Interviews

Titans of thrash metal, Testament, have delivered some of the greatest metal anthems of all time. Recently inducted into Decibel Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame - alongside legends like Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead - the USA group will return to Australian shores this month for the first time in a decade. Tune in to Burning Bitumen as Kene and Leah chat with founding member Eric Peterson about their upcoming show at Northcote Theatre on June 21.

For the first time ever, UK thrash metal band Onslaught are set to hit Australia, celebrating four decades of fury since the release of their seminal debut Power From Hell. Fans can expect a series of bone-crushing shows featuring this iconic album played in full — and in album order — for the very first time… and the very last. Tune in to Burning Bitumen to hear Kene and Leah catch up with bassist Jeff Williams.

This July 5, SPACEJUNK returns to The Old Bar to launch their COVID-era album 'JUNK TIME' - a record that's equal parts post-hardcore fury and burnout riffage. With support from action rockers Swedish Magazines, nostalgic indie rockers Assteroid, and garage rock supergroup The Nowa Nowas, it's set to be a night to remember. But first, the SPACEJUNK crew drops in to Pojama People to chat with Chris Pearson about the new album.

Aotearoa dream-pop quartet Phoebe Rings have just released their debut LP 'Aseurai' - a sonically luscious album, featuring warm synth textures, gentle wave-like sounds, and airy flute solos. Out now on Carpark Records, the band are about to embark on a world tour, starting in South Korea and Japan this month. Ahead of their shows, Brooke catches up with the band to talk about their new release. Tune in to find out when Phoebe Rings will next be playing in Australia.

Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jacob Collier is bringing his 'Djesse World Tour' to Melbourne this December. With a mix of deep musicality, joyful audience collaboration, and visionary production, the highly anticipated tour will see Jacob and his incredible band deliver their genre-defying, immersive live show across the country - with special guest Nai Palm. Adam catches up with Jacob Collier as the tour is announced - tune in to find out when he’ll be playing in Melbourne.

Multi-ARIA Award-winning musician Vince Jones is one of the country’s most acclaimed performers. Celebrating 50 years in the business, this Maverick artist has left an incredible mark on the Australian music landscape - from creating the highest-selling Australian jazz album of all time: 'Come In Spinner' soundtrack, to performing at leading festivals across Europe and the US, with 25 albums to his name. Tune in to Black Wax to hear about his upcoming show at Oakleigh Music Hall on June 20.

Indie-folk darlings Rowena Wise and Didirri are stopping by The Breakfast Spread for a special live performance of their latest release, 'No Cure for Love'. The single is raw and rapturous in theme, drawing on the pain and pitfalls of their eight-year relationship to craft a troubled ballad of real beauty, featuring sweeping melodies and harmonies that hold the listener in a vice. Tune in to hear about their upcoming Australian tour and show at Howler on July 19.

Led by Guinean-Australian multi-instrumentalist Amadou Kalissa, 6-piece ensemble Mandeng Groove are releasing their debut LP 'Conakry'. Recorded out of the family-run studio in Conakry, Guinea, the album is an exciting collaboration that features traditional Manding music, performed by master musicians from Conakry, with the jazzy-funky flavours of the Melbourne-based group. Tune in to Flight 1067 to Africa to hear from the band, ahead of their performance at Northcote Social Club on June 20.

Having gained international recognition for her fusion of indie, folk, and Americana - following early success as the writer and performer of the theme for the crime drama Wallander starring Kenneth Branagh - Emily Barker has returned home to Fremantle after 20 years living in the UK. Alongside Lachlan Bryan, Emily will perform songs from her latest album 'Fragile as Humans' at George Lane on June 19. Listen in to 5ft High and Rising to hear from this emotive storyteller.

Instrumental group hailing from New York, The Budos Band, have released a new album featuring 11 sweaty, hard-hitting funk songs, like 'Escape from Ptenoda City,' alongside explorations of Turkish psych in 'Night Raid' and Zambian rock in the riff-heavy 'Overlander.' The album continues the stylistic evolution the group began with their bold 2014 release, 'Burnt Offering'. Tune in to The Breakdown to hear DJ Manchild chat with the band about their new album titled 'VII'.

After 15 years in the game and over 60 vinyl releases - including several "001s" - Pugilist is excited to launch his own label: Ruff Kutz. With a focus on quality over quantity and no strict rules around sound or tempo, expect the unexpected from Pugilist. Bringing his techno influences to the Wheels of Steel this Friday, tune in for the latest beats from this local DJ and producer.

Guy Blackman from Chapter Music drops by to celebrate the reissued release of 'Can't Stop It!', a homegrown collection of post-punk from 1978-82. This deluxe remastered compilation boasts six bonus tracks, pressed on black vinyl, as well as limited edition green and white. 'Can't Stop It!' documents a fantastically inventive and dynamic era, when Australian acts stepped out of the shadow of overseas influence and asserted their own musical identity. Tune in to hear more on this landmark era!

Dropping into Swinging Doors to play some live country tunes on his acoustic guitar is Tasmanian musician Van Walker. His latest album 'Healing Decent' was recorded in Canada and emerged from the strange and dark times of lockdown, exploring themes ranging from ruin and refuge to death and reanimation. Tune in for some hearty music from Van Walker, followed by an interview with Ernie.

On June 15, the Megahertz will go head-to-head with the rugged Rock Dogs in a battle for the Community Cup. Taking place at Victoria Park, the event will feature entertainment from a range of incredible acts, including Spiderbait and Frente! Ahead of their performances at the Reclink fundraiser, Crispi catches up with Spiderbait vocalist and bassist Janet English, as well as Angie Hart from Frente!

Naarm's The Jimmy C—aka multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coghill—joins Crispi on Radio City to chat about his new album 'Refreshing', out June 13. A one-man band since 2005, Jamie has released nine albums, scored U.S. web series and horror films, and played drums in cult Aussie acts like Luxedo and The Devilrock Four. His music pays homage to 60s psych, power pop and cinematic flair yet is something else entirely. Tune in for the chat and a sneak peek into his quirky, sonic world.

Singer-songwriter, Mel Parsons is returning to Australia this June, playing at Northcote Social Club on June 12. After a watershed year in 2024 with her album 'Sabotage', multi award-winning and 2025 Taite Prize finalist Mel Parsons brings a taste of things to come with her upbeat, introspective new single and video ‘Post High Slide’. Tune in to Down by The River to hear from the Aotearoa based artist, Mel Parsons.

Bringing a handpicked selection of tunes, including his own atmospheric art rock and playful arrangements, to Musical Chairs is Lewis Coleman. The Naarm/Melbourne-based artist will take his dynamic ensemble to The Tote on June 19 for an evening of hot, saturated fun; sweet, sincere silliness; and some damn good musicianship. Tune into The Breakfast Spread with Milo Eastwood to hear more about the show and the new music he'll be performing.

Annabel Blackman's bedroom pop project Solo Career has received high praise since the release of her first EP 'The Sentimentalist' in 2021, being named one of The Guardian's Best Australian Albums of 2021. Now, her second single, 'Spenda,' from her upcoming debut album is out, and she chats with Pete about this sly-synth-pop release. Tune in to Club It to Death to hear more about the new album, 'Interior Delirium', out Friday, July 11 via Dinosaur City.

Ricky McCandlish, vocalist for Naarm-based melodic hardcore band Saving Face, sits down for a chat with Ryan. The pair will discuss Saving Face's sophomore EP 'The View From Up There', the upcoming album launch on June 21 at the Bergy Bandroom, as well as the band's goals and ambitions for the rest of the 2025. For more on the event, including the slew of special guests, listen in to their conversation.

This Wednesday, Duncan Schmoll from Twiggs – the Australian Allman Brothers Band – joins Helen Jennings OAM to chat about his upcoming show with Geoff Achison and The Soul Diggers at MEMO Music Hall on Sunday, June 22. Tune in to hear about the magic of The Allman Brothers Band and what to expect from the 7-piece during their performance in St Kilda.