Interviews

For the first time ever down under, US thrash metal legends Flotsam and Jetsam will join forces with Australian thrash pioneers Mortal Sin for a devastating co-headline tour across Australia this September and October. Fronted by the unmistakable voice of A.K. Knutson, Flotsam and Jetsam continue to thrive with their strongest modern lineup yet. Kene catches up with Eric from the band, tune in to hear about their show at Max Watt's Melbourne on October 2.

The Black Wreath, central Australia’s only dedicated music hub including record label, live venue, recording studio, rehearsal room, film studio, art space and more, is at risk of having to close its doors for good. Pirate catches up with Kene on Burning Bitumen to chat about The Black Wreath in Alice Springs, along with 'Blacken Forever', where 40 bands will perform simultaneously in support of the movement to save The Black Wreath.

Tonight on Junkyard, Michael Mulholland will be joined by Hugo Race and Michaelangelo Russo to chat about the new album 'I Made It All Up For You'. Released back in March with his Italian band Fatalists, the record fuses together roots, electronica, Italian soundtracks and desert rock. With Giovanni Ferrario (Scisma, PJ Harvey) on guitars and synth, Francesco Giampaoli (Brutture Moderne) on bass and Diego Sapignoli (Sacri Cuori) on percussion, tune in to hear more about the album.

Joining Ernie on Swinging Doors this week is alt-country, americana artist Leslie D. King. His new single 'Gold' is a powerful anthem about finding genuine self-acceptance in a world that constantly asks us to measure ourselves against others. Tune in to hear about the single release show taking place at Lulie Tavern on September 5, with support from western outfit Misty Harlowe.

Stopping by Eternal Rhythm today is Tom Eclect, chatting about ‘NEXT GEN JAZZ’, a showcase of the Freshest talent the Naarm scene has to offer. Expect raw, unfiltered performances from cutting-edge jazz collectives BANKSIA and GIRLS NIGHT IN, highlighting the immense talent rising to the surface in Naarm’s vibrant, thriving nu-Jazz scene. Tune in to hear about this event taking place at Wax Music Lounge on September 3.

Geelong/Wadawurrung-based earth-folk collective, Seal Prince and the Roof Rats, are thrilled to be releasing their self-titled sophomore album. A new initiate into fatherhood, Lachie Chomley aka ‘Seal Prince,’ sings up suburban struggles of landlord relations, chicken-egg-theft-by-raven and ecological devastation. Tune in this morning to hear a stripped back live set from the band, and to find out about their show at the Geelong Folk Festival, on Sunday September 6.

Celebrating femme blues energy with three of Melbourne's premiere exponents, Alison Ferrier (Opelousas), Kelly Auty (PepperCreek Revival) and Louise Christianson (The Miss Lou Blues Band) will be joining Helen Jennings on Roots of Rhythm this week. Tune in to hear about their upcoming show 'Kali Blues', taking place at Graveyard Bar in North Coburg on September 4.

On September 5, 'Cactus Cult V' will be returning to Cactus Room with special guests The Black Heart Death Cult, Buried Feather, Spawn with visuals by Electric Light Brigade. Ahead of the show, local doom/psychedelic rock group The Black Heart Death Cult join Chris Pearson on Pojama People to chat about the event, along with their new album 'Black Rabbit', which came out late last year.

Castlemaine songwriter, musician and advocate Eliza Hull has built a reputation for turning vulnerability into something cinematic and deeply human - writing songs that cut through with raw honesty, strength and emotional precision. Following the release of her new single 'Hotel Room', Eliza will be heading to Shotkickers on August 29 for an intimate show. Tune in to Come Together as Eliza Hull drops by to play a couple of songs live in the studio.

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is back, taking place from October 16 - 25, with a packed lineup of incredible artists. The annual event brings the joy of jazz to the streets of Melbourne, and the full festival program has just been announced. Tune in to Black Wax as Hadley Agrez, CEO and Program Director of MIJF, chats with Adam about this year’s festival. 

Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Naarm/Melbourne, Alcides Neto will be launching his debut album 'Amú', with his seven-piece band, at The Jazzlab on August 27. Drawing inspiration from the folk traditions of his homeland, he offers a fresh perspective on Brazilian music by blending traditional rhythms with contemporary Brazilian influences. Ahead of the album launch, Alcides drops in to The Breakfast Spread to perform a couple of songs live on the show.

Double bassist and the artistic director of 'Homophonic!', Miranda Hill will be stopping by The Sound Barrier this Sunday night to join Ian Parsons on the show. She will be talking about the upcoming 'RESPECT' concert at Hawthorn Arts Centre on 29 August. Adjunct to Homophonic!, 'RESPECT' presents the music of Australian queer composers collaborating with, or telling the stories of older queer Australians. Tune in from 10pm to hear about the concert.

Visiting the Global Village on the second half of the show today is Alec Ilyine and Poly Varghese. Belgian musician, sound engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Alec Ilyine is known for his exploration of diverse musical traditions. Poly Varghese, based in Australia and born in Kerala, is a virtuoso of the Mohan Veena (Indian slide guitar), and disciple of Grammy Winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, aka V. M. Bhatt. Tune in for some live music, and to hear about their inspirations and collaborations.

After their Studio 5 Live performance, Amaru Tribe will be coming on to the Global Village for an interview with Roger. An intersection between cultures, traditional music from Latin America, urban flow and electronic sounds, their new album 'Golden Roots' is Amaru Tribe’s third full-length album and second vinyl release, created to celebrate 10 years of music, movement and connection. Tune in to hear about the creation of the new album.

Multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter Marcel Borrack has just released his new album 'Sun Dust'. Recorded by Marcel, 'Sun Dust' is inspired by his love of Indian music. "The first time I heard the sitar I was instantly hooked on Indian music. Over the years I’ve continued to listen, love, and be amazed by its seemingly unfathomable depth." Tune in to Tiger Beats Elephant Grooves as Marcel catches up with Pradip about creating the album.

The Distant South, formed in 2020 by singer-songwriter Nick Howells, have been steadily carving out a reputation in the Melbourne music scene as a dynamic musical outfit offering a unique take on the alt-country genre. Their sophomore album 'Map of My Life' will be launched at The Brunswick Ballroom on August 22, alongside new country act, The Pleasures. Tune in to the show as Nick from The Distant South and Lachlan from The Pleasures join Myles ahead of the album launch.

This week on Stone Love one of Richie's favourite local bands the Sugar Fed Leopards swing by for a chat, and to play some songs live in the studio. Tune in from 6pm to hear a sneak peek of what you can expect when they hit the stage at the Cactus Room this Saturday.

Every Thursday in August, mysterious Melbourne group The Pro-Teens have been performing new musical works at Old Plates Record bar in Fitzroy. Featuring a mix of soul-heavy cinematic jazz and library music vibes, the Pro-Teens feature some of Melbourne's busiest and most in-demand players. Tune in as Richie explores what punters can expect to hear in the final week of this month of live music-making.

Joining Michael on the show this week for an exclusive interview, is USA artist, actor and radio presenter, Henry Rollins. He'll be chatting about a previously unreleased album from the 1976 band The Cramps, titled 'Gravest Gravy'. The band is credited as progenitors of the psychobilly subgenre, fusing elements of punk rock with rockabilly. The tapes of the album were transferred by Brian Kehew, and the tracks were selected for inclusion by Henry Rollins. Tune in from 7pm to hear from Henry.

This week singer/songwriter Queenie releases her sophomore album Pleasance, a heady journey from lush pop into expansive alternative rock. Queenie pops into Radio City for a chat and to play a couple of intimate live songs in the studio.