Interviews

A happy new face in the Naarm selector circuit, Sammy Sanchez has a penchant for downtempo grooves and a cheeky appetite for the 90s and early 2000s. A versatile DJ with great taste, Sammy drops in to PBS for a guest mix on the Wheels of Steel where she shares some of her recent favourites.

The Australian cosmic cowboy and interstellar troubadour Ben Mastwyk is fast approaching launch time for the release of his fourth album, 'Let Me At The Night', on July 18. Mastwyk's latest single is the title track, capturing the restless spirit of someone yearning to break free from isolation and return to the vibrant nightlife they once knew. Bringing in his acoustic guitar, tune in to Swinging Doors for some live, heartfelt country ballads from Ben Mastwyk.

Sean McMahon of The Owls stops by Radio City ahead of the band's stacked weekend of shows: Merri Creek Tavern on August 1, Tanswell's Hotel in Beechworth on August 2, and the Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on August 3. With over a decade of writing, recording and performing, Sean has honed his craft as a musician who weaves poetic lyricism with timeless sounds inspired by classic vintage folk, rock and cosmic country. The frontman chats to Crispi about The Owls' latest offering, 'Gilded Morning'.

Eora's Bryan Estepa joins Crispi on Radio City, diving into his latest release 'I See It Now', out June 27 via Lilystars Records. With over two decades in the Australian independent music scene, Estepa has built a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and rich melodic craft. Across seven acclaimed studio albums and countless tours through Australia, Europe, the US, Japan and the Philippines, he’s quietly carved out a legacy as “one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.”

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Mandy Connell is passionate about the breadth of folk music, working on solo projects as well as with larger bands such as the Stray Hens, where she reworks contemporary and trad folk ballads. Beyond performance and production, Mandy hosts a YouTube series called 'An Otherwise Quiet Room', presenting insightful interviews and showcasing musicians in unique social spaces. The diverse artist comes in to chat with Lauren about her dynamic show and career.

The Maes bring contemporary folk, lush harmonies and acoustic mastery to Down By The River for a few live tracks followed by an interview with Lauren. Born in Victoria Australia, the sisters grew up emersed in a melting pot of music from around the world washed up on stolen land. The Maes are outstanding live, with engaging storytelling and spinetingling harmonies. With echoes of Gillian Welch and The Waifs, there is a timeless luminescence and simplicity to the sound of Maggie and Elsie Rigby.

Synth ambassadors Birdsnake create their own brand of psychedelic infused downtempo electronica, exploring the line between digital and organic. Since their 2023 debut EP 'Birdsnake Begins', they've been busy playing at musical festivals across the country, and supported Pachyman on his recent visit. Stopping by The Breakfast Spread for a round of Musical Chairs with Milo, tune in to hear about their new single 'Rare Amulet', along with their show at The Curtain Hotel on July 26.

Formed in Brisbane in the early noughts by a group of friends at an open mic night, The Gin Club has since gone on to release five full length albums featuring their blend of folk-rock, alt-country and indie. With songwriting and singing duties shared among all ten members, the tour will happily coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 2005 release of the group’s sophomore album 'Fear of the Sea'. Lyndelle catches up with Ben Salter, tune in to hear about their show at The Curtain on July 19.

Burning B3 Trio is the spirited combination of Liam Kealy's Hammond b3 organ and Sammy Owen's Stratocaster, together with Tony Martin on drums. From blazing jump blues to sizzling slow blues and everything in-between, Owen and Kealy play a true "Hammond trio, traditional blues show" in every sense. Turn up the dial and settle in for an afternoon performance with all the hues of the rhythm and blues.

Tom Somerville's music career was fated. Having played with his father Peter Somerville in The Burning Bridges, covering bluegrass and old time, as well as an expanding catalogue of original songs, Tom's musicality has been a longstanding family affair. Performing since 2012, The Burning Bridges appear regularly at national festivals and at venues across Naarm with two albums to date and another on the way. As a young fiddler, Tom's current forte is traditional Appalachian music.

Tune in to Roots of Rhythm for ‘Wordy-Gurdy’, Part II of ‘John Campbell: The Greatest Guitarist You’ve Never Heard Of’. Having checked out his idiosyncratic take on other people’s songs in Part I, Helen and Jackey will explore more of his songwriting and production, spotlighting his original songs. Listen in for more great stories of John’s incredible life, as he shook up the blues scene of the 1980s and '90s with his fiery guitar work and formidable vocals.

Since the inception of her post-minimal project Hantu in 2022, composer and ethnomusicologist Isobel D'Cruz has masterfully played with ideas of her "Asianness," most notably on her 'Zither Deluxe' album, subverting "world music" clichés against the backdrop of jazz and the avant-garde with the help of an ever-evolving cast of local players. Ahead of Hantu's final show before heading off to the US to pursues further studies, D'Cruz drops in to PBS for a chat with Milo on The Breakfast Spread.

Sam Octigan, vocalist for Naarm hardcore punk legends Iron Mind, swings by Tyrannocoreus to delve into their new album 'Test Of The Iron Mind' released via Last Ride Records on June 13. Ryan and Sam will chat on the band's history and future, covering how the five-piece went from low activity to an insatiable touring beast, and exchange thoughts on the current state of the Australian hardcore scene.

The devastating force of monolithic doom band ISUA will be coming in to Burning Bitumen this July 15. Having exploded onto the Melbourne scene in 2018, the band is set to play at The Bendigo Hotel on July 19, and at Blacken Open Air Festival from September 19 - 22. Tune in from 10pm to hear the latest from this local group.

Heavy-psych purveyors Turtle Skull are taking to venues across the east coast in celebration of their new LP, 'Being Here'. A swirling kaleidoscope of meaty riffage, syrupy harmonies, and celestial synthscapes, the album dives deep into the liminal space between joy and oblivion, urging you not to escape, but to arrive. Playing at The Tote on July 26, tune in to Pojama People to hear Chris Pearson chat to the band about the new album.

About to embark on a European and UK tour, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice will first treat their home crowd to a preview of their European set. They'll be playing all the old and new hits (and misses), and raising a few pennies for baguettes and petrol. Tune in to Underground Love to hear from Dougal Shaw before the big international tour.

Beloved indie jangle band Dick Diver is gearing up to play a string of shows at The Thornbury Theatre, their first live appearances since 2018. Forming in 2008, the band has garnered international attention for their songwriting, funny/sad lyrics, and swapping instruments and vocals during live shows. Catch members of the band chatting and performing a live song in the studio on Underground Love.

Palestinian pop singer-songwriter Kokym was born and raised in occupied Palestine to a family that was no stranger to musical talent. Having innovated 'Fallahi Pop,' a genre blending modern music with traditional Palestinian melodies and rural accent, Kokym released a tribute track after enduring the 2021 war that became a massive hit within Palestinian communities. Tune in to Dounya to hear DJ Matab catch up with Kokym.

For Naarm/Melbourne tripwave trio Fade Evare, 'Welcome Back' is a celebration of reflection and the power of community. The album's force lies within the intersection of Mira's moving vocals and producer/brother Tori Holleman's bass-led, often hazy production. Rounded out by keyboardist Madeleine Magee Car, the three-piece has crafted a debut album full of lush, layered electronic soundscapes. For all the details on the project's creation and Fade Evare's upcoming plans, tune in to Headhunters.

Taking her brand-new album to the stage for the first time in Victoria, Aotearoa folk artist Greta O'Leary performs 'River Dark' this July 17, in an intimate and stripped-back show at the Wesley Anne. With a writing style marked by clarity of vision, Greta makes introspective observations that seamlessly interlock with her spare, spacious, and enthralling songcraft. She stops by PBS to play a few live songs from the album, tune in to Homebrew to hear this acoustic performance.