Interviews

Jackey Coyle of Wordy-Gurdy joins Helen on air to celebrate all things PBS—sharing highlights from the on-air festivities, giving listeners the scoop on this year’s incredible giveaway prizes, and explaining how you can help 'Keep the Beat!' in 2025. Tune in as Jackey and Helen chat about what they admire in each other’s shows and reflect on why supporting PBS means so much to them—and to the wider music community.

PBS Music Director Firas returns to the airwaves for a special Radio Festival edition of Mystic Brew. Having first met at the station and now good friends; Firas and Mike are a testament to the deep connections and creative growth that community radio fosters. Tune in as they reflect on their respective music journeys, the role PBS has played in shaping their craft, and why supporting the station matters now more than ever. Don’t miss this warm, reflective, and music-filled conversation.

For over 13 years, Milo Eastwood has championed eclectic sounds on community radio, with the past five as host of PBS’s The Breakfast Spread. Known for his Friday morning sets packed with house, disco, Latin, and laid-back electronica, he’s become a weekend ritual for many. To celebrate Radio Festival, Milo keeps Claire company for a special morning down memory lane. Tune in for the feel-good energy, roaring tracks, and to support the station that keeps Naarm moving.

Local trio Vardos is driven by Alana's wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, performing folk and Romany music. As long-standing members and supporters of the Global Village, Vardos drop in to PBS during Radio Festival to talk about the role PBS has played in their career. Tune in to hear what they love about Roger's show Global Village, along with a live performance from this all-female group.

PBS Music Director and DJ Firas Massouh joins Penny on Passing Notes for a special back-to-back set as part of PBS's Radio Festival. Together, they’ll dive deep into the electronic underground, spinning tracks that celebrate the genre’s diversity and energy. Between beats, Firas and Penny will share insights into what PBS means to them, why community radio matters, and how listeners can help keep this vital platform thriving. Tune in for a vibrant mix of music and conversation.

Next up on Sunglasses After Dark are Isobel and Kayley, PBS’s resident Marketing and Membership dynamos. In the office by day and at band practice by night, they join Phil to chat about their love for community radio and the friendships and musical connections PBS helps foster. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights into life at the station, and find out how you can help keep PBS thriving during this year’s Radio Festival!

Pojama People host Chris Pearson joins Crispi on Radio City to celebrate this year's Radio Festival! Tune in on Thursday afternoon to hear these two beloved announcers play some of their favourite music as they talk about the important role that PBS plays in the music community and how listeners can help support the station.

As part of PBS Radio Festival week, Lyndelle Wilkinson of The Afterglow joins Crispi on Radio City for a special show celebrating all things PBS. A Wednesday drive-time favourite since 2004, Lyndelle brings an irresistible mix of soul, funk, disco, electro, hip hop and beyond—always fresh, always feel-good. Tune in for Lyndelle's passion for music and community, and to learn how PBS listeners can become involved in this vibrant community.

As part of this year’s PBS Radio Festival celebrations, Emma Peel of Switched On joins Lyndelle for a very special edition of your Wednesday drive-time favourite. Together, they’ll talk about what makes PBS such a vital part of the music community, and share how listeners can get involved in keeping the station strong. It’s a feel-good show that's not to be missed!

Starting out as a producer and announcer at Triple R, then moving on to a managerial role at 3MBS, and now the Programming Manager at PBS, Owen McKern has a lifetime of knowledge and experience in community radio - with a deep appreciation for the heartwarming impact it has on its listeners. Bringing his wisdom in to Southern Style, tune in to hear Owen and Jan share their passion for PBS and discuss how the people of Melbourne and beyond can be part of this vibrant station.

Banjo, guitar player and vocalist of The Burning Bridges Peter Somerville is passionate about PBS and the incredible work it does for the music community. Tune in to Southern Style as Peter drops in to share why he loves this community radio station.

A long-time PBS champion and co-presenter during Radio Festival, beloved Naarm broadcasting icon Billy Pinnell - recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia - will join Helen Jennings OAM on Roots of Rhythm. Billy’s deep musical knowledge and unmistakable voice have been part of the fabric of PBS for decades. Tune in from 10am as Helen and Billy chat about the importance of community radio and how listeners can help keep the heart of the station beating.

As a regular fill-in announcer for shows on the grid, PBS staff member and talented, award winning folk musician, Kerryn Fields knows the community of PBS like the back of her guitar strumming hand. Coming into Roots of Rhythm to share the mic with Helen Jennings OAM for a unique show, tune in to hear these two PBS icons share their love for this station.

Mastanah Nazarian, an Iranian-background composer, writer, guitarist, and oud player, visits Global Village to perform traditional Persian oud pieces and discuss her diverse projects, including photography and poetry. Beyond music, she’s a certified Pilates teacher, holds a black belt in aikido, and is passionate about teaching movement education to both musicians and the public.

Touching down on Tomorrowland is DJ D.DEE, the force behind Pacific Rhythm, the label and party series that helped shape the breezy, buoyant sound of Canada’s West Coast. D.DEE's work with Pacific Rhythm has helped bring music from such artists as Space Ghost, Khotin, D. Tiffany, and Ex-Terrestrial, to name a few. A regular fixture in the booth at Tresor, Public Records, and his own Vancouver club Paradise, D.DEE brings his life-affirming and off-kilter selections to Angel Music Bar this Friday night.

Returning to Australia to unleash his boldest album yet, is USA riverboat-chic rock’n’roller Pokey LaFarge. His new record 'Rhumba Country' serves up flavours of mambo, Tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock and roll, and was written during his time working 12-hour shifts on a farm. Ahead of his performance at The Croxton that night, Ernie chats with Pokey LaFarge about the new album. Tune in for a Studio 5 Live session, along with an exclusive PBS interview.

On May 31 at Merri Creek Tavern, singer-songwriter Amaya Laucirica will launch her latest single 'Now Or Never', with Nathan Hollywood opening the show. With the swirling contours of Cocteau Twins and the wistful melodies of The Go-Betweens, Amaya’s prosperous career has seen her perform at Primavera Sound (Spain), release four critically acclaimed albums, and is currently working on her fifth. Tune in to Radio City to hear from the local, dream-pop artist.

Ghost Medium, the project of Simon Bailey and his band, made their debut performance as the house band on ABC TV's Spicks and Specks. With an all-star lineup featuring ARIA Award-winning producer Pip Norman and Naarm legends Lilith Lane and Huddy Whitlock, Ghost Medium will premiere their debut single on the show. They'll also chat about their upcoming single launches at Archies Creek Hotel on May 16 and The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick on May 17.

Since releasing their Grammy-winning single 'Call My Name' (Best American Roots Song, 2020) USA based trio I’m With Her has regularly stepped away from their individual careers to create music together. Their sophomore album, 'Wild and Clear and Blue' showcases their luminous harmonies in a soul-searching collection that explores reaching into the past, navigating a chaotic present, and bravely stepping into the unknown. Tune in to hear from one of the trio’s singer/songwriters, Aoife O’Donovan.

Loud, visceral, and staged in the round, 'Ecstasy' by Marcus Whale invites the audience to stretch into a seductive void, shaking free and becoming enraptured within the unknowable. Running from June 11 - 13 as part of RISING, the show offers a choreographic investigation into the reckless abandonment of the rave: a reach toward the place where dancefloor heat transcends the physical. Tune in to Synthesize Me as Bridget and Henry catch up with the Sydney based artist.