw riffs, sharp hooks and sweat-drenched live shows, the group have multiple albums to their name and years of touring across Australia, the UK and Europe, earning a reputation for no-nonsense, high-energy performances that hit hard every time. Ahead of the festival, Phil MacDougall catches up with Jake and Adam from the band.

The iron-fisted thrash metal group Warbringer is gearing up to tear through Australia with a highly anticipated national tour in April. The US titans will hit Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, bringing their signature blend of high-speed intensity and relentless energy to Australian fans. But first, the band’s lead singer, John Knevill, calls in to Burning Bitumen to chat with Kene. Tune in to hear about Warbringer headlining Brutefest at The Tote on April 25.

On Saturday, March 28, local grind-splattered death metallers Circle Of Blood launch their new album, 'In Praise Of Darkness' at The Last Chance Bar. Joining the band on the night are reigning hellhammer swingers Reaper!, crushing death-sludge group Bog Monster, and the eldritch melodeath of Slime Dimension. Tune in to Burning Bitumen as Kene catches up with Circle Of Blood about their debut album.

Local duo Zoltan Fecso and Anna Morley are about to release their debut collaborative album 'Desire Path' on Sydney's Oxtail Recordings on March 27. A collection of atmospheric duets for vibraphone and synthesiser, the album was recorded live and unedited. Tune in to Deeep Space as they join Lloyd to chat about their upcoming east-coast tour with shows in Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.