Interviews

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. 

Locally based developer of weird, small and silly games, Hugh aka StormCat is a solo developer of the game 'WIZARD PUNKS!!!' - an upcoming spell-slinging local multiplayer party game. Andy, aka Bsharp creates videogame compositions that is a mishmash of influences from the early 2000’s mixed with their current interests, including games such as 'Hollow Knight', 'Deltarune', and 'Earthbound'. Tune in to Game Jams as Matt catches up with StormCat and Bsharp from local game studio EyeOfStormCat.

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.

After six years touring across three continents and earning nominations from the JUNOs, ECMAs, and CFMAs, Inn Echo has firmly established themselves as a dynamic force in modern trad music. Based in Prince Edward Island, the trio - Karson McKeown, Tuli Porcher and Tom Gammons - blends fiddle, cello, and guitar into a sound that’s both rooted and boundary-pushing. Tune in to Down By The River as the trio join Lauren for a couple of live songs ahead of Port Fairy Folk Festival that weekend. 

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.

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.

'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.

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’.

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.

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. 

From rural Victoria to the world, CC:DISCO! has built her life around one guiding principle: music first. CC's career has given her the perfect creative outlets to express her first love - be it DJing around the globe, holding down a regular radio show, curating her acclaimed 'First Light' compilations or releasing her debut EP 'Chez Moi (Waiting For You)'. Joining Lyndelle on the show, tune in for a special guest mix from the Lisbon based curator and find out where she's playing while in town.

With stellar guitar work and songs that will have you smiling one minute and crying the next, Steve Poltz will be bringing his raucous, joyous, improvisational and always strange music to Brunswick Ballroom on March 12. After over a dozen albums, he’s still creatively firing on all cylinders and critically acclaimed by the likes of Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Billboard, and many more. Stopping by Swinging Doors ahead of his show, tune in for a live, acoustic performance from Steve Poltz.

Tune in to Burning Bitumen this March 12 as Kene is joined by Phillip T King, the lead singer for local hard rock / heavy metal band Flitcraft. Their 2025 album 'Transmission Echo’, is filled with heavy melodic rock - like 70’s Priest or Scorpions, but with a quirky and modern progressive flair. Discussing the album in full, tune in to hear Phil and Kene chat all things metal. 

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.

For the first time in Australia, Modern Lovers and Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison and King Crimson’s Adrian Belew will perform 'Remain in Light' live in full - backed by their powerhouse 11-piece band. A landmark in modern music, 'Remain in Light' fused funk, art-rock, and global rhythms to redefine popular sound. Harrison and Belew will bring it vividly to life at Forum Melbourne on April 1, and at Bluesfest on April 4. Ahead of the shows, Crispi catches up with Jerry Harrison on Radio City. 

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.

Tune in to The Breakdown for a Studio 5 Live performance from Temporary Blessings – followed by an interview with DJ Manchild. Led by local trumpet player /composer Liam McGorry, ‘Sumbisori’ is the debut album by the newly formed Melbourne group. Assembled to realise McGorry’s compositions drawing on 1960s Italian and French soundtrack music, Temporary Blessings brings together trusted instrumentalists and fellow travelers from Melbourne’s rich enclave of cinematic soul.

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.

Boorloo / Perth-based experimental psych outfit Monotonic have just released their new single, ‘Lazers At Dawn’, the second track to be taken from their upcoming album ‘Heavy Metal’, out March 27. A hazy, fuzz-drenched expedition fuelled by cult cinema and various altered states, ‘Lazers At Dawn’ pushes deeper into the band’s hypnotic, genre-blurring sound. Lucas is joined by Liam Coffey, tune in to hear more about this band that's made up of veterans from Perth’s golden alt-rock era.

Calling the road home and working tirelessly as full-time musicians, the whiskey-drenched Americana and hill-country blues artists Julian James and Beci Kate are true to life troubadours - living out of a bus while enthralling and connecting with audiences across Australia through their performances. Bringing their new record 'Prey to the Crow' to towns across Australia this month, Helen catches up with the duo on Roots of Rhythm to chat about their new album.

On April 10 at The Corner Hotel, Kim Salmon will be putting on a night of seminal swamp rock with his bands The Scientists and Kim Salmon and the Surrealists. Kim Salmon’s most enduring legacy, though not one he particularly set out to create, will no doubt be that many blame him, or at least The Scientists, for 'grunge.' Tune in to Radio City as Crispi catches up with Kim about the show, which will thematically and dynamically glide through the band's musical evolutions.

At Lulie Tavern on March 29,  Van Walker will be taking to the stage with his band Badlanders. With a new swag of originals to share, Van will be joined by Nick O’Mara (Raised by Eagles) on guitar, Mick Stylianou (Saint Jude) on bass, Dave Rose (Joni Lightning) on drums and Camilla Hodgkins (Boof!) on keys. Coming in to Swinging Doors to play a couple of live, acoustic songs for Ernie, tune in to hear about his upcoming new album 'Healing Descent'.

Joining Penny for this episode of Passing Notes is Helsinki artist Jeku. His latest release ‘Peyote Trance’, follows Jeku's journey into the 'trip', where mother nature pulls the strings, instead of the tin foil hatted puppet masters that hold the strings to us all. Finding solace in the dance and opting for psychedelic enlightenment over psychological terror, tune in for an energetic guest mix and interview from the Paris based producer. 

'Sono Una Pera' is an Italian folkloric inspired album by local musician Adam Halliwell. Weaving between improvisations and compositions using old and new forgotten technologies, the album relays stories, fantasies, tales and false experiences inspired by a quasi-Italian life with his grandparents in Diamond Creek. Performed solo and recorded live early last year, Lloyd will be catching up with Adam about the new album. Tune in to find out when it's due for release.