Interviews

Local psych-rock band Brown Spirits are playing at this year’s Drive Live on February 18 on The Afterglow Radio Show. Bringing their deep funk and jazz-influenced instrumental music live to air for a free show at Collingwood Yard’s CY venue, Brooke catches up with Tim from the band. Tune in to hear what Brown Spirits have on the cards for 2026.

Born in India and residing in Australia, Xylo Aria brings her global perspective into her music and everything she does. Her journey in music began during her formative years while being introduced to traditional Indian Carnatic music by her grandmother. Having just released her atmospheric new single 'Leaves of Summer', Ajak catches up with Xylo while she's in town. Tune in to hear about her new music.

ELISION is an internationally renowned ensemble, most noted for its focus on new and adventurous compositions by living composers, and works that place technical and performative demands on their musicians. Artistic Director Daryl Buckley is a widely respected performer on electric lap steel guitar with many compositions written for him, and for ELISION. Daryl joins Ian on the Sound Barrier, tune in to hear about ELISION's 40th Anniversary, celebrating their work from throughout their history.

Blending acoustic, traditional folk, roots, and pop sounds, singer-songwriter Lucy Wise’s voice pulls hearts out from the shadows. She masterfully articulates the things we don’t often say out loud, describing in rich detail what it’s like to live in the world at this particular moment. Stopping by the Global Village to play a few live songs, Lucy chats with Roger about her forthcoming album 'Salt' and its crowdfunding campaign. Tune in to hear about her show at The Lomond Hotel on February 14.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Norris Man is a distinguished roots reggae artist known for his soulful vocals and spiritually conscious lyrics. Inspired by reggae legends like Bob Marley, his musical journey began in the 1990s. After his break through with his 1997 single 'Persistence,' Norris Man has released numerous albums, including 'Life' (2023) and 'Free Man' (2024). Tune in to Babylon Burning as Jesse I catches up with him while he’s in town.

The new album 'Hotel Texas' from The Smith & Western Jury takes listeners on a captivating journey through tales of pain, love, and loss, showcasing the true quality of Australia’s alt-country scene. Rolling like a runaway freight train on stage, the band’s live performances take the golden twang, iconic guitar lines, and killer vocals of the recordings to another level. Tune in to hear about their show for the Summer Sizzler series, taking place at Memo Music Hall on February 21.

Local techno producer Mike Blyth, AKA Hasvat Informant, has made a name for himself locally and internationally with his pulsating, hypnotic underground techno. His debut album, 'Pluripotent XII', is a 12-track journey that moves between psychedelic electronics and contemporary techno. Joining Penny on Passing Notes, tune in to hear everything from driving, precise grooves to slower, textured explorations.

With a standout set at Strawberry Fields last year and a forthcoming vinyl release on the horizon, tune in to the second half of Tomorrowland as ROKA joins Edd Fisher on the show. Listen in to hear more about '1800 Play Turns 2 with Snad, Silki and ROKA (debut live set)' at Angel Music Bar on February 6.

'Lunacy' is back on February 7 with the boss of Nasgero himself, Gero (Klymax Discotheque, ID). Coming back for his second round at 'Lunacy', Gero takes over the basement for four house, with support from Lunatic Music DJs. Tune in from 1pm as Gero joins Edd Fisher to chat about his upcoming show at A Smith St Basement.

Tune in to Junkyard this week as Michael Mulholland catches up with members from local super group Bleak Squad. Made up of Adalita, Mick Harvey, Mick Turner and Marty Brown, the alternative 4 piece will be coming in for a Studio 5 Live performance. Having received an AMP nomination last year for their debut album, the band has unveiled their new single 'Black and White' as their inaugural national tour draws to an end. Listen in to hear how the tour has been so far.

On February 14, local artist Queenie will be taking her melting pot of immersive soundscapes, raw emotion and powerhouse vocals to Riverboats Music Festival in Echuca. Blending vulnerability with voltage, Queenie’s songs cut deep - led by 'Not Divine', which was shortlisted for APRA’s 2025 Song of the Year and cemented her reputation as a fearless, genre-blurring songwriter. Tune in to Swinging Doors as Queenie joins Ernie on the show.

Co-founder of 'Old Crow Medicine Show' and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings collaborator, Willie Watson is back with a suite of new music. Stripped of the cowboy hat and expectations, Watson has emerged as a songwriter of rare depth and truth. His new work stands proudly alongside the folk canon he has long championed - songs that remind us of our shared burdens, resilience and the possibility of renewal. Tune in as Ernie catches up with Willie ahead of his show at Brunswick Ball on March 4.

Local country-blues-rock band Little Quills is about to release 'Strong Bold Brave’ at Coburg's Post Office Hotel on February 15. Born from friendship, resilience, and a shared love of singing, the new album is a soulful and heartfelt testament of survival against the odds, with nine songs telling a story about the power of friendship and strength in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear from band members Pina and Sally as they join Crispi on Radio City.

The artist behind this week’s PBS Feature Album, Owelu Dreamhouse, will be dropping by for a round of Musical Chairs with Milo Eastwood. A collaborative project between vocalist Nkechi Anele and arranger and multi-instrumentalist Nic Ryan-Glenie, Owelu Dreamhouse’s self-titled debut album is a sonic blend of cinematic soul, psychedelia, and Afrobeat, weaving through the complexities of cultural ties, gender, and identity. Tune in to hear about their show at PBS’ Drive Live on February 20.

Velatine is a Melbourne-based goth/darkwave musical project led by producer/engineer Loki Lockwood. The project features moody, synth-laden atmospheres and brooding post-punk/industrial textures. This week on Bleeding Black Hearts Review Velatine drop by to chat about their latest music and to play some tracks live in the studio.

Back by popular demand, the Burning B3 Trio (Sammy Owen, Liam Kealy and Tony Martin) return to Jumpin' the Blues to play an exclusive live-in-studio set at PBS. Tune in as the trio rip through red hot jump blues, smokey slow blues, burning funk and everything in-between.

Way Out West Roots Music Club (WoW) is an institution in Melbourne’s western suburbs, offering a feast of cool blues and roots music on Sunday afternoons. With a new venue for 2026, WoW President Rob Rowe joins Helen Jennings on Roots Of Rhythm to chat about the new venue and the gigs they have coming up.

The eight voices from Grammy-award winning, North American vocal band Roomful of Teeth will fill Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on February 11, revealing an extraordinary sonic landscape distinct from any sounds you’ve ever heard. Presenting works from their 'Rough Magic' album, Roomful of Teeth are known for blending contemporary classical precision with bold experimentation, earning praise for their “consistently yet freshly cutting-edge” sound. Tune in as Cas chats with artistic director Beachamp.

US progressive deathcore group Born Of Osiris are about to embark on their long awaited Australian tour this March, celebrating their 15th anniversary of their breakthrough album 'The Discovery’. Ahead of the tour, Ryan chats to Cameron Losch (drums) and Ronnie Canizaro (vocals) about their most recent album, 'Through Shadows', and how they're navigating the loss of a longtime member. 

US deathcore group Signs Of The Swarm are about to go on tour, supporting their US friends Born Of Osiris at Max Watt's Melbourne on March 19. Celebrating their decade of dominance with a completely sold out US tour and reputation for being one of deathcore's most ferocious live band, David Simonich from Signs Of The Swarm catches up with Ryan. Tune in to hear about the band's latest album 'To Rid Myself Of Truth'.