Interviews

James Hullick is one of Melbourne's most well-known and adventurous musical and cross-media mavericks, involved in a huge range of projects, particularly through Jolted Arts, which open up new music/art experiences to ever-widening ideas, performers, and audiences. This week on The Sound Barrier James drops in to chat to Ian about his May 27 gig at Northcote Social Club with the Amplified Elephants, an ensemble of musicians with neurodiversities, and avant-garde ensemble I Hold the Lion's Paw.

Delivering the power and beauty of Africa through the prism of hip-hop, jazz and the freedom of funk, local group Black Jesus Experience present an irresistibly danceable alloy of traditional Azmari Ethiopian song and 21st‑century groove. Performing at The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts as part of Live at The Count’s on May 13, band member Peter Harper stops by Black Wax to chat with Adam. Tune in to hear about their upcoming show, along with their latest album release 'Time Telling'.

Local band Oceanlord will be bringing their stoner-gloom-rock energy to Pojama People this May 12. Playing a unique mix of psych and doom, the group will be opening for Devil Electric on May 23 at Northcote Social Club, in support of their new album release. Chris Pearson catches up with the musicians, tune in to find out what Oceanlord has planned for the rest of 2026.

Austin psych-rock trailblazers The Black Angels return to Australia with a special run of shows including the Forum on Monday June 8th. This marks the 20th year of their landmark debut album "Passover", which earned their cult status in shaping the global psych-rock revival of the 21st century. Hear them catch up with Chris about their Melbourne show where they promise a rare chance to revisit one of their defining albums front-to-back. 

Adelaide-based alt. are an alternative metal band whose music translates into ambitious and immersive live experiences. The band will release their new EP, Nevermore, out via SharpTone Records on May 15. Joining Ryan from 10pm, is alt.'s bassist Oscar Harding, who chats more about the release as well as some dates you can catch them around town. 

Following the release of their debut EP "Inhuman Existence", drummer Zac Smith and vocalist Cuillin Phillips of Perth-based beatdown deathcore group, Furety, join Ryan to chat about their latest work. Tune in to hear more about what went in to making the album, plus what the heavy scene is like in the world's most isolated city, their goals to play over this side of the country, and other musical ventures they are currently involved in. 

Renowned for his fiery guitar work, soulful voice, and genre-blending sound, Geoff Achison is a celebrated blues-roots artist from Australia whose music spans blues, funk, soul, acoustic folk and roots-rock. Before his UK tour commences, tune in to Roots of Rhythm, to catch him play live and chat to Helen about his upcoming gig on May 15 at Oakleigh Music Hall. 

Craig Horne & The Hornets drop in to the PBS studio ahead of their gig at Oakleigh Music Hall on May 24. The band, which can appear as a duo, trio, four, five or six piece, have become a regular fixture on Australia’s blues and roots music scene for nine years. Joined by Helen Jennings on Roots of Rhythm, catch up with the band and hear them play some tunes live on air. 

Love Action are celebrating their 3rd birthday with a disco-synth-80s-prog-italo-funk extravaganza on May 30th at Second Story Studios in Collingwood. The surf-themed disco party will feature an all-star lineup, including Gero, Lauren Hansom, Eden Burns and local disc jockeys Steely Ann and Esin. Tune in from 5.30pm to hear event founder Casper Cameron chat more about the party as well as a funky DJ mix from Love Action's long-time friend Steely Ann.

Cam Butler's latest release is a psychedelic journey through rich filmic moods, gothic terror scenes and vivid technicolour beauty. The Australian guitarist, producer and composer joins Lyndelle to chat about the album, 'World Forever', out via Heavy Machinery Records. Tune in as they catch up ahead of his show at Melbourne Town Hall on May 22, featuring a pipe organ, guitars, a rock rhythm section and a string orchestra. 

Broadcaster, occasional poet and all 'round music nut Brian Nankervis drops into PBS this week to chat to Crispi about RockWiz's return to its spiritual home, The Gershwin Room at the Espy. Tune in to hear some of the best stories from Australia's favourite rock and roll quiz show, and learn what's coming up as RockWiz returns to the Espy for the first time in a decade.

Those Shoes You March In is the debut single from Public Figures and Folk Bitch Trio's Gigi Argiro under their new solo venture. Rooted in 90s alt rock which they were raised on, Gigi's latest release channels the spirit of guitar-forward and melody soaked sounds, honing in on their early musical identity and bringing these unheard songs to life. Tune in to Radio City to hear them catch up about the single and their new project, which marks a fresh chapter of songwriting and self-expression.

Alt-country songwriter Jeremy Beggs proudly releases his debut album with two intimate launch shows at the iconic Wesley Anne in Northcote on May 23, and The Painted Lady in Ballarat on May 22. Jeremy draws inspiration from Americana influences and twists this into his own distinctly Australiana feel and sound, which blends rugged country-rock and soulful storytelling. Tune in to hear more about the concept behind the album which is out May 14th.

Phil takes us on a journey down memory lane, resurfacing an interview he did with John Lydon of Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd. Recorded in his hotel room at the Old Melbourne Motor Inn in December 1984, this PBS interview was taped when Public Image Ltd were touring Australia for the very first time. Tune in to this special broadcast to hear them chat about punk rock in the UK, reggae music, and plenty more. 

Metal-industrial demons Witchgrinder are a Melbourne band who unleash relentless sonic assault. Blending groove metal, thrash and industrial elements, the band's sound is steeped in horror and the supernatural. Tune in from 10pm, where Kene and the band's vocalist and guitarist Travis Everett chat all things metal 'n' stuff.

Lex Legion is a brand-new band including four-fifths of the classic late 1980s King Diamond lineup, infused with the jaw-dropping vocals of Nils K. Rue. The heavy metal band are releasing their self-titled debut album which is a world class example of hard rock and metal that merges tasteful, lean arrangements and unbated melody and harmony. Tune in to hear Andy LaRocque and Nils K. Rue of the band chat more about the album which drops June 12. 

Ruby Jones will play Studio 5 on Stone Love, celebrating the release of her second album, Souvenir. What can be described as a powerful and deeply reflective new body of work, has been shaped by exploring intergenerational trauma, climate anxiety and cycles of rebirth through sweeping arrangements and striking, image-rich songwriting. Don't miss this special live performance on the air waves ahead of her return to the stage at Northcote Social Club on June 6. 

Cerro's debut solo release "The Infinite Hum" is a 5-track EP blending dubby house and cozy Balearica. Influenced by the four months he spent in Colombia and returning to the neighborhood he grew up in, Cerro put the EP together in a modest travelling studio with a small collection of analogue hardware. Releasing via local imprint Proto Exotica in late June, tune in to hear him chat with Jonny about what went into the creation of his work. 

LA-based Kevin Morby is releasing his eighth studio album, Little Wide Open. Inspired by a road trip he took with his mum in rural Kansas, USA, the album embodies the beauty and openness of the Midwest's surroundings, where Kevin spent his life growing up. Joining Myles on 5ft High and Rising, tune in to hear them catch up about his latest work. 

Mastaneh Nazarian and Sanaz Sadaatfar join Roger on Global Village for an exclusive live to air performance. Both with a rich musical background spanning guitar, oud and the kamancheh, each artist has mastered their craft in a poetic and captivating way. Listen in to hear them share more about their music, its history, and how this intertwines with Iran and its diaspora.