Interviews

Brussels-based artist Adja Fassa has just released 'Golden Retrieve Her', her debut album of jazz and soul with a dystopian twist. It’s been two years since her well-received EP 'IRONEYE', and her new album promises to be quite a ride - featuring dystopian neo-soul tales of deliveroo drivers, reimagined jazz standards, and classical-inspired songs about conditional friendships based on time and money. Tune in to Black Wax as Adam Rudegeair chats with Adja Fassa about her latest release.

Wandering through the dankest, weirdest corners of the traditional songbook, Bush Gothic are a postmodern, anti-establishment, folk feminist group. Having won the 2022 Australian Folk Music Award for Best Band and received five stars from BBC Music Magazine, their new album 'What Pop People Folk This Popular' is set for release on May 20. Members of Bush Gothic visit the Global Village, tune in to hear the dark meanings of Australian colonial and pop music, along with tracks from the new album.

Coming all the way from Bristol, UK, to play at The Croxton this Saturday is Dubkasm, the duo made up of childhood friends Digistep and DJ Stryda. Known for spreading their positive, roots and dub-reggae-infused message through high-quality productions and regular live shows around the globe, they catch up with Jesse I ahead of their Brunswick performance. Tune in for some deep dub cuts and reggae grooves from 5pm.

'The Port Melbourne Music Crawl' is back on Sunday, June 8, promising an unforgettable experience for music lovers, locals, and visitors alike. Running from midday to midnight, the event will feature live performances from Emilee South, One Spirit Africa, and Don't Thank Me Spank Me - to name just a few from the soulful-to-indie-rock lineup. Joining Richie 1250 on Stone Love to chat about the event is the electrifying, '70s-influenced female rock band Don't Thank Me Spank Me.

Danny Berman, aka Red Rack'em, is a veteran of the electronic music scene - described by Juno Records as “one of the most respected figures in UK underground house circles.” Forging his own path from an early age and driven by a staunchly independent ethos, he has built a rich and varied career that skyrocketed with the release of his hit single 'Wonky Bassline Disco Banger' in 2016. Tune in to Tomorrowland to hear Edd Fisher catch up with Red Rack'em ahead of his show at Music Room tonight.

Figurehead within the Naarm electronic music landscape, Rev Lon has been a curator, tastemaker, and exceptional DJ since 2018. Performing at iconic spaces, from The Forum to Hopkins Creek Festival, Rev Lon is also a curator of the event series Slow Burn, and founder of design company Soft Edges. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread to hear her versatile approach to sounds and texture on the Wheels of Steel.

Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel is currently touring Australia, playing to packed concert halls all around the country. Last weekend Tommy took time out ahead of his Hamer Hall soundcheck to drop in for a chat with Ernie, and to play a song live in PBS' Studio 3. Tune in this Thursday to hear from one of Australia's most revered instrumentalists.

With decades of experience in the music industry, Nina Las Vegas has become a powerful force in both the Australian and international music landscapes through her work as a producer, DJ, and the head of NLV Records. With broadcasting experience on triple j, BBC Radio One, and Red Bull Radio, Nina has performed at major festivals, from Splendour in the Grass to Coachella. Celebrating 10 years of her label NLV Records, Nina joins Milo for a round of Musical Chairs to celebrate the milestone.

Naarm trio Npcede discuss their self-titled debut EP—Chapter Music’s final new artist signing and a fittingly explosive send-off. Fusing industrial, shoegaze, rap, and noise into five tracks of raw intensity, Npcede channel alienation into something both brutal and euphoric. Formed in 2022, the band has performed at Meadow and SXSW Sydney. Singles 'Spleen', 'Tabula Rasa' and 'Hear Them' are out now. Tune in to Bleeding Black Hearts Revue for a deep dive into their latest sound.

Kew Court House Live has announced a season of performances by artists spanning indie, jazz, and global music. Each week, three influential leaders take over the iconic venue for a night, including Ben Langdon, Fem Belling, and PBS’s own MzRizk. Talking about the show she's curated called 'Estudiantina of Melbourne' MzRizk chats with Lyndelle about the powerful lineup, which features Ajak Kwai on June 5, Amerigos on June 12, and Tamalah on June 19.

Infectious roots/soul/blues/improv outfit Checkerboard Lounge reunites with Australian music and jazz legend Bob Sedergreen for a special not-to-be-missed event. They will be launching their limited edition vinyl album 'Live at Jazzlab' on June 7 at The Jazzlab - tune in to Roots of Rhythm to find out how you can get your hands on a copy of this unique collaboration.

Local Coburg cinematic jazz-funk maestros Surprise Chef are releasing their new album 'Superb' this month. Since breaking onto the scene in 2017 and signing with Brooklyn label Big Crown Records, the band has continued to evolve its sound - and 'Superb' is no exception, exploring a more upbeat, groove-driven direction while staying true to its soul-jazz roots. Tune in to The Breakfast Spread with Milo Eastwood to hear from the band, and to get a glimpse into the new album.

Chris Hannah of Canadian punk heavyweights Propagandhi joins us to talk 'At Peace'—the band’s fierce new album. Since forming in 1986, the band has evolved from skate punk roots into a thrash-influenced force, pairing razor-sharp riffs with unapologetically political lyrics. From their home base in Winnipeg, they’ve championed anti-fascism, veganism, and radical change. With 'At Peace', the band continues to challenge power structures while refining their most urgent, blistering sound to date.

Aric Improta and Stephen Harrison from House of Protection join Ryan for a conversation about the band’s journey from the ashes of Fever333, their sophomore EP 'Outrun You All', and their plans for 2025. Born from the duo’s fearlessness and a love of pushing boundaries, they fuse hardcore, electronica, and punk into a raw, creative space. With their shared history in bands like Fever333, Night Verses, and The Chariot, House of Protection has created a sanctuary for radical self-expression.

With Chapter Music recently announcing a shift in focus—moving away from new signings to concentrate on its rich back catalogue, label heads Guy Blackman and Ben O’Connor reflect on the Chapter's legacy ahead of their Day Tripper showcase at RISING. Tune in to Underground Love for a deep dive into Chapter’s history, underrepresented sounds, and a passionate tribute to the role PBS plays in supporting its artists.

On June 6, Dark FOMO 666 returns with its sixth mini-festival at the Cactus Room in Thornbury, featuring music, art, performance, nude poetry, and more. The organisers pop into Pojama People to preview the lineup, including Jack Harlon and the Dead Crows, Night Rites, USER, and plenty other acts. Tune in for all the details on this night of irreverent fun and vivid performances.

Born from a love of the dance floor, Wrong Way Up serves vintage Afro disco and psychedelic boogie in the form of deep grooves, quirky synths and addictive chants. Inspired by the likes of Frances Bebey, William Onyeabor and Lijadu Sisters, the Afro-synth duo delivers a fresh but familiar funk feel. Emmanuela Degery and Andrew Phillips (Broadway Sounds) join Elle on Headhunters for a chat and Studio 5 Live performance.

With roots stemming from singing Gospel as a child, JoysSoul’s career has seen her perform locally and internationally for over 15 years. Performing in many groups such as Women of Soul, Grand Wazoo, and the in-house bands for TV shows such as Australia’s Got Talent and The Logies, JoysSoul will be bringing her powerful soul and blues music to Valley Sounds on May 31. Adam catches up with the Kenyan-born musician – tune in to hear about her upcoming performance in Holmes Hall.

In a very welcome return to the PBS airwaves, Gerry Koster drops by to join Greg for this special Radio Festival edition of Stars in the Static. One of Australia's most respected jazz broadcasters and a member of the PBS family for over 3 decades, Gerry joins Greg to share their love for improvised music and the myriad variants of jazz, and of course their shared love for PBS.

Ania Reynolds brings both of her personae – as a piano player and baritone saxophonist, both extraordinaire – to her visit to the Global Village. She shares with Roger why she supports PBS and the Global Village, and encourages you to do the same. Tune in to hear her perform music from forthcoming albums in both guises, and a hint at some of her upcoming musical adventures.