Interviews

Tune in to The Modernist as Cas talks to David Rowdon, artistic director of the Omega Ensemble. They'll be chatting about the upcoming 2026 season and the ensemble's 21st; a season which once again champions Australian composers, both young and slightly older, and features three Australian premieres and six world premieres of chamber music.

Formidable Sydney musician Pat Powell and Melbourne’s own Kerri Simpson will be getting their roots music groove on for an intimate, once only show at George Lane on December 7. Keeping it 'fonky' will be the soul searing, sheer brilliance of Shannon Bourne on guitar, Tim Neal on the keys, Andrew Swann playing the hard hitting swing on drums, and mythical Mark Ferrie on bass. Tune in to Roots of Rhythm as Helen Jennings catches up with Pat ahead of the show.

Joining Tom on Jumpin' The Blues this week is Steve Purcell from Belmar Records. Specialising in original roots, blues, jazz, and soul recordings, Belmar Records aims to introduce music lovers around the world to some of the incredible musical talent Melbourne has to offer, one track at a time. Tune in to hear about a brand new Belmar Records release; a limited edition vinyl and CD - 'The Jumpin' the Blues Allstars Live on the Radio Vol.1’.

Named after an aviation term describing skies so clear that the endless visibility is too much to take in, the new record 'Severe Clear' from Emily Ulman just dropped last month. With four singles already lighting up the airwaves, the album has been warmly embraced by listeners for its heart, honesty and haunting beauty. Tune in to The Afterglow Radio Show as Lyndelle chats to Emily about her show at Brunswick Ballroom on November 27, along with AusMusic T-shirt Day happening the next day.

'Rose City', the first taste of The Silversound's forthcoming second album, is a sonic love letter from the band to Rose City Band from Portland. A swirling psychedelic paean and produced by the band's Shane O'Mara, it is a euphoric 10-minute devotional offering of Krautrock groove, blissful harmonies from sublime Loretta Miller, snaking guitar, and cosmic country flourishes. Tune in to Radio City as Crispi catches up with Shane, chatting about their show at The Union Hotel on December 13.

Local singer-songwriter Charlotte Le Lievre returns with 'Tamworth Lights', a deeply personal and moving new single. Following on from the success of her debut album, 'Songs from the Barrier Line' - 'Tamworth Lights’ marks the first release from Charlotte’s forthcoming sophomore album, 'Grief Knows No Borders', due in Spring 2026. Tune in to 5ft High and Rising to hear about her upcoming show at Cactus Room on December 3.

The new album 'Dust' from compelling contemporary composer Rose Riebl has just been released, exploring loss, renewal, and transformation with striking intimacy and cinematic scope. Written between the death of her brother and the birth of her daughter, 'Dust' reflects Rose’s unique creative philosophy - minimalist, intentional, and deeply attuned to life’s turning points. Tune in to Deeep Space to hear an exclusive live performance from Rose Riebl.

Tune in to Dounya this week as DJ Matab is joined by Palestinian rap artist and modern-day poet Mo Mayzin. With artistic expression and lyrical creativity rooted in rap and hip-hop, Mo Mayzin will perform some of his latest tracks live in the studio. Listen in from 1pm to experience the lyrics and rhythms of Mo Mayzin.

On Saturday December 6, The Tote and Desert Highways will present the 6th annual of 'A Celebration of Chris Cornell'- a night of celebrating the music of the late Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple Of The Dog). With a vocal range and a style that was exceptional and second to none, all of the money raised on the night will be proudly supporting Beyond Blue. Tune in to hear Chris Pearson catch up with Anthony Moore about this fundraiser. 

For the first time, Nordic folk-rock act Kalandra will be coming to Australia for their debut tour across the country. Spearheaded by four Norwegian and Swedish musicians, Kalandra have captivated the world with their unique blend of melancholic Nordic folk, gritty guitars and ethereal melodies. Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear about Kalandra’s second album 'A Frame of Mind’, which showcases their evolution of songwriting, exploring belonging, memory and resilience.

Sammy, the vocalist from Californian hardcore punk band DRAIN will be joining Ryan on Tyrannocoreus this Wednesday morning, chatting about their new album '...Is Your Friend'. Writing music which features sharp riffs and catchy hooks, tune in to hear tracks from their new album, along with why the band has a love affair with Australian audiences. 

Ethan Downey-Parish, bassist from hardcore band Amanaki joins Ryan for the second half of Tyrannocoreus. Blending melodic elements and musical competency, with in-your-face breakdowns and the traditional hardcore ethos, the New Zealand/ Aotearoa based group has just released their new EP 'Vices'. Tune in to hear about Ethan's social media alter ego, 'New Music Ethan'.

In the early ‘80s Joe Camilleri and friends started up a new band, The Black Sorrows. Originally a ‘just for the fun of it’ outfit, The Sorrows have released 18 albums over three decades and sold over two million albums world-wide. And now, The Black Sorrows are releasing the compilation, 'The Quinessential Black Sorrows 2025'. Tune in from 9.30am as Helen Jennings catches up with Joe Camilleri.

On Roots of Rhythm this December 3, Helen Jenning will interview Nigel Bourn from Adelaide based band The Honey Badgers. Having placed sixth in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2023, their debut album, ‘Shakin’ peaked at #1 on the ABARAC charts. Tune in to hear about this blues, soul and funk band’s upcoming tour across Victoria.

Mornington Peninsula songwriter Emily Jane Pritchard is set to release her debut EP, 'Never Ending Holiday', launching the new record at the Wesley Anne on December 6. The four-track collection of guitar-driven indie-folk features songs straight from the heart, decorated with touches of soul and pop, delivered with a voice that drifts seamlessly between heart-achingly sweet and ruggedly raw. Bringing her guitar into Down By The River, tune in to hear Emily perform a few live songs.

Local power-pop group Icecream Hands have emerged from the depths of winter with a very special gift – a new album, 'Giant Fox Pineapple Tree'. This year’s traditional pre-Christmas Icecream Hands show will become a full-blown album launch celebrating the release of their eighth record. Charles Jenkins and Doug Lee Robertson join Crispi on Radio City to chat about their new album that’s brimming with pop-rock melodies, tune in to hear about their Northcote Social Club show on December 20.

Local post-punk band screensaver has just launched their third album ‘Three Lens Approach’, and they're coming in to Junkyard to chat with Michael Mulholland about the record. Taking cues from the late 70’s and early 80’s, screensaver’s new album is propelled forward by a more than danceable rhythm section, weaving through polyrhythms of classic synth sounds and frenetic guitars. Listen in to hear how the new record builds on its predecessors.

This week on Pojama People, Chris Pearson catches up with local band SPAWN about their new album. Forged over nine years, SPAWN’s record 'Light Rite' is a radiant rite of transformation. From the heavy mire of stoner doom to the celestial expanse of psychedelic rock, this odyssey embodies raw authenticity and quiet humility. Tune in to hear about their show at The Tote on December 12. 

Melbourne-based blues artist Dan Dinnen has teamed up with Anthony “Shorty” Shortte, one of the blues scene’s well-loved drummers and percussionists, to create their new album 'Jeff’s Shed'. Recorded with Jeff Lang, Shorty’s dynamic drum work fits Dan’s style like a well-worn glove. Joining Helen on Roots of Rhythm, tune in to hear about their new album.

Singing songs of hope, passion, love, and loss, Tracey Miller has spent nearly 40 years captivating audiences worldwide with her soulful voice. Her new album, 'Queen of the Creek', echoes the classic soul records of the ’60s and ’70s, showcasing a voice that cuts through with emotional depth and seasoned skill. Tune in to Boss Action as Miss Goldie catches up with Tracey following her Studio 5 Live performance.

Winner of the 'Folk Album of the Year – Traditional' for 2025, banjo player and singer Maggie Carty is from Ireland’s west coast and now based in Naarm/Melbourne. Infusing traditional Irish music with Australian folk, Americana, and blues, her debut album 'Ebb and Flow' explores emigration, heritage, and identity with fresh, timeless energy. Tune in to Down By The River to hear Maggie Carty play a special, live performance on the banjo.

Dr Shellie Morris AO has released the album 'Singing For Our Little Ones' - a project that encourages the integration of First Languages learning in early education curriculums. Developed with Warumungu elders Miriam Frank and sisters Rosemary and Marlene Plummer to help preserve the Warumungu language for future generations, Miriam, Rosemary and Marlene are among a small handful of fluent speakers left. Tune in to the Global Village to hear Roger catch up with Shellie about this project.

After a string of sold-out shows, Watar Ensemble returns to the stage with new music, timeless Arabic melodies, and an energy that promises to move both heart and body. They'll be sharing two brand-new singles at Howler on January 11, reconnecting through the sounds that have come to define Watar’s voice. Tune in to Dounya as DJ Matab catches up with Watar Ensemble about their upcoming show.

US deathcore band Fit For An Autopsy are returning to Australia next year to tour their new album 'It Comes For You'.  Joined by Florida’s Bodysnatcher, rising Australian force Volatile Ways, and Human Warfare’s newest signing Pain Body, expect a night of crushing riffs and unrelenting energy at Max Watt's Melbourne on January 22. Tune in to Tyrannocoreus as Ryan catches up with guitarist Pat Sheridan ahead of the tour. 

Tune in to the second half of Tyrannocoreus as Ryan is joined by local solo artist ARIE ROSE (pronounced air-ey rose). Making music that is sweet, fiery and thorny, ARIE marries rock and metal with classical influences from singing in choirs and playing in orchestras in her childhood. Listen in to hear about her debut album 'In Sickness And In Sickness', which shares her battles with Crohn's disease, neurodivergence and feminism.