Interviews

Tonight on The Sound Barrier, Ian Parsons is joined by Björn Schmelzer, the director of the Belgian Early Music ensemble 'Graindelavoix'. A profoundly intelligent and unconventional-thinking music director, anthropologist, and musicologist, Björn draws from contemporary philosophers Adorno, Deleuze, Derrida, and Lacan - shaping the very idiosyncratic and controversial musical style of Graindelavoix (translating to 'grain of the voice').

Bringing in her guitar for some live music on Homebrew today is local artist Tamara & the Dreams. Her new single ‘Beautiful Woman on the Coast in Portugal’ is out on July 9, which follows from her viral 2025 single ‘Successful Bisexual’ and its effusive follow-up, ‘Fleetwood Mac’. Tune in to hear about Tamara & the Dreams plans for the rest of 2026.

'Last of the Natural Light' is the debut album and collaboration project from Billy Gardner & Friends. Recorded sporadically over the past five years, the project began as an attempt to finish a collection of half-written songs, before evolving into a standalone body of work with its own distinct style, sound and creative process. Tune in to Underground Love as Jordan catches up with Billy Gardner about the new record.

Local alternative four-piece metal group Verona Lights are about to go on tour with Australian nu metal band Sunk Loto, playing a sold out show at The Corner Hotel on August 14. Joining Ryan on the program to chat about the upcoming tour is Brendan Davine, Michael Tesoriero and Nath Busst. Tune in to hear about Verona Lights' band history, along with their unique writing style. 

On Tyrannocoreus this week, vocalist Julian Cashwan Pratt for US art/punk/hardcore group Show Me The Body will be coming on to the show. 'Alone Together' is their new album, and it's about praxis and putting belief into action. The opening line, “radical love compels me to fight”, reflects lived experience, standing up for one another and for what you believe in, regardless of outcome. Tune in to hear what Show Me The Body has planned for the rest of 2026.

Using her artistry as a passage for connection and catharsis, Daisy Kilbourne combines elements of folk, rock, and soul to create a sound that pays homage to her musical heroes, while remaining distinctly her own. A wannabe ‘70’s child that comes from a small town with a big spirit, Daisy draws inspiration from the musical legacy of her late father, a fellow songwriter. Tune in for a special live performance from Daisy, and to hear about playing at Town Folk Festival later on in the year.

At the Fitzroy Bowls Club on July 23, Tracey Miller and friends will be playing a special show, as part of Leaps and Bounds.  With a career spanning four decades, Tracey’s voice has lit up stages all around the world, forging deep connections through gospel, soul, and rhythm and blues. On the day, Tracey will be joined by Le Tran singing in Vietnamese, Mietta Zaetta-Thomas performing in Italian and Byron Triandafyllidis playing the Greek bouzouki. Tune in to hear more about this free event.

On Radio City this week, Crispi will be joined by Scott Thurling, the founder of local record label Popboomerang. Releasing music since 2002 with over 80 recordings to date, Scott will be chatting about releasing a compilation called 'Shake Yer Popboomerang 4', featuring rare and unreleased tracks from Australian bands on July 3. Tune in to hear about the compilation launch shows at Shotkickers on August 9, followed by The Tote on August 15.

Local singer-songwriter Barb Waters returns with new music under her own name for the first time in over 15 years. A duet with her daughter Jeanie Pilkington of Folk Bitch Trio, 'Farmer's Wife' was produced by Barb's partner and Jeanie's dad Craig Pilkington (who also played bass on the recording), making for a real family affair. Barb and Craig join Crispi on Radio City, chatting about their new music and upcoming show at Brunswick Ballroom on August 16.

2026 marks the 50th year as a recording artist for Australian musician Ed Kuepper. To celebrate, he is taking to the road with The Exploding Universe (of Ed Kuepper), a full band performance featuring the added talents of drummer Mark Dawson, bassist Peter Oxley, keyboard player Alister Spence and brass arranger Eamon Dilworth, tackling material from right across Ed’s illustrious 50-year career. Ed Kuepper joins Michael Mulholland on the show to chat about the tour.

One of metal's most uncategorizable acts The Amenta have been synthesising the ugliest aspects of death, black, and noise into a unique maelstrom for over 25 years. Well known across the world for their intense live shows, The Amenta combine speed, anger, and weird sound with smoke and strobes to create a brutal, overwhelming experience. Ahead of their 'Black Plant' show at The Bendigo Hotel and Nighthawks on July 25, Kene catches up with keyboardist Tim Pope on Burning Bitumen.

Blending 90s nostalgia with modern South Asian electronic sounds, Ritviz’s 'Kurta Saree Dance Party' invites people into a world of colour, culture and connection. Expect a fully curated environment - from striking visuals and décor to a crowd that becomes part of the experience, dressed in kurtas, sarees and sneakers. Pradip catches up with Indian artist Ritviz ahead of the show at 170 Russel on July 26, chatting about this celebration of global identity and youth culture.

Coming into Roots of Rhythm this morning is vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Kaliopi Stavropoulo, from local group Kaliopi & The Blues Messenger. Following their award-winning 2024 album 'The Devil’s Voodoo Curse' - which charted in the ABARAC Top 25 for twelve months and earned VIC/TAS Blues Award recognition, the band entered a defining chapter with the release of 'How The Caged Bird Sings' (2025). Tune in to hear about the band's new album.

The darkwave project of Brisbane artist Jed A. Walters, Chiffon Magnifique has evolved into a full live band drawing from post-punk, goth rock, and minimal wave to create a dynamic live show. Ahead of their debut Naarm/Melbourne show at 'Black Planet', Jed joins Bleeding Black Hearts Revue to talk about his influences and surviving the dark subculture in sunny Queensland.

Formed in 2023, Sydney darkwave band INAUGURAL channel the perspective of two biblically accurate angels navigating late-stage capitalism. Tune in to Bleeding Black Hearts Revue as they discuss their musical roots, songwriting process and their EP 'Stone Tapes' ahead of their live performance at Nighthawks on July 25.

Coming on to Junkyard this evening is Finn Andrews from Aotearoa/ New Zealand band The Veils. Returning to the spotlight with 'Fragile World', the new album marks a striking shift in tone and energy for the band. Recorded live to tap, 'Fragile World' captures The Veils in an urgent and instinctive mode.
With an album release show taking place at Northcote Social Club on August 21, tune in for an intimate discussion between Michael Mulholland and Finn Andrews about the new record.