Interviews

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.

Tune in to 5ft High and Rising this Saturday morning to hear from local legends and musicians Kerryn Fields, Jeff Jenkins, Joyce Prescher and Lachlan Bryan, along with PBS announcer Ernie. They’ll be joining Myles O’Neil-Shaw and co-host Dave DeBrincat to share what fuels their passion for this incredible, independent radio station.

Mary Mihelakos joins Phil to chat about PBS and her incredible journey through Naarm's music scene. From booking bands as a teen to editing Beat Magazine, launching the Aussie BBQ at SXSW, and founding Leaps and Bounds Festival, Mary’s impact is legendary. Now PBS’s Marketing & Events Coordinator and a Music Victoria Hall of Fame inductee, she shares stories from decades at the heart of the scene. Don’t miss this Radio Festival special on Sunglasses After Dark!

Myles O'Neil-Shaw of 5ft High & Rising joins Crispi for a unique crossover. A passionate advocate for alt-country, Myles shares his perspective on what makes PBS such a vital force in supporting the local country scene. Tune in to Radio City as Myles and Crispi discuss their shared devotion for this community focused radio station.

Claire Stuchbery of Firewater joins Crispi for a special guest spot on Radio City to talk all things Radio Festival. Tune in to hear what Claire and Crispi love about each other's shows while they remind PBS listeners of the various ways they can support the station this Radio Festival.

As part of this year’s PBS Radio Festival, Miss Goldie of Boss Action joins forces with Lyndelle for a special co-hosted edition of The Afterglow—welcome to Afterglow B Action! Soul powerhouse Kylie Auldist is along for the ride, bringing three hours of non-stop musical power. Between spinning soul 45s and jazzy grooves, the trio will share why this local platform is so important. Tune in to support your PBS favourites and find out how you can help keep community alive and thriving.

Margret RoadKnight joins Helen Jennings OAM for a special co-presenter segment celebrating PBS' Radio Festival. With a career spanning over five decades, Margret’s diverse talents in blues, jazz, gospel, and cabaret will shine through alongside Helen's deep knowledge of music. Tune in to hear Helen and Margret share what they love about PBS, and how listeners can help support this incredible music community.

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.